MVFC Week 5: Contenders Collide
#5 North Dakota (4-1, 1-0) 42, Indiana State (2-3, 0-1) 35
This was an interesting back and forth game that was a bit unexpected. UND truthfully statistically dominated and even looked to be running away with it early in the 4th quarter after going up 42-21. However, Indiana State then kicked an onside kick coupled with a quick score made this more interesting than it really had any rights to be. Despite almost allowing the collapse it was the UND defense who sealed it late.
Both QBs played well in this one. North Dakota’s Jerry Kaminski was 33/48 for 381 yds and 4 TD. Indiana State’s Brady Allen was 18/33 for 270 yards and 4 TDs. Neither team had much to offer in the run game which could be a problem for both down the stretch. UND ended on a respectable 149 yards on the ground in large part thanks to Jerry Kaminski carrying for 86 yards.
This one had a ton of national attention this past week and for good reason. And by all metrics it lived up to the billing for the first 3 quarters. However, at the start of the 4th quarter the dam broke. Youngstown State ended the game on a 24-0 run aided by 3 Austyn Modrzewski turnovers before the Yotes tacked on 7 just before the final gun to make it look more respectable.
I think the big story in this one is while Brungard was a healthy part of the rushing production for Youngstown State, leading it with 170 yards and 3 TDs to go with his 159 and 1 TD in the air, but Jaden Gilbert, Lynn Wyche-El, and Antuan Gardner combining for 20 carries for 172 yards and 2 TDs. If Youngstown can start to spread the wealth they are going to be extremely dangerous especially if they continue to play bend but don’t break playoffs.
On the flip side, although it was against 2 good opponents, for now the formula seems to be out there for now on how to handle USD. Run the ball efficiently and keep a lid on the defense. There is still plenty of time for the Yotes to learn and adjust and grow. However, for now it is painfully apparent that if they cannot hit on explosive plays in the pass game they are very beatable.
Northern Iowa (2-2, 1-0) 28, #11 Illinois State (4-1, 0-1) 21
Northern Iowa came out and put the pressure on early and by the time the Illinois State got themselves back in it, it was too late. The big turning point in the game was late in the second quarter; Illinois State was down 7-14.
They had the ball in the RedZone and got stuffed on the UNI 19 on a 4th and 1. Northern Iowa went down and scored on the ensuing drive to make it 21-7. From the point on the Redbirds were just stuck playing catch up.
Part of what forced them to play catch up was UNI rushing for an astounding 199 yards on what had been a top 3, and is still top 5, rushing defense. They just had the Redbird defense out of sorts. That then in turn created some complimentary football, getting the Redbirds out of their typical offensive game plan putting the ball in the air 47 times. This was a huge win for Todd Stepsis early in his Northern Iowa tenure and hopefully they can build some momentum off it. On the flip side there are a lot of questions left for Illinois State after this one.
Their season is far from over but as with this game they certainly have more questions than answers.
#25 Southern Illinois (3-2, 1-0) 46, Murray State (1-4, 0-1) 6
As expected, this one was all SIU. They finally got some life in the offense to couple with what has been a surprisingly good defense this year. DJ Williams had his best game passing of the season going 13/20 for 217 yards and 2 TDs. If the Southern Illinois offense starts hitting and clicking this Southern Illinois team could really start to be dangerous.
#2 South Dakota State (4-1, 1-0) 42, Eastern Illinois (1-4) 7
The Jacks started slowly and this one was 14-7 at halftime, but then in the second half the Jackrabbits quit playing with their food. Although Josh Holst was a pedestrian 11/22 for 176 yds and 1 TD, especially relative to the competition level. However, the run game and defense were dominant again. That may be all they need to hang their hat on until Chase Mason can return to the lineup.
Week 5 Preview
Murray State (1-4, 0-1) at #5 North Dakota (4-1, 1-0)
1 PM CST | Midco SN | ESPN+
Rumors are preseason all American DE Lance Rucker may finally be seeing the field this season for North Dakota. The help would be appreciated as the North Dakota defense has had some questions to start the season especially after last week. This should be a golden opportunity to do so as a battered Murray State team comes into town.
Indiana State (2-3, 0-1) at #9 South Dakota (3-2, 0-1)
2 PM CST | Midco SN | ESPN+
Just what the doctor ordered for USD. Coming off 2 tight losses they get a gritty, but what should be overmatched Indiana State team coming into Vermillion for “Dakota Days”. USD has struggled to run the ball outside of explosive plays and as discussed in the recap portion that is one of the key things that they need to continue to work on.
This is one that needs to look snappy for the Yotes, and I fully expect that they will do so as they get their ship back on course.
4 PM CST | ESPN+
One of two ranked match ups in the MVFC this week. This game will be huge for Youngstown if they get a win as they will have gone 2-1 more than halfway through the top level MVFC teams. On the Southern Illinois side although they have started to get warmed up recently, they are still 0-2 against quality competition so far this year. A win would be massive to build their confidence.
The key to this one will be which defense can make a few more plays. Both QBs are dynamic and are going to move the football. I think Brungard is better than DJ Williams and has a better overall supporting cast. The big thing about that though is the SIU defense has been much improved this year. I think I lean on Youngstown a little in this one, but this will be great to see.
6 PM CST | ESPN+
Two highly rated defenses will square off in this one. If you like old school smash mouth football this is the one to keep your eyes on. Illinois State has some injuries in their RB room, and SDSU will be likely rolling out there with back up QB Josh Holst. This game will come down to which run game can be more effective as both QBs are going to struggle to attack down field and a late comeback may be a problem.
Comments