No. 12 Southern Illinois hosts No. 9 North Dakota this weekend in a ranked FCS matchup.
Both squads eye a key ranked victory for their playoff resumes. Check out our preview and prediction below.
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Southern Illinois vs. North Dakota On TV
The matchup between Southern Illinois and North Dakota will air on ESPN+.
Kickoff is at 2 p.m. CT on Saturday, Oct. 18. It is taking place at Saluki Stadium in Carbondale, Ill.
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Southern Illinois vs. North Dakota Preview
In a lighter FCS slate, this is a massive showdown.
SIU is 4-2 overall and 3-1 vs. the FCS (loss at North Dakota State) and is eyeing its first ranked victory. UND is 4-2 overall and 4-1 vs. the FCS (loss at Montana), earning its first ranked win last week against Youngstown State, who was ranked No. 20 at the time and is now No. 25.
The Salukis had a lot of momentum entering last week, holding a No. 8 national ranking. A 45-17 loss at NDSU may have softened expectations, but a win this weekend gets SIU back on track to being ranked in the Top 10. Quarterback DJ Williams will need to keep carrying the offense to wins. He’s been excellent this season, completing 64.4% of his passes for 1,404 yards, 11 touchdowns, and three interceptions while leading the team with 427 rushing yards and 10 scores. Vinson Davis III is his go-to target with 31 catches for 547 yards and three touchdowns.
It’ll be a tough test on the road for UND’s defense, an improved unit from last season. The Fighting Hawks are allowing 18.8 points per game (No. 14 in the FCS) and 95.5 rushing yards per game (No. 6). Teams have found some success through the air, averaging 224.2 passing yards per game (No. 76). Malachi McNeal is having a great season, tallying 44 tackles. Lance Rucker has played a significant role in UND’s increased disruption, adding 36 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and four sacks.
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The other side of the ball may be the difference-maker.
UND is playing good ball offensively and defensively. SIU, meanwhile, has to make strides defensively, allowing 25.0 points per game, 186.7 rushing yards per game, and 216.8 passing yards per game. In the last three contests, SIU has allowed 31 points to SEMO, 27 to Indiana State, and 45 to NDSU.
The Hawks are clicking offensively, scoring 39.3 points per game (No. 10 in the FCS), just ahead of SIU’s 39.0. Coupled with a strong offensive line and ground game led by Sawyer Seidl (336 yards, three TDs) and Gaven Ziebarth (266 yards, three TDs), UND has found an explosive passing attack. Sophomore QB Jerry Kaminski has been terrific in his first year as a starter, completing 61.9% of his passes for 1,217 yards, 17 touchdowns, and one interception, plus rushing for 241 yards and three TDs. Northern Arizona transfer receiver B.J. Fleming leads the offense with 22 receptions for 442 yards and four touchdowns.
UND has looked like a more balanced team than SIU. The Hawks can throw it effectively, run it effectively, and have played strong defense. That will travel well for a crucial road win on Saturday.
Prediction: UND 35-28
