Watch the FCS Championship: North Dakota State vs. Illinois State game time, TV schedule, live online streaming
The Bison and Redbirds of the Missouri Valley Conference meet with a title on the line.
The first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship is coming up on Monday, but the NCAA FCS has been sporting a playoff tournament for years. On Saturday, North Dakota State and Illinois State meet in Frisco, Texas, to determine this season’s title winner. A Bison win would be the program’s fourth championship in a row.
North Dakota State is the most dominant FCS program around these days, routinely knocking off FBS opponents and finding plenty of success in the playoffs. The Bison’s only defeat this season came on Nov. 8, a 23-3 loss at then-No. 19 Northern Iowa. However, they’ve bounced back with five straight victories. After close wins over No. 14 South Dakota State and No. 6 Coastal Carolina to open the playoffs, the Bison cruised in the semifinals, defeating No. 19 Sam Houston State, 35-3.
Like North Dakota State, Illinois State’s only blemish came at Northern Iowa, a 42-28 loss on Nov. 1. The Redbirds took revenge on the then-No. 10 Panthers in the second round of the playoffs, winning 41-21. After that, Illinois State advanced with a 59-46 win over No. 4 Eastern Washington in the quarterfinals and a 21-18 victory over No. 1 New Hampshire in the semis.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 1 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN2
Radio: Westwood One; North Dakota State; Illinois State
Online streaming: WatchESPN
The numbers
Rankings and records: North Dakota State enters the championship game at 14-1 and is the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. Illinois State comes in as the fifth seed at 13-1.
Vegas: North Dakota State’s favored by 6.5 points.
Weather forecast: It’s 29 degrees with a 10 percent chance of precipitation.
Two things at stake
Illinois State is trying to win its first national championship.
North Dakota State, on the other hand, hopes to build on its dynasty. The Bison have won eight Division II titles and are playing for their fourth FCS championship in the last five years.
One big matchup
Rushing offense vs. rushing defense
These are two similar teams that like to win by running the ball and stopping opponents on the ground. Illinois State ranks 10th in FCS with 239.4 rushing yards per game, and North Dakota State is 11th with 236.6. On the other side, the Redbirds allow just 114.9 rushing yards per game, ranking 16th, and the Bison give up 115.9, which ranks 19th.
Both teams want to run, and both are good at stopping the run. Whichever has more success in this matchup will have a great chance to win.
Further reading
For more on North Dakota State and Illinois State, check out Underdog Dynasty.
