FCS National Champion runner ups enter this game looking to take down FBS Northern Illinois. There was a mass exodus at Northern Illinois this offseason from the coaching staff to the players. We talk about smelling blood in the water, this is a game where the better team is favored, despite being an FCS team.
We’re looking at a matchup between a team who was one point away from an FCS National Championship (Illinois State) vs. one of the worst teams in FBS (Northern Illinois) this season. The Redbirds opened with 76-0 and 41-10 wins over lesser competition, so despite only having nine returning starters, they averaged nearly 550 yards per game over the first two weeks. Illinois State is ranked 4th in the FCS Coaches Poll so there are plenty of expectations here for 2026. There is no hope for the Huskies this season playing for an interim coach and with no returning starters on defense. They were lifeless on the road at Iowa last week. I think Illinois State wins this FCS vs. FBS contest by 10+ points.
