ursus arctos horribilis
November 2nd, 2021, 05:10 PM
2021 MISSOURI VALLEY FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
MVFC Stats – Click Here (http://www.mvc.org/football/stats/Valley%20Football%20Stats.pdf) | MVFC Composite Schedule -- Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fvalley-football.org%2fcalendar.aspx%3fpath%3dfootball&c=E,1,yN7twXlpGYiaHZoTqVqVNsr3dimLmSygKyempHwi2RWT-xMVlFQN515-q8aCcG4kCmcFSDZ-rimf46yFsGUBLnlZALseouKTiHlYR_tRnJ7gk4LwUwuG-S-P&typo=1)
NCAA Statistics – Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fstats.ncaa.org%2frankings%2fch ange_sport_year_div&c=E,1,mRjnMdfJ923UgEz_6F_K71TPIgaYLBK4h14t4LGm20rq WWtqfAZgQSQTq6pntUD0a2pxmiKT48pAb9pE53zsA3uTxDpujS 57ux2QBVpU&typo=1) | Top-25 Polls -- Click Here (https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/football/fcs/fcs-coaches-poll)
MVFC Records -- Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.mvc.org%2ffootball%2frecord s.pdf&c=E,1,LOkD4Exgac5OzSxnHlkXyh3SeROo7swO3-7dgng04qjVGk4oGaPF1PUsXmOKoXJs6BxhjKkqjn2VdtWW7zkt UMPdVw58lORGq2wPf_6xAQEd4G58&typo=1) | MVFC Playoff History -- Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.mvc.org%2ffootball%2fplayof fs.pdf&c=E,1,rqz-_id3iA-SMYo1-Trz1Qh0HI80avAeLngCzD3m6B58dO0mCQ7sMBlA3vkcsG4KnFH 3WXUIwC_Vl5zLSp6XNMp6lIYfuaIV_W1TSRv4&typo=1) | MVFC Draft Database -- Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fvalley-football.org%2fsports%2f2020%2f3%2f24%2fFB_0324202 857.aspx%3fpath%3dfootball&c=E,1,dxgCm3LSdlk_QhFwpWA1kfwLiptaVyB9bfrSJFFUsbX-SSmE4CFBPZ9Xw-Gh9eZzwNtje2YTnG-mPTzO6NrzbVMFTJBBh3R4onCi5PXVdiofC7UAvNfw&typo=1)
FCS Insider -- Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2ffcsinsider.com%2f&c=E,1,3rB462R9KZ-aj2yNofuGFA9TqKQXYMRWX4Earw7riN3E_ztqOugup5gq2BwpL zt7KVV2pF5uyCpiAUfIkKrtUsBnLvSjTj6jHtoKYe9jgHKVuPp zXHxOEBrbksEt&typo=1) | Stats Perform -- Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.fcs.football%2ffcsfront.asp&c=E,1,RNp9OmJwGyQPTgnEngU_v5QjJKoipACVxOqXwmSKZRyR PeqAHQOwZzl7U5GVxWDiwWUhGytnkLPvjVLVgWta1mTlttk6oK UmwhlQhdFYHjWZGXR8cFBDG7EaRw,,&typo=1) | HERO Sports -- Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fherosports.com%2fcategory%2fco llege-football%2ffcs%2f&c=E,1,RCc8_tC95gi2TageeGldFZx1_AffWt8LvdZDJ5-vLbx7CSpI2r98jPXJkxrGsIvPuPexsxfl3iB5CLLsEx5otyGav hh87fPePZRbmbyDGzYYTi8Cp2mfP5A,&typo=1)
Weekly On-Line Notebook --- Click for More (https://valley-football.org/news/2021/11/2/valley-football-weekly-notebook-n2.aspx)
The Week Ahead
Four of five Missouri Valley Football Conference games this weekend feature at least one ranked team, and in two games, both teams are ranked.
Saturday, Nov. 6
#13/15 UNI at Illinois State, 12 p.m. CT (Marquee SN/ESPN+)
Youngstown State at North Dakota, 12 p.m. CT (Midco/ESPN+)
#17/20 Missouri State at #7/9 S. Illinois, 12 p.m. CT (ESPN3)
#23/21 South Dakota at Western Illinois, 12 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
#2/2 NDSU at #9/12 SDSU, 2 p.m. CT (Midco/NBC ND/ESPN+)
Idle: Indiana State
Ranked vs. Ranked
Counting one game last week (Southern Illinois at UNI) there have been 204 games in league history in which two ranked MVFC teams played one another. The home team is 117-86, and the higher-ranked team has an all-time mark of 128-76. Two games this week feature a matchup of two MVFC ranked teams as #23/21 Missouri State takes on #7/9 Southern Illinois in Carbondale, while #9/12 South Dakota State hosts #2/2 North Dakota State in the “Dakota Marker” game.
Ranked vs. Ranked, Part II
North Dakota State travels to Brookings to face South Dakota State on Saturday, while Missouri State meets Southern Illinois in Carbondale. The SDSU-NDSU matchup features teams that have played one another while both have been ranked 13-straight times (dating back to 2012). Missouri State and Southern Illinois have played each other as ranked teams just once previously (Oct. 5, 1991). MSU beat SIU in their previous-such matchup, 17-13, at SIU.
Perfect Starts
Counting NDSU and SIU this season, a league team has started Conference play with a 4-0 MVFC record 40 times in league history. Of the previous 38 occurrences, 32 teams made the playoffs, and 29 teams won/shared the league title. The MVFC has had two teams start 4-0 in the same season nine times, before this year most recently in 2014 when NDSU (5-0) and Illinois State (4-0) did it.
MVFC is 18-2 vs. the FCS
Missouri Valley Football schools have built its FCS-best record against peer conferences to 18-2. Below is a list of how the MVFC has fared in non-conference action against FCS schools in recent seasons, including the abbreviated 2020-21 season.
Only 3 Unbeatens Remain
Through games of Saturday, Oct. 30, there are only three FCS teams who still have a perfect record, including North Dakota State (8-0).
8-0 North Dakota State
7-0 Princeton
7-0 Sam Houston
Eight in a Row
North Dakota State is off to an 8-0 start for the eighth time in 18 years as a Division I program. Coincidentally, the last time the Bison lost their ninth game of the season after an 8-0 start was NDSU’s first trip to Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in 2017, which South Dakota State won 33-21. The Bison are 5-0 in MVFC play for the seventh time since joining the league.
Schedule Strength
All 11 MVFC schools rank in the Top 30 of the Massey Index “Strength of Schedule.” In fact, the league holds the top four positions (Youngstown State, UNI, Western Illinois and Missouri State). Only 10 FCS schools are ranked in the Top 30 of the Massey SOS rankings and are also ranked in the Top 25 polls (Stats Perform & AFCA coaches) -- the six ranked MVFC schools are joined by Big Sky schools Eastern Washington, Montana, Sacramento State, and Weber State.
Against the FBS
Counting South Dakota State’s win at Colorado State on Sept. 3, MVFC schools have combined for 47 wins all-time against FBS opponents. During that last decade, the MVFC combined for 19 wins against FBS schools. The FCS has combined for 10 FBS wins during the 2021 fall season.
Bison Rolling with Defense
North Dakota State currently leads the FCS in scoring defense (8.1 ppg) and ranks third in total defense (244.4 ypg) through its first eight contests. The scoring defense average would be an all-time MVFC record. NDSU established the league’s scoring defense record in 2013 (11.3 ppg); and the Bison set the standard for fewest yards allowed in 2012 (235.1 ypg). NDSU also leads the FCS in Red Zone defense. The Bison have allowed opponents within its Red Zone just 12 total times this season, which has resulted in 4 rushing TDs and two field goals (6 scores in 12 tries).
Youngstown State Still Perfect
Youngstown State has converted all of its trips into the Red Zone, and the Penguins are one of just two schools nationally (Southeast Missouri State) to do so. YSU has 17 trips into the Red Zone with 12 TDs (8 rush, 4 pass) and five FGs. South Dakota State is next-best in the MVFC as the Jackrabbits are 35 of 39 this season (15th in the FCS)
Not Just in the Polls
In addition to the AFCA and Stats Perform Top 25 polls, the MVFC’s 11 schools are well-represented in all the metrics. In the Massey FCS ratings, the league holds the Top 4 spots (North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Southern Illinois, UNI). All 11 members rank among the top 32 teams in that index, and the MVFC has seven of the top 14. The league also has the top three rated teams in the Sagarin, with NDSU, SDSU and UNI ranking 1-2-3 among FCS programs.
Bohlken With the Boot
Senior punter JT Bohlken has been a consistent weapon in the field position battle this season for the Redbirds and is looking to close out his final season in a Redbird uniform in a big way. He currently ranks No. 7 in the FCS in punting at 44.5 yards per attempt, which puts him just behind Grant Burkett of Missouri State in second in the league. Bohlken has posted four games with an average of over 45 yards per punt this season, including a season-best 49.7 yards per punt mark at Western Michigan. He has also recorded 16 punts of over 50 yards with a long of 64 and has had nine punts fall inside the opponent 20 yard line. His 44.5 yards per punt average is just short of his career-best of 44.6, with three more games left to overtake that mark.
He Did It Again
Freshman running back Cole Mueller did it again for the Redbirds, as he had another big day carrying the football against Western Illinois. The Wentzville, Missouri, native followed his career-best 178 yard performance a week earlier at South Dakota with 159 yards on 27 carries (5.9 yards per carry) and scored a career-high three touchdowns against the Leathernecks. It was his second-straight 150-plus yard rushing effort and his fourth with over 100 yards this season. His first touchdown of the game on a 45-yard dash just a minute into the contest and he added his second of the day on a 14-yard run early in the second quarter. Just a minute later, he tallied his third touchdown of the contest on a one-yard plunge to put the Redbirds up early. He now leads the team with 737 yards on the season and team-high six touchdowns and ranks in the Top 20 in the FCS in yards per carry (6.3), yards and yards per game (92.1).
Fourth Quarter Woes
The fourth quarter has been a problem for the Redbirds this season, as the ‘Birds have been outscored by their opponents 62-17 in the final quarter of play. That has come into play in late losses to nationally ranked teams in Southern Illinois and Missouri State, however the Redbirds did close out a big with in the fourth quarter at South Dakota two weeks ago. Finding a way to finish strong in the final quarter of play will be crucial to ISU’s success down the stretch the final three games of the season.
Workhorse Continues
Peterson Kerlegrand continues to showcase why he is one of the top running backs in the Missouri Valley Football Conference as the senior put together an 18-carry, 89-yard game against North Dakota State this past weekend. The 89 yards by the Sycamore running back marked the most given up by the Bison in the 2021 season as NDSU sits fourth in FCS allowing just 72.1 rushing yards per game on the year. Kerlegrand consistently moved the chains for the Sycamores in the game as the Fort Wayne, Ind. native didn’t post a carry longer than 11 yards in the game, but he found a way to hit the gap when ISU needed it. He currently leads the MVFC with 149 total carries on the season and sits fourth overall in the conference with 713 rushing yards (79.2 ypg). Kerlegrand and the Sycamores head into a bye-week this week prior to the final two games of the year against Southern Illinois and on the road at Illinois State.
The Catch Streak Continues
Redshirt junior wide receiver Dante Hendrix has hit the quarter-century mark this weekend against North Dakota State as he heads into the bye week with catches in 25 consecutive games. Hendrix hauled in a game-high nine catches for 87 yards this past week against the Bison as the preseason All-Conference Honorable Mention wide receiver posted his third game this year with at least five receptions. Hendrix has been on fire for the Sycamores since coming back from an early season injury as the Florence, Ky., native has posted 22 receptions for 227 yards and a touchdown over the last three games against Missouri State, Youngstown State, and North Dakota State. Hendrix’s streak started back on September 15, 2018 against Eastern Illinois and has continued to this date with a catch in every single game he’s been active over the last three seasons. Hendrix is tied for third on the Sycamores roster with 27 catches and is second overall with 309 yards while averaging 77.25 yards per game on the season.
Great Scott
Wide receiver Tyrone Scott (Estill, S.C.) posted his fifth 100+ yard receiving performance of the season last week against North Dakota, which breaks an MSU single-season record. In Valley play, he leads all conference wideouts with 111.3 receiving yards per game. Overall, he is averaging 90.0 receiving yards per outing, which ranks 14th nationally, while his 720 receiving yards ranks 11th among all FCS players, and his six receiving TDs ranks 20th.
Cardiac Cubs Strike Again
The Bears have logged six fourth-quarter, game-winning scoring drives under second-year head coach Bobby Petrino, including three this season with Jason Shelley at quarterback. This fall, the Bears have eight scoring drives of 90 seconds or less and 13 drives of two minutes or less.
Another Close Loss
North Dakota has been as close as you can get in its four conference losses this year, dropping each by single digits. The Hawks have fallen by an average of five points in those four games, all coming against teams ranked in the top-25 polls.
Ground Game Gets Going
UND has kept its ground attack going, rushing for 256 yards on 41 carries and three scores against Missouri State. This marks the second straight game that the Hawks have crossed the 200-yard plateau in rushing and the third game with a trio of scores on the ground.
Sack City Grows
After having only four sacks through the first four games, the UND pressure has started to make its presence felt over the last four games. The Hawks have recorded 12 sacks over the last four games while adding 12 tackles for loss in the last two games.
Going the Distance
NDSU’s Kobe Johnson rushed for a career-high 155 yards and averaged 31.0 yards on five carries in North Dakota State’s 44-2 home win over Indiana State. Johnson’s 97-yard touchdown run was the longest run from scrimmage in NDSU history, third longest in the FCS this year, and one of only four carries covering 97-plus yards in conference history. He added a 49-yard run from the NDSU 12 to spark another touchdown drive on the next possession as the Bison built a 30-0 halftime lead.
Defense Rises to the Occasion
North Dakota State’s defense held its opponent out of the end zone for the third time this season against Indiana State. Michael Tutsie led the Bison in tackles for the third straight week with a game-high eight stops. Tutsie assisted a tackle for loss on a fourth-and-1, stuffed another run for zero yards on third-and-1, and made a solo tackle on third-and-goal from the 1. Jackson Hankey followed that with a fourth-down stop at the 1. Marques Sigle recorded his first career interception and the Bison held Indiana State to 3 of 15 on third down.
The Great Outdoors
NDSU has a 12-2 record in outdoor games during the month of November since joining the Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2008 with the only losses coming in 2017 at South Dakota State (33-21) and 2010 at Missouri State (3-0). This is NDSU’s second trip to SDSU for a November game in MVFC play. NDSU is 13-3 in November MVFC road games including a 2016 win at South Dakota (28-21) and 2015 loss at Northern Iowa (23-3) both played indoors.
Cook Notches Three FGs
PK Matthew Cook had another 3-field goal game as the Panthers knocked off Southern Illinois last Saturday. He is tied for the MVFC lead in FG/game and ranks 4th nationally.
FCS Team of the Week
UNI was named the Stats Perform National Team of the Week after rallying to defeat No. 3 Southern Illinois, 23-16. The Panthers overcame a 13-3 deficit, going ahead for the first time 20-16 on Theo Day’s 10-yard pass to Kyle Fourtenbary late in the third quarter. It was the second consecutive week UNI knocked off a top 10 team and the 42nd time since 1985. The two wins pushed UNI up to No. 13 in the Stats Perform rankings.
Houghtelling Stars in Victory
DL Caden Houghtelling of UNI notched his first career interception and added a fumble recovery to his tally in UNI’s win over No. 3 Southern Illinois. Houghtelling was in on six tackles, including one solo stop.
Weston Leads FCS
UNI’s Isaiah Weston continues to lead the FCS in yards per reception, as he averages 24.75 yards per catch. He has 24 receptions for 594 yards this season.
Nielson Returns to Macomb
South Dakota head coach Bob Nielson and three of his assistants return to Macomb where Nielson served as head coach of the Leathernecks from 2013-15. This is the fifth matchup between Nielson and his former team with both sides standing with two wins apiece. Nielson led Western Illinois to the second round of the FCS playoffs in 2015.
Cochrane Nears 300
South Dakota senior LB Jack Cochrane enters play with 294 career tackles. Just six players in program history have reached 300. Cochrane has started all 35 games since the start of his redshirt freshman season and has played in 42 games overall.
Shootout at Hanson Field?
South Dakota and Western Illinois have combined for more than 60 points in each of their last three matchups in Macomb and in five of their last six duals overall. The teams last met in 2019 when South Dakota ran for 304 yards, Western Illinois passed for 368 yards and the teams combined for four touchdowns in the final eight minutes of a 38-34 Leatherneck victory.
Strong Approaching 1,000
South Dakota State running back Pierre Strong, Jr. enters Saturday’s Dakota Marker game against North Dakota State need only 14 yards to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the third time. A senior from Little Rock, Arkansas, Strong would be the fourth Jackrabbit running back to post three separate 1,000-yard seasons, joining Josh Ranek (1998-99, 2001), Kyle Minett (2008-10) and Zach Zenner (2012-14). Strong rushed for 1,116 yards in 2018 and 1,018 yards the following season. Strong moved into fourth place on the SDSU career rushing charts last week at Youngstown State and has tallied 3,827 yards over the past four seasons. He also ranks in a tie for fourth place on the all-time Jackrabbit list for rushing touchdowns with 34.
Controlling the Clock
South Dakota State held a 15-minute advantage in time of possession in its Oct. 30 victory at Youngstown State. The Jackrabbits possessed the ball for 37 minutes and 33 seconds in the 47-16 road victory, compared to 22:27 by YSU. That marked the highest time of possession in a game by an SDSU squad since racking up 37:42 against Montana State in 2018. SDSU has posted a 5-0 record in games this season in which it has won the time of possession battle.
Third-Down Efficiency
The Jackrabbits converted a season-best 10-of-12 on third-down attempts in its win at Youngstown State on Oct. 30, a game in which SDSU never punted. Both of the failed attempts came in the second quarter and resulted in a fumble and sack — after the latter of which Cole Frahm kicked a 52-yard field goal to end the first half. That performance came on the heels of some recent third-down struggles. SDSU had gone a combined 11-for-41 (26.8 percent) on third down in the previous three games.
Struggles at UNI-Dome Continue
SIU fell to 3-15 lifetime in the UNI Dome and to 12-5 in its last 17 MVFC games with the 23-16 loss to the Panthers. Southern threw four incomplete passes from the Panther 9-yard line on its final possession of the game. SIU had 410 yards of total offense, but three turnovers, 3 QB sacks, and nine penalties totaling 74 yards helped hold SIU to one touchdown and three field goals. The loss was just Nic Baker’s second against nine wins as SIU’s starting QB. PK Nico Gualdoni tied the SIU record for field goals in one game with three. The record’s been tied 26 times, twice by Gualdoni.
Lenoir and Cox -- No. 1
The receiving duo of WR Landon Lenoir and WR Avante Cox passed the TE MyCole Pruitt-WR LaSteven McKinney (2011-14) duo for most combined receiving yards in Saluki history when Cox/Lenoir combined for 177 yards at UNI. They’ve totaled 4,367 receiving yards while Pruitt/McKinney totaled 4,008. Pruitt/McKinney remains #1 in combined career receptions with 370. Cox/Lenoir has 326 combined career receptions. Lance Lenoir is third all-time at SIU in career receptions (190) and in receiving yards (2,459). Cox is sixth all-time at SIU in career receptions (136) and is fourth in receiving yards (1,908). Both have caught passes in 28 consecutive games. Lenoir is fifth in career receiving TDs (18) and Cox is tied for tenth place (12).
Dawgs vs. Bears
Southern Illinois leads the all-time series vs. Missouri State, 22-21. SIU’s won two of the last three meetings while MSU’s won three of the last five. Missouri State beat SIU, 30-27, March 27, 2001, on PK Jose Pizano’s 33-yard field goal as time expired. MSU outscored SIU, 16-8, in the fourth quarter. SIU’s leading receiver in that game was RB Justin Strong, who caught a career-high nine passes for 96 yards and a TD.
Setting Career Highs
Juan DelaCruz and Raphael Orubo notched new season-highs in tackles, with eight and four, respectively.
Lawson Strikes Again
Scooping up a 41-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown, Michael Lawson is now the only Leatherneck who has recorded multiple turnovers for touchdown returns this year.
Sampson Sets WIU Mark
QB Connor Sampson went 27-of-39 on Saturday for 298 passing yards and three touchdowns thrown. During WIU’s comeback win over Illinois State he became a new program holder in single-season pass completions, moving past Paul Singer’s 239-mark set in 1987. He currently sits at 253 completions this year.
Davidson Provides Spark
QB Mitch Davidson provided a boost to the YSU offense against South Dakota State. The Penguins trailed 31-3 in the third quarter before Davidson entered the game and took his first career snaps at quarterback. After a completion on his first career passing attempt, he found Bryce Oliver on a 35-yard scoring toss for YSU’s first touchdown of the game. On the next drive, Davidson connected with Oliver on a 31-yard scoring toss. On its final 12 snaps of the game YSU had 130 yards after gaining just 107 on its first 32.
Lenton Makes Full Comeback
DB Quincy Lenton capped off an impressive comeback to the lineup by starting and intercepting a pass against South Dakota State. Lenton suffered an Achilles tendon injury in the spring season finale against Missouri State. He returned against Indiana State and was credited with three tackles. Against SDSU, Lenton picked up the first interception of his YSU career in the second quarter. He was also credited with six tackles, including three solo stops.
McFadden Having Best Year
PK Colt McFadden has been having the best year of his YSU career this campaign. McFadden is 7-of-8 on FG attempts and 19-of-20 on PAT tries. He opened the season making a 41-yard field goal at the end of regulation to tie the contest against UIW. In OT, he added a 27-yard walk-off field goal in the 44-41 win. McFadden is 7-of-7 from 45 yards or less and his lone miss was a 56-yard try at UNI that had the distance but was just wide. In the spring, he made four of his final five kicks with the lone miss coming in a rainy-windy situation at Missouri State.
Mike Kern
Associate Commissioner
MVFC Stats – Click Here (http://www.mvc.org/football/stats/Valley%20Football%20Stats.pdf) | MVFC Composite Schedule -- Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fvalley-football.org%2fcalendar.aspx%3fpath%3dfootball&c=E,1,yN7twXlpGYiaHZoTqVqVNsr3dimLmSygKyempHwi2RWT-xMVlFQN515-q8aCcG4kCmcFSDZ-rimf46yFsGUBLnlZALseouKTiHlYR_tRnJ7gk4LwUwuG-S-P&typo=1)
NCAA Statistics – Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fstats.ncaa.org%2frankings%2fch ange_sport_year_div&c=E,1,mRjnMdfJ923UgEz_6F_K71TPIgaYLBK4h14t4LGm20rq WWtqfAZgQSQTq6pntUD0a2pxmiKT48pAb9pE53zsA3uTxDpujS 57ux2QBVpU&typo=1) | Top-25 Polls -- Click Here (https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/football/fcs/fcs-coaches-poll)
MVFC Records -- Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.mvc.org%2ffootball%2frecord s.pdf&c=E,1,LOkD4Exgac5OzSxnHlkXyh3SeROo7swO3-7dgng04qjVGk4oGaPF1PUsXmOKoXJs6BxhjKkqjn2VdtWW7zkt UMPdVw58lORGq2wPf_6xAQEd4G58&typo=1) | MVFC Playoff History -- Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.mvc.org%2ffootball%2fplayof fs.pdf&c=E,1,rqz-_id3iA-SMYo1-Trz1Qh0HI80avAeLngCzD3m6B58dO0mCQ7sMBlA3vkcsG4KnFH 3WXUIwC_Vl5zLSp6XNMp6lIYfuaIV_W1TSRv4&typo=1) | MVFC Draft Database -- Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fvalley-football.org%2fsports%2f2020%2f3%2f24%2fFB_0324202 857.aspx%3fpath%3dfootball&c=E,1,dxgCm3LSdlk_QhFwpWA1kfwLiptaVyB9bfrSJFFUsbX-SSmE4CFBPZ9Xw-Gh9eZzwNtje2YTnG-mPTzO6NrzbVMFTJBBh3R4onCi5PXVdiofC7UAvNfw&typo=1)
FCS Insider -- Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2ffcsinsider.com%2f&c=E,1,3rB462R9KZ-aj2yNofuGFA9TqKQXYMRWX4Earw7riN3E_ztqOugup5gq2BwpL zt7KVV2pF5uyCpiAUfIkKrtUsBnLvSjTj6jHtoKYe9jgHKVuPp zXHxOEBrbksEt&typo=1) | Stats Perform -- Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.fcs.football%2ffcsfront.asp&c=E,1,RNp9OmJwGyQPTgnEngU_v5QjJKoipACVxOqXwmSKZRyR PeqAHQOwZzl7U5GVxWDiwWUhGytnkLPvjVLVgWta1mTlttk6oK UmwhlQhdFYHjWZGXR8cFBDG7EaRw,,&typo=1) | HERO Sports -- Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fherosports.com%2fcategory%2fco llege-football%2ffcs%2f&c=E,1,RCc8_tC95gi2TageeGldFZx1_AffWt8LvdZDJ5-vLbx7CSpI2r98jPXJkxrGsIvPuPexsxfl3iB5CLLsEx5otyGav hh87fPePZRbmbyDGzYYTi8Cp2mfP5A,&typo=1)
Weekly On-Line Notebook --- Click for More (https://valley-football.org/news/2021/11/2/valley-football-weekly-notebook-n2.aspx)
The Week Ahead
Four of five Missouri Valley Football Conference games this weekend feature at least one ranked team, and in two games, both teams are ranked.
Saturday, Nov. 6
#13/15 UNI at Illinois State, 12 p.m. CT (Marquee SN/ESPN+)
Youngstown State at North Dakota, 12 p.m. CT (Midco/ESPN+)
#17/20 Missouri State at #7/9 S. Illinois, 12 p.m. CT (ESPN3)
#23/21 South Dakota at Western Illinois, 12 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
#2/2 NDSU at #9/12 SDSU, 2 p.m. CT (Midco/NBC ND/ESPN+)
Idle: Indiana State
Ranked vs. Ranked
Counting one game last week (Southern Illinois at UNI) there have been 204 games in league history in which two ranked MVFC teams played one another. The home team is 117-86, and the higher-ranked team has an all-time mark of 128-76. Two games this week feature a matchup of two MVFC ranked teams as #23/21 Missouri State takes on #7/9 Southern Illinois in Carbondale, while #9/12 South Dakota State hosts #2/2 North Dakota State in the “Dakota Marker” game.
Ranked vs. Ranked, Part II
North Dakota State travels to Brookings to face South Dakota State on Saturday, while Missouri State meets Southern Illinois in Carbondale. The SDSU-NDSU matchup features teams that have played one another while both have been ranked 13-straight times (dating back to 2012). Missouri State and Southern Illinois have played each other as ranked teams just once previously (Oct. 5, 1991). MSU beat SIU in their previous-such matchup, 17-13, at SIU.
Perfect Starts
Counting NDSU and SIU this season, a league team has started Conference play with a 4-0 MVFC record 40 times in league history. Of the previous 38 occurrences, 32 teams made the playoffs, and 29 teams won/shared the league title. The MVFC has had two teams start 4-0 in the same season nine times, before this year most recently in 2014 when NDSU (5-0) and Illinois State (4-0) did it.
MVFC is 18-2 vs. the FCS
Missouri Valley Football schools have built its FCS-best record against peer conferences to 18-2. Below is a list of how the MVFC has fared in non-conference action against FCS schools in recent seasons, including the abbreviated 2020-21 season.
Only 3 Unbeatens Remain
Through games of Saturday, Oct. 30, there are only three FCS teams who still have a perfect record, including North Dakota State (8-0).
8-0 North Dakota State
7-0 Princeton
7-0 Sam Houston
Eight in a Row
North Dakota State is off to an 8-0 start for the eighth time in 18 years as a Division I program. Coincidentally, the last time the Bison lost their ninth game of the season after an 8-0 start was NDSU’s first trip to Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in 2017, which South Dakota State won 33-21. The Bison are 5-0 in MVFC play for the seventh time since joining the league.
Schedule Strength
All 11 MVFC schools rank in the Top 30 of the Massey Index “Strength of Schedule.” In fact, the league holds the top four positions (Youngstown State, UNI, Western Illinois and Missouri State). Only 10 FCS schools are ranked in the Top 30 of the Massey SOS rankings and are also ranked in the Top 25 polls (Stats Perform & AFCA coaches) -- the six ranked MVFC schools are joined by Big Sky schools Eastern Washington, Montana, Sacramento State, and Weber State.
Against the FBS
Counting South Dakota State’s win at Colorado State on Sept. 3, MVFC schools have combined for 47 wins all-time against FBS opponents. During that last decade, the MVFC combined for 19 wins against FBS schools. The FCS has combined for 10 FBS wins during the 2021 fall season.
Bison Rolling with Defense
North Dakota State currently leads the FCS in scoring defense (8.1 ppg) and ranks third in total defense (244.4 ypg) through its first eight contests. The scoring defense average would be an all-time MVFC record. NDSU established the league’s scoring defense record in 2013 (11.3 ppg); and the Bison set the standard for fewest yards allowed in 2012 (235.1 ypg). NDSU also leads the FCS in Red Zone defense. The Bison have allowed opponents within its Red Zone just 12 total times this season, which has resulted in 4 rushing TDs and two field goals (6 scores in 12 tries).
Youngstown State Still Perfect
Youngstown State has converted all of its trips into the Red Zone, and the Penguins are one of just two schools nationally (Southeast Missouri State) to do so. YSU has 17 trips into the Red Zone with 12 TDs (8 rush, 4 pass) and five FGs. South Dakota State is next-best in the MVFC as the Jackrabbits are 35 of 39 this season (15th in the FCS)
Not Just in the Polls
In addition to the AFCA and Stats Perform Top 25 polls, the MVFC’s 11 schools are well-represented in all the metrics. In the Massey FCS ratings, the league holds the Top 4 spots (North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Southern Illinois, UNI). All 11 members rank among the top 32 teams in that index, and the MVFC has seven of the top 14. The league also has the top three rated teams in the Sagarin, with NDSU, SDSU and UNI ranking 1-2-3 among FCS programs.
Bohlken With the Boot
Senior punter JT Bohlken has been a consistent weapon in the field position battle this season for the Redbirds and is looking to close out his final season in a Redbird uniform in a big way. He currently ranks No. 7 in the FCS in punting at 44.5 yards per attempt, which puts him just behind Grant Burkett of Missouri State in second in the league. Bohlken has posted four games with an average of over 45 yards per punt this season, including a season-best 49.7 yards per punt mark at Western Michigan. He has also recorded 16 punts of over 50 yards with a long of 64 and has had nine punts fall inside the opponent 20 yard line. His 44.5 yards per punt average is just short of his career-best of 44.6, with three more games left to overtake that mark.
He Did It Again
Freshman running back Cole Mueller did it again for the Redbirds, as he had another big day carrying the football against Western Illinois. The Wentzville, Missouri, native followed his career-best 178 yard performance a week earlier at South Dakota with 159 yards on 27 carries (5.9 yards per carry) and scored a career-high three touchdowns against the Leathernecks. It was his second-straight 150-plus yard rushing effort and his fourth with over 100 yards this season. His first touchdown of the game on a 45-yard dash just a minute into the contest and he added his second of the day on a 14-yard run early in the second quarter. Just a minute later, he tallied his third touchdown of the contest on a one-yard plunge to put the Redbirds up early. He now leads the team with 737 yards on the season and team-high six touchdowns and ranks in the Top 20 in the FCS in yards per carry (6.3), yards and yards per game (92.1).
Fourth Quarter Woes
The fourth quarter has been a problem for the Redbirds this season, as the ‘Birds have been outscored by their opponents 62-17 in the final quarter of play. That has come into play in late losses to nationally ranked teams in Southern Illinois and Missouri State, however the Redbirds did close out a big with in the fourth quarter at South Dakota two weeks ago. Finding a way to finish strong in the final quarter of play will be crucial to ISU’s success down the stretch the final three games of the season.
Workhorse Continues
Peterson Kerlegrand continues to showcase why he is one of the top running backs in the Missouri Valley Football Conference as the senior put together an 18-carry, 89-yard game against North Dakota State this past weekend. The 89 yards by the Sycamore running back marked the most given up by the Bison in the 2021 season as NDSU sits fourth in FCS allowing just 72.1 rushing yards per game on the year. Kerlegrand consistently moved the chains for the Sycamores in the game as the Fort Wayne, Ind. native didn’t post a carry longer than 11 yards in the game, but he found a way to hit the gap when ISU needed it. He currently leads the MVFC with 149 total carries on the season and sits fourth overall in the conference with 713 rushing yards (79.2 ypg). Kerlegrand and the Sycamores head into a bye-week this week prior to the final two games of the year against Southern Illinois and on the road at Illinois State.
The Catch Streak Continues
Redshirt junior wide receiver Dante Hendrix has hit the quarter-century mark this weekend against North Dakota State as he heads into the bye week with catches in 25 consecutive games. Hendrix hauled in a game-high nine catches for 87 yards this past week against the Bison as the preseason All-Conference Honorable Mention wide receiver posted his third game this year with at least five receptions. Hendrix has been on fire for the Sycamores since coming back from an early season injury as the Florence, Ky., native has posted 22 receptions for 227 yards and a touchdown over the last three games against Missouri State, Youngstown State, and North Dakota State. Hendrix’s streak started back on September 15, 2018 against Eastern Illinois and has continued to this date with a catch in every single game he’s been active over the last three seasons. Hendrix is tied for third on the Sycamores roster with 27 catches and is second overall with 309 yards while averaging 77.25 yards per game on the season.
Great Scott
Wide receiver Tyrone Scott (Estill, S.C.) posted his fifth 100+ yard receiving performance of the season last week against North Dakota, which breaks an MSU single-season record. In Valley play, he leads all conference wideouts with 111.3 receiving yards per game. Overall, he is averaging 90.0 receiving yards per outing, which ranks 14th nationally, while his 720 receiving yards ranks 11th among all FCS players, and his six receiving TDs ranks 20th.
Cardiac Cubs Strike Again
The Bears have logged six fourth-quarter, game-winning scoring drives under second-year head coach Bobby Petrino, including three this season with Jason Shelley at quarterback. This fall, the Bears have eight scoring drives of 90 seconds or less and 13 drives of two minutes or less.
Another Close Loss
North Dakota has been as close as you can get in its four conference losses this year, dropping each by single digits. The Hawks have fallen by an average of five points in those four games, all coming against teams ranked in the top-25 polls.
Ground Game Gets Going
UND has kept its ground attack going, rushing for 256 yards on 41 carries and three scores against Missouri State. This marks the second straight game that the Hawks have crossed the 200-yard plateau in rushing and the third game with a trio of scores on the ground.
Sack City Grows
After having only four sacks through the first four games, the UND pressure has started to make its presence felt over the last four games. The Hawks have recorded 12 sacks over the last four games while adding 12 tackles for loss in the last two games.
Going the Distance
NDSU’s Kobe Johnson rushed for a career-high 155 yards and averaged 31.0 yards on five carries in North Dakota State’s 44-2 home win over Indiana State. Johnson’s 97-yard touchdown run was the longest run from scrimmage in NDSU history, third longest in the FCS this year, and one of only four carries covering 97-plus yards in conference history. He added a 49-yard run from the NDSU 12 to spark another touchdown drive on the next possession as the Bison built a 30-0 halftime lead.
Defense Rises to the Occasion
North Dakota State’s defense held its opponent out of the end zone for the third time this season against Indiana State. Michael Tutsie led the Bison in tackles for the third straight week with a game-high eight stops. Tutsie assisted a tackle for loss on a fourth-and-1, stuffed another run for zero yards on third-and-1, and made a solo tackle on third-and-goal from the 1. Jackson Hankey followed that with a fourth-down stop at the 1. Marques Sigle recorded his first career interception and the Bison held Indiana State to 3 of 15 on third down.
The Great Outdoors
NDSU has a 12-2 record in outdoor games during the month of November since joining the Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2008 with the only losses coming in 2017 at South Dakota State (33-21) and 2010 at Missouri State (3-0). This is NDSU’s second trip to SDSU for a November game in MVFC play. NDSU is 13-3 in November MVFC road games including a 2016 win at South Dakota (28-21) and 2015 loss at Northern Iowa (23-3) both played indoors.
Cook Notches Three FGs
PK Matthew Cook had another 3-field goal game as the Panthers knocked off Southern Illinois last Saturday. He is tied for the MVFC lead in FG/game and ranks 4th nationally.
FCS Team of the Week
UNI was named the Stats Perform National Team of the Week after rallying to defeat No. 3 Southern Illinois, 23-16. The Panthers overcame a 13-3 deficit, going ahead for the first time 20-16 on Theo Day’s 10-yard pass to Kyle Fourtenbary late in the third quarter. It was the second consecutive week UNI knocked off a top 10 team and the 42nd time since 1985. The two wins pushed UNI up to No. 13 in the Stats Perform rankings.
Houghtelling Stars in Victory
DL Caden Houghtelling of UNI notched his first career interception and added a fumble recovery to his tally in UNI’s win over No. 3 Southern Illinois. Houghtelling was in on six tackles, including one solo stop.
Weston Leads FCS
UNI’s Isaiah Weston continues to lead the FCS in yards per reception, as he averages 24.75 yards per catch. He has 24 receptions for 594 yards this season.
Nielson Returns to Macomb
South Dakota head coach Bob Nielson and three of his assistants return to Macomb where Nielson served as head coach of the Leathernecks from 2013-15. This is the fifth matchup between Nielson and his former team with both sides standing with two wins apiece. Nielson led Western Illinois to the second round of the FCS playoffs in 2015.
Cochrane Nears 300
South Dakota senior LB Jack Cochrane enters play with 294 career tackles. Just six players in program history have reached 300. Cochrane has started all 35 games since the start of his redshirt freshman season and has played in 42 games overall.
Shootout at Hanson Field?
South Dakota and Western Illinois have combined for more than 60 points in each of their last three matchups in Macomb and in five of their last six duals overall. The teams last met in 2019 when South Dakota ran for 304 yards, Western Illinois passed for 368 yards and the teams combined for four touchdowns in the final eight minutes of a 38-34 Leatherneck victory.
Strong Approaching 1,000
South Dakota State running back Pierre Strong, Jr. enters Saturday’s Dakota Marker game against North Dakota State need only 14 yards to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the third time. A senior from Little Rock, Arkansas, Strong would be the fourth Jackrabbit running back to post three separate 1,000-yard seasons, joining Josh Ranek (1998-99, 2001), Kyle Minett (2008-10) and Zach Zenner (2012-14). Strong rushed for 1,116 yards in 2018 and 1,018 yards the following season. Strong moved into fourth place on the SDSU career rushing charts last week at Youngstown State and has tallied 3,827 yards over the past four seasons. He also ranks in a tie for fourth place on the all-time Jackrabbit list for rushing touchdowns with 34.
Controlling the Clock
South Dakota State held a 15-minute advantage in time of possession in its Oct. 30 victory at Youngstown State. The Jackrabbits possessed the ball for 37 minutes and 33 seconds in the 47-16 road victory, compared to 22:27 by YSU. That marked the highest time of possession in a game by an SDSU squad since racking up 37:42 against Montana State in 2018. SDSU has posted a 5-0 record in games this season in which it has won the time of possession battle.
Third-Down Efficiency
The Jackrabbits converted a season-best 10-of-12 on third-down attempts in its win at Youngstown State on Oct. 30, a game in which SDSU never punted. Both of the failed attempts came in the second quarter and resulted in a fumble and sack — after the latter of which Cole Frahm kicked a 52-yard field goal to end the first half. That performance came on the heels of some recent third-down struggles. SDSU had gone a combined 11-for-41 (26.8 percent) on third down in the previous three games.
Struggles at UNI-Dome Continue
SIU fell to 3-15 lifetime in the UNI Dome and to 12-5 in its last 17 MVFC games with the 23-16 loss to the Panthers. Southern threw four incomplete passes from the Panther 9-yard line on its final possession of the game. SIU had 410 yards of total offense, but three turnovers, 3 QB sacks, and nine penalties totaling 74 yards helped hold SIU to one touchdown and three field goals. The loss was just Nic Baker’s second against nine wins as SIU’s starting QB. PK Nico Gualdoni tied the SIU record for field goals in one game with three. The record’s been tied 26 times, twice by Gualdoni.
Lenoir and Cox -- No. 1
The receiving duo of WR Landon Lenoir and WR Avante Cox passed the TE MyCole Pruitt-WR LaSteven McKinney (2011-14) duo for most combined receiving yards in Saluki history when Cox/Lenoir combined for 177 yards at UNI. They’ve totaled 4,367 receiving yards while Pruitt/McKinney totaled 4,008. Pruitt/McKinney remains #1 in combined career receptions with 370. Cox/Lenoir has 326 combined career receptions. Lance Lenoir is third all-time at SIU in career receptions (190) and in receiving yards (2,459). Cox is sixth all-time at SIU in career receptions (136) and is fourth in receiving yards (1,908). Both have caught passes in 28 consecutive games. Lenoir is fifth in career receiving TDs (18) and Cox is tied for tenth place (12).
Dawgs vs. Bears
Southern Illinois leads the all-time series vs. Missouri State, 22-21. SIU’s won two of the last three meetings while MSU’s won three of the last five. Missouri State beat SIU, 30-27, March 27, 2001, on PK Jose Pizano’s 33-yard field goal as time expired. MSU outscored SIU, 16-8, in the fourth quarter. SIU’s leading receiver in that game was RB Justin Strong, who caught a career-high nine passes for 96 yards and a TD.
Setting Career Highs
Juan DelaCruz and Raphael Orubo notched new season-highs in tackles, with eight and four, respectively.
Lawson Strikes Again
Scooping up a 41-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown, Michael Lawson is now the only Leatherneck who has recorded multiple turnovers for touchdown returns this year.
Sampson Sets WIU Mark
QB Connor Sampson went 27-of-39 on Saturday for 298 passing yards and three touchdowns thrown. During WIU’s comeback win over Illinois State he became a new program holder in single-season pass completions, moving past Paul Singer’s 239-mark set in 1987. He currently sits at 253 completions this year.
Davidson Provides Spark
QB Mitch Davidson provided a boost to the YSU offense against South Dakota State. The Penguins trailed 31-3 in the third quarter before Davidson entered the game and took his first career snaps at quarterback. After a completion on his first career passing attempt, he found Bryce Oliver on a 35-yard scoring toss for YSU’s first touchdown of the game. On the next drive, Davidson connected with Oliver on a 31-yard scoring toss. On its final 12 snaps of the game YSU had 130 yards after gaining just 107 on its first 32.
Lenton Makes Full Comeback
DB Quincy Lenton capped off an impressive comeback to the lineup by starting and intercepting a pass against South Dakota State. Lenton suffered an Achilles tendon injury in the spring season finale against Missouri State. He returned against Indiana State and was credited with three tackles. Against SDSU, Lenton picked up the first interception of his YSU career in the second quarter. He was also credited with six tackles, including three solo stops.
McFadden Having Best Year
PK Colt McFadden has been having the best year of his YSU career this campaign. McFadden is 7-of-8 on FG attempts and 19-of-20 on PAT tries. He opened the season making a 41-yard field goal at the end of regulation to tie the contest against UIW. In OT, he added a 27-yard walk-off field goal in the 44-41 win. McFadden is 7-of-7 from 45 yards or less and his lone miss was a 56-yard try at UNI that had the distance but was just wide. In the spring, he made four of his final five kicks with the lone miss coming in a rainy-windy situation at Missouri State.
Mike Kern
Associate Commissioner