Looking Ahead to Week #4

Northern Iowa's defense will need to play lights out
against Youngstown State.  (Photo: Cliff Jette/The Gazette)

It gets real. Excluding North Dakota State and South Dakota who are still messing around in non-conference play after having a nice week off, the other Missouri Valley schools will begin the yearly meat-grinder that is Missouri Valley conference play. Right out of the gate we have a huge game with enormous playoff implications featuring Youngstown State and Northern Iowa.Youngstown State has not beaten Northern Iowa since the Tressel era and will look to end that 11-year losing streak to the Panthers. Another big matchup will feature two teams, Indiana State and South Dakota State, who are both blowing up the NCAA rushing statistics--both Shakir Bell and Zach Zenner are averaging more than 200 yards rushing per game. If your internet service provider is kind enough to include the services of ESPN 3, Youngstown State-Northern Iowa, Missouri State-Southern Illinois, and North Dakota State-Prairie View A&M will all be televised via ESPN 3.

Predictions:

Southern Illinois 31, Missouri State 38

Indiana State 28, South Dakota State 17

Northwestern 45, South Dakota 20

North Dakota State 38, Prairie View A&M 10

Illinois State 45, Western Illinois 13

Youngstown State 29, Northern Iowa 28


Southern Illinois at Missouri State is an interesting matchup. This game, although it features two struggling teams, is in fact a pretty big game for these two programs. Southern Illinois is coming off of a nice win against Southeastern Missouri State which gave the Salukis some much needed momentum and confidence. On the other hand, Missouri State fell to 0-3 against Murray State in a game that I expected the Bears two win. I'm not sure what the Bears are going to have to do to get in that win-column, but I don't see Missouri State coming out with a win here against the Salukis. Southern Illinois is getting better every week, and Kory Faulkner finally played a game worthy of praise last week--384 yards and 3 TDs. The biggest weakness for both of these teams are their defenses and whoever can control that aspect of the game should win this game.

Indiana State RB, Shakir Bell (Photo: TheStatesman.com)

South Dakota State will travel to Terre Haute to take on Indiana State in another big conference match-up. These two teams have been running the ball extremely well; In my opinion whichever team mixes up their play-calling the best and keeps the defense off-balance will win this game. I've been very impressed with Indiana State Mike Perish and I think he will provide that balance that will win this game. However, the Jackrabbit defense has been extremely stout; if they keep the Sycamore offense in check, South Dakota State could pick up a huge win.

So I predicted North Dakota State to beat Prairie View by only 28 points. I understand that might be offensive to some Bison fans, but let me just explain myself quick. The Bison will be up at least 38-0 in the fourth quarter, 2nd and 3rd stringers will be in, and the Panthers get some points in garbage time. Don't worry Bison fans! I'm still predicting a dominant performance. For example, last week I attended the Iowa State-Western Illinois game. Although the score only said 37-3, that game was completely controlled by the Cyclones and the winner was never in doubt.

It could get ugly in Macomb this weekend. The Redbirds are a very potent team on offense and have the capability to score from anywhere on the field. If Western wants to stay in this game they will need to come up with some big turnovers and play to that homecoming crowd and maintain momentum. However, if the Leathernecks find themselves down by 14, this one could be over; I still haven't seen that big playmaking ability from anyone on the Western Illinois squad.

South Dakota will be the last Missouri Valley team to play an FBS game this year. They'll face up with Northwestern of the Big Ten. Scary thing about this Northwestern team: they are the only team in Division one that has three wins against BCS competition. Northwestern sort of gimmicky offense that could torch the Coyotes on the ground, especially since South Dakota's run defense is currently one of their biggest weaknesses. On the contrary, South Dakota always plays well against FBS competition, so I expect them to put up some points, but I don't see them keeping up with the Wildcats.

Youngstown State RB, Jamaine Cook
(Photo: YSUSports.com)

I literally have no idea what is going to happen in this Youngstown State-Northern Iowa game. Honestly, I have no idea. Northern Iowa's schedule has been so brutal, yet they have played very well against that tough competition. Youngstown State played amazing against Pittsburgh two weeks ago, but since then they have slacked on the competition and have played teams from the Pioneer League and the NEC. Sawyer Kollmorgen vs. Kurt Hess and Jamaine Cook vs. David Johnson, it will be interesting to see who emerges as the big playmakers in this crucial Missouri Valley match-up. The game should be a sell-out, the environment should be amazing, and if you're attending this game have fun because it should be a barnburner.