Illinois State's men's football team hosts North Dakota State 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Hancock Stadium, Normal, Illinois.

Game Details

Records: Illinois State 2-4, 1-2 in Missouri Valley; North Dakota State 3-4, 1-3

Coaches: Illinois State's Denver Johnson has a 47-50 record in his ninth season as coach of the Redbirds and is 68-62 in 11 seasons as a head coach. North Dakota State's Craig Bohl is 46-16 in his sixth season as coach of the Bison.

Statistical leaders: Illinois State - Passing - Kevin Brockway (91 of 169, 983 yards, 4 TDs); Rushing - Geno Blow (98 carries, 548 yards, 6 TDs); Receiving - Eyad Salem (29 catches, 387 yards, 3 TDs); Scoring - Blow (6 TDs, 36 points); Tackles - Kelvyn Hemphill (66).

North Dakota State - Passing - Nick Mertens (112 of 189, 1,509 yards, 12 TDs); Rushing - Tyler Roehl (88 carries, 501 yards, 6 TDs); Receiving - Kole Heckendorf (33 catches, 591 yards, 4 TDs); Scoring - Shawn Bibeau (9 FGs, 21 XPs, 48 points); Tackles - Ramon Humber (59).

Injuries: Illinois State - RB Geno Blow (probable, chest), RB Parrish Fisher (probable, shoulder), DB Casey Kociuba (out, foot), DT Mike Piton (probable, knee), OT Chris Riley (probable, shoulder), OT Michael Cross (questionable, hand); North Dakota State - RS-WR Shamen Washington (out, knee), RB Tyler Roehl (probable, ankle).

What to watch for

- The Redbirds must not buckle under to the strong Bison rushing attack led by the 232-pound Roehl and 250-pound fullback Tyler Jangula.

- ISU cannot afford to cough up a long pass play for a touchdown as it has the past two games.

- Both starting quarterbacks struggled last week. If either Brockway or Mertens has a breakout day, it could mean victory for their team.

Points of interest

- In its first year in the Missouri Valley, North Dakota State was picked as the league's preseason favorite but has lost three of four conference games.

- ISU is seeking its first home victory in three games.

- The Bison lead the Valley in total defense, pass defense and sacks.