BROOKINGS, S.D. – Illinois State scored on four consecutive second-half possessions and forced three turnovers in the final 17 minutes to defeat South Dakota State, 27-18, Saturday afternoon in a battle of nationally ranked Missouri Valley Football Conference teams at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. Illinois State, ranked 11th in the STATS FCS media poll and 12th by the Football Championship Subdivision coaches, scored three times – a pair of field goals and a touchdown – in the fourth quarter. The longest scoring drive by the Redbirds in the final stanza covered only 18 yards as they capitalized on an interception and two fumbles. Overall, Illinois State held a 302-260 advantage in total offense. Davis completed 11-of-17 passes for 165 yards. Tanner Taula led Redbird receivers with three catches for 47 yards. For SDSU, Heide finished the day 15-of-25 passing for 171 yards. Cade Johnson caught a career-high 11 passes for 74 yards. Both teams ended the day 7-3 overall and with 4-2 records in the MVFC.
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VERMILLION, S.D.—South Dakota opened with four long touchdown drives and was never threatened in steamrolling Youngstown State 56-21 Saturday before nearly 5,000 fans on Military Appreciation Day inside the DakotaDome. Running backs Kai Henry and Canaan Brooks led a Coyote ground effort that surpassed 300 yards for the second game in a row and for the third time this season. Austin Simmons provided balance through the air, completing 13 of 21 passes for 180 yards and four touchdowns in three quarters of work. South Dakota next takes on top-ranked and unbeaten North Dakota State (10-0, 6-0) next Saturday in a 2:30 p.m. kick inside the Fargodome.