Illinois State Dominates North Dakota 35-13 in MVFC Showdown

Illinois State Defeats North Dakota 35-13

On November 23, 2024, the Illinois State Redbirds defeated the North Dakota Fighting Hawks 35-13 at Hancock Stadium. This loss marks North Dakota’s first five-game losing streak since 1986.

Game Overview

North Dakota entered halftime trailing 14-10. In the third quarter, the Fighting Hawks’ Sawyer Seidl ran 42 yards on three plays but fumbled, setting up Illinois State for a touchdown by Wenkers Wright, extending their lead to 21-10. In the final quarter, Illinois State added two more touchdowns, while North Dakota managed only a field goal.

Scoring Summary

• First Quarter

  • 10:19 – ISU: Xavier Loyd, 30-yard pass from Eddie Kasper (Kick by Wagner)
  • 7:02 – UND: Nate DeMontagnac, 20-yard pass from Simon Romfo (Kick by Elrichs)
  • 3:52 – ISU: Wenkers Wright, 10-yard rush (Kick by Wagner)

• Second Quarter

  • 7:45 – UND: C.J. Elrichs, 20-yard field goal

• Third Quarter

  • 6:58 – ISU: Wenkers Wright, 18-yard rush (Kick by Wagner)
  • 0:58 – ISU: Mitch Bartol, 5-yard pass from Tommy Rittenhouse (Kick by Wagner)
• Fourth Quarter
  • 10:11 – ISU: Seth Glatz, 13-yard rush (Kick by Wagner)
  • 8:00 – UND: C.J. Elrichs, 37-yard field goal

Stats Comparison

• Illinois State

  • Total offense: 420 yards
  • Passing: 224 yards
  • Rushing: 196 yards
  • Rittenhouse: 21 completions on 33 attempts, 187 yards, 1 touchdown
• North Dakota
  • Total offense: 226 yards
  • Passing: 135 yards
  • Rushing: 131 yards
  • Romfo: 11 completions on 26 attempts, 135 yards, 1 touchdown

Key Players

• Illinois State:

  • Wenkers Wright: 21 carries, 118 yards, 2 rushing touchdowns
  • Xavier Loyd: 8 receptions, 121 yards, 1 touchdown
• North Dakota:
  • Sawyer Seidl: 5 carries, 45 yards, 120 yards on kick returns
  • Simon Romfo: 135 yards passing, 1 touchdown

Postgame Notes

• North Dakota leads the all-time series against Illinois State 3-1.
• The Fighting Hawks aim to break their winless streak in the upcoming season.
• Josh Navratil recorded a forced fumble, leading the team in forced fumbles this season.

For more updates on North Dakota football, follow @UNDfootball or visit FightingHawks.com.