US EditionIllinois State Scores 2 Late TDs to Knock Out Top-Ranked North Dakota State 29-28 in FCS Playoff
Illinois State overcame five interceptions and a 14-game losing streak with a late touchdown and two-point conversion to win 29-28 in the FCS second-round playoff.
- At Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, Illinois State Redbirds defeated top-ranked North Dakota State Bison 29-28, clinching victory in the final minute.
- After recovering a fumble at the NDSU 23 with 1:52 left, Illinois State quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse completed a fourth-down six-yard touchdown to Daniel Sobkowicz and converted a two-point pass to Scotty Presson Jr.
- Despite the interception barrage, NDSU converted only one turnover into points while Rittenhouse completed 35 of 52 passes with three TDs to Sobkowicz, who said, `Just made a play, that's what it was and Tommy trusted me to make a play.`
- The defeat means the loss snapped North Dakota State Bison's 16-game win streak and was the earliest playoff exit for the 1-ranked Bison after 10 national championships; Illinois State advances to quarterfinals to face the UC Davis-Rhode Island winner.
- Given NDSU's 12-0 regular season and 23.5-point favorite status, Illinois State Redbirds snapped a 14-game losing streak and earned their first postseason win over the Bison in three playoff meetings.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Rockdale Citizen & Newton Citizen
Marietta Daily JournalIllinois State's frantic rally KOs defending FCS champs North Dakota State
Tommy Rittenhouse threw two touchdown passes to Daniel Sobkowicz and found Scotty Presson Jr. on the go-ahead two-point conversion as Illinois State scored 15 unanswered points in the final 2:44 to post a stunning 29-28 victory over top-seeded North Dakota…
NDSU football season ends in loss to Illinois State
FARGO, N.D. – The NDSU Bison football season is over after a second-round upset at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome on Saturday. Illinois State scored with one minute left in the fourth quarter to take the 29-28 victory in the FCS Playoffs Second Round. Tommy Rittenhouse connected with Daniel Sobkowicz from six yards out to pull to within a point. Instead of going for the tie, the Redbirds lined up for a two-point conversion, which was good…
Illinois State shocks No. 1 Bison in FCS second round
FARGO — In one of the more stunning playoff games in North Dakota State history, Illinois State pulled off the biggest shocker in the Bison FCS postseason history. The Redbirds rescued victory from defeat Saturday afternoon at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome. A six-yard touchdown pass on fourth down by quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse to receiver Daniel Sobkowicz and a subsequent two-point conversion in the final minute lifted ISU to a 29-28 …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
