North Dakota State football returns to Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome Saturday as the second half of the Missouri Valley Football Conference schedule begins.

Illinois State comes to the Dome on a three game win streak, edging out Northern Iowa, South Dakota and Indiana State.

The Redbirds are led by former Minnesota Gopher quarterback Zack Annexstad, who was named the Valley newcomer of the week last week as he was responsible for three touchdowns against Indiana State.

NDSU returns off a bye week, they haven't lost off a bye week since 2005.

The Bison may get some help back on defense in junior linebacker Cole Wisniewski. He's been practicing this week after missing the entire season with an Achilles Tear. They will be without center Jalen Sundell, who had surgery on his right foot for a reaction fracture. Brandon Westberg will start his third straight game Saturday.

WDAY's Dom Izzo and the Forum's Jeff Kolpack preview the matchup and look ahead to the FCS playoffs for the first time.