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No. 11 Illinois State needs to be strong against Pierre Strong, No. 4 South Dakota State

Sophomore tailback Pierre Strong is the Valley's leading rusher and an occasionally dangerous passer ISU will have to contend with as the 11th-ranked Redbirds seek an FCS playoff resume enhancing win over No. 4-ranked SDSU.

The Jacks are 7-2 overall and 4-1 in the MVFC, but their losses are almost more impressive than their wins. SDSU opened with a 28-21 defeat to a Minnesota team that is 8-0 and ranked 13th nationally in FBS. The other loss came to No. 1-ranked FCS team North Dakota State, 23-16.

ISU ranks third in the Valley is rushing defense at 121.