North Dakota State's quest for back-to-back national titles will begin with a second-round matchup against Illinois State.
The Bison rumbled to a perfect 12-0 record during the regular season, most recently defeating St. Thomas-Minnesota, 62-7. Dual-threat quarterback Cole Payton has powered the North Dakota State offense all season long, producing 28 total touchdowns (15 passing, 13 rushing).
Illinois State will attempt to take down the defending champions after a dominant defensive effort against Southeastern Louisiana in the first round. That unit only allowed three points and intercepted four passes, but slowing down the Bison will be a much more difficult challenge.
Here is everything you need to know about North Dakota State vs. Illinois State, including TV and streaming options for the game.
Where to watch North Dakota State vs. Illinois State: TV channel, live stream
- TV channel: N/A
- Live stream: ESPN+
North Dakota State vs. Illinois State will not air on a national TV channel. College football fans can stream the game on ESPN+.
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North Dakota State vs. Illinois State start time
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 6
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
North Dakota State vs. Illinois State will kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 6. The game will be played at the Fargodome in Fargo, N.D.
FCS playoffs schedule, results 2025
Saturday, Nov. 29 (First round)
| Scores |
| Yale 43, No. 15 Youngstown State 42 |
| No. 9 Rhode Island 27, Central Connecticut State 19 |
| No. 12 Villanova 52, Harvard 7 |
| Illinois State 21, No. 16 Southeastern Louisiana 3 |
| No. 10 Abilene Christian 38, Lamar 20 |
| North Dakota 31, No. 13 Tennessee Tech 6 |
| No. 11 South Dakota 38, Drake 17 |
| No. 14 South Dakota State 41, New Hampshire 3 |
Saturday, Dec. 6 (Second round)
| Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| No. 5 Lehigh vs. No. 12 Villanova | Noon | ESPN+ |
| No. 6 Mercer vs. No. 11 South Dakota | Noon | ESPN+ |
| No. 1 North Dakota State vs. Illinois State | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 4 Tarleton State vs. North Dakota | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 2 Montana State vs. Yale | 2 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 3 Montana vs. No. 14 South Dakota State | 2 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 7 Stephen F. Austin vs. No. 10 Abilene Christian | 2 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 8 UC Davis vs. No. 9 Rhode Island | 10 p.m. | ESPN2, ESPN app |
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