The University of North Dakota football team beat Illinois State 49-21 on Saturday at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, according to UND Athletics and the Associated Press. UND Athletics described it as the largest win over an FCS top-10 team in program history.
How It Went
The game was tied 14-14 before the Fighting Hawks scored 28 unanswered points, the AP reported. Quarterback Jerry Kaminski finished 18 of 27 for 293 yards and five touchdown passes, tying his career high, and added a rushing touchdown, per the AP and the Grand Forks Herald.
The Herald's game story carried the headline "UND, banged-up Jerry Kaminski blast Illinois State 49-21." Check the Herald for details on his health.
The receiving corps shared the scoring. Deng Deng caught four passes for 81 yards and two touchdowns, the AP reported, and UND Athletics said it was the first multi-touchdown game of his career. Korey Tai caught a 7-yard touchdown pass, and the Herald described a 2-yard touchdown catch by Mason South. The Herald also said Tray Kuntz scored in the first half. UND led 42-14 after a 1-yard run early in the third quarter, per the AP.
The Herald reported that Illinois State ran for 69 yards on 29 carries. UND Athletics said the Fighting Hawks recovered two fumbles.
The Season So Far
- UND is 7-4 overall and 4-3 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, according to the AP and UND Athletics.
- Illinois State fell to 7-3 overall and 3-3 in conference play, per the AP and UND Athletics.
Next Up
UND has a bye week next Saturday, Nov. 14, then closes the regular season at home against Southern Illinois on Saturday, Nov. 21, according to UND Athletics and the AP. Check the 2026 schedule at FightingHawks.com for kickoff time and broadcast. Illinois State travels to Youngstown State next, per the AP.
