FARGO, N.D. (Interstat) — Illinois State stunned North Dakota State 29-28 on Saturday at the Fargodome, scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter to upset the heavily favored Bison. Quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse led the game-winning drive, finding Daniel Sobkowicz for an 8-yard touchdown pass and a successful two-point conversion with one minute remaining.

North Dakota State, which entered the game with one loss, built a 21-14 halftime lead behind early scores from Bryce Lance and Jackson Williams. The Bison defense intercepted Rittenhouse five times, with Nathaniel Staehling returning one for a touchdown. But the Redbirds’ defense held after Barika Kpeenu’s fourth-quarter touchdown gave the Bison a brief lead, setting the stage for Rittenhouse’s late heroics. Sobkowicz caught three touchdown passes for Illinois State, while Victor Dawson rushed for 137 yards and a score. The loss was the first at home this season for North Dakota State.