Northern Iowa Panthers @ Illinois State Redbirds
Pesek-Hickson scores 2 TDs and Northern Iowa holds off Illinois State 24-21
NORMAL, Ill. -- — Amauri Pesek-Hickson ran for two touchdowns and Northern Iowa beat Illinois State 24-21 on Saturday.
Theo Day was 20-of-30 passing for 289 yards with a touchdown to Desmond Hutson and an interception. Pesek-Hickson carried the ball 30 times for all of the Panthers' 107 positive rushing yards.
The Redbirds (4-4, 2/3 Missouri Valley Football Conference) got within three points on Zack Annexstad's 17-yard TD pass to Cam Grandy with 27 seconds remaining. The ensuing onside kick went out of bounds to the Panthers after a scramble.
Annexstad was 33 of 44 for 292 yards passing, two touchdowns and an interception. Grandy had 11 catches for 122 yards and a score. Daniel Sobkowicz had 81 yards receiving and a TD. The Redbirds rushed for just 45 yards.
The Panthers (5-3, 4-1) led 21-14 at halftime and 24-14 with just under three minutes left after Matthew Cook's 31-yard field goal.
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Game Information
Normal, IL
2025 Standings
| Missouri Valley Football ConferenceMissouri Valley Football Conference | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State | 8-0 | 12-1 |
| South Dakota | 6-2 | 10-5 |
| North Dakota | 5-3 | 8-6 |
| Youngstown State | 5-3 | 8-5 |
| Illinois State | 5-3 | 12-5 |
| South Dakota State | 4-4 | 9-5 |
| Southern Illinois | 4-4 | 7-5 |
| Northern Iowa | 1-7 | 3-9 |
| Murray State | 1-7 | 1-11 |
| Indiana State | 1-7 | 3-9 |
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