TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) — Barika Kpeenu had 113 yards rushing and scored two touchdowns and North Dakota State defeated Indiana State 38-7 on Saturday.

The FCS top-ranked Bison (7-0, 4-0 MVFC) overcame a rare 7-0 deficit and a long weather delay in defeating the Sycamores for the 12th time in 13 all-time matchups. This was the sixth time North Dakota State has faced Indiana State when ranked No. 1.

The Sycamores scored first on a 3-yard run by Nick Osho and led 7-0 after one quarter. Cole Payton’s 3-yard touchdown pass to Truman Werremeyer tied it early in the second quarter and a career-high tying 54-yard field goal by Eli Ozick made it 10-7 for the Bison at halftime.

After a long lightning delay at halftime, the game continued in the rain. Payton and Kpeenu had touchdown runs in the third quarter for a 24-7 lead and DJ Scott and Kpeenu scored in the fourth to wrap it up.

Payton completed 12 of 18 passes for 149 yards. Kpeenu had 23 carries and led a rushing game that piled up 283 yards. Scott had 78 yards on nine carries and Payton kept it 10 times for 71 yards.

Indiana State (2-5, 0-3) was held to 192 total yards.

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No. 12 Southern Illinois hosts No. 9 North Dakota this weekend in a ranked FCS matchup.

Both squads eye a key ranked victory for their playoff resumes. Check out our preview and prediction below.

Southern Illinois vs. North Dakota On TV

The matchup between Southern Illinois and North Dakota will air on ESPN+.

Kickoff is at 2 p.m. CT on Saturday, Oct. 18. It is taking place at Saluki Stadium in Carbondale, Ill.

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Southern Illinois vs. North Dakota Preview

In a lighter FCS slate, this is a massive showdown.

SIU is 4-2 overall and 3-1 vs. the FCS (loss at North Dakota State) and is eyeing its first ranked victory. UND is 4-2 overall and 4-1 vs. the FCS (loss at Montana), earning its first ranked win last week against Youngstown State, who was ranked No. 20 at the time and is now No. 25.

The Salukis had a lot of momentum entering last week, holding a No. 8 national ranking. A 45-17 loss at NDSU may have softened expectations, but a win this weekend gets SIU back on track to being ranked in the Top 10. Quarterback DJ Williams will need to keep carrying the offense to wins. He’s been excellent this season, completing 64.4% of his passes for 1,404 yards, 11 touchdowns, and three interceptions while leading the team with 427 rushing yards and 10 scores. Vinson Davis III is his go-to target with 31 catches for 547 yards and three touchdowns.

It’ll be a tough test on the road for UND’s defense, an improved unit from last season. The Fighting Hawks are allowing 18.8 points per game (No. 14 in the FCS) and 95.5 rushing yards per game (No. 6). Teams have found some success through the air, averaging 224.2 passing yards per game (No. 76). Malachi McNeal is having a great season, tallying 44 tackles. Lance Rucker has played a significant role in UND’s increased disruption, adding 36 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and four sacks.

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The other side of the ball may be the difference-maker.

UND is playing good ball offensively and defensively. SIU, meanwhile, has to make strides defensively, allowing 25.0 points per game, 186.7 rushing yards per game, and 216.8 passing yards per game. In the last three contests, SIU has allowed 31 points to SEMO, 27 to Indiana State, and 45 to NDSU.

The Hawks are clicking offensively, scoring 39.3 points per game (No. 10 in the FCS), just ahead of SIU’s 39.0. Coupled with a strong offensive line and ground game led by Sawyer Seidl (336 yards, three TDs) and Gaven Ziebarth (266 yards, three TDs), UND has found an explosive passing attack. Sophomore QB Jerry Kaminski has been terrific in his first year as a starter, completing 61.9% of his passes for 1,217 yards, 17 touchdowns, and one interception, plus rushing for 241 yards and three TDs. Northern Arizona transfer receiver B.J. Fleming leads the offense with 22 receptions for 442 yards and four touchdowns.

UND has looked like a more balanced team than SIU. The Hawks can throw it effectively, run it effectively, and have played strong defense. That will travel well for a crucial road win on Saturday.

Prediction: UND 35-28