Bison Football Defense | Video

Lee Timmerman | 11/12/2012

North Dakota State has the number one defense in the country but the Bison lost a key member of the defensive line in Saturday`s victory over South Dakota State. During the game, Defensive Tackle Leevon Perry called it a cheap shot.

You can judge for yourself, but Perry is done for the season.

"With some knee damage hopefully it`s not career ending knee damage but at least the first reports we have it`s going to be signaficant so we`ll move forward and we will have Brian Schaetz back this week. I think we`re gaining some depth on the defensive line without question," said coach Craig Bohl.

The Bison travel to Illinois State on Saturday and both teams are in the national rankings. A victory for NDSU would set up the perfect playoff situation.

"We do control our own destiny. The team we`re playing is a very capable opponent looking down the road we knew we had two very competitive games to close out. We`ve had a string of really competitive games. They`ve all been close and so this will be another one and a rated team on the road a lot to play for." Bohl said.

Illinois State had a bye and the Redbirds are in a 3-way tie for second in the Valley Conference.

The Bison win over the Jackrabbits also produced the Valley defensive player of the week in Grant Olson and the special teams player of the week in punter Ben LeCompte.

Bohl mentioned the ratings. The Bison remain number one in both polls and Illinois State is number 11 in both of the national polls.

A number of members from NBC North Dakota Sports will be in Normal, Illinois this Saturday to bring you live coverage of NDSU football. The pre-game show begins at 11:30 central time on November 17.

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