The UNH Wildcats are almost unbeatable at Cowell Stadium in Durham - almost. Saturday afternoon Illinois State beat the 'Cats 21-18, ending New Hampshire's title game bid.

The Illinois State win means the Missouri Valley Conference will have both teams in the FCS Championship game next week. North Dakota State won its semi-final game playoff game Friday night. Illinois State and NDSU were conference co-champs and never played each other because of an unbalanced MVC schedule.

UNH had an 18-6 lead in the third quarter but the Redbirds ripped off 15 unanswered fourth quarter points.

ISU quarteback Tre Roberson scored a 47-yard touchdown with about eight to play to give the Redbirds the lead for good. Roberson passed for 278 yards and rushed for another 95 yards.

UNH finishes the year at 12-2.

Illinois State and North Dakota State meet in Frisco, Texas next Saturday for the FCS title.

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