Bison, Eubanks face challenge against high-powered Southern Illinois passing game

By Jeff Kolpack and Eric Peterson

The Forum Fargo

North Dakota State cornerback Courtney Eubanks nabbed his first career college interception last weekend against Western Illinois, a milestone that brought a smile to his face.

“It just felt great. I can’t explain the feeling,” said Eubanks, from St. Petersburg, Fla. “That’s probably the most exciting play I’ve had all year.”

The 5-foot-10, 187-pound Eubanks has been a fixture at cornerback the past two seasons, starting all 15 games last season and all nine this fall. The Bison next play at 1 p.m. Saturday at Southern Illinois in Missouri Valley Football Conference play.

Eubanks and the Bison secondary are likely to play a key role against the Salukis with quarterback Nic Baker and receivers Avante Cox and D’Ante’ Cox leading an offense that is scoring 30.2 points per game. SIU is passing for 270 yards per contest.

“You’re going to have to be really good in the back end,” said Bison head coach Matt Entz. “We can’t give up explosives against Southern Illinois.”

Entz said Eubanks has expanded his game in recent weeks.

“In the last month or so, his physicality has continued to increase,” Entz said. “His willingness to be a physical tackler, to go contest throws, to reroute … and really get physical with receivers is good. It tells me he is playing with a lot of confidence right now.”

Eubanks said his confidence has grown as he’s become one of the more veteran players on defense.

“I knew I had to step my game up more,” he said.

“Being aggressive is one thing I was missing so I brought that to my game.” Eubanks is part of a deep group of cornerbacks that includes starter Destin Talbert with Marques Sigle and Jayden Price also part of the defensive back rotation.

“With being that deep, that’s a great thing,” Eubanks said. “I just love my group.”

Eubanks said former Bison cornerback Josh Hayes — who now plays at Kansas State — is one of the players who helped him earlier in his Bison career.

“I think Josh Hayes really helped me develop,” Eubanks said. “He helped me with my game a lot.”

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