Redbirds bounce back with gritty win over Murray State

Image Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics

NORMAL, Ill. .- Following a big loss last week, Illinois State Redbird Football traveled to the Roy Stewart Stadium to take on the Murray State Racers.

The Redbirds hit the ground running early in this game, with a rushing touchdown from quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse, to go up by a touchdown. Closing out the first half, both teams traded touchdowns, with ISU leading at halftime by two.

In the third quarter, the Redbirds had a strong quarter, scoring 14 unanswered points and leading 30 to 14 in the final quarter. ISU would win this game 40 to 32 over the Racers and move to 5-3 on the season.

Rittenhouse would throw for 347 yards and a touchdown with 128 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Receiver Xavier Loyd would lead the way in receiving 148 yards, and Daniel Sobkowicz ended with two receiving touchdowns.

Xavier Lloyd won Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week, while Tommy Rittenhouse won MVFC Offensive Player of the Week.

ISU is now 2-2 in conference play this season and will return to Hancock Stadium in two weeks to take on Youngstown State on November 2nd.