Fourth-Ranked Redbirds Seek to Keep Momentum on Family Weekend

IMAGE COURTESY OF REDBIRD ATHLETICS

NORMAL, Ill. -Illinois State Football is coming off a 42-30 victory over the Eastern Illinois Panthers, where veteran leaders Tommy Rittenhouse and Wenkers Wright led the charge. Rittenhouse threw for 299 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Wenkers added 3 more touchdowns on the ground and 94 rushing yards. They head into a week 4 matchup against North Alabama sitting at 2-1 and ranked #4 in the FCS Coaches poll.

Illinois State has been able to find some success so far this year in the rush game offensively and defensively. Highlighted by a 3-touchdown performance by senior running back Wenkers Wright this week, this Redbird rushing attack is averaging almost 200 rushing yards a game.

“We want to be a physical running team,” Coach Spack said. Defensively, they have given 238 total rushing yards all season, the most being against FBS Powerhouse Oklahoma (103) and least week being the least given up (35) against Eastern.

The Redbirds will take on a 1-2 North Alabama who has losses to Western Kentucky and South East Missouri State (SEMO). They are led by Sophomore Quarterback Destin Wade, who can hurt you both on the ground and through the air.

“Their backs and Quarterback are super athletic,” Coach Spack said when responding to what stood out about North Alabama. Wade as thrown for 283 yards on just 46 attempts with 24 completions, adding 3 passing touchdowns. The Sophomore has also ran the ball 26 times for 144 yards.

The North Alabama Lions will make the trip to Normal, IL, for a matchup with the 4th-ranked Illinois State Redbirds on Family Weekend. Kickoff is set for Saturday, September 20th, 2025, at 12 p.m. at Hancock Stadium. Be sure to tune in to 103.3 WZND for the live broadcast of the game.

For all things Redbird Football, tune into wznd.com