Momentum On Their Side: Redbirds Ready For Showdown With Eastern Illinois

Image Courtesy of Redbird Athletics

NORMAL, Ill. – Following a high-scoring victory over Western Illinois 51-34, the Redbirds look to continue their win streak with another home game set for this weekend against Eastern Illinois. The Redbirds are coming off back-to-back wins with over 100 rushing yards in each game.

Coach Spack talked with the media again on Tuesday and made sure to mention how much Junior Running Back Wenkers Wright has stepped up with the injury to Mason King. Wright followed up his 153 rushing yards on 26 carries in Week 2 with another stellar performance with 16 carries for 106 rushing yards while adding a rushing touchdown to his resume. Wright will look forward to having another big week with the Redbirds continuing to establish the run game against an Eastern rush defense that has given up over 500 rushing yards so far this season.

One of the questions Coach was asked about had to do with the 2014 team and their 10-year reunion. Coach Spack had only good things to say, as he called them “arguably the greatest team in school history.” He went on to talk about how they really established a tradition, and it continues into players today. Coach Spack’s son, Brent, was on that 2014 team, and he knows most of the guys very well and is excited to have them back for this weekend’s game.

Coach Spack touched on what he thought of this Eastern Illinois offense, and he had good things to say about their position players that will bring forth challenges for this Redbird defense. As their Quarterback, Senior Pierce Holley was one guy he raved about. He talked about his arm strength and his high level of leadership and competitiveness. Holley has thrown touchdowns in every game besides their Week 1 loss to the University of Illinois.

The Redbirds (2-1) seem to have the momentum heading into this game, coming in on a two-game win streak, while the Panthers from Eastern (1-2) are coming off a tough loss to a 2-1 Big Ten team in Northwestern. The Redbirds also have a strong hold on the series, with a record of 58-43-9 against Eastern Illinois. This Week 4 matchup is set to start at 6 pm CT on Saturday, with the Redbird theme set as a Blackout.