Redbirds fall 35-17 to No. 7 Salukis
Written by WZND Newsroom on September 25, 2021
Image courtesy of goredbirds.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. – The Illinois State football team gave up 35 unanswered points in the second half of their game against No. 7 Southern Illinois, leading to a 35-17 loss.
The first half started off great for the Redbirds, shutting the Salukis down in all aspects of the game. PhaLeak Brow punched the ball in with a little over a minute left in the first half to extend their lead to four. A big-time interception by Shannon Reid stopped the Salukis from scoring before the half.
Early in the third quarter the Redbirds would continue to add on with a one-yard rush by quarterback Jackson Waring. This pushed the lead to 17 but would be the last points for the Redbirds.
The Salukis would answer in a hurry, scoring a touchdown just three minutes after the Redbirds. A 40-yard touchdown run by Donovan Spencer brought the Salukis within three points at the end of the third quarter.
The Redbird defense did all they could, intercepting the Salukis early in the fourth quarter but the offense could not capitalize on it. The Salukis would score yet another touchdown, using a no-huddle offense that the Redbirds could not handle.
A fumble by the Redbirds led to a quick score for the Salukis and extended their lead to 28-17 with 7:50 left in the fourth quarter. The Salukis scored one more time before the match was over, walking away with a 35-17 victory.
Leaders for ISU were Jackson Waring, who had a solid game, throwing for 166 yards with no interceptions and rushing for 17. Cole Mueller led the way for the run game with 89 yards on 14 carries.
The Redbirds close out their three-game road trip with a 1-2 record and are 2-2 on the season. They return home this weekend when they will host the Missouri State Bears in their Family Weekend matchup.
