Redbirds Head Back Home for a Meeting with Missouri State
Written by Kole Schipper on October 11, 2024
Image Courtesy of Redbird Athletics
NORMAL, Ill. – The Redbirds are coming off a key road win against SIU on Saturday night, and they are looking to re-ignite their previous win streak with winnable games ahead. Coach Spack was elated coming off a strong performance against SIU in a game that he and the rest of his staff figured to be close. This was an important road and conference win for the Redbirds, but as Coach Spack said, “We must retool and refocus for another good football team.”
Head Coach Brock Spack made sure to highlight the performance of the defense this past weekend, as they were able to be very opportunistic offensively off turnovers forced by the defense. Sophomore Tye Niekamp was a guy who was huge for the Redbirds defensively, last week he was named the National Defensive Player of the Week. “He is such a hard player; he plays hard and is a real smart guy who plays physical,” is what Coach Spack had to say about his starting Middle Linebacker.
Spack also made sure to give props to the Bears from Missouri State. They should be one of the better offenses they will see this year, “This team is very capable and very dangerous.” He went on to talk about the Quarterback Senior Jacob Clark and their Running back senior Jacardia Wright. He talked specifically about Clark and his strong arm and his capability to throw the ball effectively. This has been shown so far this season as he has thrown for 1530 yards, completing 70 percent of his passes and 10 passing touchdowns.
Another part of the Redbird team that has contributed to their winning ways has been their Special Teams, specifically the Kicker Ian Wagner and Punter Freshman Hayden Futch. The Redbirds have been able to play well most of the year in all 3 levels, and this has led to a 4-2 record and national recognition. ISU comes into this game ranked #16 in the FCS. They take this ranking into Week 7 against a skilled Missouri State team who sits at 3-2, the game on Saturday is set for a 12 pm start at Hancock Stadium in Normal.
