Redbirds Rebound in 46–32 Win at Murray State, Rittenhouse Shines and Pope Earns MVFC Honor

NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State Redbirds traveled to Murray State Saturday to beat the Racers 46 – 32, bouncing back from their loss to North Dakota State. The number nine-ranked Redbirds currently (4-2, 1-1 MVFC) took the impressive win over a struggling Murray State team (0-6, 0-2 MVFC).

After forcing an early three-and-out on the Racers, Illinois State marched 61 yards and scored on a reverse toss to Daniel Sobkowicz. Another fast drive ended with a shovel pass touchdown to Dylan Lord, pushing the lead to 14-0 before Murray State responded with a field goal.

Wenkers Wright returned the kickoff 80 yards, setting up Victor Dawson’s touchdown to make it 21-3. Tommy Rittenhouse then hit Seth Glatz for a 52-yard score, giving Illinois State a 28-3 lead after the defense forced a turnover on downs.

The deficit was reduced to 28-17 by Murray State’s two long scoring drives, which included two fourth-down conversions and a goal-line keeper. Illinois State extended its lead to 37–17 with a field goal to end the half and another touchdown pass to start the third quarter.

Rittenhouse threw his fourth touchdown of the day to Sobkowicz as the Racers fought on, cutting the lead once more. Doreon Dubose’s game-winning interception and Matt Maldonado’s late field goal gave the Redbirds the victory in the end.

There were several record-breaking performances for Illinois State. Daniel Sobkowicz added 162 receiving yards on eight catches and recorded his first rushing touchdown, bringing his career total to 2,984 yards, three touchdowns short of tying the school record of 32 and just 16 yards short of 3,000. With 29 career receiving touchdowns, his score also tied him for third place all-time. In the first quarter, the Redbirds scored a season-high 21 points.

Tommy Rittenhouse, the quarterback, had an exceptional day. He went 21-for-25 for 338 yards and a career-high four touchdown passes, which was the second-best single-game completion rate in school history. Dylan Lord and Seth Glatz scored their first touchdowns for ISU, and Doreon Dubose made his first interception to seal the victory.

Offensive tackle Jake Pope was later named MVFC Offensive Lineman of the week for the second time this year.

Illinois State will next face #25-ranked Youngstown State this Saturday for Homecoming. The game is set to kick off at 2 pm from Jay and Lori Bergman Field at Hancock Stadium, and WZND will begin their coverage of the game at 1:50 pm with Jaden Cohen and Adam Tichler on the call, and Cason Schingoethe holding it down in the studio.

For all things Redbird football, stay tuned to wznd.com.