The Redbirds look to build on road win against the Sycamores

Photo courtesy of Illinois State Athletics

Illinois State football will return to Hancock Stadium on Saturday to face Indiana State for Homecoming, looking to build on its first Missouri Valley Football Conference win of the season.

The No. 10 Redbirds enter the matchup with a 5-2 overall record and a 1-2 mark in conference play after defeating Southern Illinois 35-14 on Oct. 17. Illinois State used two forced fumbles in the second quarter to create separation and secure the road victory.

Head coach Brock Spack said the team responded well after its bye week, especially with several players returning to the field and the defense making key plays.

“We got some guys back who we haven’t been playing, and that was big,” Spack said. “I think they did a good job taking care of themselves in their bye week, and we did some good things as a coaching staff to get them ready to play again.”

Building on the win

The Redbirds will look to carry that momentum into Saturday’s matchup against the Sycamores, who enter with a 2-5 overall record and an 0-3 mark in conference play.

Illinois State’s offense showed improvement against Southern Illinois, scoring 35 points and taking advantage of turnovers to create scoring opportunities. Quarterback Beckham Pellant recorded career highs with 16 completions, 25 attempts and 191 passing yards while throwing two touchdown passes. He also added the first rushing touchdown of his career.

Spack said Pellant played one of his best games since joining the program and will remain the team’s starting quarterback.

“He’s the most relaxed I’ve seen him, and that’s probably because he’s feeling better,” Spack said. “So, yeah, he will be in that starting role.”

The Redbirds will need another strong performance from Pellant and the offense against an Indiana State team that has struggled defensively during conference play. The Sycamores have allowed at least 42 points in each of their three conference losses.

Illinois State averages 37.7 points per game, ranking among the top offenses in the Football Championship Subdivision. The Redbirds will look to continue producing big plays through the air and on the ground while avoiding the turnovers that contributed to consecutive losses against Northern Iowa and South Dakota State.

Limiting big plays

Although Indiana State has struggled to find consistency, the Sycamores have shown they can produce explosive plays on offense.

Spack said Indiana State has the ability to move the ball through both its rushing and passing attacks, making it important for the Redbirds to limit big plays on defense.

“They give big plays on just about everybody they play,” Spack said. “Whether it’s a long run or long pass, they do both.”

The Sycamores average 263.9 passing yards per game, giving Illinois State another challenge as it looks to maintain its defensive success. The Redbirds have allowed 286.6 yards per game this season, ranking among the top defenses in the FCS.

Illinois State also has been strong against the run, allowing 107.9 rushing yards per game. That defensive strength will be important against an Indiana State offense that can use its running game to create opportunities in the passing attack.

Spack said the Redbirds must do a better job preventing explosive plays and maintaining their assignments throughout the game.

For Illinois State, the goal will be to pressure the quarterback, tackle consistently and force Indiana State into difficult situations. Creating turnovers could also help the Redbirds control the game, as they did against Southern Illinois.

Keeping the momentum

Saturday’s matchup gives Illinois State an opportunity to improve its conference record and continue building momentum as the season moves forward.

The Redbirds lead the all-time series against Indiana State and have won the last four meetings, including a 52-20 victory in Terre Haute, Indiana, last season. Illinois State will look to continue that success at home while protecting its position in the conference standings.

Spack said the team’s performance against Southern Illinois showed what it can accomplish when players execute and make plays on both sides of the ball.

The Redbirds also will look to make the most of their Homecoming crowd as they begin a two-game homestand. A win against Indiana State would give Illinois State its second consecutive conference victory and provide another opportunity to strengthen its postseason position.

Illinois State will host Indiana State at 2 p.m. Saturday at Hancock Stadium.

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