|
 The Redbirds (2-0) received the kick to open the game and started
with a strong 65-yard drive down the field, led by running back
Marshaun Coprich’s 32-yard run that put Illinois State inside the
Panthers’ (0-3) redzone. Coprich finished the drive with a one-yard
touchdown rush on third-and-goal. The Redbirds converted the extra
point to give them a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.
The Panthers struck first in the second quarter with a 43-yard field
goal from kicker Nick Bruno. The drive began at the end of the first
quarter on the Redbirds’ 44 yard line after Illinois State
quarterback Tre Roberson threw his only interception of the game.
Illinois State’s defense held EIU to a field goal, as the Panthers
pushed the ball, but could not convert for a touchdown on
third-and-goal. After the field goal, the Redbirds led the Panthers,
7-3.
After a series of punts with the Panthers gaining ground, the
Redbirds prepared to start a drive on their own 39-yard line. On
first down, Roberson spotted wide receiver Lechein Neblett with
one-on-one coverage deep down the field and connected for a 61-yard
touchdown pass. The extra point gave Illinois State a 14-3 lead.
EIU answered the Redbird score by kicking a field goal from 36-yards
into the wind. Bruno was 2-for-2 with field goals, giving the
Panthers their only points in the first half.
With five seconds left in the first half, Coprich scored another
Redbird touchdown with a two-yard run, sparked by an interception by
true freshman DraShane Glass, his second interception in the first
two games. Roberson connected with Neblett for a deep 46-yard pass
that put the Redbirds ahead of the Panthers’ seven yard line and led
to Coprich’s eventual score. Illinois State headed to the locker
room at half time leading EIU, 21-6.
The Panthers came out in the
second half with a powerful, 1:26 touchdown drive to decrease the
15-point Redbird lead to eight. EIU quarterback Jalen Whitlow scored
the touchdown with a 14-yard rush, making the score 21-13.
With the Redbirds forced to punt on their next possession, EIU began
driving down the field. Whitlow dropped back for a passing play and
was pressured by the Redbird defense as lineman Collin Keoshian
tipped the pass that was intercepted by linebacker Alex Donnelly.
Donnelly returned the interception down to EIU’s 15-yard line where
the scoring drive was capped by a field goal from kicker Nick
Aussieker, giving the Redbirds a 24-14 lead.
[to top of second column] |
Illinois State’s defense and offense continued to complement each
other as lineman Teddy Corwin intercepted Whitlow at the EIU 39 yard
line. Two plays later, Neblett beat his defender and Roberson placed
a perfect pass in his hands for another Redbird touchdown. After the
Panthers next possession and punt, Illinois State drove down the
field and Aussieker kicked a 41-yard field goal. At the end of the
third quarter, Illinois State led 34-13.
In the fourth quarter, EIU pushed down the field to the Redbird one
yard line, but the Redbird defense stopped the drive as defensive
back Tevin Allen forced a fumble and linebacker Oshay Dunmore
recovered. On the next possession, the Redbirds were tackled for a
loss and a safety, but still led 34-15.
Defensively, Pat Meehan led the team with 11 tackles, including
seven solo-stops, in the win. Meehan also totaled two sacks and four
tackles-for-loss. As a team, the defense forced four sacks, seven
tackles-for-loss, and two forced fumbles.
This Redbirds enter a bye week, but will face Austin Peay at Hancock
Stadium on the following Saturday, Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are
available on GoRedbirds.com, by calling (309) 438-8000 or by
visiting the ISU ticket office.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics,
tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird
merchandise, photos and more.
[Text received; ZACHARY WADLEY]
 |
