Illinois State defensive lineman Josh Dinga (91) had one of the Redbirds’ eight sacks Saturday in Charleston. (Photo by GoRedbirds.com)
By Barry Bottino
CHARLESTON – The ending to Illinois State’s annual Mid-America Classic rivalry game against Eastern Illinois Saturday was heartbreaking. But it was how the Redbirds started the game on offense that left ISU frustrated.
The No. 25 Redbirds (2-1) allowed a touchdown and PAT with 30 seconds left to fall to Eastern, 14-13, and end ISU’s five-game winning streak in the series, which was played for the 111th time Saturday.
“We were flat,” ISU running back Mason Blakemore said. “It was just the way we started.”
The Redbirds didn’t score until midway through the third quarter, turned the ball over four times, went 2-for-12 on third downs and missed two field goals and an extra point.
“As an offense, we’re just not rolling,” said ISU quarterback Zack Annexstad, who finished 20-for-36 passing for 234 yards and was intercepted twice. “It’s nothing that any particular person is doing or any particular position is doing. We’re not playing well enough to start the game. I’m not playing well enough to start the game.”
The loss was ISU’s first in the series in Charleston since 2013.
“You turn the ball over, and you’re going to be in deep trouble,” ISU head coach Brock Spack said. “(Zack) will have to play a lot better. But we’ve got to help him a little bit more. We can’t drop balls. We can’t fumble. We have to run the ball better.”
ISU rushed 30 times for 108 yards Saturday, a week after gaining 276 yards on the ground at Western Illinois.
The Redbirds put together an impressive defensive effort, compiling eight sacks and forcing three turnovers.
But Eastern drove the ball 93 yards in 1:03 late in the fourth quarter to score the winning touchdown and PAT with 30 seconds remaining in the game.
“We played pretty good defense for most the day, but when we had to have a play we couldn’t make one,” Spack said. “There’s a lot of blame to go around. It’s not just one phase.”
Game changers
7:30, 3rd quarter: ISU RB Wenkers Wright powers in from 3 yards out to help the Redbirds tie the game, 7-7.
4:04, 4th quarter: Blakemore found a hole around right end and scooted in for a 12-yard TD, but ISU missed the PAT for a 13-7 lead.
0:06, 4th quarter: Trying to push the ball downfield to set up a field-goal attempt, Annexstad was intercepted at the EIU 27 with ISU trailing 14-13.
What it means
The Redbirds are likely to drop out of the FCS coaches’ poll after being ranked 25th last week. The loss also snaps ISU’s five game winning streak in the Mid-America Classic rivalry.
Best Birds
Prairie State Pigskin chooses the top three Illinois State players in the game:
Amir Abdullah, LB: The transfer linebacker filled up the stat sheet with seven tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 of the eight ISU sacks. He also forced a fumble.
Jalan Gaines, LB: Along with a career-high 10 tackles, Gaines produced two tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble.
Daniel Sobkowicz, WR: Sobkowicz led the team with seven receptions and 89 yards in the game.
What’s next?
The Redbirds complete their non-conference schedule Sept. 23 at home against Lindenwood. The game kicks off at noon.
Barry Bottino is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin and a 19-year veteran of three Illinois newspapers. He has covered college athletics since 1995.
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