Quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse, in his first start of the season last weekend, helped guide Illinois State to a 44-7 victory against Murray State. (Photo by GoRedbirds.com)
By Barry Bottino
Tommy Rittenhouse started the final three games of the 2022 season for Illinois State. But taking the field this fall in place of injured starter Zack Annexstad has a different feel.
“I’ve grown a lot since last year,” said Rittenhouse, a sophomore. “I didn’t get much opportunity until the last three weeks (last fall). I feel a lot more prepared this year than I did starting those three games. I feel more confident in the playbook, in understanding my responsibilities and what I need to do.”
That showed last weekend when Rittenhouse guided the Redbirds to 510 yards of total offense in a 44-7 win against Murray State. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown and ran four times for 29 yards and another score.
After the victory, ISU head coach Brock Spack declined to rule out Annexstad for this weekend or describe the severity of his “lower body” injury sustained Nov. 4 against Missouri State. In the fourth quarter of that game, Annexstad collided with two defenders, fell to the ground and immediately grabbed his right knee. At the time, Spack said the injury “looked serious.”
For Rittenhouse, who is likely to start again Saturday at North Dakota in place of Annexstad, the challenge this week is much larger than Missouri Valley Football Conference newcomer Murray State (2-8).
The Fighting Hawks, ranked 13th in this week’s FCS media poll, share identical 6-4 overall and 4-3 MVFC records with ISU. The glaring difference entering the game is North Dakota stands at No. 16 in strength of schedule by MasseyRatings.com while the Redbirds are at No. 50, which is a factor in playoff consideration.
Saturday’s winner will reach seven victories, have a 5-3 MVFC record and would be a more attractive potential candidate for the playoffs.
With a win, the playoff picture still could remain fuzzy for the Redbirds. Beating North Dakota would give ISU its only win against a ranked team this season, along with victories against the bottom four teams in the MVFC standings (Missouri State, Murray State, Indiana State and Western Illinois).
A loss would leave the Redbirds at 6-5 and out of the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
What ISU does have going for itself is a stout defensive unit, which is ranked 27th nationally in total defense (323.6 yards a game) and a high-powered running attack, which is 19th in FCS at 195.4 yards a game.
Rittenhouse certainly plays a role in that aspect of the offense.
“Tommy is part of the running game. That’s part of his game,” Spack said after the Murray State game. “The running game opens up our passing game. He made some nice throws. Tommy’s arm strength has gotten better. He’s a much better player now than he was last year.”
Rittenhouse had 28 carries last season while appearing in five games. This season, he has 10 carries in his six appearances.
“I’ve gained a lot more pocket presence and knowing when I need to get out and make plays (with my legs),” he said.
His contributions this season also could have an impact on Rittenhouse’s future at Illinois State. In the past five seasons, ISU’s leading passer has been a player from the transfer portal (Annexstad in 2022 and 2023 and Brady Davis in 2018 and 2019). Rittenhouse could change that trend.
“I don’t try to think too much into the future, but I definitely am taking advantage of the time I have now and the game I have this weekend to learn and improve my game,” he said. “The more experience I get, the more confident I feel.”
This week’s opponent
North Dakota enters the game with the same record as Illinois State, but with a victory against North Dakota State on its resume amid an up-and-down season. The Fighting Hawks beat 1-9 Indiana State in overtime and are 1-4 on the road. At home, they have a 5-0 record and are 109-29 all-time at the Alerus Center. … Senior quarterback Tommy Schuster has been impressively efficient. He is completing 71.7% of his passes and has 17 passing TDs and only three interceptions. … North Dakota ranks fourth in the nation with a 50% conversion rate on third down. … Eight of the team’s 11 defensive starters are either fifth-year seniors or graduate students. Linebacker Wyatt Pedigo leads the team with 64 tackles, four fumble recoveries and 7.5 tackles for loss. … North Dakota has advanced to the FCS playoffs in three of the past four seasons.
Kickoff: 1 p.m.; TV: ESPN-Plus; Radio: WJBC.com
Key matchup to watch
ISU RB Mason Blakemore vs. North Dakota run defense: Blakemore, a transfer from Northern Illinois, has been quite a find for the Redbirds. In a deep backfield to start the season, Blakemore quickly set himself apart. He has rushed for 879 yards and an MVFC-leading 12 touchdowns. His 6.9 yards a carry average should be a big concern for UND, which allows nearly 140 yards a game. Opponents have rushed for 17 TDs against the Fighting Hawks. With 121 yards, Blakemore would become the first ISU player to rush for 1,000 yards since James Robinson in 2019.
What’s at stake?
A win would give Illinois State seven wins on the season, its only victory against a ranked opponent this season and keep the Redbirds in playoff consideration.
Quick hits
Illinois State leads FCS with 36 sacks and poses a challenge for the North Dakota offensive line, which has allowed 20 sacks this season. … Eight different players have an interception this season for the Redbirds, including two each by team leaders Mark Cannon Jr. and Lavoise-Deontae McCoy. … Six different defenders have at least 60 tackles this fall, led by linebackers McCoy (68) and Tye Niekamp (68). Safeties Keondre Jackson and Dillon Gearhart have 66 and 62 stops, respectively, while linebackers Jalan Gaines (61) and Amir Abdullah (60) also have reached that number. … North Dakota has a plus-5 turnover margin this season, while Illinois State is at plus-1.
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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