Redbird rewind: No. 18 Illinois State scores a decisive win in Carbondale

Illinois State receiver Daniel Sobkowicz (2) pulls in a 38-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse in the second quarter of the Redbirds’ win at Southern Illinois. (Photo by GoRedbirds.com)

By Dan Verdun

CARBONDALE – In the wake of Saturday’s 45-10 win at rival Southern Illinois, the Illinois State Redbirds were asked the importance of the Missouri Valley Football Conference victory.

“It’s important because of what happened to us last week (when ISU lost to No. 2 North Dakota State, 42-10, in Normal),” head coach Brock Spack said. “You don’t see a game like that coming, and we didn’t see this game (result) coming. We thought this would be a dogfight, and it was (until) we separated at the end of the game.”

Quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse said, “Very important. We needed a good bounce-back win.”

Linebacker Tye Niekamp called it “not a must win, but a big-time game that we needed.”

Receiver Daniel Sobkowicz, who both caught and threw a touchdown pass, pointed out Redbird wins against the three other Illinois FCS schools – WIU, EIU and SIU – this season.

“We got the state title. That’s one of our goals,” Sobkowicz said. “That was the most important thing on our minds, just getting that. Coach Spack was saying (ISU) has done that four or five times and made the playoffs.”

The Redbirds (4-2 overall, 1-1 MVFC) ran 68 plays that produced 407 yards of offense in the win against the Salukis (2-4, 0-2). The defense recorded two interceptions and four sacks.

Illinois State entered the game ranked No. 18 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25. Southern Illinois was ranked No. 19.

“We need it (the win),” Spack said. “They’re a ranked team. You need that on your resume. You’ve got to win by 24 or more to help your cause as well.”

All six Illinois State touchdowns came on plays of 20 yards or more. The Redbirds scored on passes of 38, 28 and 20 yards. ISU scored on runs of 36, 29 and 26 yards.

“It takes all 11 guys to control the offense, and we need everyone (to be) consistent,” Rittenhouse said.

Game changers

9:46, 1st quarter: Rittenhouse broke away for a 36-yard touchdown run to open the scoring.

7:24, 2nd quarter: Sobkowicz got behind the SIU defense to haul in a 38-yard touchdown reception from Rittenhouse. Ian Wagner’s extra point lifted the Redbirds to a 14-7 lead.

12:21, 3rd quarter: True freshman Matt Lawson burst through the middle of the Saluki defense for a 29-yard touchdown run. Wagner’s PAT boosted ISU’s lead to 24-7.

Best ‘Birds

Prairie State Pigskin chooses the the top three Illinois State players in the game:

Rittenhouse, QB: The junior opened the scoring with a 36-yard touchdown run. Rittenhouse ran for 84 yards on six carries and was not sacked. He passed for 172 yards and a touchdown.

Sobkowicz, WR: The junior caught five passes for 79 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown. He also threw a 28-yard TD pass to fellow wide receiver Xavier Loyd.

Niekamp, LB: The sophomore recorded 11 tackles with 2.5 for loss, a sack, an interception and a pass breakup. 

What it means

Illinois State registered a decisive road win over a ranked opponent.

What’s next?

The Redbirds return to Hancock Stadium in Normal for a noon kickoff with Missouri State in the Missouri Valley Football Conference action.

Dan Verdun is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin. He has written four books: NIU Huskies Football, EIU Panthers Football, ISU Redbirds Football and SIU Salukis Football.

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