Linebacker Amir Abdullah, a Chicago Whitney Young graduate, has been a force since his Nov. 2 return to the Illinois State lineup. (Photo by GoRedbirds.com)
By Dan Verdun
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – A birthday is often a celebration and a desire for good health. For Amir Abdullah, Saturday was both.
The Illinois State linebacker once again proved to be a difference maker on the field and in his team’s mindset as the 16th-ranked Redbirds defeated regional rival Indiana State, 31-19.
This came on a day when Abdullah turned 23 and his team moved to eight wins, a key number in the eyes of the FCS playoff committee.
“It means a lot to me and to the team to be able to get that done,” Abdullah told Prairie State Pigskin following the victory.
Playing in his third straight game since being sidelined with a knee injury in the season opener at Iowa, Abdullah was a force.
The Chicago Whitney Young graduate registered six tackles, four of which were solo. Abdullah had 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a pass breakup.
In the three games since his return, Abdullah has 13 tackles, five for loss, to go along with 3.5 sacks and the pass breakup.
Beyond the numbers
But mere statistics don’t do justice to what Abdullah’s return has done for the Redbirds.
“It’s good to have him back. We’ve gotten better on defense because of that,” ISU head coach Brock Spack said. “With him and (safety) Keondre (Jackson) both healthy again, it’s been good for us.”
The duo have been close since their days together at Division II Nebraska Kearney four years ago prior to transferring to ISU.
While Jackson recorded 10 tackles and a sack against Indiana State, Abdullah has collected at least one sack in the three games since his Nov. 2 return.
It’s something that Abdullah doesn’t take for granted.
“It means everything to be out there,” he said. “I’ve been playing this game since I was five years old, and I’ve never missed that many games of football before in my life.
“So to be back out here means so much to me. I love the game.”
His teammates love having him back as well.
Asked what his confidence in the ISU defense is with Abdullah back in the lineup, cornerback Teon Parks said, “High. If he’s on my side, it’s high.”
While recognizing his presence on the field changes the Illinois State defense for the better, Abdullah realizes the game isn’t just all about one player.
“It’s still a team,” he said. “Of course, with me being back it brings a lot to the team, but at the end of the day everybody is still doing their job and playing well. At the end of the day, that’s what’s going to help us get to where we want to go.”
Abdullah and the Redbirds (8-3 overall, 5-2 Missouri Valley Football Conference) close out their regular season with a noon kickoff Saturday against North Dakota (5-6, 2-5) at Hancock Stadium in Normal.
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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