Illinois State tight end Scotty Presson Jr. caught two touchdowns passes in the Redbirds’ 21-13 win Saturday at South Dakota. (Photo by GoRedbirds.com)
By Dan Verdun
Illinois State grabbed a key road victory Saturday that should enhance the Redbirds’ postseason resume.
ISU, ranked 18th in the Stats Perform FCS poll, posted a 21-13 Missouri Valley Football Conference win at No. 21 South Dakota.
The win boosted the Redbirds to 5-3 overall and 2-2 in the MVFC. South Dakota fell to 5-4 overall and 3-2 in the league.
After being plagued by poor second halves in recent weeks, ISU’s defense delivered against the Coyotes. The Redbirds allowed only a second-half field goal in Saturday’s win.
“We’re starting to mature and come together a little bit better,” ISU head coach Brock Spack said.
Linebacker Ty Niekamp tied his career-high with 14 tackles, including one tackle for loss.
“We’re a talented team,” Niekamp said. “Today, we made plays.”
Quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse passed for two touchdowns and ran for another as ISU won for the second time in three games.
Tight end Scotty Presson Jr. caught both Rittenhouse TD passes. The touchdowns were the first of the senior’s career.
“(I’ve) stayed patient and waited my time,” Presson said.
Illinois State prevailed despite missing three key players – receiver Daniel Sobkowicz, left tackle Brandon Smith and safety Jack Dwyer, who are all injured.
The Redbirds rolled up 300 yards of offense and converted all three fourth-down attempts.
Game changers
10:45, 2nd quarter: Rittenhouse found Presson for an 11-yard touchdown.
0:30, 2nd quarter: Rittenhouse ran for a 6-yard TD, lifting the Redbirds to a 14-10 lead.
1:22, 3rd quarter: Presson caught a 2-yard touchdown pass from Rittenhouse, giving ISU a 21-10 lead.
Best ‘Birds
Prairie State Pigskin chooses the the top three Illinois State players in the game:
Rittenhouse, QB: The senior passed for 141 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for a score.
Niekamp, LB: The junior led the Redbirds with a career-best 14 tackles, one for a loss.
C.J. Richard Jr., DB: The redshirt freshman recorded a career-high nine tackles. He was making his second collegiate start.
What it means
Illinois State won a key conference game with playoff implications.
What’s next
ISU hosts Northern Iowa (2-6, 0-4) in a 2 p.m Nov. 1 MVFC game at Hancock Stadium.
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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