Fifth-year quarterback Gage Roy, a transfer from USC, has started the last two games for Illinois State. However, the Redbirds have successfully used a three-QB rotation this season. (Photo by GoRedbirds. com)
By Dan Verdun
NORMAL – Illinois State is running a fully operational three-ring circus.
Thus far, it has played in places such as Macomb and DeKalb. And of course, the big top known as Hancock Stadium, which was sold out Saturday for Family Weekend.
Led by 18th-year head coach and ringmaster Brock Spack, those three rings come in the form of three quarterbacks – all of which have contributed to ISU’s Top 5 national ranking.
“The quarterbacks are bought in,” Spack said after Saturday’s 48-13 dismantling of rival Eastern Illinois. “A lot of times, you don’t have that selfless attitude. Basically, the whole team has been bought in.”
The trio — fifth-year Gage Roy, junior Beckham Pellant and sophomore Chase Kwiatkowski — has combined to complete 71% of its passes for 976 yards and 13 touchdowns against just three interceptions.
In addition, Kwiatkowski ranks second on the team with 198 rushing yards.
However, the most important statistic is the Redbirds’ 4-0 record in the non-conference portion of their schedule, even though those ISU opponents sport a 3-12 combined record.
On the receiving end
Junior Dylan Lord leads the Redbirds with 22 receptions for 280 yards and four touchdowns. Though he played high school football with Pellant in their home state of Arizona, Lord is comfortable with all three quarterbacks.
“The play calls are a little different because Chase is more of a running quarterback, but when it’s Beckham or Gage, it’s no different. We just approach it the same way,” Lord said.
Sophomore receiver Mar’Quan Gary, who caught his first career touchdown pass Saturday, agrees.
“When Chase is in, it’s more of a running type (of offense). When Gage or Beckham is in, it’s go-time. They both can throw very good. Our job is just to get open and they’ll get it to you,” he said.
Tight end Alex Herrera, who caught the game-winning touchdown against FBS Northern Illinois, said all three quarterbacks have their strengths.
“They’re all great game managers. You can put any one of them in the game and you have a really good chance to win,” he said.
Coaching collaboration
Spack was quick to credit his offensive staff – comprised of first-year coordinator Mickey Turner, run game coordinator C.J. Irvin, quarterbacks coach Bob Dunn and line coach Harold Ethridge.
“It’s been a great collaborative effort on their part,” he said.
During Saturday’s Mid-America Classic victory, the QB trio combined to complete 76% of its passes for 330 yards while producing multiple big plays.
“Offensively, it doesn’t matter who’s in at quarterback,” Spack said. “I don’t feel that the offense slows down, or that people are looking back. There’s none of that. It tells me that communication is really good in the huddle and they believe in all three guys.”
Spack added when each quarterback is on the sideline, he still has a role.
“You need to watch the defense when you’re out,” he said. “Sometimes it takes a series to see how you’re being attacked and watch the coverage to see how to operate. When you go back in, you have a feel for it.”
What lies ahead
With the non-conference portion of the schedule now over, Illinois State begins its eight-game Missouri Valley Football Conference slate. First up is Saturday’s game at Northern Iowa, followed by an Oct. 3 home date with No. 2 South Dakota State.
Which begs the question: Does Spack think the three-QB system can work against what is arguably the best FCS conference in the nation?
“I hate to say this, but I am really comfortable with it. I’ve never seen this work before, but these guys seem to be different. They’re really good teammates. They get it. It’s worked well,” Spack said.
Pellant started the first two games; Roy the last two. Yet, with the Redbird rotation, little has mattered thus far.
“We’ll see,” Spack said. “When we go from here on out and get in tighter games, we’re going to have to go with a guy who is hot.
“It usually doesn’t work when you’re rotating quarterbacks, but this team seems to thrive on it.”
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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