For the second-straight week, Illinois State (2-1) will square off against an opponent from the newly-formed Big South-OVC Football Association when the Redbirds host the Lindenwood Lions (2-1) at Hancock Stadium on Saturday.

With his touchdown late in the game against Eastern Illinois, transfer running back Mason Blakemorehas now scored a touchdown in each of the first three games of the season. His touchdown against the Panthers was his fifth of the season, but it looked in doubt after he left the game earlier with a shoulder injury. However, he would return and score from 12 yards out to give the Redbirds the lead at the time.

A young and inexperienced Redbird defense headed into the season with a lot of question marks, however through three games they have not been the ones feeling the pressure: opposing quarterbacks and ball carriers have. Against Eastern Illinois, ISU racked up eight sacks and 12 tackles for loss and also picked up a pair of interceptions while forcing two fumbles with one recovery. All of that pressure finds them in national rankings this week, as the team now has 18 sacks on the year and 34 tackles for loss through three games. The Redbirds rank No. 1 in all of Division I football and in the FCS team sacks per game (6.0) and No. 1 in team tackles for loss per game (11.0). ISU also ranked No. 2 in the FCS in rushing defense (36.7 yards per game) and No. 3 in scoring defense (10.7 points per game) and total defense (229.3 yards per game).

Transfer Cam Grandy has become a top target for ISU quarterback Zack Annexstad in the passing attack. Against Eastern Illinois, Grandy caught five passes for a season-high 72 yards to up his season total to 152 yards receiving through three games with a touchdown. He's also been a key asset in a running attack that has scored nine touchdowns on the ground through three contests.

Game time is noon Saturday afternoon.