For the second week in a row, Illinois State (6-0, 3-0 MVFC) needed a game-winning field goal to come from behind to get a win, this time at Western Illinois. Following the victory, the Redbirds remained in the Top 10 of both national Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) polls released Monday.

The Redbirds are one of just four undefeated teams remaining in the Top 25 polls, alongside North Dakota State, Coastal Carolina and Harvard. ISU stayed steady at No. 9 in the FCS Coaches Poll after the thrilling win against the Leathernecks and moved up one spot to No. 9 in The Sports Network FCS Top 25. The No. 9 national ranking is the highest for ISU since 2012, when the Redbirds were also ranked No. 9 in early October.