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Illinois State Opens Season Hosting Butler

A challenging spring season has led to an optimistic outlook this fall for the Illinois State Redbirds, who return to the field on Saturday, September 4, to open the 2021 season against the Butler Bulldogs at Hancock Stadium.

 

The 2021 spring season was definitely one that will not soon be forgotten for many reasons, but one the Redbirds certainly don't want to look back on fondly. The spring was full of challenges, most notably a rash of injuries to the defensive line for the Redbirds that caused a cancellation to the season after four games, which led to a 1-3 record.

 

ISU returns 58 letterwinners and 19 starters (10 offense, nine defense) from the spring squad that went 1-3.

 

The 2021 squad will feature a defense that was one of the best in the MVFC and in the country in several categories last spring. The Redbirds ranked No. 4 in the FCS in pass efficiency defense (97.91), No. 7 in 3rd down conversion percentage defense (.288), and No. 10 in total defense. ISU was also No. 12 in the country in rushing defense (95.00), which also led the league. With nine starters returning on defense for the Redbirds this fall, one should expect that the defense will once again be something fans can count on each and every week.

 

Game time Saturday is 6:30 pm from Hancock Stadium. 

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