Coming off a big road win last weekend at UNI, Illinois State returns home to host South Dakota for Homecoming at Hancock Stadium. 

The Redbird offense was clicking on all cylinders in its win at Northern Iowa, and much of that had to do with a strong game up front for the offensive line led by senior Drew Bones. For his efforts, Bones was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week by the league office. Bones and the rest of the Redbird protection unit did not allow a sack to the Panthers and helped the Redbirds outgain UNI by a total of 409-366 overall. Bones graded out at 89 percent in the contest and was credited with four knockdowns, no missed assignments and did not allow any pressures on quarterback Zack Annexstad. 

The Illinois State defense currently ranks No. 17 in the country in total defense (and third in the MVFC) and much of that is do to the amount of success the Redbirds have had getting to the quarterback. ISU ranks No. 6 in the country in team sacks per game with nearly four per contest, and have a total of 19 on the year.

Keeping drives alive was crucial to the Redbirds' success in the victory at UNI, as the converted at an eye-popping level against the Panthers. ISU finished the game 13-for-20 on third down and 2-for-2 on fourth down conversions against UNI, which ultimately led to the two-point win for the 'Birds. With that success on third down, the Redbirds now rank No. 16 in the country in third-down conversion percentage at .487, which ranks third among teams in the MVFC.

Game time is 2 pm Saturday from Hancock Stadium.