Local Sports

ISU Battles Top-Ranked South Dakota State

With just two games remaining in the regular season, Illinois State finds itself still with chance at the FCS playoffs but a big roadblock sits in their way in the form of No. 1 ranked South Dakota State on the road this weekend. The Redbirds (5-4, 3-3 MVFC) will need an upset win over the Jackrabbits (9-1, 7-0 MVFC) to keep those playoff hopes alive heading into the final week of the regular season when ISU takes on in-state rival Western Illinois in the finale.

 

The Jackrabbits tied a school record with their ninth consecutive victory to improve to 9-1 overall and 7-0 in league play with their thrilling win at UNI last weekend. With a win, SDSU will receive the MVFC's automatic berth into the FCS playoffs.

 

Hunter Dustman booted a 26-yard field goal with no time left on the clock to lift the top-ranked Jackrabbits to the 31-28 victory over UNI last Saturday night. 

 

Redshirt freshman quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse got his first start behind center for the Redbirds and nearly led them to a victory against Youngstown State. Starting in place of injured starter Zack Annexstad, Rittenhouse finished the game with 103 yards passing on seven completions in extremely windy conditions at Hancock Stadium and also scored the Redbirds' only two touchdowns of the game on the ground. 

 

The Redbirds rank No. 5 in the country in passing yards allowed with 172.8 per game, which also ranks second in the MVFC behind North Dakota State. That group has also aided in ISU ranking No. 14 in the country in total defense, allowing just 311.7 yards per game, and No. 15 in scoring defense at 20 points per game to opponents so far on the season.

 

Game time is 2 pm from Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings, South Dakota.

Townhall Top of the Hour News

Local Weather - Sponsored By:

CLINTON WEATHER

Local News

DeWittDN on Facebook