When Illinois State quarterback Zack Annexstad took the reins of the Illinois State offense prior to the 2022 season beginning, he did so having been out of game action for quite a long time.
With that came the expectation that he would have to knock off some rust in-game during the non-conference season to get ready for Valley Football play. That certainly seems to be what has happened for the Minnesota transfer, who threw just four touchdowns as compared to five interceptions in the first three games of the season. However, he rallied in conference play to complete 63 percent of his passes for nearly 1,100 yards with just two interceptions and seven touchdown passes.
Even though his season was cut short due to injury, Annexstad's play at the end of the year gives the Redbird offensive momentum headed into 2023.
The Redbirds will turn to the senior to lead his team as ISU opens the season hosting Dayton Saturday.
It was certainly a string of ups and downs for the Redbirds in 2022, as a streak of five wins in six contests was followed by a three-game losing streak to even the team's record at 5-5 heading into the season finale against Western Illinois.
However, the Redbirds rallied to send their seniors out on a high note with a victory over their in-state rival Leathernecks. With the win, the Redbirds finished with six wins and a winning record, marking the 11th time in the last 14 seasons under coach Brock Spack the Redbirds have finished with a .500 record or better.
The Illinois State defense ranked No. 10 in the country in total defense (and second in the MVFC) in 2022 and much of that was due to the amount of success the Redbirds had had getting to the quarterback.
ISU ranked No. 5 in the country in team sacks per game at 3.18 per contest. A total of 14 of those came from All-American and Buck Buchanan Award winner Zeke Vandenburgh, who led the FCS in sacks and tackles for loss per game.
The loss of Vandenburgh to graduation will be a big hole to fill for the Redbird defense, however 10 players with significant playing time last year return from on the two-deep along with some talented transfers that will look to keep the Redbird defense one of the best in the country.
Game time is noon Saturday.
