Signs such as these are plastered all around the ISU Kauffman Football Building reminding the players of the last three meetings between the Redbirds and North Dakota State. (Bryan Bloodworth/WJBC)

By Bryan Bloodworth

NORMAL – Illinois State football coach Brock Spack believes the three-week layoff between the Redbirds’ last playoff game and Saturday’s FCS national championship game wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“We needed a rest,” said Spack, whose 13-1 team meets three-time defending national champion and Missouri Valley Conference foe North Dakota State in Frisco, Texas at noon Saturday. Coverage with the pregame show begins at 10 a.m. on WJBC 1230 AM on NASH icon 93.7 FM.  

“We gave them about eight days off and they were able to go home for Christmas because that was the only time these guys were going to have any chance to see their families because we play on the 10th and school starts on the 12th.

“And I didn’t think we played particularly well in our last game (a 21-18 victory at New Hampshire in the semifinals). I think we were maybe not physically tired, but we were mentally tired. We played really well in the fourth quarter, which is why we won the game.

“The time off was much needed. I think they did a good job when they were home because they didn’t look too badly out of shape. We got right back up to speed and I’ve been pretty impressed with how they’ve practiced.”

Spack also admitted the Redbirds are a year ahead of schedule by playing the 14-1 Bison, who shared the Valley regular-season championship with the Redbirds,  in this year’s national title contest.

“I thought maybe this might happen next year,” he said. We have some very good seniors leaving the program, but I think the core of the group is coming back. And we have some good young players coming up and some good backup players right now, who will move into a starting role or at least play a little bit more than they have this year.”

The Redbirds have been led offensively by the one-two punch of quarterback Tre Roberson and running back Marshaun Coprich. Roberson has completed 187 of 336 yards and 27 touchdowns with only nine interceptions, while Coprich has rushed for 2,169 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Spack said the play of Roberson, a junior, has allowed the Redbirds’ to expand their playbook offensive playbook.

“We do a lot with what he can do and he’s grown quite a bit throughout the season and he’s only going to get better in the off-season,” said Spack. “He has a pretty high ceiling. He’s really helped our offense because of his footwork. He has very good foot speed and he can get rid of the ball. What’s really impressed me the most is how well he does throw the ball.

“Dual-threat quarterbacks unfairly get labeled as runners first, but this guy can really throw it. He’s got a really good, strong arm and can throw the deep ball very well. He’s an accurate passer, has a quick release and he’s obviously very athletic and can keep himself alive.”

Spack estimated Roberson changes the play at the line of scrimmage “maybe 40 to 50 percent of the time.”

“We package plays with him and he does some nice things that way, but he’s done a really good job of taking what the defense gives him. That’s the biggest thing he’s had to learn.” added Spack. “In a no-huddle system, you just run the play with speed and hope the speed which the play is being run gets the defense playing a little bit on their heels or a little tired.”

Spack hasn’t been totally surprised this year’s success.

“I thought we would be sneaky good,” he continued. “That was my comment early in the season. I thought this team would get a lot better as it went through the season because of the scenario with the quarterback and that’s come to fruition.

“For most of the season we’ve played pretty good defense. I’ve been really impressed with our kids. I won’t say surprised, but I’ve been very pleased. I didn’t think we’d be quite as good in certain games as we have been.

“I knew our (offensive) front was good and we would be able to run the ball. And I knew Marshaun was good, but, boy, he’s had a tremendous year – to rush for over 2,000 yards that probably caught me off guard a little bit. I thought he’d rush for 1,200 maybe, but he’s really played well and gotten better.

“And our special teams have been real good except for one game. We have a lot of players, who would normally start here who aren’t starters, who are playing on all four special teams and they’ve done a great job. I hope that continues. “

Bryan Bloodworth can be reached at [email protected]