Redbird football aims to keep momentum at Missouri State

Posted on October 13, 2015

By Greg Halbleib

Illinois State football visits the Missouri State homecoming on Saturday with hopes of a 3-0 start to Missouri Valley Football Conference play.

Redbird coach Brock Spack says the host Bears are still transitioning to the system under first-year head coach Dave Steckel. “They’re learning their systems and playing a lot of young players,” said Spack. “Offensively, they’re a team that can beat us in a lot of ways, and defensively, they’re getting better.”

One of the Bears’ bright spots is kick and punt returner Deion Holliman, who leads the nation in combined kick return yardage (640). “This guy is really fast,” said Spack. “He’s got really good bursts and if he gets to an edge it’s going to be trouble.”

Redbird quarterback Tre Roberson is gradually healing from his hand injury, and Spack says doctors says progress is good. “We just have to manage what he can handle pain-wise and not overdo it,” said Spack. “We just continue to get better as I think our whole team is since we have several guys banged up.”

Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Plaster Field in Springfield, Mo. with Redbird Preview at 1 p.m. on the WJBC Country Financial Illinois State Radio Network.

 

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