Redbirds take down Western, sit alone atop MVFC

Posted on October 24, 2015

David Perkins collected a few huge sacks as the Redbirds took down Western Illinois 48-28 at Hancock Stadium. (goredbirds.com)

By Austin Duncan

NORMAL-The Illinois State Redbirds used a hot second half to take down Missouri Valley Football Conference rival Western Illinois 48-28 in front of a sellout crowd at Hancock Stadium.

The Redbirds got off to a hot start as its defense forced a punt on WIU’s first possession. ISU senior quarterback Tre Roberson took the second play of their first drive to the house, scoring on a 65 yard touchdown run.

Western Illinois answered back with a score of their own as quarterback Trenton Norvell connected with receiver Lance Lenior for a five yard touchdown pass.

It was a back and forth first half as the two teams went into the locker room tied at 21.

The Leathernecks came out on a mission to start the second half, collecting their first lead of the game, on a 10 yard run by Devon Moore to give WIU a 28-21 lead at the 8:25 mark of the third quarter. That was the first time the Redbirds had trailed at Hancock Stadium this season.

The Redbirds would go on a tear after that as Tre Roberson connected with Anthony Warrum on a 65 yard touchdown pass. ISU’s defense held tough yet again, forcing a WIU punt. Marshaun Coprich ran in a 19 yard score to give the Redbirds the lead for good with 4:47 to play in the third quarter.

ISU scored twice more on a Anthony Warrum fumble recovery in the end zone, and an 83 yard run by All –American Marshaun Coprich.

ISU was paced by Tre Roberson’s 211 yards and two touchdowns in the air, while rushing for 89 yards and two touchdowns. Marshaun Coprich rushed for 206 yards and two touchdowns. Anthony Warrum collected 170 yards on four receptions and three total touchdowns, including the fumble recovery in the end zone.

The Redbirds are now in sole possession of first place in the MVFC. Their record improves to 6-1 on the season and 4-0 in the conference. ISU now holds the record for longest active home winning streak in the Football Championship Subdivision with 16 straight victories.

Illinois State returns to action next Saturday as the host the battle of ISUs. Indiana State travels to Hancock Stadium to take on the Redbirds for a noon kickoff.

Listen to ISU post game interviews with Brock Spack, Marshaun Coprich, and Teddy Corwin here.

Austin Duncan can be reached at [email protected]

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