![](https://cdn.socast.io/6616/sites/389/2017/09/02225502/BrockSpackNC630.jpg)
By Greg Halbleib
NORMAL – Illinois State football scored for the first time in the first seconds of the second quarter, but never took their foot off the throttle afterwards for a 45-0 season-opening win on Saturday night at Hancock Stadium.
PODCAST: Listen here to the post-game interviews with coach Brock Spack, defensive end James Graham and quarterback Jake Kolbe.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Redbirds took a 17-0 into the halftime intermission thanks to a 9-yard run by James Robinson, a 20-yard connection from Jake Kolbe to Christian Gibbs and a 40-yard field goal by Sean Slattery.
Kolbe connected with Gibbs for a 16-yard scoring pass midway through the third quarter followed by a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown by Mitchell Brees seconds later. A 16-yard rushing score by Markel Smith put the Redbirds ahead 38-0 after three periods. A spectacular tackle-hurdling run of 26 yards by Jordan Birch accounted for the remaining score.
Kolbe was 18-of-29 for 194 yards and two touchdowns through the air. Smith led the ISU rushing attack with 10 carries for 88 yards and one touchdown.
The Redbirds have a bye week before returning to action on Sept. 16 at Eastern Illinois.
Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].