Redbirds knock off Coyotes in Homecoming game

Posted on October 21, 2017

Illinois State captured a Homecoming upset win over South Dakota at Hancock Stadium. (Photo courtesy goredbirds.com)

By Greg Halbleib

NORMAL – Illinois State led start to finish as the Number 24 Redbirds knocked off Number 4 South Dakota 37-21 in the ISU Homecoming game on Saturday at Hancock Stadium.

The Redbirds (6-1, 3-1 Missouri Valley Football Conference) took a 14-0 lead in the first quarter on touchdown passes of 64 and 5 yards from Jake Kolbe to Spencer Schnell. The Coyotes (5-2, 3-1) countered to tie the game in the second quarter on Chris Streveler touchdown passes of 50 yards to Brett Samson and 2 yards to Aaron Ramsey, but the Redbirds took a 17-14 lead into the locker room after a 47-yard field goal by Sean Slattery.

James Robinson scored the only third period tally with a 14-yard run to put the Redbirds ahead 24-14.

The Coyotes cut the deficit to 24-21 90 seconds into the final period on a Kai Henry 12-yard carry, but the Redbirds put the game out of reach with an 87-yard Robinson run sandwiched between a pair of Slattery field goals.

Kolbe was 12-of-19 through the air for 236 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. Streveler was 39-of-63 for 440 yards with two scores and two picks. Robinson led all rushers with 193 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns.

The Redbirds travel to Youngstown State next Saturday for their next contest. Game time is 1 p.m. Central.

Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].

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