Redbirds sneak past Sycamores, remain unbeaten in MVFC play

Posted on October 31, 2015
David Perkins collected several huge tackles in Illinois State’s comeback win over Indiana State. (goredbirds.com)

By Austin Duncan

NORMAL- The Illinois State Redbirds football team needed 18 second half points to secure a 27-24 comeback victory over Indiana State in a Missouri Valley Football Conference contest at Hancock Stadium.

The Redbirds got off to an early 9-0 lead in the first half. Illinois State’s Dalton Keene caused a safety and quarterback Tre Roberson rushed in a 10 yard score.

From that point on it was a game dominated by the Sycamores. Quarterback Matt Adam connected with Robert Tonyan for three consecutive scores of 18, 10, and 19 yards, making the score 21-9 in favor of Indiana State at the half.

Indiana State added a 38 yard field goal from kicker, Eric Heidorn to extend the Sycamore’s lead to 24-9 with 3:35 to play in the third quarter.

The Redbirds climbed on the back of All-American running back, Marshaun Coprich, who rushed in a 44 yard touchdown to cut the defect to 24-16 with 2:33 to play in the third quarter. Kicker, Sean Slattery hit a 23 yard field goal with 12:12 to play, and made the score 24-19, Indiana State.

The Illinois State defense held tough, giving the offense another shot at the end zone. Runs from Coprich and running back Jamaal Towns set up a 5 yard touchdown run by Tre Roberson. Coprich rushed in the two point conversion to give the Redbirds the 27-24 victory.

Tre Roberson threw for 121, and an interception while rushing 12 times for 61 yards and two scores. Marshaun Coprich led all rushers with 165 yards on 28 attempts and a score. Jamal Towns added 41 yards on three carries.

Indiana State was paced by quarterback Matt Adam who collected 231 yards on 19 completions and three touchdowns. All three of Adam’s touchdowns were thrown to Robert Tonyan who finished with 117 yards on nine completeions.

The Redbirds improve to 7-1 on the season and a 5-0 mark in the MVFC. Illinois State sits alone atop the MVFC standings.

The Redbirds will travel to South Dakota State next week for a 2:00 p.m. kickoff. Redbird Preview will get underway at 1:00 p.m.

Listen to postgame comments from head coach Brock Spack, defensive back DraShane Glass, and quarterback Tre Roberson here.

 

 

Austin Duncan can be reached at [email protected]

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