Redbird fans disappointed, but proud after FCS title game loss

Posted on January 11, 2015

Fans were standing shoulder-to-shoulder to watch the FCS title game at Pub II in Normal on Saturday. (Photo by Eric Stock/WJBC)

By Eric Stock

NORMAL – Thousands of Redbird fans who couldn't make the trip to Frisco, Texas for the FCS Championship game Saturday gathered at bars, restaurants – anywhere they could to watch the Illinois State football team play for the title.

Those fans left disappointed, but still proud.

Even though the cheering turned to heartache as North Dakota State rallied in a final minute for a stunning 29-27 win over ISU, fans looked at the bright side.

"This is great progress, hold you heads high, ISU grad Matthew Mendez said. That's the number one thing, hold your head high.

ISU senior Steven Ellington said it was tough watching those final few minutes.

"When Roberson ran it in for the touchdown to give them the lead, the place went nuts, but there was a lot of time on the clock, so I was a little nervous," Ellington said. "It was unfortunate."

Rob Lewis, an ISU alum, said the game pulled the Bloomington-Normal community together.

"I think we rallied together and ISU made a name for themselves today," Lewis said. "We'll take it"

Several ISU students said they hope the Redbirds making all the way to the title game will bring more of them to the games next season.

"Even the incoming freshman next year, seeing this game they are going to want to come to football games," senior Pat Moran said. "It's a good time to be a Redbird."

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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