![Dalton Keene](https://www.wjbc.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/389/2016/10/DaltonKeene630.jpg)
By ISU Sports Information
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Playing against one of the highest-scoring offenses in the league, Illinois State junior defensive tackle Dalton Keene stepped up to help the Redbirds hold the Salukis back and record a much-needed win. For his efforts, Keene was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Week Sunday by the league office.
The Jacksonville, Illinois, native finished with nine tackles and was credited with 1.5 sacks against the vaunted Saluki offense in ISU’s win at Hancock Stadium on Saturday. On one of those sacks, Keene forced a fumble by SIU quarterback Josh Straughan, which the SIU quarterback recovered. He also blocked a field goal in the game, the second time he’s done that in his career, to help the Redbirds keep the Salukis off the scoreboard at the time and give the Redbirds the advantage.
Through seven games this season, Keene ranks fifth on the team with 47 tackles and is second on the squad with 6.5 tackles-for-loss. He’s also been credited with 2.5 sacks and two pass breakups for the Redbirds in 2016.
Keene and the Redbirds (3-4, 1-3 MVFC) return to action Saturday, when they fly to Vermillion, South Dakota, to face the South Dakota Coyotes (3-3, 2-1 MVFC) at the DakotaDome. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m., and the contest will be streamed live on ESPN3 as the Missouri Valley Football Conference Game of the Week.