By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – Illinois State’s defense has stonewalled its first two opponents, limiting them to 14 total rushing yards in two Redbird wins.

Coach Brock Spack said he hopes his defense can continue its success this weekend at Missouri State. He said is all starts with the defensive line.

“Any great defense I’ve ever had, have been around or played on or coached with, it all started with the front,” Spack said. “You have to have a physical front that’s athletic and nowadays you have be the long – because of the rules – the way the game is played.

He said he learned back in his days at Purdue that a strong defensive line can make all the difference.

“I was All-Big Ten because I had a great front four and two years after they graduated I wasn’t quite as good,” Spack added. “Amazing how that happens.”

Spack said the Bears showed their offensive potential when they scored 43 points in their opener against Missouri.

“This is the most talented team we have seen so far, particularly at receiver and they have very good backs as well,” Spack said.

Spack credits much of the Redbirds’ defensive success to the pressure his defensive line has created.

WJBC will have the game Saturday at 1 p.m.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].