NORMAL — After a scoreless first quarter, the Illinois State offense found its footing Saturday at Hancock Stadium.
The Redbird defense, however, was walking tall and running rampant from the beginning in a 45-0 thrashing of Butler before a season-opening crowd of 10,840.
No. 20-ranked ISU held the Bulldogs to a net offensive total of 41 yards, a Hancock Stadium record low for an opponent. Butler produced 41 yards passing and zero rushing yards on 21 attempts.
"Our players and staff have done a good job. We play a lot of players, and we've been able to keep our team fresh," Redbirds coach Brock Spack said.