MACOMB, Ill. – Quarterback Jake Kolbe threw a career-high four touchdowns and led Illinois State (5-5, 3-4 MVFC) to its second-consecutive victory over a ranked opponent, when the Redbirds dispatched No. 11 Western Illinois (6-3, 3-3 MVFC), 31-26, to keep their playoff hopes alive Saturday afternoon in front of 3,589 fans at Hanson Field.
The Redbird passing game came alive, with Kolbe having a remarkable day going 18-for-28 in passing for 265 yards and accounting for all four of ISU's touchdowns. Kolbe's strong passing effort helped him become just the seventh Redbird to surpass 2,000 passing yards in a season.