CARBONDALE — Already among the FCS national leaders in sacks entering play Saturday, Illinois State only accelerated its rush to the quarterback in a 21-7 victory over Southern Illinois.

The ISU defense sacked Saluki quarterback Kare Lyles nine times after recording 21 sacks over the first five games.

"We pressure. We can rush with four down (linemen) or three down and get to the quarterback," ISU coach Brock Spack said. "We've really worked hard on that. It's hard to throw on the run, and we had him (Lyles) on the run."

LOADING…

Tackle Jason Lewan, end Romeo McKnight and outside linebacker Tuvone Clark had two sacks each for the Redbirds.