CARBONDALE, Ill. – With two wins already against in-state FCS foes, No. 18 Illinois State was looking to go 3-0 against teams from the Land of Lincoln on Saturday against No. 19 Southern Illinois in Carbondale, Illinois. Thanks to a strong offensive effort and a bend but don't break defensive performance, the Redbirds (4-2, 1-1 MVFC) pulled away in the second half to pick up a big 45-10 win over the Salukis (2-4, 0-2 MVFC) on Homecoming at Saluki Stadium.
How It Happened:
• The Redbirds took the early lead on their first possession of the contest, as Tommy Rittenhouse was facing second down and 20 to go and ripped off a 36-yard touchdown run to give the Redbirds a 7-0 lead with 9:46 left in the first quarter.