With a pair of wins over nationally ranked teams in as many weeks, the Illinois State football team was recognized for its efforts by breaking into both The Sports Network and ESPN/USA Today polls, Monday.
The Redbirds (5-3 overall and 3-1 in the Gateway Football Conference) will enter Saturdays game at Western Kentucky as the No. 25 team in both polls.
Head coach Denver Johnson was modest about the announcement, but pleased that his players efforts received the national attention.
Personally, I dont pay attention to that stuff, but I think our kids do, Johnson said about the polls. Weve got a playoff at the end of the year, so thats all that really matters. However, it does give a little affirmation and recognition to how hard our kids have worked and for that, Im appreciative.
Its the first time since September 8, 2001, that the Redbirds have been ranked. Illinois State was No. 21 in the country, before its 32-17 loss at Murray State.
