Both ESPN/USA Today and The Sports Network released their rankings of the top Division I-AA teams in the country Monday, and Illinois State was among the teams mentioned.
The Redbirds secured the No. 32 spot in both polls after finishing 6-5 in 2001. Illinois State received 84 votes in the ESPN/USA Today poll to break into the rankings.
Head coach Denver Johnson however, has never really put much thought into polls. His biggest concern is the season ahead and getting the team ready for their season opener August 29 against Drake.
Its kind of a stock thing, Johnson said. I really dont have any interest in polls. Im just trying to get our team ready to play.
Illinois State cracked the top 25 last season after a 31-20 victory over Northern Iowa on October 26, 2002.
The Redbirds were one of seven Gateway teams to receive votes. All seven were ranked in the top 50 in both polls. Indiana State was the only team in the Gateway left out of the rankings.
The Birds will face three opponents who were named to the preseason top 25 in both polls. Defending national champion Western Kentucky, Western Illinois and Eastern Illinois will all play the Redbirds this season.
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