Illinois State fought back from a 21-point deficit, to force overtime for the first time since Nov. 11, 2000. However, a Redbird fumble at the one-yard line in the second extra period forced the Birds into a do-or-die situation, and Indiana State was able to capitalize as place kicker Kyle Hooper knocked down a 36-yard field goal to give the Sycamores a 41-38 victory in front of 2,825 at Memorial Stadium in Terre Haute, Ind.
Indiana State struck first, scoring on the opening possession of the game. Jamie Petrowski scored on a 27-yard pass from Phillip Johnson with 8:37 left to take a 7-0 lead early. The Sycamore scoring drive was 15 plays, 82 yards, 6:23 off the clock. Indiana State stifled the Illinois State offense, allowing the Birds possession of the ball for just 2:33 in the first quarter.
After Illinois State lost the ball near midfield, the Sycamores increased their lead to 14-0 with 6:50 left in the half on a 57-yard pass to Markus Naves. The Redbirds finally got on the board after quarterback Yance Vaughan completed a 17-yard screen pass to set up a one-yard run by Earl Newby with 3:39 left in the half. Stephen Carrolls kick was good to cut the Sycamore lead to 14-7 heading into the locker room.
Illinois State had a chance to cut the lead to four early in the third, but Carrolls 37-yard field goal attempt was blocked due to a low snap with about 11 minutes left in the third quarter. The Sycamores took possession at their own 27-yard line and went the distance, scoring on a six-yard run by Jake Shields to go up 21-7.
Just three minutes later, Indiana State blocked an Illinois State punt and took possession at the Redbird four-yard line. The Sycamores then broke through on a three-yard touchdown run by Sidney Montfort to take a 28-7 lead with 6:22 left in the third. Redbird Demetrus Johnson scored from 16 yards out to cut the lead to 28-14 in the waning seconds of the third quarter.
The Redbirds came out with a flurry of activity in the fourth quarter. Laurent Robinson helped the Redbirds cut the lead to seven on a 14-yard pass from Vaughan with 12:30 left in the fourth quarter. Then Boomer Grigsbys strip and Antwan Olivers recovery of an Indiana State fumble at the Sycamore 39-yard line led to a three-yard game-tying touchdown run by Johnson with 7:59 left in the game.
Newby put Illinois State on top with his second touchdown of the game with 1:59 left on a six-yard run to give the Birds a 35-28 advantage. But Indiana States Sam Logan was left alone down field on the Sycamores next possession and scored on a 58-yard pass with 1:09 left to tie up the game once again and send it to overtime.
In overtime Hoopers 34-yard field goal gave the Sycamores a 38-35 lead, but Carroll forced another period with a 35-yard field goal to tie the game up a third time before the ISU fumble at the one-yard line in the second overtime period.
Freshman Kevett Mickle recorded his first career 100-yard receiving game with 104 yards on six attempts. Johnson led the Redbird rushing attack with 139 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns.
Despite tossing two interceptions, Vaughan racked up 348 yards and one touchdown. Grigsby led the Redbird defense with 21 tackles.
The Redbirds next game is against SMS on Saturday, October 9 at Hancock Stadium.
