Behind a balanced running attack, the Illinois State football team wasted little time taking control of its home opener, beating Saint Xavier 44-14 Thursday night in front of 7,573 spectators at Hancock Stadium.
The Redbirds moved to 1-0 on the season, and 3-2 in season openers during the Denver Johnson era.
Demetrus Johnson (17 carries, 161 yards, 3 touchdowns) got the Redbirds rolling on their first play from scrimmage, scampering 70 yards through the Cougar defense for a touchdown and an early 7-0 lead. Johnson finished the first quarter with 108 rushing yards.
After Yance Vaughan (13-20, 225 yards, 2 TDs) put Illinois State up 14-0, Antwan Oliver stalled the ensuing Saint Xavier drive with his second career interception as a Redbird, which resulted in a touchback.
The Birds took a 20-0 lead when Vaughan threw his first career touchdown pass on a fade route to Laurnt Robinson (4 catches, 105 yards, 2 TDs) from 17 yards out. Stephen Carrolls streak of consecutive PATs made ended at 86 when he missed the extra point. It was the first miss by Carroll since October 13, 2001, and only the second miss of his career.
With a 34-0 lead at halftime, Illinois State began the second half with Boomer Grigsby recovering a Saint Xavier fumble, which led to a 21-yard field goal by Carroll.
Vaughan connected with a wide-open Robinson for a 74-yard touchdown catch and a 44-0 lead.
Tom Raczkas six-yard scoring pass to Jim Doherty with 7:47 left in the game ended the shutout.
Game Notes:
Demetrus Johnsons opening drive 70-yard touchdown run was the first since Willie Watts 77-yard scamper against Northern Iowa on October 26, 2001.
With Stephen Carrolls first two extra point kicks, he set a new Illinois State record of consecutive PATs made with 86. Paul Politi set the original mark with 85.
Demetrus Johnson rushed for over 100 yards Thursday, the 29th time that has happened in the Denver Johnson era.
Laurnt Robinson was the first Redbird to catch a 70-yard pass since Dwayne Smith against Illinois last season.
