Sept. 4, 2006
PHILADELPHIA -
Despite suffering a one-point defeat, the Illinois State football team proved that it can compete with the likes of the Big 12 Conference for a second straight year, and as a result moved up two positions to No. 7 in The Sports Network's I-AA top-25 Poll, Monday.
The Redbirds jumped ahead of James Madison and Youngstown State to move up two spots. The `Birds recorded 346 yards of total offense against Kansas State on Saturday, while holding the Wildcats to 207 yards of total offense, including only 44 yards rushing. But a late two-point conversion try failed, and ISU was handed a 24-23 loss.
ISU is one of four Gateway Football Conference teams ranked in the top 25, with three, including the `Birds, being ranked in the top 10. Northern Iowa earned 13 first-place votes and moved up to No. 3, while Youngstown State slipped to No. 8, despite having a first-place vote. Southern Illinois maintained its No. 17 ranking.
The Redbirds return to action on Saturday for their home opener. ISU is hosting Central Arkansas and a 6:30 p.m. kick-off is scheduled.
