Sept. 10, 2007
ST. LOUIS -
An effective running attack was the difference in the Illinois State football team's 43-17 victory over Murray State last weekend, and junior offensive lineman Joe Niklasch was a big part of that success. For his efforts, Niklasch was named the Gateway Football Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week Monday.
The Hartland, Wis., native paved the way for the Redbird running attack, which picked up 237 yards and scored four touchdowns on the ground. Senior running back Rafael Rice and sophomore running back Parrish Fisher each eclipsed 100 yards with 106 and 103, respectively. They became the first Redbird duo to gain 100 yards in a game since Brian Thompson had 157 and Demetrus Johnson added 129 against Missouri State Oct. 9, 2004. Rice hit triple-digits in rushing for the second-consecutive game and scored two touchdowns.
With only nine pass attempts by the Redbirds during the game, the Murray State defense knew what was coming but still had trouble stopping the ISU rushing attack. Niklasch graded out at 83 percent, while playing all 64 snaps. He also didn't allow a quarterback sack, had zero missed assignments and posted four knockdowns.
Niklasch and the Redbirds travel to Charleston, Ill., to face in-state rival Eastern Illinois in a non-conference matchup at O'Brien Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.
