Redbirds Capture Share of MVFC Title With 46-0 Win over Coyotes

NORMAL, Ill. – With both teams battling the extreme snowy and windy weather conditions, it was Illinois State (9-2, 7-1 MVFC) who came out on top over South Dakota (5-6, 3-5 MVFC) by a score of 46-0 on a blistery, cold Saturday afternoon on Senior Day at Hancock Stadium.

Two of the honored seniors, running back Marshaun Coprich and quarterback Tre Roberson, led the Redbirds to at least a share of the MVFC championship for the second-straight season with a win that dashed the playoff hopes of the Coyotes.  Coprich led the ground-and-pound rushing attack with 251 yards rushing and a career-best four touchdowns on 30 carries, while Roberson tallied two total scores, one through the air and another on the ground with a career-long 80-yard touchdown, as the senior finished with 121 yards rushing on 11 attempts. 

On defense, it was a trio of seniors who led the way for a unit that gave up just 155 yards of total offense to South Dakota. Defensive lineman Teddy Corwin racked up nine total tackles, while linebackers Pat Meehan and Alex Donnelly each tallied seven total stops, with Donnelly chipping in a sack and a pair of tackles-for-loss.

It took a while for the action to heat up, as the first quarter saw several drives stall out due to the poor field conditions. However, the Redbirds got on the board on a 33-yard field goal from Sean Slattery with just under three minutes remaining in the quarter to take a 3-0 lead. Coprich then got his first score of the game, taking a 12-yard carry off right tackle to pay dirt, as the 'Birds took a 9-0 lead.

ISU finished the half strong with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Roberson to Christian Gibbs, followed by an explosive 45-yard run by Coprich in which the senior shed a pair of would-be tacklers while keeping his balance during a sprint up the left sideline. The two scores gave ISU a commanding 23-0 lead going into the locker room. 

With the wind and snow subsiding substantially out of the break, the Redbirds picked up right where they left off in the second half. On the opening kick, James Graham forced a fumble which was recovered by Brent Spack to set them up in great field position at the USD 25-yard line. Four plays later, Coprich punched in his second 12-yard score of the game for a 30-0 lead. The Redbird rushing attack wasn't done, though, as Roberson broke free for a career-long 80-yard rushing touchdown up the right sideline to give his team a 36-0 lead with under five minutes left in the third quarter.

Coprich then broke loose for a 74-yard touchdown run for his final score to start the fourth quarter, and Slattery nailed a 29-yard field goal to round out the scoring. 

Before the game, Illinois State honored its senior class of Nate Bond, Josh Burch, Cam Cooper, Marshaun Coprich, Teddy Corwin, Alex Donnelly, Soniel Estime, Joe Farmer, Pat Meehan, John Nicholson, David Perkins, Adam Pittser and Tre Roberson. The 13 seniors have been a part of 36 wins, two FCS Playoff appearances and two MVFC Championships in their time at the University. 

The Redbirds will now wait until Sunday morning to find out their seed and matchup for the FCS playoffs. The FCS Playoffs Selection Show airs Sunday morning at 10 a.m. on ESPNU.

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