Redbirds Come Up Just Short Against No. 19 Southern Illinois, 19-14

NORMAL, Ill. – A late Illinois State comeback in the fourth quarter came up just short against No. 19 Southern Illinois on Saturday night, as the Redbirds (2-2, 0-1 MVFC) had a shot at the endzone with under two minutes remaining but could not convert and the Salukis (3-2, 2-0 MVFC) came away with the 19-14 victory on Family Weekend at ISU.

How It Happened:
•    After both teams failed to score in the first 15 minutes of play, SIU broke the scoreless tie just seconds into the second quarter when quarterback Nic Baker scored on a sneak from one yard out to make it 6-0 after the extra point attempt was missed.
•    Four minutes later Javon Williams bowled his way in from two yards out to extend the Saluki lead to 13-0.
•    With just over a minute remaining before halftime, the Salukis struck again on a two-yard run by Ro Elliott to extend the lead to widen the margin to 19-0 at the break.
•    Late in the third quarter, running back Rashad Lampkin got the Redbirds on the scoreboard as he hauled in a 6-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Zack Annexstad to trim the SIU lead to 19-7.
•    With 9:52 left in the game, Annexstad connected with Daniel Sobkowicz on a quick slant for a 2-yard touchdown to bring the score within five at 19-14.
•    A late shot at the endzone for the Redbirds was thwarted however, and the Salukis held on for the road win. 

Game Notes:    
•    Senior captain Zeke Vandenburgh led the way for the Redbird defense, tying his career high with 14 tackles to go along with a sack and 3.5 TFLs against the Salukis.
•    Annexstad threw for a season-high 243 yards and threw two touchdowns, while rushing for 32 yards in the contest for the Redbirds … he has now thrown two touchdowns in each of the last three games for ISU.
•    The touchdown reception for Sobkowicz was his second of the season and he now leads the team in that category. 

Next Up:
Illinois State will hit the road next week, as it travels to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to take on Northern Iowa (2-3, 2-1 MVFC) at the UNI Dome, with kickoff set for 4 p.m.

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