Redbirds Grind Out 12-10 Homecoming Win Over The Coyotes

NORMAL, Ill. – It was a defensive battle Saturday afternoon between Illinois State and South Dakota, as the Redbirds (4-2, 2-1 MVFC) came up with big defensive stops when it counted to defeat the Coyotes (1-5, 0-3 MVFC) by a final of 12-10 on Homecoming.

How It Happened:
•    Redshirt freshman placekicker Ian Wagner put the first points of the day on the scoreboard for the Redbirds, as he connected on a 37-yard field goal with 5:37 left in the first quarter to make it 3-0 in favor of ISU.
•    Just over five minutes into the second quarter, the Coyotes took a 7-3 lead on a 5-yard touchdown run by Shomari Lawrence. 
•    As time expired just before halftime, Wagner connected on his second field goal of the day this one a career-long 45-yarder to cut the USD lead to 7-6 at the break.
•    With 6:17 left in the third quarter, the Coyotes extended their lead to 10-6 on a 40-yard field goal by Eddie Ogamba.
•    On the ensuing possession for the Redbirds, a 41-yard completion from quarterback Zack Annexstad to Jerome Buckner to the USD 3-yard line set up a 1-yard touchdown pass from Annexstad to tight end Tanner Taula that gave the Redbirds a 12-10 lead with 3:28 left in the quarter.
•    Neither team was able to amass much offense in the fourth quarter, and a pair of defensive stops for the Redbirds and a crucial first down run by Annexstad iced the victory for ISU.

Game Notes:    
•    With the victory, Illinois State improved to 8-2 all-time against the Coyotes and 10-3 under the leadership of head coach Brock Spack in Homecoming contests.
•    Wagner's 45-yard field goal set a career-best, topping his previous high of 41 set last week at UNI.
•    The touchdown reception for Taula was his first of the season and third of his career.
•    Punter Jack Takerian averaged 40.4 yards per punt, with a season-long boot of 56 yards and two punts downed inside the 20-yard line.
•    Deandre Lamont led the Redbird defense with nine tackles and a forced fumble, and Kenton Wilhoit finished with seven stops and a TFL to lead the way for the 'Birds.
•    Jude Okolo returned to the Redbird lineup and recorded a career-high 1.5 TFLs, including a huge stop on the final drive of the game for the Coyotes.

Next Up:
Illinois State will hit the road next Saturday, October 22, when it travels to Terre Haute, Indiana, for a matchup against the Indiana State Sycamores (1-5, 0-3 MVFC). Kickoff is set for Noon CT at Memorial Stadium.

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