McLean County Times

Illinois State University achieved a decisive victory over Southern Illinois University, defeating the Salukis 45-10 in Carbondale. The Redbirds improved their record to 4-2 overall and 1-1 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), while Southern Illinois fell to 2-4 overall and 0-2 in the MVFC.

The game began with Illinois State's Tommy Rittenhouse scoring a 36-yard touchdown run, giving the Redbirds an early lead. Southern Illinois responded with a touchdown from quarterback Hunter Simmons, leveling the score at 7-7 in the second quarter. However, Illinois State regained control with a series of successful plays. Rittenhouse connected with Daniel Sobkowicz for a 38-yard touchdown pass, followed by Ian Wagner's career-long 47-yard field goal, ending the first half at 17-7.

In the second half, freshman Matt Lawson scored on a 29-yard run, extending Illinois State's lead to 24-7. The Salukis managed to add three points with a field goal by Paul Geelen but could not close the gap further. A strategic play involving Sobkowicz throwing a backward pass led to another Redbird touchdown by Xavier Loyd.

Further touchdowns from Jake Rubley and Seth Glatz sealed the game for Illinois State at 45-10. This victory marked their first win against Southern Illinois since 2019.

Rittenhouse contributed significantly with his rushing and passing efforts, while Sobkowicz added both receiving and passing touchdowns. Defensive highlights included interceptions by Mark Cannon and Tye Niekamp, who also recorded impressive tackle statistics alongside Lavoise-Deontae McCoy.

Illinois State will host Missouri State next Saturday at Hancock Stadium.