McLean County Times

The Illinois State football team secured a significant victory against Murray State, leading to two players receiving weekly honors from the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse was named the MVFC Offensive Player of the Week, while wide receiver Xavier Loyd was recognized as the MVFC Newcomer of the Week.

Rittenhouse delivered an outstanding performance, achieving 475 yards of total offense and contributing three touchdowns in the team's 40-32 win. The Geneva, Illinois native completed 27-of-38 passes for a career-high 347 yards and added another career-best with 128 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He initiated scoring with a 40-yard touchdown run and later threw a decisive 13-yard touchdown pass to Daniel Sobkowicz after returning from an injury check.

On the season, Rittenhouse has completed 64 percent of his passes for 1,420 yards and eight touchdowns, alongside rushing for 375 yards and six scores.

Xavier Loyd also had an impressive game against Murray State. The Blue Springs, Missouri native averaged nearly 30 yards per catch with five receptions totaling a career-high of 148 yards. His notable catches included a 42-yarder from Rittenhouse and a key play set up by Jake Rubley that led to a Redbird touchdown. Loyd currently leads Illinois State with 622 receiving yards this season.

Following their victory over Murray State, the Redbirds will have a bye week before facing Youngstown State at Hancock Stadium on November 2nd.