Hancock Stadium | Illinois State University Athletics
Hancock Stadium | Illinois State University Athletics
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State secured a 23-16 victory over Youngstown State at Hancock Stadium on Military Appreciation Day. The Redbirds, ranked No. 19, improved their record to 6-3 overall and 3-2 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), while the Penguins fell to 3-7 overall and 2-4 in the conference.
The game began with Youngstown State taking an early lead due to a safety when Illinois State quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse was sacked in the end zone. However, Illinois State responded with a series of scores. Ian Wagner's 33-yard field goal gave them a narrow lead, followed by a touchdown pass from Rittenhouse to Wenkers Wright. Rittenhouse also scored on an 11-yard run early in the second half.
Youngstown State attempted a comeback with Tyshon King's one-yard touchdown run and Beau Brungard's pass to Max Tomczak for another score, but it wasn't enough as Illinois State maintained control until the end.
Notable performances included linebacker Amir Abdullah's return from injury with six tackles and Tye Niekamp's team-leading 11 tackles and an interception. Rittenhouse completed 15-of-19 passes for two touchdowns and rushed for another score. Wenkers Wright achieved his fourth game of over 100 rushing yards this season.
Illinois State will next face UNI Panthers in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
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