McLean County Times

The Illinois State Redbirds football team secured a 46-32 victory over Murray State on Saturday night at Roy Stewart Stadium. The Redbirds, ranked No. 9 and now holding a 4-2 record (1-1 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference), established an early lead by scoring 21 points in the first quarter and maintained control throughout the game.

After stopping Murray State’s opening drive, Illinois State advanced 61 yards in nine plays, culminating in a two-yard reverse toss from Tommy Rittenhouse to Daniel Sobkowicz for the first touchdown. The Redbirds followed up with another score after an 85-yard drive, this time on a shovel pass from Rittenhouse to Dylan Lord.

Murray State responded with a field goal late in the first quarter, but Illinois State quickly countered. Wenkers Wright returned the ensuing kickoff 80 yards to set up Victor Dawson’s rushing touchdown. Early in the second quarter, Rittenhouse connected with Seth Glatz for a 52-yard touchdown pass.

Murray State managed two touchdowns before halftime, narrowing Illinois State’s lead to 31-17 at the break after Matt Maldonado’s field goal for ISU as time expired.

In the third quarter, Rittenhouse threw his third and fourth touchdown passes of the night—to Javon Charles and Sobkowicz—while Murray State added two more scores of their own. A late field goal by Maldonado and an interception by Doreon Dubose sealed the win for Illinois State.

Sobkowicz scored his first career rushing touchdown and finished with eight catches for 162 yards, moving him into third place all-time in receiving yards at Illinois State with 2,984. He is now close to surpassing both the 3,000-yard mark and second place on the school’s all-time list. His receiving touchdown also tied him for third on ISU's career receiving touchdowns list.

Rittenhouse completed 21 of 25 passes for a career-high four touchdowns and posted an .840 completion percentage—the second-best single-game effort in school history with at least 20 attempts.

Additional notable performances included Lord’s first career receiving touchdown at ISU; Glatz’s first receiving touchdown as a Redbird; Charles’ first touchdown catch of the season; Dubose’s first career interception; Tye Niekamp leading with eight tackles; and sacks from Reese Edwards and Patrick Bauer.

Illinois State will host Youngstown State next Saturday during Homecoming at Hancock Stadium. The game will also feature recognition of the 2025 ISU Percy Family Hall of Fame Class during halftime.

For more information about tickets or updates on Illinois State athletics, fans can visit GoRedbirds.com or use the Illinois State Redbirds App.