What to know as Illinois State, Eastern Illinois renew Mid-America Classic rivalry

NORMAL — Last Saturday was a long afternoon for the Illinois State football team's defense.

Western Illinois ran a whopping 94 plays from scrimmage, picked up 31 first downs and had possession of the ball for 38:33 of the nonconference game's 60 minutes.

Fortunately for the Redbirds, their offense was on point while scoring plenty of points in a 51-34 victory at Hancock Stadium.

ISU head coach Brock Spack and defensive coordinator Travis Niekamp realize a similar defensive performance in Saturday's 6 p.m. Mid-America Classic rivalry game against Eastern Illinois at Hancock Stadium could easily result in a defeat.

"The defense did not have a great game," Spack said. "We stopped them when we had to, but we weren't very good last week. There are a lot of things we're working hard on with our players. We didn't tackle very well in that game, and that's the essence of playing defensive football."

Niekamp summed up the defense's woes by pointing to "missed opportunities. We're leaving plays on the field, and we're not good enough to leave plays on the field against anybody."

The 15th-ranked Redbirds have surrendered 645 passing yards the past two weeks in wins over North Alabama and Western.

"There's some mental stuff that goes back on us," said Niekamp. "We've got to do a better job coaching and the players have to do a better job executing."

ISU is looking at redshirt freshman Paul Omodia as a nickel back. That would allow veteran Keondre Jackson to stay at safety for most of the game instead of alternating between both positions.

"As a boundary safety, he's been very good," Spack said of Jackson. "When he has both on his plate he's not as good. We want him to play fast. Taking that off his plate will probably help us."

Trophy game

The Redbirds are 2-1 overall and Eastern 1-2 entering the Mid-America Classic game. The Panthers regained possession of the rivalry's trophy last fall in Charleston with a 14-13 win. ISU holds a 59-43-9 edge in a series that dates back to 1901.

Eastern will bring the trophy to Hancock Stadium on Saturday. Keeping that trophy in Normal provides the Redbirds with plenty of motivation.

"Of course it does," ISU defensive lineman Jake Anderson said. "Seeing them rush over to our stands and taking that trophy, we have that visual pretty locked into our mind so we're ready."

The Redbirds had won the last five games over Eastern before 2023.

"Our guys are really smart and they understand that's not a lot of fun when you lose a trophy game like that," said Spack. "Not having a trophy that's been here for a while, it's been empty in that trophy case. It's important."

Eye on Eastern

The Panthers are 1-2 with lopsided losses to Big Ten Conference teams Illinois and Northwestern and a 27-20 victory over Indiana State.

Eastern signal-caller Pierce Holley has completed 52 of 95 passes for 582 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions.

"Their quarterback is excellent. He has a very strong arm and makes all the throws," Spack said. "He scrambles to throw. I'm impressed with their front, and they have a really good back (MJ Flowers)."

Spack believes Eastern has the second best defense the Redbirds have seen thus far behind only Iowa.

"They are a high effort group," said the ISU coach. "Their ends are a handful, and they have good athletes in the secondary."

Abdullah improving

ISU All-America linebacker Amir Abdullah, who suffered a lower body injury in the season opener at Iowa, said earlier this week his range of motion has improved.

"He's getting better. He's got a few weeks left (to recover) maybe two," Spack said. "After North Dakota State (Sept. 28) it would be pretty palatable to say he would be ready to play but we'll see."

That would put a projected Abdullah return on Oct. 5 for a road game against Southern Illinois.

Zambrano, Lord done for season

ISU has lost offensive tackle Hunter Zambrano and walk-on freshman receiver Dylan Lord to season-ending injuries.

A preseason All-American, Zambrano tried to play with a torn labrum in his hip.

"We were hoping we could manage it, but we were not able to do that," said Spack. "He's decided he's going to get this thing fixed. He's in a lot of pain. We need to get him fixed and on the mend so he can play year."

Lord earned playing time in his first year on campus and had 10 catches for 86 yards over three games before his lower leg injury last Saturday.

"He was playing very well," Spack said. "We'll get him back hopefully in the spring."

With Lord out and slot receiver Eddie Kasper still recovering from mononucleosis, Jalen Carr will shift from wide receiver into the slot. Tommy Donovan is another option in the slot.

Kasper returned to practice this week on a non contact basis.

On the 10th anniversary of ISU's trip to the FCS national championship game, members of the 2014 team will be honored at halftime.

"That arguably is the greatest team in our school's history and they deserve that recognition," said Spack, who also coached that team. "It's good to have them back. They set a high standard to follow and we've been chasing it ever since."

Team members spoke to the current Redbirds after the team walk through on Friday.

Futch Player of Week

ISU punter Hayden Futch was picked Missouri Valley Football Conference Special Teams Player of the Week after averaging 54 yards on four punts against Western.

Futch is at 44.5 yards for 18 punts on the season.