ISU Tops Northern Iowa 31-16 for First Win

**Illinois State Football Secures First Win, Dominating Northern Iowa 31-16**

**NORMAL, IL –** Illinois State football notched its first victory of the 2023 season on Saturday, September 9, delivering a convincing 31-16 performance against Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) rival Northern Iowa at Hancock Stadium. The Redbirds showcased a balanced attack, highlighted by dual-threat quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse and a strong ground game.

Rittenhouse, a sophomore signal-caller, proved to be the spark the Illinois State offense needed, accounting for two touchdowns. He completed 165 yards through the air, including a touchdown pass to wide receiver Daniel Sobkowicz, and added a crucial 2-yard rushing touchdown as part of his 33 rushing yards on the day.

“Tommy really stepped up today, making smart decisions and extending plays when we needed him to,” said Illinois State head coach Brock Spack following the game. “He’s growing with every snap, and his leadership out there was evident.”

The Redbird rushing attack was equally potent, spearheaded by junior running back Wenkers Olibrice, who gashed the Panthers’ defense for 101 yards on the ground and scored a touchdown. Illinois State’s offensive line created running lanes throughout the afternoon, allowing the Redbirds to control the clock and establish their offensive rhythm.

Illinois State jumped out to an early lead, finding the end zone twice in the first half to take a 14-3 lead into halftime. Rittenhouse’s touchdown run and Olibrice’s powerful burst were key to establishing the Redbirds’ dominance. The second half saw the Redbirds continue to pull away, with Rittenhouse connecting with Sobkowicz for a key touchdown pass that extended their lead in the third quarter.

For Northern Iowa, quarterback Zach Marker displayed flashes of potential, connecting with Sam Schnee for a 15-yard touchdown pass and scoring on a 2-yard rushing touchdown himself. Marker finished with 185 passing yards and 40 rushing yards. However, the Panthers struggled to maintain offensive consistency and overcome a stout Redbird defense that limited their scoring opportunities, particularly in the red zone. The UNI offense committed two critical turnovers that halted promising drives.

“We just couldn’t put a full game together today,” said Northern Iowa head coach Mark Farley. “Illinois State played well, and we made too many mistakes. We have to learn from this and get better.”

With the win, Illinois State improves to a 1-1 record for the season, providing a much-needed confidence boost after their season-opening loss to an FBS opponent. Northern Iowa, meanwhile, remains in search of its first victory, falling to 0-2.

The Redbirds’ defense was also a significant factor, holding Northern Iowa to just 85 rushing yards and coming up with key stops throughout the contest, including an interception in the fourth quarter that sealed the game’s outcome. The home crowd of 10,876 at Hancock Stadium provided an electric atmosphere, cheering on the Redbirds to their first triumph.

Looking ahead, Illinois State will hit the road next Saturday, September 16, to face Eastern Illinois in a non-conference matchup. Northern Iowa will return home to the UNI-Dome to host Indiana State in another MVFC contest, hoping to turn their season around.