Illinois State tries for its seventh straight victory in its series against Indiana State. If the Redbirds win, they will tie the series 27-27-2.
Illinois State better find a way to block Sycamores linebacker Doc Gooden. The East St. Louis, Ill., native was named Gateway Conference defensive player of the week for making 11 tackles and for forcing and recovering a fumble in last week’s 41-24 victory over Tennessee-Martin.
Laurent Robinson has six touchdown receptions in his first 15 games as a Redbird, three of them in three games this season.
Illinois State’s defense has been rough on opponents’ passers, registering 12 sacks in three games. All-America linebacker Boomer Grigsby had three of the sacks. Lineman Brent Hawkins had two.
Quarterback Yance Vaughan, who completed only seven passes in his first three seasons at ISU, is averaging 270.3 passing yards per game as a fifth-year senior.
– Next: Sat. at Indiana State, 1 p.m.