The Redbirds may have history on their side Saturday when they play host to Southern Illinois and try to prevent the Division I-AA top-ranked Salukis from clinching at least a share of their second straight Gateway Conference title.
Illinois State has won its last three games against Southern Illinois in Normal. The Redbirds lead the series 33-30-3. And ISU has beaten a ranked opponent in each of the last seven seasons.
The Salukis, 8-1 and losers only to Northern Illinois, have been beating opponents by an average of 31.2 points per game. But if this one is close, Stephen Carroll could be a factor in an upset. He has hit 48 of 67 field-goal tries in his Redbirds career.
Kevett Mickle, a freshman, has developed into one of Yance Vaughan’s key receivers. Eighteen of Mickle’s 25 catches have produced first downs. Vaughan leads the Gateway with 246.2 passing yards per game.