The Redbirds, 20-17 losers at Youngstown last weekend, need a strong game from Cameron Siskowic and his fellow defenders against Western Kentucky’s explosive offense in Saturday’s homecoming game in Normal.
Siskowic has made 62 tackles in five games, one less than All-American Boomer Grigsby had after five games last year. Grigsby, currently with the Kansas City Chiefs, owns the NCAA record for career tackles.
Quarterback Justin Haddix, halfback Lerron Moore and receiver Maurice Perkins are expected to draw special attention from the Redbirds.
Haddix was named Gateway Conference offensive player of the week for completing 15 of 22 passes for 228 yards and three touchdowns while scoring a fourth touchdown himself in Saturday’s 38-28 victory at Indiana State.
Moore rushed for 138 yards, and Perkins scored on a 73-yard bomb from Haddix on the game’s first play.
No. 3 Western Kentucky (3-1, 1-0), ranked in Division I-AA’s top 25 for 40 straight weeks, holds a 9-2 edge in the series against Illinois State (3-2, 0-1).
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