Illinois State Redbirds
Missouri Valley Football Conference
Head Coach: Brock Spack
Overall Record: 10-5 (reached FCS playoff quarterfinals)
Conference Record: 5-3
Biggest Regular Season Win: Then-No. 11 Illinois State took advantage of four turnovers by No. 4 South Dakota State and knocked off the Jackrabbits 27-18 in Brookings.
Biggest Playoff Win: Senior James Robinson followed up his 297-yard rushing performance in the first round against Southeast Missouri with a 210-yard effort as the Redbirds cruised past No. 8-seed Central Arkansas 24-14 for a second straight postseason road victory.
Most Frustrating Loss: Ranked No. 6 nationally entering the regular season finale, Illinois State struggled on offense with starting quarterback Brady Davis sidelined with an injury and fell 21-3 at Youngstown State. The loss most likely cost the Redbirds a national seed and first-round playoff bye.
Returning strengths for 2020: The Redbirds return experienced starters in virtually every position group. ISU’s return to the playoffs after a two-year hiatus also gives next year’s team valuable experience on which to build.
Emerging Stars: LB Dylan Draka & RB Jeff Proctor
Giving Thanks: Cornerbacks Devin Taylor and Charles Woods are terrific compliments to one another in the ISU seconday. The duo combined for nine interceptions and 32 pass breakups during the 2019 season.
New Year’s Wish List: The momentum built from 2019 carries over to another deep playoff run for the Redbirds.
Biggest Shoes to Fill: RB James Robinson & S Luther Kirk
Next Up: Barry Bottino explores Five Burning Questions that face ISU football for 2020.
Filed under: Uncategorized
Tags: Illinois State University, ISU Redbirds, Missouri Valley Football Conference
