Illinois State Redbirds
Missouri Valley
Illinois State got off to a nice 7-0 start during the 2014 campaign. As it turned out, the schedule was pretty easy during that stretch, but the Redbirds did knock off quality teams like South Dakota State and Indiana State. It was not until November when Illinois State traveled to Northern Iowa when they suffered their first loss. In the FCS playoffs, this team will have to prove that they can beat good teams if they want to stick around for more than one game. Beating Youngstown State 35-21 is the best win this team has despite playing in the tough MVFC.
2014 Record: 10-1, 7-1
Coach: Brock Spack
Big Wins: 10/4 South Dakota State (45-10), 11/8 Youngstown State (35-21)
Bad Losses: 11/1 at Northern Iowa (28-42)
Strengths:
This is a pretty balanced team on both sides of the ball. The offense has a nice new dynamic to it thanks to the addition of Indiana transfer Tre Roberson. Roberson has a decent arm and can put up some decent passing numbers. His ability to scramble and make things happen with his feet can spark this offense though. Most of the time Coach Brock Spack will want and try to work through running back Marshuan Coprich. The junior back has rushed for 1,683 yards and 21 touchdowns on the year. When Coprich can move the chains, the Redbirds do not have to rely on Roberson and that is a good thing. Roberson is prone to throwing interceptions at times and turnovers will be absolutely huge for Illinois State during the playoffs.
Weaknesses:
The defense will have to do their part in the turnover department, especially if they need to level the playing field after Roberson throws a pick or two. With players like Teddy Corwin, David Perkins, Collin Keoshian and Bradon Prate getting into the backfield, the opportunity will be there to create turnovers. That is when Oshay Dunmore and Alex Donnelly will have to make the most of those opportunities. Overall, this is a solid defense in both the ground and air game, but their toughest tests are yet to come.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Marshaun Coprich, RB, 1,683 yards
Passing: Tre Roberson, QB, 2,198 yards
Receiving: Cameron Meredith, WR, 792 yards
Tackles: Pat Meehan, LB, 88
Sacks: Collin Keoshian, DL, 7.0
Interceptions: Alex Donnelly, LB, 2; DraShane Glass, DB, 2; Teddy Corwin, DL, 2; Oshay Dunmore, LB, 2
2014 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 237.0 (13th in nation, 1st in conference)
Passing Offense: 199.3 (77, 7)
Total Offense: 436.3 (28, 1)
Scoring Offense: 38.2 (13, 1)
Rushing Defense: 120.4 (20, 3)
Pass Defense: 194.3 (34, 3)
Total Defense: 314.7 (18, 3)
Scoring Defense: 17.9 (11, 2)
Turnover Margin: 0.10 (54, 5)
Sacks: 3.20 (6, 2)
Sacks Allowed: 1.90 (51, 6)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
2012 Second Round Defeated Appalachian State
2012 Quarterfinals Lost to Eastern Washington
2006 First Round Defeated Eastern Illinois
2006 Quarterfinals Lost to Youngstown State
1999 First Round Defeated Colgate
1999 Quarterfinals Defeated Hofstra
1999 Semifinals Lost to Georgia Southern
1998 First Round Lost to Northwestern State
*all team stats through 11/15
