Illinois State Redbirds
Missouri Valley
Following their nice playoff run in 2014, the expectations were extremely high for Illinois State heading into the 2015 campaign. And for the most part they have not disappointed. Following a loss to Iowa to begin the year, the Redbirds reeled off seven wins in a row before falling at South Dakota State. That stretch of wins included some close calls, but there were some quality wins over teams like Northern Iowa, Youngstown State and Indiana State.
2015 Record: 9-2, 7-1
Coach: Brock Spack
Big Wins: 9/19 at Eastern Illinois (34-31), 10/3 Northern Iowa (21-13)
Bad Losses: 9/5 at Iowa (14-31), 11/7 at South Dakota State (20-25)
Strengths:
When Marshaun Coprich is playing well, Illinois State is impossible to stop. The running back tallied 1,720 yards on the ground and 20 touchdowns. Coach Brock Spack is happy to let him grind out games and Coprich can usually do just that. Quarterback Tre Roberson is a threat with his feet as well, but he has an arm too. When the Redbirds do throw, they tend to look deep for Anthony Warrum. Once the opposition starts creeping closer and closer to the box, Roberson will hook up with Warrum for a big play. Roberson has thrown for 15 touchdowns on the year and 13 of them have gone to Warrum and almost all of them are big plays. In the loss to South Dakota State, Coprich had 22 carries for 65 yards, with his longest being just nine yards. If Coprich can be contained like that, Illinois State is beatable.
Weaknesses:
But it also takes an offense that can make big plays to defeat Illinois State. And the Redbirds defense has been susceptible at times this year. Because this team is usually so good at controlling the clock and winning the turnover battle, it often comes down to big plays. Once again looking at the loss to South Dakota State, three of the Jackrabbit’s four touchdowns came on drives that took less than a minute and a half. Illinois State is not going to give up a ton of points, but they must keep the big plays coming from Roberson, Coprich and Warrum; not the opposition.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Marshaun Coprich, RB, 1,720 yards
Passing: Tre Roberson, QB, 1,723 yards
Receiving: Anthony Warrum, WR, 1,031 yards
Tackles: Pat Meehan, LB, 86
Sacks: David Perkins, DE, 5.5
Interceptions: Alec Kocour, S, 3
2015 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 222.6 (17th in nation, 2nd in conference)
Passing Offense: 194.7 (69, 8)
Total Offense: 417.3 (35, 3)
Scoring Offense: 34.2 (20, 2)
Rushing Defense: 160.6 (55, 4)
Pass Defense: 219.7 (66, 7)
Total Defense: 380.3 (61, 6)
Scoring Defense: 21.8 (37, 4)
Turnover Margin: 0.60 (19, 3)
Sacks: 2.10 (54, 3)
Sacks Allowed: 2.10 (64, 6)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
2014 Second Round Defeated Northern Iowa
2014 Quarterfinals Defeated Eastern Washington
2014 Semifinals Defeated New Hampshire
2014 Championship Lost to North Dakota State
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 11/14
