Statistically in the first half, ISU had our Necks by the proverbial "jock!" Add to that a couple of very "dumb" penalties and this game had all the makings of another ISU butt kicking of our men in purple. I really didn't think everyone came out of the locker room with a lot of energy either but boy did they prove me wrong. We won the second half because our offensive and defensive lines kicked ass while we cut down the "shoot me in the foot" penalties. ISU just seemed to lose all their 1st half confidence. Why they tried a fake punt at that point of the ball game is beyond me, but I am not getting paid the big bucks. There were some pretty loud ISU fans infant of us celebrating every first down in the first half. And then, on of the players fathers started yelling, "another Leatherneck".....and a ton of us answered "first down!" They got really quiet as the tidal wave turned and left with about 7 minutes to go with the rest of the Redbird faithful.
I would agree that the east side was about 66-70% full, although, both ISU and Neck fans were pushed into the westside stands along with the band. There were people sitting in the north end zone but it was not the sell out it was billed to be or if it was, then they were not counting "butts" in the seats. You know it rained all the way down from the west suburbs and we left at 8:15. Great crowd at the alumni tent, good food and bloody Mary's to boot. By the time we got to Normal, the rain had stopped although I think it may have drizzled a bit off and on during the game, but nothing substantial and it was minimal at best.
I don't have any idea what Coach Fisher said to them at halftime. I think I would have allowed Taylor and Mcguire to talk first, and then I would think Coach had some thoughtful words like, stay under control, and go kick their ass. The Necks delivered some big hits the second half. Actually knocked a player unconscious on the kickoff recovered fumble that pretty much put the game away. With 9:56 to go, not 9:59 to go, I thought ISU had a chance but we slammed the door on them with 3 straight plays either for a loss or no gain. The clock really raced by as it got with 5 minutes to the end. Even though the McShane romp got called back because of a holding call, it still took time off the clock which proved to be our ally and the Birds enemy at the end. The Leathernecks just demolished the Redbirds the second half. Enough said!
jc
Scott Lawson - Board Admin
