AT 
Date/Time: Saturday, March 20 at 11 AM
Location: Hancock Stadium, Normal, IL
Weather Forecast at Kickoff (as of 3/20) - 42° and clear, ~7 mph wind, 0% chance of precipitation
WIU Radio: Mixlr
TV/Video Stream: ESPN+ and Marquee Sports Network
Live Stats: http://stats.statbroadcast.com/statmonitr/?id=346517
Game Notes: - Western Illinois, Illinois State
This weekend we head across the state to take on the Redbirds. This is the closest thing to a rivalry we have, having played ISU 102 times starting back in 1904, including all but 1 year since 1923 (didn't play them in 1973). We have the overall lead in the series, 51-48-3, although the last 10 meetings have been decidedly in ISU's favor, with us only winning one of those games (2017).
Illinois State this season is 0-3 after a 27-20 loss to South Dakota, 20-10 loss at Northern Iowa, and 21-13 loss at North Dakota State. So, in general, they're dropping close games against pretty decent teams.
Their QB is Bryce Jefferson, who is throwing for 157.7 ypg with 2 TDs and 5 INTs on 86 pass attempts (85.27 efficiency). Jefferson also has run for 44.3 ypg so far. Top receiving targets are TE Tanner Taula (32.7 ypg, 1 TD) and WR Austin Nagel (62.7 ypg). On the ground, RB Pha'leak Brown leads the team with 54.3 ypg. On the defensive side of the ball, LB Kenton Wilhoit leads the team with 19 total tackles, 1 interception, and 4 qb hurries. DL John Ridgeway has 18 with 3 for loss (1 sack). Four other guys are tied with 16 tackles, LB Brandon Simon, DB Charles Woods, DB Jarrell Jackson, and LB Shanon Reid. Woods has also had 2 interceptions and 5 pass breakups.
Overall, ISU's strength is their defense, especially against the pass, which is the strength of our team, so it'll be interesting to see how that matchup goes.
Current Predictions
Massey Ratings gives us about a 20% chance of winning, with a predicted score of 27-17 for the Redbirds.
Sagarin Rankings lists us at #204 out of all DI teams, with ISU at #138. ISU is given ~82% chance of winning.
Scott Lawson - Board Admin