NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State needed a late defensive stand to withstand a comeback from Valparaiso Saturday night, but the Redbirds (1-1) came up with big stops when they needed them to come away with a 28-21 win over the Beacons (0-2) at Hancock Stadium in front of 6,937 fans at the home opener.
How It Happened:
• The Redbirds struck first, as Zack Annexstad connected with running back Nigel White for a 35-yard touchdown pass to make it 7-0 halfway through the first quarter.
• Valparaiso answered with a nine-play scoring drive that was capped off by an eight-yard touchdown pass from Mason Kaplan to Matt Ross to tie the game at 7-7 with just over a minute left in the first quarter.