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Uphoff's kickoff return gives Redbirds spark in loss to SDSU

BROOKINGS, S.D. — Christian Uphoff knew his Illinois State coaches were probably hoping he would down the second-quarter kickoff Saturday at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium.

And ISU coach Brock Spack said with a smile Uphoff "did everything wrong and he scored."

Uphoff took a South Dakota State kickoff 5 yards deep in the end zone, picked his way through several potential tacklers inside the 20 and scooted down the right sideline for a touchdown in ISU's 27-24 overtime loss to the Jackrabbits.

"I probably should have kneed it," said Uphoff of his third career kickoff return with the first two netting a combined 44 yards.