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Watch now: Illinois State defense stout for three quarters in victory

Illinois State defensive lineman Jacob Powell pursues Western Illinois quarterback Connor Sampson at Hancock Stadium on Saturday.

Illinois State linebacker Shanon Reid (21) closes in on Western Illinois receiver Tony Tate (1) as Tate couldn't corral the pass Saturday at Hancock Stadium.

NORMAL – While Illinois State football coach Brock Spack identified fatigue, Redbird linebacker Brandon Simon had another view.

While the ISU defense surrendered 15 fourth-quarter points to Western Illinois on Saturday at Hancock Stadium, it was the Redbird defenders’ fine work over the initial three periods that proved decisive in a 26-18 Missouri Valley Football Conference victory.