NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) - Illinois State overcame a slow start Saturday night in their home football opener against Morehead State.

The Redbirds were 33-point favorites, but found themselves down 6-3 at the end of the first quarter. ISU responded by outscoring them 38-7 over the final three quarters to cruise to their first win of the 2025 season.

Quarterback duties were split between veteran Tommy Rittenhouse and freshman Beckham Pellant. They combined to go 12-22 for 142 yards and hurled three touchdowns. Rittenhouse also ran for a score as well

Victor Dawson was the Redbirds' leading rusher with 88 yards on 10 carries and trailed closely by Wenkers Wright with 86 on 15 rushing attempts.

ISU heads to Charleston next Saturday to face archrival Eastern Illinois in the 113th Mid-America Cla

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