Vidette Sports desk Homecoming predictions – Vidette Online
Following a blowout victory over Missouri State, No. 3 Redbirds return home for a top-25 showdown with No. 20 Western Illinois for first place in the Valley; the Vidette Sports desk makes its predictions.
PREDICTIONS
It was starting to look a bit shaky for the Redbirds, who were not looking like the elite team their top-5 ranking had them pegged at early in the season.
But the No. 3 ’Birds have been on a roll, knocking off back-to-back top-10 opponents to start the conference season. They look completely locked in right now, and if they continue playing their game, no one else in the Valley can take them out.
The Leathernecks pose a dangerous threat, coming in as a sleeper pick to finish high in the conference with 17 returning starters. They will be looking to take sole place in the Valley, but expect ISU to bury WIU in front of an electrified, pumped-up crowd for Homecoming.
Illinois State 35
Western Illinois 17
Zack Carpenter Sports Editor
Josh Tolentino Sports Editor
ISU’s consistent offense will be too much for the Leathernecks. It will be an interesting conference matchup, but Coprich will have a big game at home in front of a big crowd. 38-17, ISU.Jason Klaer Senior Staff
Marshaun Coprich has been shining on the field with consecutive 100-yard games. Tre Roberson’s passing connection with Anthony Warrum will be a big factor, too. However, this game will be a tight one with Western Illinois’ offense coming in pretty hot, and they will give the Redbird defense a good fight.ISU 35, WIU 31.
Jake Klassen Social Media Analyst
Western Illinois is sneaky good. Tailback Nikko Watson and wide out Lance Lenoir will have to be held in check by ISU’s defense. The Redbird defense will be up for the challenge. It will be closely contested early on, but Tre Roberson and the Redbird offense will be too much for the Leathernecks. The ’Birds won’t falter in front of a homecoming crowd. 35-14, ISU.Joe Rodewald Sports Reporter
‘Birds win 38-27. The Leathernecks are a tough team with a lot of road experience against good teams, but the powerhouse Redbird offense will be too much for them to handle in the end. A quick start to keep the homecoming crowd into the game will be important. Roll Birds.Ryan Kelly Sports Reporter
Western has a chip on its shoulder to come out and best ISU at its homecoming. Coprich will have a big game in front of another big crowd. ISU wins 27-21.
Ryan Kennett Sports Reporter
This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service – if this is your content and you’re reading it on someone else’s site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php#publishers.
