The Indiana State University football team fell 14-17 to Illinois State University despite a strong fourth quarter effort Saturday.

Going into the fourth quarter, the Sycamores were down by 11 points (6-17).  With 13:21 remaining in the quarter, the Sycamores began a scoring drive that would take 13 plays and cover 75 yards.  Junior defensive lineman Ben Obaseki rushed for a one-yard touchdown with 6:59 remaining on the clock.  Following the touchdown, the Sycamores made a two-point conversion, bringing them within three.  Senior quarterback Ronnie Fouch found sophomore wide receiver Leonard Riston in the end zone to keep hopes alive for the Sycamores.

The Sycamore special teams forced a fumble on the following kick-off thanks to Demory Lawshe with senior Alex Sewall recovering the ball for the Sycamores.  The fumble gave Indiana State excellent field position as the ball was spotted on the Redbird's 14-yard line.  However, the Sycamores could not capitalize as penalties and incomplete passes forced the team to a field goal.  Freshman place kicker Tanner Fritschle attempted the 41-yard field goal but missed.

The Redbirds began their drive at their 23-yard line, but the Sycamore defense forced a three and out, giving ISU another opportunity with 3:45 remaining in the fourth quarter.  The Sycamores began their drive at their own 45-yard line, but the offense struggled, there were once again miscommunications between quarterback and receivers and costly penalties.  As a result, the team was forced into a fourth and very long situation with 2:12 remaining in the quarter but were unable to score, allowing the Redbirds to hold on for the victory.

The loss dropped the Sycamores' overall record to 5-3, 3-2 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC).  The Redbirds improved their record to the same as the Sycamores.  The teams are currently tied for third place in the conference.

On offense, Fouch threw 10-25 for 175 yards and one touchdown.  Sophomore running back Shakir Bell led the team on the ground with 123 yards on 27 attempts.  

On defense, Calvin Burnett led the Sycamores with 11 tackles (9 solo, 2 assisted).

The Redbirds won the toss but deferred.  The Sycamores received the ball on their four-yard line and drove down the field to the Redbird 30-yard line before, on fourth and nine, the Sycamores turned the ball over on downs.  

Defenses held both teams following the opening drive to three-and-outs until, with 1:34 remaining in the first quarter, the Redbirds got on the scoreboard with a 40-yard field goal.

With 8:57 remaining in the second quarter, the Sycamores got on the scoreboard.  Fouch threw a 77-yard pass to Jones.  The extra point was blocked by an Illinois State defender and returned to mid-field before a fumble was forced and downed by the Sycamores.

The Redbirds would regain the lead heading into the half with a one-yard touchdown run with 1:13 remaining.  At the end of the half, the score stood at 10-6 Redbirds.

Illinois State extended their lead to 17 in the third quarter with a 10-yard touchdown pass and hung on for the victory.

Indiana State will be in action at the Memorial Stadium Nov. 5 when they host North Dakota State.  Kick off is scheduled for 2:05 p.m.