Illinois State defeats Western Illinois 41-10 in 108th series meeting
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 3:45 AM
Last updated Sep 6, 2026
Illinois State moved to 2-0 on the season with a 41-10 victory over Western Illinois on Saturday in Macomb. The Redbirds established control early, scoring on each of their first four drives to hold a 27-3 lead by halftime. Victor Dawson powered the offense with two rushing touchdowns, while quarterbacks Beckham Pellant and Gage Roy combined for two passing scores to Alex Herrera and Stevan Gavric. The win gives Illinois State a 53-52-3 edge in the series against the Fighting Leathernecks, which dates back to 1904. Western Illinois struggled to gain offensive momentum, with Cason Carswell and Kennedy McGill splitting time at quarterback. Illinois State continues its schedule next Saturday against Northern Illinois, while Western Illinois faces Wisconsin.
- •Illinois State moves to 2-0 after a 41-10 road win.
- •Victor Dawson recorded two rushing touchdowns for the Redbirds.
- •The Redbirds now lead the historic series 53-52-3.
- •Illinois State travels to play Northern Illinois next Saturday.
- •Western Illinois plays at Wisconsin in its next game.
- 3:45 AMYahoo Sports — Dawson scores 2 rushing TDs to lead Illinois State past Western Illinois 41-10
"Victor Dawson scored twice on the ground, Alex Herrera and Stevan Gavric each caught touchdowns and Illinois State took down Western Illinois 41-10 on Saturday. Meeting for the 108th time, the Redbirds (2-0) took a 53-52-3 advantage over the Fighting Leathernecks (1-1) in a series that's been played since 1904. Illinois State, ranked fourth in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25, saw Beckham Pellant and Gage Roy split time at quarterback.
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