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Indiana State's defense aims for improvement under new coordinator

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 30, 2026, 11:22 PM

Last updated Jul 30, 2026

Football

Summary

Indiana State football's defense struggled last season, allowing an average of 497.8 yards per game, the worst in FCS. New defensive coordinator Steve Morrison is implementing changes and fostering teamwork among players. Coach Curt Mallory emphasized the need for all units to complement each other. The Sycamores, predicted to finish eighth in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, host Southeast Missouri State on August 29, seeking a stronger showing this season. Local players Nic Yatsko, Braxton Sampson, and Alex Rose aim to lead the defense's turnaround efforts.

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By the Numbers

•Indiana State allowed the most yards per game in FCS last season.
•Steve Morrison is the new defensive coordinator this year.
•First game is against Southeast Missouri State on August 29.
•Key players include locals Nic Yatsko, Braxton Sampson, and Alex Rose.
•Team aims to improve overall performance by working cohesively.

Latest Updates

11:22 PMYahoo Sports — Indiana State looks to turn things around on defense

What they're saying

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Last season was a rough one for the Indiana State football team's defense allowing an FCS worst 497.8 yards a game, but a new defensive coordinator and charged up players are ready to change that. ISU coach Curt Mallory said he thinks the defense is really flying around out there. He noted how the defense does everything together from working to celebrating. "I'm really pleased with coach ...
— Yahoo Sports

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