Spring Break
Redbirds look to 'chill' Jackrabbits on the road
Scott Gleeson, Daily Vidette Sports Editor
Issue date: 11/7/08 Section: Sports
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The Redbirds will face the Jackrabbits in the first meeting between the two schools. With possible flurries predicted for Saturday, football coach Denver Johnson feels the Redbirds' opponent might be a little more acclimated to the lower temperatures.
"It is something new for us," Johnson said. "We are excited and anxious to visit South Dakota State. We've never played up there."
Illinois State (3-5 overall, 2-3 MVFC) is coming off a three game homestretch where they went 1-3, while South Dakota State (5-4 overall, 4-1 MVFC) enters the game on a two-game win streak.
The 'Birds are looking for their first back-to-back victories this season. Johnson wants to ride the momentum from ISU's 54-44 win over Youngstown State last week.
"Coming off a win, that lightens everything up," he said. "Everybody's attitude and demeanor is just a little lighter and more upbeat today with some spring back in our steps."
Although ISU has hit some bumps in the road, a winning record is still a possibility.
"It will be a heck of a challenge for us," Johnson said. "You're never really beat until you give up. That's what we've been talking about all the time, don't let go of the rope."
"Right now, we are sitting here with three wins and with three games to go, we can still get to six. If we can manage to do that, it would be a great turn of events for us."
The players also feel the hurdle of finishing 6-5 is still an attainable goal.
"We always want to end the season above .500. Unfortunately this season, we got off to a bad start and the only way to pretty much make up for it is to end with a 6-5 season," junior cornerback Chris Garrett said.
"We want to go out with a winning record," senior tailback Walter Mendenhall said. "I think we've got things clicking. I don't think too many teams can beat us with the way we played Saturday."
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