The Lindenwood football team (2-2, 0-1 BS/OVC) fell by a score of 48-17 to Illinois State (3-1, 0-1 MVFC) on Saturday afternoon in Normal, Ill.

GAME OVERVIEW
The Redbirds found the endzone first, going up by six but John Anthony blocked the extra point just before the midway point of the first quarter. Illinois state put together another scoring drive shortly after to extend their lead to 13-0 late in the opening quarter. After another three and out from the Lindenwood offense, Illinois state was driving once again. The defense made a play, however as Mann McGruder forced a fumble, which was recovered by Jayden Patrick. To begin the next drive, Robert Giaimo got going on the ground to give Lindenwood some momentum heading into the second quarter.

A 12-play 67-yard drive would end with Giamo finding the end zone from three yards out to cut the deficit to 13-7 early in the frame. Illinois State responded with a touchdown of its own, making the score 20-7 midway through the second quarter. Lindenwood's offense would have an answer as well, as Cole Dugger found Jeff Caldwell for a 73-yard touchdown strike, making the margin six once again. The defenses started to settle in, trading stops until halftime. Lindenwood trailed 20-14 at the break.

Illinois State started the second half with a touchdown drive, going up 27-14 early in the third quarter. On Lindenwood's first possession of the frame, the Lions had to settle for three from a 21-yard field goal from Logan Seibert. Illinois State would find the end zone again on the ensuing drive, taking a 34-17 lead near the end of the quarter.

Lindenwood opened the fourth quarter with a solid drive, but it ended with a turnover. Illinois state went down the field and extended its lead to 41-17 with just under 10 minutes to go in the game. The Redbirds would add a late touchdown and earn the victory on Saturday afternoon.

GAME LEADERS
Caldwell (5 catches, 138 yards, 1 TD)
Giaimo (95 rushing yards, 17 receiving yards, 1 TD)
Ethan Stuhlsatz (12 tackles)

QUOTABLE
"Again, this is a game we're gonna go back and watch film and see it's the little things that we missed or didn't take advantage of that contributed to a loss like this", said head coach Jed Stugart.   "The question is how we respond to it.  This isn't a schedule we get to look ahead and think it's going to get easier.  Adversity can produce growth if we learn from it."


UP NEXT
Lindenwood will return home next week to take on Austin Peavy on Saturday, September 30. Kickoff from Hunter Stadium is set for 1:00 pm.