Illinois State Redbirds @ Western Illinois Leathernecks
Robinson's 3 TDs help Illinois State defeat Western Illinois
MACOMB, Ill. -- James Robinson scored three rushing touchdowns, Jeff Proctor added a fourth on the ground, and Illinois State defeated Western Illinois 28-14 on Saturday.
Illinois State (5-2, 2-1 Missouri Valley), ranked 11th in the STATS FCS Top 25, led 14-0 at halftime on two of Robinson's TDs before Western Illinois broke through with a DeShon Gavin 2-yard scoring run and trailed 14-7 heading to the fourth.
Robinson and Proctor both scored in the final period for a 28-7 lead then Connor Sampson hit George Wahee for 4 yards and a WIU touchdown with 5:57 remaining. WIU had one more possession that ended on downs at the Illinois State 45 with 2:39 to go.
Western Illinois had a significant advantage in total yards (375-279), first downs (24-15) and offensive plays (86-58) but committed five turnovers, losing three fumbles and throwing two interceptions.
The Redbirds scored on three short drives following turnovers and intercepted a pass at their own 1-yard line to thwart a drive by the Leathernecks (0-7, 0-3).
Game Information
Macomb, IL
2025 Standings
| Missouri Valley Football ConferenceMissouri Valley Football Conference | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State | 8-0 | 12-1 |
| South Dakota | 6-2 | 10-5 |
| North Dakota | 5-3 | 8-6 |
| Youngstown State | 5-3 | 8-5 |
| Illinois State | 5-3 | 12-5 |
| South Dakota State | 4-4 | 9-5 |
| Southern Illinois | 4-4 | 7-5 |
| Northern Iowa | 1-7 | 3-9 |
| Murray State | 1-7 | 1-11 |
| Indiana State | 1-7 | 3-9 |
| OVC-Big South AssociationOVC-Big South Association | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Tech | 8-0 | 11-2 |
| UT Martin | 6-2 | 6-6 |
| Gardner-Webb | 5-3 | 7-5 |
| Lindenwood | 5-3 | 6-6 |
| Charleston Southern | 4-4 | 5-7 |
| Southeast Missouri State | 3-5 | 4-8 |
| Western Illinois | 3-5 | 4-8 |
| Eastern Illinois | 2-6 | 3-9 |
| Tennessee State | 0-8 | 2-10 |
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