NORMAL, Ill. (AP) — Erik Smith ran for two touchdowns, including the game winner, to lift Illinois State to a 27-23 victory over in-state rivals Eastern Illinois on Saturday.
The win meant the Redbirds (6-5) took back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2005-06.
Down 20-23 late in the game, the Redbirds drove 61 yards in about seven minutes, capped when Smith made dashed for the winning touchdown with 1:21 left.
The Panthers (2-9) got the ball back at their own 29-yard line, but Illinois State’s Bo Flowers snagged an interception four plays later to secure the win.
