Eastern Illinois linebacker Jason Johnson (8) makes a tackle Saturday night in the Panthers’ 46-0 loss to South Carolina. (Photo by EIUPanthers.com)

Eastern Illinois made more than its share of miscues early Saturday night.

The South Carolina Gamecocks made the Panthers (0-2) pay dearly.

A first-quarter interception, two blocked punts and another punt impacted by a heavy rush led South Carolina, a member of the Southeastern Conference, to 29 first-half points in a 46-0 demolition of Eastern in front of 64,868 fans.

“The bottom line is we beat the Panthers today, in a major way, and South Carolina took advantage and finished the job for us,” EIU head coach Adam Cushing said. “South Carolina made a bunch of big plays.”

Eastern’s miscues allowed South Carolina to a big early lead, while the Gamecocks ran 75 offensive plays to wear down the EIU defense.

“Our offense put them in a bad spot,” Cushing said. “They were on the field a ton.”

Meanwhile, Eastern’s offense – under the direction of first-time start Chris Katrenick, a transfer from Duke – managed only 109 yards of offense and nine first downs. The Panthers, who were without injured freshman QB Otto Kuhns, the season-opening starter, finished 0-for-9 on third downs.

“Otto was not full strength coming out of the (Indiana State) game last week, and he tried to practice but he just wasn’t himself,” Cushing said.

According to the Panther Radio Network, Kuhns was suffering from a shoulder injury, while Tyler Ringwood, the top EIU receiver in last week’s game, did not play against South Carolina because of a foot injury.

Here are three things Prairie State Pigskin learned about EIU’s loss:

Special teams stumbles

A relentless South Carolina punt rush in the first half led to a 20-yard kick by Logen Neidhardt, a block punt and a tipped punt. All three plays eventually turned into South Carolina touchdowns.

“We missed an assignment, to be honest,” Cushing said. “We made a mistake as players, then as coaches we didn’t make the final adjustment.”

The Gamecocks got pressure on Neidhardt multiple times before dialing back their rush.

2. Offensive stumbles

Eastern had only two drives of six or more plays and five drives of three or fewer plays.

Katrenick finished 13-for-22 passing for 78 yards and two interceptions. The average completion was for six yards.

The running game fared even worse as Eastern was held to 1.4 yards per carry against the Gamecocks. Leading rusher Harrison Bey-Buie finished with 12 yards on five carries.

“If we could just sustain a few more drives, our defense could give us a chance to win some football games,” Cushing said.

3. Feeling run down

Behind its big offensive line, South Carolina battered EIU with its run game, piling up 263 yards on the ground and averaging 5.6 yards per carry.

Zaquandre White has 12 carries for 133 yards, including a 63-yard fourth-quarter scoring jaunt.

News and notes

Saturday marked the first time Eastern was shut out since 2019, when Cushing and his team lost a 52-0 decision at Indiana of the Big Ten Conference. … Freshman safety Jordan Vincent led all players with nine tackles in the game.

What’s next?

EIU travels to Dayton of the FCS Pioneer Football League for a noon game Sept. 11. The PFL is a non-scholarship conference.

Once it’s known I’m willing to talk about non-alcoholic beer, I get more offered to me for review. And i am finding some that I can like. Let’s check out Rightside Brewing here.

I know, my titles look like I’m still playing with Microsoft WordArt.

Rightside was started in Atlanta, GA, in 2017 by Emree Woods. According to their PR, she was pregnant with her daughter, and wanted to find a non-alcoholic adult beverage “aside from water and soda.” The result was these two beers, brewed by contract brewer Big Kettle in the Atlanta suburb of Lawrenceville.

Rightside Citrus Wheat

Based on a wheat beer, with an expected note, of banana and tangerine. 49 calories per 12 oz. can.

I got a bit of a gusher when I popped the can. Kind of unexpected for an NA beer, since that’s usually a function of extra yeast. Perhaps I got it slightly shaken beforehand. So the pour has a big frothy head. The head does stick around, while most NA beers just fizz away immediately. Some citrus and a little malt on the nose. In tasting, I still get a metallic tang that sometimes comes up with light or NA beers. But a further taste brings up a bit of hop note, and some wheat malt notes. Lemon notes comes in as well. Settles in a little better than many NA beers.

Rightside American IPA

Some sources list this as “India Pale Ale,” others as “American Pale Ale.” The description suggests the West Coast IPA style: “…a moderate hop aroma with a tropical fruit-filled fusion of pineapple, orange, citrus and slight malt.”

There’s more of a head in the glass, like the Citrus Wheat, but it dwindles away much more quickly. A coppery American pale ale color. The foam has left a bit of a scrum along the top. The smell has malts toasted to match the color. And I do catch some American hop notes.

The watery mouthfeel of a non-alcoholic beer is a bit more pronounced than in the other one, perhaps because it does not have the citrus in the blend to help fill in. But there is a nice hoppy note. I catch the usual suspects of Citra hop and some more Pacific Northwest types, giving a slightly resiny and stone fruit hop note. Again, you will know that you are drinking a non-alcoholic beer. This one comes up a little gassy if you drink it too fast, but there is enough hop in it that you can call this a pale ale.

So, after trying several different non-alcohol beers, I’m finding a pattern: one would think a hoppy NA would be closest to the taste of a real beer, but it’s actually harder to keep the malt character that backs up to the bitterness. But a little fruit in a more balanced hops to malt ratio makes it quite. palatable.

“Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses.” The legendary NBA player Kobe Bryant’s words still inspire student athletes since he passed. This August, we continued cautious back to school rituals with workbooks, new haircuts and supplies. Just as toilet paper sold out a year-and-a-half ago, grocers and stores now run low on school lunch drinks and uniform supplies. We reinforce and practice good choices in line with public health recommendations and precautions.

2021 Our Lady Mount Carmel Academy

Although we may fumble, we strive to do our best. We channel calm among competing priorities. Our boys also learn to take peaceful action in school. “Anger that is motivated by compassion or a desire to correct social injustice, and does not seek to harm the other person, is a good anger that is worth having” – Dalai Lama.

Youngest son on Cape Cod Whale watch

Kindness and compassion are also cornerstones to succeed in the classroom and support each other. We learn to get along with different work styles. We strive to give others space they need. We also embrace what brings others joy. My boys share their Dad’s love of the Green Bay Packers. We visited their Lambeau Field stadium in June.

We celebrated my sister-in-law and brother-in-law’s 50th summer birthday bash in Wisconsin. That evening, our boys also cheered on the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA championship series. My husband reunited on stage with his buddies in the band to sing, “Mrs. Robinson” to his sister. When the band broke, our boys led the crowd cheers as the Bucks won.

Happy birthday, Aunt Gina!

The boys also played at the beach in Michigan with my parents, brother, sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew. My husband and Dad kayaked with us. Fast forward to another tradition, my parents toasted the summer sunset in Massachusetts.

Boys attend my parents’ [and ours] parish school

My sister and I walked the beach with our children.

Blue moon sunset

Our oldest persuaded me to swim the cold North Atlantic Ocean with him. My parents joined. It felt glorious to swim in at least six feet of open salt water under a blue moon. The four life guards watched us from where the water broke.

Active rest

The week before school started, we flew out of Boston a day early and step ahead of the storm. My sister advocated and secured our family pass upon 6:00 a.m. arrival.

2021 School Year

We prepare and plan to minimize stress and chaos. We keep checklists to organize and monitor homework with calendared school and work events. Our boys’ school choir also instills discipline and firm boundaries for children to thrive. To our delight, our boys will resume choir soon after the CDC mandated pandemic hiatus. Best wishes for a safe, sane, and healthy school year! XOXO

Illinois State quarterback Bryce Jefferson (5) ran for two touchdowns and threw for two as the Redbirds won their season opener Saturday. (Photo by GoRedbirds.com)

In a span of less than 7 minutes Saturday night, Illinois State turned its season-opening football game from a struggle to a stroll.

The Redbirds (1-0) scored on a 44-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Bryce Jefferson to senior wide receiver Austin Nagel with 1 minute, 16 seconds left in the first half. The TD allowed ISU to take a two-score lead and ignited a run of 35 unanswered points in the 49-7 victory at Hancock Stadium in Normal.

“We decided to come out there and take what the defense gave us,” Jefferson told WJBC radio after the game. “Coming off the spring season, it gave me a lot of confidence. My line did a great job. I could sit back there all day. It’s hard not to be confident when you have time like that.”

Jefferson threw two touchdowns and ran for two scores.

Five different ISU running backs piled up 294 rushing yards against non-scholarship Butler, which was picked to finish last in the preseason Pioneer Football League coaches’ poll. Redshirt freshman Cole Mueller led the team with a career-high 111 yards and two touchdowns, including an 80-yard scoring run late in the third quarter.

“We executed pretty well,” ISU head coach Brock Spack said. “We ran the ball well. We played a lot of backs and they all played well. We blocked up front real well.”

The win gave Spack his 86th career victory, tying him for the most in school history with Edwin Struck.

“It’s a statement for our players and all the guys who have come through here, being able to sustain success,” he said. “It’s been awesome. I’ve had a lot of support from all the administrators I’ve worked for.”

Here are three things Prairie State Pigskin learned about the Redbird rout:

Offensive explosion

Seven different receivers caught at least one pass for the Redbirds as Jefferson completed 8 of 17 passes for 193 yards.

“We want to spread the football out,” Jefferson said. “It’s hard for a defense to plan and scout for a bunch of guys.”

Spack credited Jefferson for his performance, despite several missed connections. “I thought Bryce was very accurate,” Spack said. “We dropped three or four passes that should have been caught. One of them was a touchdown.”

From the 1:16 mark of the second quarter to the 9:23 mark of the third quarter, the Redbirds reeled off 21 points to put the game away.

2. Price is right

Butler proved pesky in the first half, putting up 121 first-half yards through the air as quarterback Bret Bushka completed 7 of 8 passes in one stretch.

After halftime, the ISU defense allowed only 47 passing yards.

Key to that effort was redshirt freshman cornerback Braden Price, who had two interceptions in his first career start despite being successfully targeted by the Butler pass game in the first half.

“They were throwing the slant (route) on him,” Spack said. “It was a technique issue. It had nothing to do with his ability. We got that cleaned up at halftime and he played much better.”

3. Big play day

Illinois State had 16 plays of 10 or more yards in the game, including Meuller’s 80-yard scoring run and Jefferson’s 44-yard TD pass.

Five of the team’s touchdowns came on plays longer than 10 yards. Butler, meanwhile, had only two runs of 10 or more yards.

News and notes

Price tied for the team lead with seven total tackles with redshirt freshman linebacker Jacob Bellizzii of Des Plaines and sophomore linebacker Kenton Wilhoit. Price also had the game’s only sack. … ISU listed 31 players in its final stats with at least one tackle in the game. … Butler’s biggest statistical victory was in time of possession. The Bulldogs had the ball for 38 of the game’s 60 minutes.

What’s next?

ISU travels to Kalamazoo, Mich., for a 4 p.m. game Saturday, Sept. 11 against Western Michigan. The FBS Broncos are a member of the Mid-American Conference.  

I collected what few noticed of establishments I could find that have special Labor Day hours. I have also noticed that a few of events I “saved” have been cancelled. And because they’re removed from my Facebook saves, I can’t find out which ones they were. As always, call ahead for any events you plan to visit!

Labor Day, September 6

11:00 am – 6:00 pm • 18th Street Hours
18th Street Brewery, 5417 Oakley Ave., Hammond, IN (219) 803-0820 Map
& 5725 Miller Ave. ,Gary, IN 219-939-8802 Map
Open Monday for Labor Day, 11am-6pm.

12:00 – 8:00 pm • Khaos Labor Day Hours
Khaos Brewcade & Kitchen, 12337 S. Rt. 59, Plainfield, IL (815) 782-6640 Map
Khaos Brewcade & Kitchen will be open from 12 – 8 PM on Labor Day! Bring the whole family for some good food, drinks and games right here in Plainfield.

2:00 – 10:00 pm • Labor Day Block Party
Ørkenoy, 1757 N. Kimball Ave., Chicago (312) 929-4024 Map
We’re jazzed to be hosting this amazing event with our friends Welcome 2 The Jungle & Chicago Hospitality Accountable Actions Database to celebrate the resilience and creativity of the hospitality industry. Free entry, and there will be 20+ vendors, 3 DJs, 5 food vendors and a plant demonstration on repotting w/ a short Q&A.
BONUS: If you bring menstrual hygiene products for Chicago Period Project, you’ll get a free plant cutting from Your.Plant Daddy . 
15% of proceeds will be going to CHAAD, which documents accountability standards for the hospitality industry and offers resources that educate, reduce harm, and promote a collective effort to dismantle oppressive power structures that exist in food and beverage environments.

Tuesday, September 7

No events for today.
But please check back, we update continuously.

Wednesday, September 8

3:00 – 9:00 pm • Wing Wednesday!
Wildrose Brewing Co., 1104 E. Main St., Griffith, IN (219) 595-5054 Map
Wing Wednesday! Smoked then flash fried jumbo chicken wings tossed in our house spicy garlic, Jamaican Jerk or savory / sweet dry rub. Get ’em before they are gone!!!

5:00 – 8:00 pm • The Bruery Chicago Relaunch
The Beer Cellar, 488 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 630-315-5060 Map
We are Sticky with Boysenberry and Frucht excitement to hold a Twist of a brewery relaunch into the market with our friends from The Bruery Bruery Terreux and Offshoot Beer and Heartland Beverage We will have 8 beers on draft, and 2 can pours available, as well as some rare bottle and can samples being opened during the evening, and bonus, you’ll get to meet Matt from the brewery! So come in, Relax, Repeat, and Escape with just a hint of Mischief! We’re just sorry that we couldn’t do it on a Tuesday!

6:00 – 8:00 pm • Paint Partry at Hopvine
Hopvine Brewing Co., 4030 Fox Valley Center Dr., Aurora, IL (630) 229-6030 Map
Join us for another fun night w our friends from Studio ONE Painting Parties. Bring your family and friends for a night of great food, beer, wine, etc as you show off your inner Picasso. (You’ll be surprised what you can do w a few insider tips from Mary!) Call 630-677-0375 or register here to reserve your spot now. $35.

Thursday, September 9

4:00 pm • Kick the Keg, Call to Action
Arrowhead Ales Brewing Co., 2101 Calistoga Dr., New Lenox, IL (815) 717-6068 Map
We are hosting a draft sales event that will benefit NAWS Animal Shelter in Mokena, Illinois.
All proceeds from the draft sales of Survivor Tails Bavarian style Wheat Ale after 4pm on will go directly to NAWS. from 
$2 from every burger of the week and 4-pack sold on-site will be donated to NAWS.
Aarrowhead Ales will also be accepting donations for NAWS animal shelter during the week of 9/7-9/12 (monetary donations, litter, dog & cat food, dish soap, kitten food, paper towels, etc.).

4:00 – 9:30 pm • Thursday Night Tacos!
Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584 Map
You’ve been asking when Tacos are coming back to Side Lot.
Taco Thursdays kick off on June 3rd and will continue every Thursday night.
Make your reservations!

4:00 – 7:00 pm • Riverwalk Yappy Hour At The Northman
The Northman Beer & Cider Garden, 233 E. Riverwalk, Chicago  Map
Bring your pups down to the Northman Beer and Cider Garden every 2nd and 4th Thursday, to our outdoor dog-friendly space on the Riverwalk from 4-7PM.
Rotating drink specials, giveaways, sponsors and promotions. It’s our sixth Yappy Hour with Real Dog Moms of Chicago! Co-hosted by Stem Ciders. 25% of all Stem Cider sales will be donated to One Tail At A Time Pet Mutual Aid. 
This month our friends at Temperance Beer Co. are partnering with us. 25% of all Temperance sales will be donated to Hinsdale Humane Society. Our buddies from Urban Paws will be here with treats and giveaways for your pups!
PS The Northman is Dog-friendly all of the time.

5:00 pm • More Brewing Tap Takeover Tour
Kuma’s Corner Schaumburg, 1570 E. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL (847) 240-1200 Map
More Brewing Co. will be here on September 9th! We’re pouring 5 of their incredibly delicious beers including 1 extra special beer!
Come hang out and drink some great beer with us!
Beers on tap:
Oktoberfest – German style lager
Dusty – pale ale
Pillow Talkin’ – DIPA
Lemon Meringue Double Marbles – DIPA
Henna: Coconut Double Rainbow – imperial stout

5:30 – 7:30 pm • Music Bingo at Noon Whistle Brewing Naperville
Noon Whistle Brewing, 1748 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL 331-431-4882 Map
Join Baig of Tricks Entertainment on Thursday for a fun night of Music Bingo at the brand new Noon Whistle Brewing in Naperville!
Enjoy some delicious brews and great music with a chance to win prizes at the same time.
Please respect and follow all COVID-19 restrictions set in place by the venue so everyone has a great, and safe, time.
Feel free to call the venue ahead of time for details and any questions.

6:00 – 8:00 pm • Beers With Queers
Dry City Brew Works, 120B N. Main St., Wheaton, IL (630) 456-4787 Map
Welcome to Beers With Queers. We heard you and we know there needs to be more safe places for LGBTQ+ folxs to feel welcome and accepted. We have partnered with Dry City Brew Works to bring you an open and welcome space every Other Thursday. Every other Thursday join Us here at OUTspoken Leaders, Dry City, and other LGBTQ+ folx as we hang out and connect with the community together. Please note this is a 21+ event every other Thursday however if you are and LGBTQ+ youth or young adult looking for support in your life please know we offer a weekly support and discussion group called OUTspoken Online and we also offer a sober space specifically for the LGBTQ+ on Saturday mornings called Coffee Chat!
OUTspoken Leaders is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving, empowering, and amplifying the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. We offer social and service programs that promote self-acceptance, intentional compassion, and unconditional leadership!

6:00 – 8:00 pm • Beer and Grazing Workshop at Sew Hop’d Brewery
Sew Hop’d Brewery & Taproom, One Union Special Plaza, Ste. 113, Huntley, IL (815) 701-8819 Map
Fork it Grazing‘s workshops are back, and we’re taking the next one off site and bringing it to Sew Hop’d Brewery! We’ll teach you everything to know about Grazing, pair our meats and cheeses with Sew Hop’d beer, and have a blast doing it! You can snack on it while you’re there or we can wrap it up for you to enjoy later. Grab your crew and head on over!
Ticket price of $85 includes supplies needed to build your board, Sew Hop’d 4 pack (variety) and a full two hour instruction.

6:00 pm • Trivia at Great Central
Great Central Brewing Co., 221 N. Wood St., Chicago (855) 464-4222 Map
TRIVIA’S BACK!
Love to test your knowledge while sharing some laughs with friends, and 24 beers on tap?!
Maybe you just want to try something different than your typical Thursday night?
Our Trivia night is for you!
Thursdays @6pm

6:00 – 9:00 pm • Xtreme Music Bingo
Black & Gray Brewing Co., 311 Barrington Ave., East Dundee, IL (224) 484-8200 Map
An exciting combination of music trivia and the classic game of BINGO!
No boring numbers here, just one hit song after another as players listen, sing along and “Play BINGO to the Music”
It’s free to play and prizes will be given out to the winners!

6:00 – 9:00 pm • Heirloom Farm Dinner
Heritage Prairie Farm, 2N308 Brundige Rd., Elburn, IL 630-443-5989 Map
The Heirloom Farm Dinner at Heritage Prairie Farm is a classic meal full of delicious heirloom vegetables. From the pepper to the tomato, guests are sure to enjoy a variety of unique dishes as we prepare for the fall harvest. Join us for a timeless dinner and beautiful evening on the farm. View the Menu. 
Open parking is available on site and an attendant is on duty to direct you. After checking-in, guests are greeted with a complimentary welcome beer from our brewery partner, Solemn Oath Brewery.
Butler-passed appetizers are served during cocktail hour during which there will be live entertainment.
At 6:30, meet in front of the white barn for a guided farm tour!
The Ticket Price of $90 per person includes Beer. However, a Cash bar is available on-site for additional beer, wine, and cocktails.
Then, after Cocktail Hour, guests sit for the Heirloom Farm Dinner at 7PM. Dinner is assigned seating at long family-style tables and courses are served in a family-style service.
The menu this year includes dishes such as Lamb Kefta Flatbread, Fennel & Olive Chicken, String Beans & Beef Tenderloin, and a Maple Whiskey Pudding Cake.
NEW for 2021: POSTERS Add an 11×17 poster to your order and pick it up at sign-in!
Please note that the Heirloom Farm Dinner is for adults 21 and over. This is NOT open to interpretation.
If you would like a vegetarian alternative for this farm dinner, please specify the amount during the registration section of your order. Our kitchen is not an allergy-free facility. Menus are subject to change.

6:00 – 8:00 pm • Lakefront Trivia & Tacos!
Harbor Brewing Co. Lakefront Craft Biergarten, 701 North Point Dr., Winthrop Harbor, IL  Map
Lakefront Trivia Night at The Biergarten!! Tacos served from 5pm til Sellout!

6:30 – 10:00 pm • “Train with Brain” Running Club
Blue Island Beer Co., 13357 Olde Western Ave., Blue Island, IL (708) 954-8085 Map
Our good friend Brian Fee is training for the Chicago Marathon, and you can join him every Thursday til October! He’s raising money for Mercy Home for Boys and Girls and you can donate at this link.
Each week you can plan on running at the most 4 miles and your first beer is on Blue Island Beer Co.!

6:30 – 8:30 pm • Chicago Brew Cruise
Chicago Fireboat Tours  Map
Chicago Fireboat Tours and Phase Three Brewing Co. are partnering up to offer one of the most unique experiences in Chicago, every Thursday evening all summer-long!!
Phase Three Brewing Company will be bringing just days-old fresh, new releases directly from their Chicagoland brewery every week to serve aboard Chicago Fireboat Tours’ 1933 retired Chicago Fireboat, the Fred A. Busse.
Boarding begins at 6:00p.m and the boat departs at 6:30pm for a 2-hour sunset cruise. The Brew Cruise will start on the lake, float through the locks and right into the heart of downtown Chicago via the Chicago River, enjoying world-class views, an amazing sunset, and great music; all paired with fresh, innovative craft beers and hard seltzers.
Tickets are $45 per person at www.fireboattours.com, and include your 1st Phase Three brew once onboard. 

7:30 – 9:00 pm • Team Trivia
Sidecar Supper Club & Beer Garden, 12 N. River St., Batavia, IL (630) 406-9200 Map
Join us for Team Trivia every Thursday! Go 4 It Entertainment features 12 rounds of general trivia with musical hints and toss up questions to win your team free ‘tasty prizes’.
1st place – $30 gift certificate, 2nd place – $20 gift certificate, 3rd place – $10 gift certificate
Hosted by Chevy Mallhi

7:30 pm • Side Lot Trivia
Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584 Map
Are you the smartest one in the Taproom? The only way to find out is to join Side Lot Brewery on Thursday nights at 7:30pm for Taproom Trivia.
7 Rounds with varying categories. Free to Play, Prizes to Win!

Southern Illinois QB Nic Baker was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Week Sunday. (Photo by SIUSalukis.com)

Despite a convincing 26-point victory to start the season against regional rival Southeast Missouri, the Southern Illinois football team took a slight step backward Monday in the STATS Perform FCS Top 25 poll.

The Salukis fell one spot to No. 8 and were leapfrogged by new No. 4 Montana and No. 7 Eastern Washington.

Montana pulled off a 13-7 win in Seattle against Pac-12 Conference member Washington Saturday, while Eastern Washington scored a 35-33 double-overtime victory against UNLV, a member of the FBS Mountain West Conference.

SIU quarterback Nic Baker, who was making his fourth career start, was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Week Sunday night.

The Rochester High School graduate threw for a school-record 460 yards and four touchdowns in a 47-21 win against SEMO. He completed 25 of 34 passes to improve to 4-0 as a starter in his career for the Salukis (1-0).

Defending champion Sam Houston ranks No. 1 in this week’s poll, and is followed by South Dakota State, James Madison, Montana, North Dakota State, Delaware and Eastern Washington.

After SIU at No. 8, the top 10 includes North Dakota at No. 9 and Weber State, which fell from sixth, at No. 10.

SIU travels to Kansas State, a member of the FBS’ Big 12 Conference for a 6 p.m. game Sept. 11.

Outside the FCS Top 25, Illinois State (1-0) is the 11th team listed in others receiving votes. The Redbirds earned 10 points in the poll and is among 14 teams listed on two or more ballots.

Illinois State also faces an FBS opponent Sept. 11 with a trip to Western Michigan of the Mid-American Conference. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.

Western Illinois (0-1) travels to No. 4 Montana for a 7 p.m. kickoff Sept. 11.