Tommy Rittenhouse propels Illinois State to 40-32 victory over Murray State

Oct 19, 2024, 06:47 pm

MURRAY, Ky. -- — Tommy Rittenhouse had a touchdown pass and two long scoring runs to lead Illinois State to a 40-32 victory over Murray State on Saturday.

Rittenhouse scored on a 40-yard run in the first quarter and Illinois State (5-3, 2-2 Missouri Valley Football Conference) settled for a 6-0 lead after the point-after kick failed.

Ian Wagner kicked a short field goal for the Redbirds early in the second quarter, but Jawaun Northington raced 48 yards for a touchdown three plays later and Murray State (1-6, 0-4) pulled within 9-7.

Rittenhouse connected with Wenkers Wright for a 39-yard gain to the Racers' 1-yard line and Wright ran it in from there to give Illinois State a 16-7 lead. Jayden Johannsen passed to Elijah Downing for a 24-yard touchdown with 52 seconds remaining to get Murray State within two points at halftime.

Rittenhouse passed to Xavier Loyd for a 33-yard gain and then finished off the two-play drive with a 26-yard touchdown run on the Redbirds' first possession of the second half. Backup quarterback Jake Rubley ended an 11-play drive with a 1-yard scoring toss to Daniel Sobkowicz and Illinois State led 30-14 heading to the fourth quarter.

Rittenhouse connected with Sobkowicz for a 13-yard touchdown and a 37-22 lead with 7:08 left to play.

Northington's second touchdown run — a 4-yarder — pulled the Racers within eight with 5:29 remaining but they would get no closer.

Rittenhouse finished with 347 yards on 27-for-38 passing with one interception for the Redbirds. He also carried nine times for 128 yards. Wright totaled 79 yards on 22 rushes. Loyd had five catches for 148 yards, while Sobowicz caught nine for 77.

Johannsen completed 12 of 25 passes for 209 yards and two scores for the Racers. Northington rushed for 104 yards on 17 carries.

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