Illinois State U.: ISU football bounces back in final home game.

(From University Wire)

Byline: Scott Kupiec

The ISU football team made a statement this weekend, bouncing back from their first conference loss of the season to improve to 7-2 (4-1 GFC).

In the last regular-season home game of the 2006 campaign, the Redbirds defeated Missouri State (1-9, 0-6 GFC) by a final of 38-14.

It's only fitting that on senior day three Redbirds, that were a part of the pre-game festivities, would lead the team to its fifth straight triumph over the Bears. Running back Pierre Rembert ran for 112 yards and three touchdowns, linebacker Cameron Siskowic forced a fumble and defensive back James Temple grabbed an interception to pace the eighth-ranked team in the country.

"It was a bounce-back effort," ISU Head Coach Denver Johnson said following the game. "We're coming off of a very disappointing loss last week. We talked about just regrouping, falling back and just going back to the basics and playing football and having fun. Some of the pressure was off, the winning streak was gone. It was good to see them bounce back." After receiving the opening kickoff, the Redbirds drove 78 yards in seven plays on their first possession to take the lead early.

Rembert capped off the drive with a 9-yard touchdown run, leading the way early with 28 yards on four carries during the opening series.