“Overtime” and “field goal” have become obscene terms in Normal. The Redbirds have a good passer, Luke Drone, a fine runner, Brian Thompson, an excellent receiver, Laurent Robinson and a standout defense, led by linebacker Cameron Siskowic. Still, they lost 20-17 at Youngstown State two weeks ago on two late field goals. And Saturday, they lost 37-34 to Western Kentucky when Chris James kicked a field goal to tie the game on the last play in regulation and another one to win it in overtime. This weekend ISU plays at Southern Illinois. In 1995, the Redbirds lost successive games by three points to SIU and Western Illinois but rallied to win three of their last four games. ISU’s defense, which could impede SIU’s bid for a three-peat Gateway title, is led by Siskowic and end Brent Hawkins, who made 13 and 11 tackles, respectively, against Western Kentucky.
