TERRE
HAUTE, IN (11-16-2002) - The Indiana
State Sycamores saw their opportunity to finish the home portion of the 2002
campaign unbeaten disappear Saturday, as Illinois State used a strong
second-half surge to defeat the Sycamores, 20-12 in the season finale for both
teams.
The Sycamores finish the year with a record of 5-7/3-4 Gateway, while Illinois State will finish at 6-5/4-3 Gateway. Indiana State is fifth in the final standings, while Illinois State finishes tied for third in Gateway action.
As was the case one week ago at Southern Illinois, Indiana State jumped out to a fast start. After a scoreless first quarter, the Sycamores scored in the early moments of the second quarter as running back Soso Dede found running room off the right side of the line and scored from three-yards out. Mike Megyesi's point after try was wide left. The scoring drive covered 66 yards in 14 plays, killing 5:09 off the clock.
After forcing Illinois State into
three-and-out, the Sycamores mounted another lengthy drive, marching 67 yards in
11 plays, culminating in a five-yard scoring toss from Julian Reese to Chris
Lewis. Illinois State snuffed the two-point attempt, making the score 12-0
in favor of the
Sycamores.
The Redbirds got on the board late in the second quarter when Steve Carroll booted a 25 yard field goal, making the halftime score 12-3 in favor of the Sycamores.
The only scoring in the third quarter was by the visitors, as backup quarterback Kevin Zouzounis connected with Vito Golson for a 15-yard scoring strike to pull the Redbirds within two points at 12-10. Indiana State appeared ready to answer with a scoring drive of their own on the ensuing drive, but fate conspired against the Sycamores.
Starting at their own 24-yard line, the Sycamores marched down field. Reese rushed three times for 23 yards, then completed a 15-yard pass to Lewis before gaining another 10 yards to advance to the Illinois State 33. The game then turned on the next play. Reese was sacked for a 15-yard loss, fumbling the ball away, and, after the play was over Indiana State was assessed a 15-yard personal foul. As a result, the Redbirds took possession at Indiana State's 47 yard line. The Redbirds covered the 53 yards in nine plays, with running back Quincy Washington topping the drive with a seven-yard TD run. Carroll's PAT kick gave the Redbirds a 20-12 lead and the Redbird defense would make the score stand.