TERRE HAUTE —
Indiana State’s football season is at the halfway point and one of the themes that has taken hold is the development of redshirt freshmen on the defensive side of the ball.
As ISU prepares to play Missouri State today in its annual Homecoming game, it knows it can count on several redshirt freshmen to keep the Bears at bay.
Redshirt freshman Mark Sewall is a familiar name in the secondary — he is the brother of former Sycamore Alex Sewall — but a few more Sycamore newbies up front have also shined.
Defensive end Connor Underwood is one of them. Linebacker Tarris Batiste is another. Both started in last Saturday’s 24-3 victory against Southern Illinois and both they were worthy of their spot in the lineup.
Underwood has been a prime contributor all season. The Washington, Ill. native leads ISU with three sacks, including one against the Salukis last week. He also has 14 tackles. Underwood has thrived in a pass-rushing role for the Sycamores. He had two sacks against Drake on Sept. 15 and feels that was his breakthrough.
“Drake really helped me build my confidence in a Division I standpoint. The confidence the coaches show in me is big. They know I can make plays and now that I’ve shown it too, I have confidence,” Underwood said.
What makes Underwood stand out?
“I play hard. I never let up on pursuit and that helps me get my sacks. A couple of sacks were just [the quarterback] fleeing and I ran him down. I think that’s caught the coaches’ eye,” Underwood said.
Underwood’s family has an “ISU lineage”, only it’s with Illinois State. Connor’s father, Scott, played football at Illinois State. His mother, Donna, played volleyball for the Redbirds and his brother Colton is an Illinois State defensive lineman.
Colton Underwood, a junior, also leads his team in sacks as he’s notched four for the unbeaten Redbirds.
Meanwhile, Tarris Batiste was thrust into a starting role last week against SIU unexpectedly and acquitted himself well. Batiste started for Dillon Painter, who was a late injury scratch.
“I knew I kind of could do it. The coaches surprised me with it. I thought Dillon could go, but it was an opportunity, and all you can ask for is an opportunity,” Batiste said.
Batiste had six tackles, including one for a loss. Though Painter is expected back for today’s game, the look the Irvine, Calif. native got against the Salukis was invaluable.
“I’ve given great effort. That’s what coaches want, no matter what grade you’re in. If you’re a senior, a junior, it doesn’t matter. When you give great effort and when we all play as a team, I play pretty well,” Batiste said.
ISU coach Trent Miles is happy with their progress.
“For redshirt freshmen, they’ve developed very well. Coach [P.J.] Volker and coach [Ronnie] Brown coach them well. They’re showing they have the ability to play at this level,” Miles said.
n Bears in town — ISU (3-2, 1-1) has won three consecutive Homecoming games, its longest streak since 1976-78. Missouri State has yet to win, but the Bears (0-5, 0-2) have given both of their MVFC foes fits.
Missouri State outgained Southern Illinois 362-198 on Sept. 22 in Springfield, Mo., but lost 14-6, as SIU held on after an early interception return to earn the win.
Last week, Missouri State was within a field goal of South Dakota State on the road in the fourth quarter, but ultimately fell 17-7. The Bears gave up 362 total yards, just 14 more than ISU gave up in a loss to SDSU on Sept. 22.
Missouri State quarterback Ashton Glaser — a Missouri transfer — has thrown six interceptions in the Bears’ two MVFC games.
“I look at this way. Last year, they didn’t win too many games. They got to the last game of the season and traveled to Youngstown State,” Miles noted. “If we lose, Youngstown State is in the playoffs. They go there and beat Youngstown in Youngstown. They’ll never quit, they aren’t one of those teams that’s going to lay down for you.”
ISU tight end Michael Mardis and Donald Spencer — both injured last Saturday — are expected to play today.
n Lutz to sit out season — Miles confirmed on Thursday what seemed obvious as ISU’s MVFC season marched on — center FN Lutz will sit out the season as a medical redshirt. Lutz injured his knee during the spring Blue-White game. He attempted to get back into game shape for the season, but Miles decided to wait until Lutz was 100 percent to play him.
“FN is redshirting this year. It’s the best thing for him first and it’s the best thing for the program,” Miles said.
Missouri State at ISU
Radio — WIBQ-FM 98.5.
Twitter — @TribStarTodd
Last time out — ISU defeated Southern Illinois 24-3 and Missouri State lost to South Dakota State 17-7 last Saturday.
Series — Missouri State leads 16-10. ISU has won the last two meetings and seeks its first three-game win streak in series history.
The players
Indiana State Sycamores (3-2, 1-1)
Offense — QB Mike Perish (6-3, 210, So.); TB Shakir Bell (5-7, 170, Fr.); FB Austen Wozniak (6-2, 240, So.); WR Donald Spencer (6-2, 205, So.); WR Demory Lawshe (6-1, 190, Jr.); TE Michael Mardis (6-3, 235, Sr.); LT Paul Patrick (6-7, 300, So.); LG Nick Rice (6-7, 360, Fr.); C Evan Borchers (6-2, 295, Sr.); RG Adam Masters (6-5, 300, So.); RT Casey Paswater (6-4, 290, Sr.).
Leaders — Passing: Perish 75-127-3, 5 TD, 762 yards. Rushing: Bell 127-824, 7 TD. Receiving: Spencer 16-145, 0 TD & Mardis 16-211, 1 TD.
Defense — DE Ben Obaseki (6-3, 235, Sr.); DT Jordan Bright (6-7, 295, Sr.); DT Tyler Boyd (6-2, 265, Jr.); DE Connor Underwood (6-3, 230, Fr.); SLB Dillon Painter (6-2, 220, Sr.); MLB Aaron Archie (6-0, 235, Sr.); WLB Jacolby Washington (6-1, 235, Sr.); CB Johnny Towalid (5-11, 165, Sr.); CB Calvin Burnett (5-9, 160, Jr.); FS Donovan Layne (5-11, 195, So.); SS Larry King (6-2, 205, Jr.).
Leaders — Tackles: Archie 58; Sacks: Underwood 3; Interceptions: Burnett 2.
Special teams — K Tanner Fritschle (6-1, 195, So.); P Lucas Hileman (6-1, 195, Sr.); KR-PR Tanner Riley (5-10, 175, Sr.); KR Taje High (5-8, 165, Jr.).
Coach — Trent Miles (16-34, 5th year at ISU).
Injuries — C FN Lutz (knee) is out. TE Michael Mardis (hip) and WR Donald Spencer (leg) are probable.
Missouri State Bears (0-5, 0-2)
Offense — QB Ashton Glaser (6-1, 205, Jr.); RB Vernon Scott (6-0, 170, Jr.); WR Julian Barton (5-10, 189, So.); WR Eric Christophel (5-10, 173, Fr.); WR Dorian Buford (6-0, 178, Jr.); TE Matt Thayer (6-4, 242, Sr.); LT Zack Cooley (6-5, 295, So.); LG Kurt Kutter (6-3, 299, Jr.); C Harrison Menke (6-4, 275, Sr.); RG Richard Galbierz (6-3, 291, So.); RT Randy Richards (6-4, 310, Sr.).
Leaders — Passing: Glaser 99-191-10, 1,057 yards, 2 TD. Rushing: Ryan Heaston 64-377, 0 TD. Receiving: Buford 30-331, 0 TD.
Defense — DE Martin Montgomery (6-3, 248, Jr.); NT Eric Pearce (6-2, 288, Jr.); DE Anthony Grady (6-7, 289, Jr.); OLB Nate Davis (6-2, 211, Sr.); MLB Seginald Chaney (5-11, 215, So.); MLB Andrew Beisel (6-2, 237, So.); OLB Nick Canavan (6-0, 210, Jr.); CB James Caine (5-11, 180, Sr.); CB Howard Scarborough (5-9, 172, Jr.); SS Caleb Schaffitzel (6-0, 214, So.); FS Mike Crutcher (6-2, 210, So.).
Leaders — Tackles: Schaffitzel 55; Sacks: Davis 3; Interceptions: Sybhrian Berry 2.
Special teams — K Austin Witmer (6-5, 187, Jr.); P Chris Sullens (6-0, 181, Fr.); KR Caleb Schaffitzel (6-0, 214, So.); KR Sybhrian Berry (5-9, 179, Jr.); PR Julian Barton (5-10, 189, So.)
Coach — Terry Allen (25-46, 7th season at MSU; 120-105, 20th season overall).
Next — ISU will play at North Dakota State and Missouri State will play host to South Dakota on Oct. 13.
College
ISU defensive newbies get their shot on homecoming
- College
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DeNato proves IU can pitch too
Joey DeNato dispelled the notion that College World Series newcomer Indiana is all about offense.
The junior left-hander threw a four-hitter and the Hoosiers looked mighty comfortable at TD Ameritrade Park while beating Louisville 2-0 on Saturday night. -
Etherington, Moore happy to be with ISU basketball
Not even two weeks into their college experience, Indiana State freshmen men’s basketball players Alex Etherington and Demetrius Moore stood sentinel as 115 kids ran around them collecting basketballs and getting autographs at the Greg Lansing Basketball Camp on Thursday.
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ISU's Johnson invited to World University Games
Indiana State senior Felisha Johnson will be traveling the world this summer after being named to represent the United States in the women’s shot put at the World University Games in Kazan, Russia.
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FROM THE PRESS BOX: Close, but no cigar, theme for ISU sports in 2012-13
When I covered my first event of Indiana State’s 2012-13 season — ISU’s opening football game at Indiana — I was the first one in the press box at IU’s Memorial Stadium. I’m never the first one in the press box.
Maybe the prospect of ISU’s season had me so pumped that I decided to get it started close to three hours early? (Or more truthfully, maybe I was over-vigilent about predicted traffic horrors on the Indiana 46 bypass that never came to pass.) -
Q&A: ISU football coach Mike Sanford ready for fall
It’s hard to believe, but Mike Sanford has already been Indiana State’s football coach for six months.
Time flies, but Sanford’s task of preparing for his first season in charge of the Sycamores comes with few breaks. -
Rex streak ends at 7
The Terre Haute Rex table setters — Kyle Kempf and Tyler Wampler — had three of the team’s eight hits Friday at Bob Warn Field, but the Rex offense found itself in a big early deficit for the first time this season.
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Manaea’s selection puts ISU in spotlight
Once the stress and hang-wringing over where Indiana State pitcher Sean Manaea might get drafted was over, the angst subsided and was replaced with a happier emotion. Pride.
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ISU’s Hope places 13th in NCAA pole vault
Indiana State senior Nicole Hope concluded her final competition of the 2013 outdoor season on Friday as she tied for 13th in the women’s pole vault at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
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Metro roundup: Former Sycamores take talents to CFL
Former Indiana State players Johnny Towalid and Justin Hilton were signed by teams in the Canadian Football League this week.
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Exit Minnesota, enter Oregon State on 2016 football schedule
When the Big Ten Conference implemented a nine-game football schedule starting in 2016 and discouraged members from playing Football Championship Subdivision teams, there was one game on Indiana State’s future schedule that was likely on borrowed time.
ISU’s scheduled game at Minnesota in 2016. -
METRO ROUNDUP: Swift reaches finals of NCAA Championships in 110-meter hurdles
Indiana State junior Greggmar Swift will be among the top eight in the NCAA in the 110-meter hurdles after qualifying for Saturday’s finals on Thursday.
Swift ran a time of 13.51 seconds to take third in his heat. He’ll run in either lane 1 or lane 8 on Saturday.
“I got out pretty good and then I hurdled three or four when I got bumped and it threw me off my rhythm,” said Swift, a native of Barbados. “I tried to get back my rhythm … but I held on for the third place.” -
ISU's Manaea selected 34th overall by Royals
Indiana State pitcher Sean Manaea selected 34th overall by the Kansas City Royals.
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Sycamores ready for more NCAA track success
Five of the six Indiana State athletes in Eugene, Ore., already have had some memorable track and field careers for the Sycamores.
But they’ll go ahead and try to add to their list of accomplishments in the NCAA outdoor championships this weekend.
Dustin Betz has been a scorer and key piece of eight Missouri Valley Conference championship teams between track and cross country. He’ll compete today in the 3,000-meter steeplechase as the Sycamores’ second best in the event behind Jordan Fife. -
Mike Lucas joins ISU football staff
What traits do head football coaches seek out when they hire position coaches?
Indiana State football coach Mike Sanford provided insight into that question as he hired former Southeast Louisiana head coach Mike Lucas to his staff Tuesday. Lucas will be the Sycamores’ defensive line coach.
“You have to look at your staff and see what you need. I felt like in this particular case, I wanted an experienced defensive line coach. I feel like we have a mixture of experience and youth and I want to keep that going,” Sanford said. -
TODD GOLDEN: MVC Tourney can be ISU success story if work is done
Prior to last week’s Missouri Valley Conference baseball tournament at Illinois State’s Duffy Bass Field, fear and loathing prevailed in some corners of the conference.
It seemed that Missouri State, Creighton, and most notably, Wichita State, had a monopoly on the season-ending tournament since the Coolidge Administration. (It had actually been since 1998.) How could the tournament make it without playing in one of the three aforementioned universities’ big venues? - COLLEGE REPORT: Wabash College All-American relay team has TH flavor
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Six Sycamores heading to NCAA Track and Field championships
Three Indiana State seniors and a freshman punched their tickets Friday to the NCAA outdoor track and field championships in two weeks at Eugene, Ore. Two more got the job done Saturday on the campus of UNC Greensoboro in the East Preliminary.
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Sycamores bow out of MVC Tournament
Indiana State’s baseball was out of pitching, and after a loss to Wichita State on Thursday, the Sycamores were out of second-chances too at the Missouri Valley Conference baseball tournament. What the Sycamores weren’t out of was heart, guts and clutch performances from some unlikely sources. But in the end, Friday’s elimination game rematch against the Shockers was a sampling of ISU’s season overall — the Sycamores were out of luck.
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Metro Sports: Chalk up No. 5 for Liz Evans
Senior Liz Evans capped the top career in Rose-Hulman athletics history with her fifth national championship and eighth All-American award at Wisconsin-La Crosse on Friday.
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Four Indiana State athletes advance to NCAA outdoor track and field championships
Three Indiana State seniors and a freshman have punched their tickets to the NCAA outdoor track and field championships in two weeks at Eugene, Ore., with their Friday efforts in the 2013 NCAA East Preliminary at Aggie Stadium on the campus of North Carolina A&T.
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Wichita State shuts out ISU to force elimination-game rematch
Indiana State starting pitcher Greg Kuhlman did his best.
Actually, he did far better than he ever has previously in an ISU uniform, but while Kuhlman’s gutty pitching effort spoke volumes, ISU’s bats remained ominously silent. -
Indiana State baseball now one win from MVC Championship
Indiana State’s Wednesday morning wish list probably read something like this: a dominant complete game effort from starting pitcher Devin Moore, near-immaculate defense to support him, and a steady diet of clutch situational hitting from lineup spots one to nine.
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Terre Haute's Mascari running 10,000 meters for chance to get to Hayward Field
Indiana State freshman and Terre Haute North graduate John Mascari is among the enormous group of Sycamores competing this weekend at the NCAA East Preliminary. The top 48 NCAA track and field competitors in each event on this half of the United States are narrowed down to 12 who will compete at the NCAA meet at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.
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Manaea's shoulder causing him latest pain
Indiana State pitcher Sean Manaea has battled through so many aches and pains during the 2013 season that it can be hard to discern the serious pain from the pain he pitches through.
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ISU's Negele answers call in big way in wake of Manaea injury
When Indiana State starting pitcher Sean Manaea slumped on the mound in obvious pain after he took his warm-up pitches, red flags raised for ISU’s Missouri Valley Conference tournament hopes.
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ISU baseball hoping Manaea can get its MVC Tournament moving in right direction
Indiana State’s baseball team has been waiting all season for its stars to align.
But this is the 2013 Sycamores, after all, and after a season in which seemingly little has gone right, it appears its stars will remain crossed at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. -
ISU track sending record 22 to postseason
On the heels of their thrilling double victory at the 2013 Missouri Valley Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships both the Indiana State men and women moved up in the national rankings which were released Tuesday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
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ISU's athletic treasure trove
Think of every championship that Indiana State has won in each of its sports, past and present. Think of every tournament — postseason or regular season — which the Sycamores have claimed as their own.
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Ort sets ISU RBI record in 16-7 win
Robby Ort celebrated his Indiana State baseball Senior Day on Saturday by becoming the Sycamores’ all-time leader in RBIs as ISU ended its regular season with a 16-7 win over Bradley at Bob Warn Field.
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Bradley ends 16-game MVC losing streak against ISU
Momentum was the only thing riding on Indiana State’s baseball game against Bradley on Friday. With a five-game winning streak going, ISU wanted to keep the good vibes going into next week’s Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.
ISU couldn’t do it. - More College Headlines
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