Pellant tosses 2 TD passes, Dawson rushes for 2 TDs in Illinois State’s 35-14 win over Murray State

Beckham Pellant found the end zone twice through the air and Victor Dawson added two touchdowns on the ground as Illinois State claimed a 35-14 victory over Murray State on Saturday. The Redbirds extended their winning streak to three games. Pellant connected with Ethan Loss on a 50-yard touchdown pass to extend Illinois State’s lead to 21-7 in the third quarter.

A subsequent 5-yard TD pass to Dylan Lord put the Redbirds up 21-7 midway through the fourth quarter. An interception by Rico Clay set up Dawson’s 14-yard touchdown run, which widened the margin to 21 points at mid-period. Dawson also scored on an 11-yard run, and Seth Glatz added a 1-yard touchdown to make the score 28-7. Pellant finished with 248 passing yards and an interception.

Dawson rushed for 99 yards on 22 carries to go along with his two scores. Dylan Loss amassed 117 yards on two catches, including the lone touchdown. Collin Shannon completed 14 of 27 passes for 169 yards but two interceptions proved costly for Murray State, which has dropped six straight games. Baxter Wright caught a 5-yard TD pass for the Racers.

Jaxon Potter added 131 receiving yards, and Jawaun Northington contributed 74 rushing yards, including a 42-yard score. Murray State is scheduled to host Youngstown State next Saturday, while Illinois State faces North Dakota the following Saturday.