Illinois State edges North Alabama 24-17 in thrilling matchup

In a thrilling college football matchup on Saturday night in Florence, Alabama, Illinois State secured a narrow victory over North Alabama with a final score of 24-17. The game featured standout performances, particularly from Illinois State quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse, who contributed significantly with both his arm and legs. He threw for a touchdown and rushed for two more, helping his team establish a solid lead by halftime. Wenkers Wright also played a crucial role, rushing for an impressive 153 yards, which aided Illinois State in maintaining control of the game. Rittenhouse's 18-yard touchdown pass to Mitch Bartol set the tone early, followed by a 3-yard touchdown run that extended their lead to 14-3 at halftime. In the third quarter, Rittenhouse showcased his speed with a remarkable 71-yard touchdown run, pushing the score to 21-10. North Alabama, however, did not back down. Quarterback Ari Patu led a determined effort in the fourth quarter, scoring on a 7-yard run to narrow the gap to 24-17. Patu's performance was notable, as he completed 21 of 36 passes for 328 yards, including a touchdown, although he also faced challenges with an interception. Despite a strong final drive that brought North Alabama to the Illinois State 24-yard line, Patu was unable to convert, throwing four consecutive incomplete passes. This defensive stand by Illinois State ultimately secured their victory, highlighting the competitive nature of the game and the resilience of both teams.