McCoy’s opportunistic ways benefitting Illinois State football

NORMAL – As an Illinois State football player, Lavoise-Deontae McCoy has been all about seizing opportunities.

“I’ve just been Johnny on the spot, I guess, in terms of fumbles happening,” McCoy said.

Since the start of the 2023 season, McCoy had recorded two fumble recoveries, two interceptions and a touchdown entering Saturday’s game against Western Illinois at Hancock Stadium.

McCoy was at it again Saturday, rooting out a fumble from a mass of humanity after a blocked field goal and returning it 58 yards for a touchdown in 18th-ranked ISU’s 51-34 nonconference win over the Leathernecks.

McCoy

“He does seem to be that way,” said ISU coach Brock Spack of McCoy’s opportunistic tendencies. “He was in the right place at the right time. He did a nice job of scooping it.

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“You’re supposed to get to the side of the ball and pick it up by its two points and he did that perfectly. He tucked it away and scored.”

McCoy wanted more than just the fumble recovery with the ball up for grabs.

“When I heard a second thud after the ball was kicked it’s probably something good for the defense,” he said. “From there I just looked for the ball. I had no intention of falling on it. I scooped it up and the rest was me scoring.”

McCoy declined to draw a familial connection with his ballhawking abilities to older brother Dontae, a safety and co-captain of ISU’s 2014 national second place team.

“I guess, but no,” McCoy said with a smile. “I’m a better athlete so that’s that.”

McCoy and cornerback Mark Cannon Jr. paced the Redbird defense with 12 tackles each.

Long day

With 19 total penalties accepted, 68 passes thrown and numerous official reviews, Saturday’s game clocked in at an elongated 3 hours, 36 minutes.

“There were a lot of stoppages, a lot of reviews,” said Spack. “That’s one of the longest games I’ve felt in a long time. It was pretty hot out there (82 degrees at kickoff). Both teams I’m sure felt that.”

Illinois State defensive backs Keondre Jackson (3) and Nigel White (6) tackle Western Illinois wide receiver Matthew Henry (0) in the first quarter at Hancock Stadium.

CLAY JACKSON THE PANTAGRAPH

The ISU coach sees a trend forming. ISU’s opening loss at Iowa spanned 3:10 and last week’s victory at North Alabama lasted 3:20.

“I don’t think it’s unusual in college football right now because of the throwing game,” said Spack. “These games are long now. That’s kind of where it is, especially if you’re throwing a lot.”

Rittenhouse on target

ISU quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse, who completed 16 of 22 passes for 201 yards and two TDs, believes he has improved as a passer since arriving at ISU.

Illinois State quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse (16) runs into the endzone against Western Illinois in the first quarter at Hancock Stadium.

CLAY JACKSON THE PANTAGRAPH

“For sure, yes,” he said. “I just trust myself and trust my abilities to sit in the pocket and make the plays I need to make. I trust my receivers and my timing with them.

“I spent a lot of time in the film room recognizing coverages and knowing where I need to go with the ball.”

Lamb in Western clothing

WIU quarterback Nathan Lamb was an elusive target on the run and an accurate passer against ISU, rushing for 249 yards and running for 59 more.

“He’s just a tough guy in general,” McCoy said. “After he got hit, he would be the first guy back up. He was up before the guy who delivered the hit. He plays really hard. He earned my respect, and I think he earned the respect of all of us.”

Gobbling up yardage

ISU had a second straight successful day running the ball.

Wenkers Wright covered 106 yards on 16 carries and rushed for a touchdown as did Rittenhouse, Jake Rubley and Matt Lawson.

Kasper anxious for return

ISU receiver Eddie Kasper, who caught 48 passes last season, did not dress as he continues his recovery from mononucleosis.

Kasper said before the game he feels great and could be cleared for contact as early as Friday.

He is unlikely to play in next week’s home game against Eastern Illinois and is targeting the Sept. 28 matchup with North Dakota State for his season debut.

Under the Hood

ISU’s honorary captain was former Redbird and ex-NFL player Estus Hood.

Hood’s No. 8 is among three retired by ISU.

Starkey

Starkey at the mic

ISU had a new public address announcer for Saturday’s home opener, and it was a familiar voice to Normal Community High School fans.

Dana Starkey is handling PA dutes. Starkey is the long-time PA voice of NCHS football and basketball.

Photos: Western Illinois at Illinois State football