Normal University is 0-7 against Rochester since September of 2017 but things could change on Friday. The Pioneers will welcome the Rockets at 7:00 p.m. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty point totals in their previous games.
Normal University's defense heads into the match hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Friday. They really took it to Lincoln for the full four quarters, racking up a 47-0 win. Given the Pioneers' advantage in MaxPreps' Illinois football rankings (they are ranked 181st, while the Railsplitters are ranked 373rd) , the win wasn't entirely unexpected.
Normal University got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Cade Cunningham out in front who picked up 127 receiving yards and three scores. Owen Kirby was another key signal caller, throwing for 211 yards and three TDs while completing 81% of his passes.
Meanwhile, Rochester was just a hair shy of victory on Friday and fell 43-42 to Glenwood. The loss was the Rockets' first of the season.
Normal University will have to contain Kaiden Stout as he made an impact in Rochester's last game. He picked up 131 receiving yards and one touchdown, and also rushed for 53 yards. Another back making a difference was Jorey Myren, who rushed for 20 yards and a pair of scores.
Rochester didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Tanner Beal and Brooks Gavin. Gavin got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Having lost for the first time this season, Rochester fell to 3-1. As for Normal University, the win got them back to even at 2-2.
Normal University couldn't quite get it done against Rochester in their previous matchup back in September of 2024 as they fell 38-30. Will the Pioneers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other football content.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
