After flying high against Manual last Friday, Normal University came back down to earth. The Pioneers fell 19-14 to the Bloomington Purple Raiders on Friday. The result was an unpleasant reminder to the Pioneers of the 41-38 loss they experienced in the pair's previous head-to-head fixture back in September of 2024.
When it comes to explaining why Normal University lost, don't look at Cade Cunningham. Despite the final result, he picked up 123 receiving yards and one score.
Normal University didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. In fact, those interceptions all came courtesy of defensive juggernaut Darieus Perry.
Bloomington's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Keyontae Hamilton, who threw for 130 yards and a pair of touchdowns on only 11 passes, and also rushed for 58 yards and one TD. Those 58 rushing yards gave Hamilton a new career-high. Carter Tindall was Hamilton's top target, picking up 89 receiving yards and one score.
Normal University's defeat dropped their record down to 1-1. As for Bloomington, they have started the season off flawlessly and has a 2-0 record to show for it.
Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Normal University will venture away from home to take on MacArthur at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The game will give the Pioneers their first taste of in-conference action this season. As for Bloomington, they will take on Manual at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.
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