After flying high against Manual last Friday, Normal University came back down to earth. The Normal University Pioneers fell just short of the Bloomington Purple Raiders by a score of 41-38 on Friday. Despite 86 more yards than the Purple Raiders, the Pioneers couldn't convert that extra yardage to scores.
When it comes to explaining why Normal University lost, don't look at Alek Weiland. Despite the final result, he threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns, and also rushed for 48 yards and two touchdowns. AJ Holden was Weiland's top target, picking up 159 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Even though they lost, Normal University was moving up and down the field and finished the game with 532 total yards. That's the most total yards they've posted since was before the start of last season.
Bloomington was led to victory by Rob Lanier and Aj Codron. Lanier gained 178 total yards and two touchdowns, while Codron threw for 234 yards and two touchdowns on only 17 passes. Lanier's longest rush was for an impressive 64 yards, which helps to explain his lofty yards per carry total.
Normal University's loss dropped their record down to 1-1. As for Bloomington, the win made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 2-0.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Normal University will welcome MacArthur at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Normal University will be looking to keep their six-game home win streak dating back to last season alive. As for Bloomington, they will host Manual at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.
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