Dawson scores 2 rushing TDs to lead Illinois State past Western Illinois 41-10

MACOMB, Ill. -- — Victor Dawson scored twice on the ground, Alex Herrera and Stevan Gavric each caught touchdowns and Illinois State took down Western Illinois 41-10 on Saturday. Meeting for the 108th time, the Redbirds (2-0) took a 53-52-3 advantage over the Fighting Leathernecks (1-1) in a series that's been played since 1904. Illinois State, ranked fourth in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25, saw Beckham Pellant and Gage Roy split time at quarterback. Pellant was 8-for-22 for 132 yards and a touchdown, and Roy went 8-for-13 for 125 yards and a score. The Redbirds took a 17-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, and held a 27-3 advantage at the half. They scored on each of their first four drives, and punted just once. Dylan Lord led with 72 yards on five catches and also had a 37-yard punt return. Chase Kwiatkowski rushed for 76 yards on four carries. Christian Anaya caught four passes for 78 yards for the Leathernecks. Cason Carswell completed 9 of his 19 attempts for 140 yards, and Kennedy McGill was 14-for-22 for 123 yards. Up next Illinois State: At Northern Illinois next Saturday. Western Illinois: At Wisconsin next Saturday. ------ Sign up for Top 25 poll alerts here, visit the Top 25 here and see AP’s full college football coverage here