If there’s anything the 1-AA Redbirds have proven to 1 -A opponents, it’s that they’re not an easy target.

In the past two seasons, Illinois State has totaled 991 yards of total offense against 1 -A opponents. It tallied 591 against Illinois in 2003, and 480 against Minnesota last year.

Last season, Illinois State finished 4-7, including a 37-21 loss to then-No. 22 Minnesota.

The Redbirds are 2-23 overall against division 1 -A opponents, and 0-2 against members of the Big 12.

Coach Denver Johnson, in his sixth season at Illinois State, faces several challenges this year. The team is dealing with the loss of star defensive linebacker Boomer Grigsby, who was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs, and also has a new quarterback, Luke Drone, who has not yet taken a snap as a starter.

Johnson said the Redbirds’ schedule outside of the Gateway Conference is always a big step for the team.

“We’ll be playing a new quarterback, we’ve lost some key guys, and we’re trying to put together a football team,” he said. “I’ve always looked at the non conference level as getting us ready for conference play.”

Johnson said the Gateway Conference is equivalent in 1-AA to the Big 12 in 1 -A, but playing to the level of a Big 12 squad is an obvious challenge.

“It will eliminate your deficiencies,” he said.

“We’re coming over there and our kids enjoy playing that kind of competition, they enjoy playing in those venues.

“There’s a lot of positives about it. Hopefully we come over there and be competitive.”

The Cyclones held 1-AA opponent Northern Iowa to 99 total yards last season.

“If we just stick to what we do, we’ll be alright, not worry too much about what the other team does,” Drone said.

“They’re a great team, and we’re going to have to play really well, we’ll going to have to be on top of our game.”

Joining Drone behind center is former Iowa State tailback Brian Thompson, who led the Gateway Conference last season, averaging 125.2 rushing yards per game. Thompson completed the 2004 season with 866 total yards on the ground.

As a Cyclone, Thompson had 305 yards and four touchdowns.

“It’s just like another game, but more competitive because you’re playing against people you know,” he said.

Johnson said he is well aware of the talent Iowa State possesses, and knows the challenge that lies ahead for the Redbirds, who tied for fifth place in the Gateway Conference last season.

“Dan [McCarney’s] been doing a great job over there, they’re starting to gain a lot of the dividends of a long-tenured coach – continuity, recruiting,” he said. “We know what we’re up against, and we hope to be competitive.”

Johnson also said the Redbirds will be ready for kickoff.

“I will never coach a game, or ask my players to play a game that I don’t fully intend to win,” he said. “I don’t know if I can look my kids in the eye if I didn’t.

“I think we owe that to the Cyclones, to come in there with the mindset that we’re coming in to win this game.”

Drone said the team is preparing no differently for the Cyclones then it would any other game.

“We’re preparing to go up and play a bigger school,” he said. “We’re preparing, we’re sticking to our gameplan.”

Thompson echoed his teammate, saying it is the opportunity of a lifetime for the Redbird athletes.

“We’re ready, this is a chance for us to make a statement,” he said.

Still, Johnson said he recognizes the incredible odds that Illinois State faces, and is not exactly sure what he should expect against a team that the Redbirds have never met – even in 110 years of football.

“Sometimes you can really give them a run and keep it close, and sometimes you’re just the appetizer before the feast,” he said. “I’m sure that Dan will have his guys hungry.”