NORMAL, Ill. (AP) — Tevin Allen’s fumble recovery for a touchdown led Illinois State to a 13-3 victory over Northern Iowa Saturday. Special teams and turnovers factored large in this defensive battle. After Northern Iowa’s second possession, the Redbirds’ Teddy Corwin deflected Logan Beighler’s punt — which went just five yards — leading to Nick Aussieker’s 24-yard field goal. On the next play from scrimmage, Chad Owens fumbled and Allen scooped it up and went 17 yards to put Illinois State (5-4, 4-2 Missouri Valley Conference) up 10-0.

Northern Iowa (4-5, 0-5) scored in the third quarter courtesy of its special teams. Shawn Rush blocked C.J. Laros’ punt, setting the Panthers up on Illinois State’s 22-yard line. Three plays resulted in just two yards though, and they settled for Tyler Sievertsen’s 37-yard field goal.

The Redbirds benefited from another short punt in the fourth, setting up Aussieker’s 28-yard field goal to ice the win in Normal, Illinois.