NORMAL - Despite over 500 yards, the Illinois State football team had plenty of reasons to be disappointed with its offense Thursday after a 27-24 upset loss to Drake at Hancock Stadium.

Rafael Rice rushed for a career-high 218 yards on 27 carries, but the rushing game wasn't always there when the Redbirds needed it.

"It wasn't consistent. It was feast or famine with the run game," ISU coach Denver Johnson said. "It appeared they were pretty determined not to let us run the ball. We didn't throw the ball effectively when they loaded the box and took the run away."

Quarterback Luke Drone completed 20 of 35 passes for 235 yards but also threw three costly interceptions.

"We have a new crew of receivers. I'm sure there were some kinks in there," said Johnson. "We thought we had that worked out pretty good. But it didn't manifest itself."

ISU senior Jason Horton caught eight passes for 119 yards.

Drake revels in shocker

The Bulldogs pulled the upset on a 56-yard touchdown pass from Cole Ingle to Augustine Agyei with 23 seconds remaining.

"We had three guys lined up on the other side for a Hail Mary," Agyei said. "I thought if he (Ingle) looked over at me I was in one-on-one coverage."

ISU cornerback Jason Tate tipped the pass, but the deflection went directly to Agyei.

"I just threw my hands up and ran off the field looking for anybody I could hug," Ingle said. "I haven't stopped shaking since."

"We had ISU circled the moment the schedule came out," said Agyei. "We really wanted to come in here and win."

The Redbirds claimed a 56-19 victory the last time the teams met in 2005.

Extra points

ISU defensive tackle Dan Simnick did not dress because of a back injury. Simnick said he hopes to return to practice next week and possibly play in the Sept. 8 home game against Murray State.

Serving as captains for the season opener were Stewart, Drone, offensive lineman Isaiah Wiggins and defensive end Jarek Thomas.

The Redbirds' 1967 conference championship team was recognized before the game.