Indiana State's top rusher may not play

Jake Shields, who is questionable, is the Gateway's leading ground gainer.
& lt;a href=mailto:mollica@vindy.com & gt;By PETE MOLLICA & lt;/a & gt;
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Indiana State is still looking for its first win in the Gateway Conference.
The Sycamores (3-4, 0-2) played well last Saturday in a 22-14 loss at Northern Iowa. Indiana State also lost to No. 7 Southern Illinois in its conference home opener, 37-14.
Saturday's game begins at 2:05 p.m. at Memorial Stadium in Terre Haute, Ind.
Coach Tim McGuire is 20-43 in six seasons at Indiana State. McGuire was unavailable to talk to the media this week, but the Sycamores' offensive coordinator, Scott Anderson, took his place.
Backward progress
"We are a very young team offensively," Anderson said. "Some times this team takes a step forward and sometimes it is a step backward."
The Sycamores' leading rusher, Jake Shields, is questionable for Saturday's contest. Shields is the leading ground gainer in the Gateway Conference with 798 yards.
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound junior did not play against Northern Iowa, but Anderson thought Shields would be able to play.
"We tried to play him last week, but it was obvious he wasn't ready. He started, but came out after the first play," Anderson said.
The Sycamores have rushed for just six touchdowns this season and Shields has scored four of those.
Redshirt freshman Jake Schiff is the Sycamores' quarterback. He ranks fourth in the conference, having completed 84-of-156 passes for 976 yards and three touchdowns.
"Jake is young, but he had three years as a starter in state championship competition in high school," Anderson said. "He's been through a lot already."
Schiff has been intercepted six times and has minus-20 yards rushing.
His top receiver is senior tight end Ryan King. The 6-4, 250-pounder has 23 receptions for 255 yards and one touchdown.
The offensive line is anchored by All-Gateway honorable mention center Mark Phillips (6-2, 280, junior) and tackle Stuart Williams (6-4, 320, junior).
Defense
The defense is led by sophomore Kyle Mitchell, the only returning starter on the line. He led the team with 23 tackles for losses last year and was named to the All-Gateway newcomer team.
This year Mitchell has five tackles for losses and leads the team with four sacks. He also has an interception which he returned 72 yards for a touchdown.
Free safety Terrance Miles, a senior, is the tackle leader for the Sycamores (59), while junior linebacker Kevin McDavid leads the team in tackles for losses (8).
Freshman Kyle Hooper is 7-of-8 in field goals with a long of 36 yards. Senior Pat Jordon is the punter, averaging 39.9 yards on 39 kicks.
Anderson said the Penguins look as tough as always.
"They are still a very physical team, and well-coached. A very sound team," he said. "Last week the defense was put in a big hole early, but they still were playing hard to the end."
& lt;a href=mailto:mollica@vindy.com & gt;mollica@vindy.com & lt;/a & gt;