CARBONDALE - Indiana State freshman Ryan Roberts started two games at defensive back before moving to quarterback the last two weeks. He may have seen his last action as a defensive player.

Roberts rushed for two touchdowns and completed 5-of-15 passes for 54 yards in Saturday's 35-21 loss at Youngstown State. The West York native, who had nine tackles on the season, became the third quarterback to start for the Sycamores this year. He could start this weekend against No. 4 Northern Iowa.

"He's got leadership ability," said Indiana State coach Trent Miles. "We were struggling with that in that position, and if you don't have leadership ability there, you're going to have problems.

"He's a good athlete. He's 6-foot-4, 6-5, can move around pretty well, and nothing fazes him."

In 10 games this season, the 6-4, 195-pound Roberts has played defensive back, wide receiver, quarterback and returned kickoffs. He's only had a few practices under center, Miles said, but may have a future at the position.

On the season, he's completed 31 of 58 passes for 223 yards and two interceptions. He is yet to throw a touchdown pass, but has rushed for 111 yards and two scores on 70 carries. His 25 carries against South Dakota State were a team-high. Against the Penguins he became the only Sycamore all season to rush for more than one touchdown in a game.

Roberts has also returned three kickoffs for 64 yards.

Indiana State (0-10 overall and 0-6 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference) has two more chances to end the nation's longest losing streak in the Football Championship Subdivision. Saturday at 11 a.m. the Sycamores host the Panthers, and Nov. 22 they play host 3-6 Missouri State.

With a win, UNI (8-2, 6-1) will clinch at least a share of the first nine-team MVFC.

Harbor continues streak: Missouri State tight end Clay Harbor extended his streak of consecutive games with at least one catch to 20 Saturday against Northern Iowa.

Harbor, an All-American candidate, had four catches for 17 yards in the 42-0 loss. He moved into a tie for fourth place all-time for catches in consecutive games.

The Bears host No. 25 North Dakota State (5-4, 3-3) Saturday and close the season at Indiana State.

ETC: UNI quarterback Pat Grace returned to the field Saturday after missing two weeks with a knee sprain. Grace scored twice on the ground and completed 11 of 19 passes for 141 yards. � YSU running back Kamryn Keys set a freshman record with 123 yards against the Sycamores. He has now rushed for 804 yards on 136 attempts, beating Josh Cayson's 2003 mark by 97 yards. � Using two kickers, Illinois State is 30 for 30 on extra-point attempts. Zach Kutch and Steven Fetzer have combined to keep the Redbirds perfect thus far.

todd.hefferman@thesouthern.com / 351-5087