The Pantagraph sports editor Fred Young changed the name to the Redbirds to distinguish the team from the nearby St. Louis Cardinals.

† Co-championship The Redbirds have made nine appearances in the Division I–AA/FCS playoffs, with a combined record of 11–9.

With the 100th game in the series, representatives from both schools met and developed the Mid-America Classic renaming for the rivalry.

[5] The two teams have played 111 times in total, with Illinois State holding a 59–43–9 advantage in the all-time series as of the 2023 season.

Mosi Tatupu Award The Mosi Tatupu Award was given annually to the College Football Special Teams Player of the Year by the Maui Quarterback Club and the Hula Bowl, from 1997 to 2006.