Redhawks vs Redbirds: SEMO vs Illinois State preview

SEMO plays in their first game of the postseason in the FCS playoffs on Saturday Nov. 30 against the #12 ranked Illinois State Redbirds.

SEMO entered the postseason adding another trophy to their cabinet, as the team was one of four teams that laid claim to the Ohio Valley Conference championship, securing their FCS playoff spot. The Redhawks hold 2 wins over other ranked opponents this season, including SIU and UT Martin, who also are in the playoffs.

Along with team success this season also showcased individual greatness, led on the offense by Senior quarterback Paxton DeLaurent, who led the OVC in passing yards, and passing touchdowns, enough to earn him OVC Offensive Player of the Year, and on the defense with Senior inside linebacker Bryce Norman, who led the OVC in total tackles, earning him OVC Defensive Player of the Year.

This game marks the fifth time SEMO has been featured in the postseason, and fourth under head coach Tom Matukewicz, who holds more playoff appearances than any other coach in the program's history.

As for the Illinois State Redbirds, they are one of four teams from the Missouri Valley Conference, a conference with five teams ranked inside the top 25 for FCS teams. The Redbirds hold a record of 9-3, and hold wins over some common opponents with the Redhawks, such as North Alabama, Eastern and Western Illinois, and SIU.

The Redbirds have made the playoffs nine times, six of those coming under current head coach Brock Spack’s leadership.

In the nine games that the two programs have played each other, Illinois State holds the edge, with a 6-3 record against the Redhawks.

Two of the Redhawks wins against the Redbirds have come at Houck Stadium, which will host the tenth game between the two programs.

At home this season, the Redhawks have been able to remain undefeated, holding a perfect 5-0 record, beating teams such as UT Martin, Northwestern State, and Tennessee Tech University.

Should the Redhawks win, they not only would advance to the next round of playoffs against UC Davis in California, but they also would break a program record for most wins in a single season with 10 total wins.

Kickoff for this matchup is at 11:00 at Houck Stadium on Nov. 30.