Illinois State linebacker Amir Abdullah (22) holds aloft his fumble recovery – one of eight turnovers gained – as teammate Ben Harman (91) celebrates in the Redbirds’ 35-27 win in Saturday’s first-round FCS playoff game at Southeast Missouri. (Photo by Barry Bottino, PrairieStatePigskin.com)
By Dan Verdun
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – On Monday, Illinois State was honored by a national FCS website as its “Team of the Week.” On Saturday, ISU won something much more valuable: a trip to the second round of the playoffs.
Head coach Brock Spack’s 12th-seeded Redbirds forced eight turnovers to beat Southeast Missouri, 35-27, in a first-round postseason matchup at Houck Stadium.
As a result, ISU advances to play at No. 5 national seed UC Davis (10-2) at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. The victory was Illinois State’s sixth in a row.
“There were two things you saw that came to light in the first half, one was turnovers and the next one was explosive plays,” said Spack, whose team led 28-7 at halftime.
Illinois State (10-3) forced SEMO (9-4) into eight turnovers, the most the Redhawks have committed in a game since joining Division I in 1991.
Illinois State scored 28 points off SEMO turnovers.
One explosive play came on a 62-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse to wide receiver Daniel Sobkowicz in the second quarter. Though Ian Wagner missed the extra point, the Redbirds gained a 13-7 lead they never relinquished.
“I tried an inside release, but it didn’t work (at first), went outside and then back inside and just made a play on the ball,” said Sobkowicz, who outjumped a SEMO defensive back at the Redhawk 45-yard line and sped to his team-leading ninth receiving touchdown this season.
Pick-six times two
The Redbirds grabbed five interceptions – two of which were returned for touchdowns – and recovered three fumbles.
The first pick-six occurred late in the second quarter with ISU leading, 13-7. Outside linebacker Jalan Gaines deflected SEMO quarterback Paxton DeLaurent’s pass. Defensive end Jake Anderson snatched the ball out of midair and then outraced DeLaurent 55 yards to the end zone.
“The slowest pick-six I’ve ever seen in my life. Those things don’t happen too often for a front guy. It was a big play for us, no doubt,” Spack said.
“The tipped pick-six by the D-lineman … (Gaines) was just trying to hit me and stuck his arm out,” DeLaurent said. “Some days are just like that.”
The second came in the third quarter when safety Keondre Jackson returned a DeLaurent throw 30 yards for a touchdown down the right sideline.
“All I saw was the touchdown. I didn’t see any players; all I saw was the touchdown,” Jackson said.
SEMO second-half surge
Despite trailing 35-14 after Jackson’s touchdown, SEMO put on a second-half rally.
DeLaurent led the comeback, though four of his interceptions were tipped – three of which went off the hands of SEMO receivers.
The quarterback broke SEMO single-game records for attempts (85), completions (48) and yards (567). The 85 attempts tied the FCS all-time record, previously accomplished by Jeremy Moses of Stephen F. Austin in 2008.
DeLaurent completed 28 second-half passes for 370 yards and three touchdowns. His 34-yard TD to receiver Dorian Anderson with 1:34 left in the game gave the Redhawks a chance.
“He’s got that confidence, that next play mentality, which is what you’ve got to have at quarterback,” SEMO head coach Tom Matukewicz said.
Kicker D.C. Pippin, however, missed the extra point, leaving SEMO eight points down.
Sobkowicz covered Pippin’s onside kick attempt, allowing Illinois State to run out the clock.
Leading rusher injured
Starting running back Wenkers Wright went to the locker room at the end of the third quarter holding his left arm.
Wright, who leads Illinois State in rushing this season, had the arm in a sling after the game.
Game changers
2:06, 2nd quarter: Anderson plucked Gaines’ deflection out of the air and ran 55 yards for a touchdown. Sobkowicz took a pitch from Rittenhouse and added the two-point conversion with a pass to tight end Mitch Bartol.
1:28, 2nd quarter: Cornerback Teon Parks stripped SEMO receiver Tristan Smith after a 16-yard reception. CB Paul Omodia recovered at the Redhawks’ 40-yard line.
Three plays later, Rittenhouse hooked up with receiver Xavier Loyd on a 24-yard touchdown with 43 seconds left before halftime.
9:45, 3rd quarter: Jackson returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown. Wagner’s extra point gave ISU a 35-14 lead.
Best ‘Birds
Prairie State Pigskin chooses the top three Illinois State players in the game:
Jackson, S: The senior recorded two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. The Freeport High School graduate also registered six tackles, a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry.
Sobkowicz, WR: The junior led ISU with seven receptions for 136 yards and a 62-yard touchdown.
Tye Niekamp, LB: The sophomore recorded seven tackles, a sack and a pass breakup. The Normal Community High School product also had an interception in the end zone.
What it means
Spack’s Redbirds, making their first playoff appearance in five years, advance to the second round.
“I’ve never been to the playoffs before,” Sobkowicz said. “It’s a really good moment, a cherishable moment.”
What’s next
Illinois State, the No. 12 seed, plays at UC Davis, the No. 5 seed, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. The game will be televised on ESPN-Plus and broadcast on WJBC.com.
“We weren’t here just to show up and just be here,” Jackson said. “We’re trying to win.”
Dan Verdun is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin. He has written four books: NIU Huskies Football, EIU Panthers Football, ISU Redbirds Football and SIU Salukis Football.
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