Update: Redbird football beats Southeast Missouri State 35-27 Saturday, November 30, in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Division I Football Championship. With the win, Illinois State moves on to the next round to face No. 5 UC Davis. Visit goredbirds.com for more updates and ticket info.

Original story:

The Illinois State football players and coaches had a lot to cheer about Sunday inside the Hancock Stadium Club, as the team was selected to play Southeast Missouri State in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Division I Football Championship on Saturday, November 30. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. (CT) at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and the contest will air live on ESPN3.

If the Redbirds clinch the first round, they will face No. 5 UC Davis in the second round of the playoffs on Saturday, December 7, at 3 p.m. (CT).

The Redbirds (9-3) will make their ninth appearance in the FCS playoffs (1998, 1999, 2006, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019) and sixth under the leadership of head coach Brock Spack.

Ticket information for round one is available through the SEMO Athletic website. As the team progresses in the playoffs, Redbirds interested in hosting a watch party outside of the Bloomington/Normal area can contact Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586.