Illinois State beats Villanova 30-14 to advance to 2025 FCS title game against Montana State
FCS Semifinal
Illinois State 30, No. 12 Villanova 14
Illinois State continued its remarkable road-heavy playoff run with a 30-14 win over Villanova in the FCS semifinals, advancing to the national championship game for the second time in program history.
Unseeded Illinois State (12-4) has now won four straight FCS playoff games away from home and improved to 9-0 against FCS opponents on the road this season. The Redbirds will face No. 2 seed Montana State in the FCS championship game on Jan. 5 in Nashville. Their only previous title appearance came in 2014, a 29-27 loss to North Dakota State.
Wide receiver Daniel Sobkowicz led the way once again, catching seven passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns. Over the last three playoff games, Sobkowicz has totaled 21 receptions for 314 yards and seven touchdowns. He finished the regular season as Illinois State’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving touchdowns.
Illinois State built a 21-6 halftime lead behind Sobkowicz’s two scoring receptions and a 1-yard touchdown run by Victor Dawson. Dawson finished with 155 rushing yards and a touchdown on 34 carries, including 104 yards in the second half as the Redbirds leaned on the run game to control the clock.
Michael Cosentino added three second-half field goals as Illinois State extended the margin to 30-6 before Villanova scored late. The Redbirds dominated time of possession, 39:43 to 20:17, and held Villanova to 1-for-10 on third-down conversions.
Villanova (12-3), which entered on an 11-game winning streak, saw its season end despite a late fourth-down touchdown reception by Antonio Johnson. Quarterback Pat McQuaide threw for 199 yards with one touchdown and one interception while facing consistent pressure.
With another road victory secured, Illinois State now turns its attention to Montana State, aiming to cap a historic postseason run with the program’s first national championship.
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