Illinois State is set to face No. 12 seed Villanova in the semifinals of the 2025 FCS Playoffs. The highly anticipated matchup will kick off on Saturday, December 20, at 6:30 p.m. CT, broadcast on ESPN2. This game marks the second encounter between the two programs, with Illinois State holding the historical edge after defeating Villanova in their 1976 meeting.
The winner of this semifinal will earn a spot in the FCS national championship game in Nashville, Tennessee, where they will compete against either No. 2 seed Montana State or No. 3 seed Montana.
Illinois State, despite being an unseeded team and coming off a tough loss in its final regular-season game, is seen as a formidable contender, particularly in light of Villanova’s impressive 11-game winning streak that has seemingly gone under the radar throughout the postseason.
Both teams have captured the imagination of fans with remarkable playoff runs, and this game promises to be a testament to their resilience and ability to exceed expectations. The tactical approach from both sides will heavily emphasize the run game, featuring standout running backs supported by seasoned offensive lines.
Illinois State will rely on Victor Dawson, a key player so far in the postseason with 357 rushing yards and one touchdown in three playoff games. Meanwhile, Villanova’s sophomore talent Ja’briel Mace has emerged as a crucial player since David Avit’s injury, accruing nine touchdowns and averaging over 136 rushing yards per game.
Defensively, both teams excel against the run. Illinois State’s defense, spearheaded by All-American linebacker Tye Niekamp, holds opponents to an average of 3.67 yards per carry, while Villanova has been slightly better at 3.36 yards per carry. The Wildcats’ Shane Hartzell also boasts All-American status, showcasing his ability to disrupt offenses with significant plays.
As both teams focus on their ground games, the quarterback matchup will be pivotal. Illinois State’s Tommy Rittenhouse is known for his aggressive play style, having thrown for 3,006 yards and 34 touchdowns, but with that comes the risk of turnovers. In contrast, Villanova’s Pat McQuaide has shown efficiency with 2,924 passing yards, only three interceptions, and the ability to push the ball downfield effectively.
The anticipation surrounding All-American wide receiver Daniel Sobkowicz adds another layer of intrigue, as he has proven to be a dynamic threat, racking up 22 receptions, 306 yards, and five touchdowns in the playoffs. His performance could be crucial, especially given Villanova’s strong red zone defense.
With both teams bringing competitive spirits, Illinois State’s history of road success against FCS opponents — an impressive 14-1 record, including an undefeated mark this season — highlights their ability to thrive in challenging environments. Villanova, meanwhile, boasts a remarkable 23-game home winning streak.
As statistics suggest that this game may lean toward a low-scoring affair, the stakes are high, making every possession critical. With such a competitive landscape, the outcome remains uncertain, leading to a prediction favoring Illinois State by a narrow margin of 27-23. This showdown not only promises excitement but also potential for the underdog story that defines much of playoff football.