SEMO is looking stronger than advertised

Illinois State QB down with injury

Well there was SEMO's passing attack

Illinois State runs a pretty balanced offense, but are only scoring 27.3 points per game (29.8 points per game if you take out the game against Iowa). If SEMO breaks off some explosive scoring plays with their passing game it may be harder for the redbirds to catch up.

I think Illinois State's defense is pretty underrated though. Again take out the game against Iowa and they are only allowing 21.8 points per game and just 14.3 over the last 4 games of the season.

Battle of the red avian! Looking forward to see who we will be taking on next week. If I had to guess Illinois State takes this one. SEMO has a potent passing attack, but have been on a downward trajectory after a strong start to the season.

I don't think Miles will ever be considered a dual threat QB. Even dating back to HS he's the definition of a pocket passer. He can scramble if needed, but he is the least mobile QB currently on our roster by what I would consider a wide margin.

I'm guessing that we will have a thunder and lightning RB rotation next season with Vargas and Fisher. Tough to replace the productivity of a Walter Peyton level player in Lan, but I think that we're in good hands. I think adding in the wrinkle of a QB who actually can take designed runs will change the look of the offense somewhat.

New offer on transfer portal WR/TE hybrid, Cameron Barmore, out of Mercyhurst University. Stands at 6'6 230 lbs and had 913 receiving yards and 13 TDs this last season. Already has double digit offers since entering the portal.

I know some folks on the Sac forum are worried he's going to transfer if changes aren't made to the coaching staff.

Sagarin Ratings
UCD 102
ISU 114
SEMO 169

Massey Matchup
ISU @ SEMO - ISU 56% chance of winning
ISU @ UCD - UCD 70% chance of winning
SEMO @ UCD - UCD 76% chance of winning

Just in case folks didn't know, the early signing period is earlier than in years past. Last year it started on December 20th, this year on December 4th so it's really right around the corner. I'm guessing we might see another commitment or 2 before that date.

Ha! I was waiting to see if it looks like they're gonna win before signing up

These were the most active forums that I could find. The Illinois State forum looks fairly active. If someone can find a more active SEMO forum let me know. I don't know if @AggieFinn wants to pin these in his first post.

Illinois State Fan Forum

SEMO Fan Forum

Tough to know how we would deal with that size. Most of Big Sky has smaller shifty receivers. SEMO didn't really DOMINATE many games this year with a relatively weak SoS. They beat Northwestern State (0-12) 19-0 and Tennessee Tech (7-5) 34-3 as their largest margins of victory

I see Illinois State as the better overall team, but they want to run the ball more than SEMO and we've been fairly stout on the ground.

I'm not sure if there's a clear cut one we SHOULD be rooting for in this match up as I see it. SEMO is the stronger passing team and we've been susceptible defensively in that department over the last couple of weeks. They feature 3 really strong WRs, 2 of which are 6'5 and 6'7 respectively. We haven't faced that kind of size all season. That being said, Illinois State has had success playing a much more difficult schedule.

Interesting that Illinois State isn't particularly elite (top 10ish) in any singular metric, but still finished with a 9-3 record and the 12 seed.

Illinois State
27.3 PPG
175.3 rushing yards per game
232.5 passing yards per game
ranked 27th in total offense
ranked 86th in total defense
-2 turnover margin

SEMO
30.8 PPG
98.2 rushing yards per game
301.7 passing yards per game
ranked 36th in total offense
ranked 36th in total defense
+2 turnover margin

Interesting that SEMO is going to be hosting despite being the lower ranked team because Illinois State's stadium is being used for high school state playoffs or something like that.

NAU squeaks in

Not the easiest draw, but I think the Aggies have the capability to beat either.

While not getting the 4th seed is kind of disappointing, I'm not gonna complain about making the playoffs! Go Ags!