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.

SEMO was the conference champ, but yeah, not seeded...getting to host.

It's a 4 hour drive from Normal to Cape Girardeau. Weather in the area is supposed to be pretty fair, low 40's is the afternoon high temp.

I watch the Illinois State offense...can't help but see similarities in style to UC Davis. Very aggressive, #2 WR Daniel Sobkowicz is an impressive player. Their QB #16 Tommy Rittenhouse makes plays, he can move around when he has to. RB #32 Wenkers Wright is long and has some good top end speed. RB #25 Matt Lawson has great burst and is a change of pace gasher.

Will post some SEMO tape a little later.

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

Strength of Schedules (Simmons):
UC Davis - 24
Illinois State - 30
SEMO - 80

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.

They don't commit a lot penalties, that's a good statistic.

SEMO looks to have quite the passing attack.

So who should we root for?