FCS-CFB Game Preview: Illinois State Redbirds (8-4) vs. Southeastern La Lions (9-3)

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Venue & Game Info

Location: Strawberry Stadium, Hammond, Louisiana

Kickoff: 12:00 PM CT

Weather Forecast: ~63°F, partly cloudy, light winds, no precipitation

Broadcast: ESPN+

Injury Report

No major injuries reported for either team heading into the matchup.

Key Player Matchups

Quarterbacks:

Illinois State: Tommy Rittenhouse – 2,345 yards, 28 TD, 5 INT

SE Louisiana: Carson Camp – 1,674 yards, 14 TD, 4 INT

Running Backs:

Illinois State: Victor Dawson – 739 yards, 3 TD

SE Louisiana: Deantre Jackson – 566 yards, 7 TD

Receivers:

Illinois State: Daniel Sobkowicz – 686 yards, 11 TD

SE Louisiana: Jaylon Domingeaux – 779 yards, 11 TD

Defensive Leaders:

Illinois State: Tye Niekamp – 126 tackles

SE Louisiana: Kaleb Proctor – 7 sacks

Recent Team Form

Illinois State:

L vs Southern Illinois (37-7)

W vs South Dakota State (35-21)

W vs Indiana State (52-20)

W vs Northern Iowa (31-16)

W vs South Dakota (21-13)

Southeastern Louisiana:

W vs Nicholls (38-26)

W vs UIW (10-7)

L vs Lamar (14-12)

W vs East Texas A&M (59-14)

W vs HCU (38-14)

Series History

First-ever postseason meeting between Illinois State and Southeastern Louisiana.

Betting Trends

SE Louisiana undefeated at home in 2025, strong ATS record (7-5).

Illinois State 6-6 ATS overall, 4-2 ATS on the road.

Historical Betting Results

Illinois State advanced to 2nd round in 2024 playoffs after beating SEMO.

SE Louisiana making its 6th playoff appearance, 4th under coach Frank Scelfo.

Projected Score: Southeastern Louisiana 27 – Illinois State 24

Reasoning: SE Louisiana’s balanced offense (33.3 PPG, 179 rush yds/game) and home-field edge give them the edge. Illinois State’s passing attack with Rittenhouse and Sobkowicz will keep it close, but SLU’s defense (17.8 PA/G) and strong rushing game tilt the matchup.

Game Odds

Illinois State Redbirds                    54.5

Southeastern La Lions                    – 3.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, November 28, 2025