The Unstoppable Road Show: Illinois State Torches UC Davis to Reach FCS Semifinals

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DAVIS, CA — The postseason magic continues for the Illinois State Redbirds (11-4), who cemented their status as the most dangerous unseeded team in the FCS playoffs with a resounding 42-31 victory over the #8 UC Davis Aggies (9-4) in the Quarterfinals on Saturday.

Following their stunning upset of top-seeded North Dakota State last week, the Redbirds delivered another dominant road performance in California, advancing to the FCS National Semifinals for the third time in program history and the first time since 2014.

The Lightning-Fast First Quarter

The game started with an explosion of points and huge momentum swings, setting a frenetic pace for the rest of the night:

Kickoff Return TD: After UC Davis opened the scoring with a field goal, Illinois State’s Chris Taylor immediately answered, taking the ensuing kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown to snatch the lead.
The 93-Yard Strike: Later in the quarter, Redbirds quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse connected with star wide receiver Daniel Sobkowicz on a 93-yard touchdown bomb—the longest play of the Redbirds’ season—shortly after a failed UC Davis fake field goal attempt.
The teams combined for 38 points in the first quarter, with Illinois State holding a precarious $21-17$ lead.

Redbirds’ Ground Game Takes Over

After a scoreless second quarter, the Illinois State offense settled into a groove, leaning heavily on the running game to control the clock and wear down the Aggies’ defense.

Dominating the Third Quarter: The Redbirds scored 14 unanswered points in the third, featuring two sustained, methodical scoring drives. They chewed up massive chunks of time, keeping the high-octane UC Davis offense off the field.
Glatz’s Explosive Runs: Running back Seth Glatz, who had just three rushing touchdowns all season entering the game, broke through for two rushing touchdowns in the second half, including a back-breaking 58-yard sprint in the fourth quarter that extended the lead to $42-17$ and effectively sealed the game.
The Redbirds finished with a season-high 273 rushing yards, dictating the tempo for the majority of the final two quarters.

Individual Heroes

Tommy Rittenhouse: The quarterback was incredibly efficient, completing 15-of-20 passes for 266 yards and three touchdowns.
Daniel Sobkowicz: The standout receiver was a consistent threat, tallying six catches for 150 yards and two touchdowns, tying the program’s career receptions record in the process.
Victor Dawson added 148 rushing yards on 29 carries, ensuring the ground attack remained potent throughout the game.

UC Davis quarterback Caden Pinnick threw for over 400 yards. Still, the Aggies couldn’t overcome the deficit, a critical Redbirds’ forced fumble in the third quarter, and an interception thrown into the end zone.

The victory extends Illinois State’s improbable playoff run and sets up an MVC-CAA clash in the National Semifinal against the #12 Villanova Wildcats next Saturday.