Valley Rundown: Breaking down three critical elements to Illinois State’s title game run

The end is in sight.

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We’ve almost reached the conclusion of the 2025 FCS football campaign with only one game to go. And for the 15th straight season, an MVFC representative will vie for the national championship. For the first time since 2014, Illinois State is back in the title game and will eye yet another postseason upset against a heavily-favored Montana State side. 

The Redbirds have gone on one of the most memorable, improbable postseason runs in FCS history. From going unseeded to making the trip to Nashville, let’s take a look at some of the factors fueling Illinois State’s journey to the Music City as the anticipation builds for this year’s title matchup. 

Dictating pace of play  

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This is perhaps the most intriguing part of Illinois State’s postseason run so far. And unlike the road wins and the Rittenhouse/Sobkowicz chemistry, this is something that didn’t really carry over into the playoffs. 

During the regular season, the Redbirds’ average time of possession was 28 minutes and 26 seconds, while opponents' average time of possession came out to 31 minutes and 34 seconds. Overall, Illinois State had the ball less than its opponents, but not by much on average per game.  

But those numbers have DRASTICALLY changed in the postseason. Over four playoff games, Illinois State has had the ball for 36 minutes and 13 seconds, which means opponents have only had the ball on average for 23 minutes and 47 seconds. That’s nearly a full eight-minute difference from the regular season.   

Now, what does time of possession lead to? Well, it wears down the defense and makes it tougher for them to get off the field. It’s vice versa for Illinois State’s defense, which has had plenty of time to catch its breath. At the same time, it can make it difficult for an offense to work into a rhythm, similar to what happened in the NDSU game. Meanwhile, more possession leads to more offensive opportunities and more chances to score for the Redbirds.  

How have they kept that TOP in their corner? A balanced offensive attack has been a big help. The Redbirds have run 299 total offensive plays during the playoffs, with 165 (55.2%) run and 134 (44.8%) pass plays. Out of their 1,672 total yards during the playoffs, 759 (45.3%) have come via the run and 913 (54.7%) have come via the pass. 

Dictating the pace of play can also give you a chance against anybody. Going up against a Montana State side that averages 38.1 points per game (No. 8 nationally), I’d say keeping that offense off the field would go a long way toward winning a championship.  

Road Warriors 

The Redbirds have preferred to play on the road this season. They entered the playoffs on a five-game road winning streak, highlighted by victories at both Dakota schools this year. However, Illinois State has taken the road warrior title to an elite level no team has ever reached before. 

With four straight road victories in the playoffs, the Redbirds are the only team in FCS postseason history to accomplish such a feat. With a 12-4 mark, Illinois State’s home record (3-3) compared to its road mark (9-1) is incomparable. Not to mention that lone road loss was in the season opener against Oklahoma, which made the College Football Playoff. 

Even just looking at points per game displays a clear disparity. In their five home games this season, the Redbirds averaged 28 points per game and opponents averaged 29.16. On the road against FCS foes, the Redbirds have averaged 35.3 points per game, and opponents have averaged 21.3. 

That is a pretty staggering difference and a huge reason why Illinois State has thrived in the playoffs.  

The Rittenhouse/Sobkowicz connection 

Tommy Rittenhouse and Daniel Sobkowicz have been through it all together at Illinois State. Both arrived in 2022 and the two will go down as some of the best to ever come through the Redbird program. Their chemistry and connection have undoubtedly been a major factor over the last four weeks. 

Through four playoff games, Rittenhouse has found Sobkowicz 29 times for 403 yards and a staggering seven touchdowns. If you like percentages, these really display how important Sobkowicz has been to Rittenhouse. 

• Over 35% (29/82) of Rittenhouse’s postseason completions have been to Sobkowicz 

• Over 44% (403/912) of Rittenhouse’s postseason passing yards have been to Sobkowicz

• 87.5% (7/8) of Rittenhouse’s postseason passing TDs have been to Sobkowicz

The duo’s play has been nothing short of spectacular. And if they link up for at least 59 yards in the title game, Sobkowicz would become the program leader in receiving yards, topping Tyrone Walker’s current mark of 3,565. It would also add to Sobkowicz’s records at Illinois State, as his 40 career TD receptions and his 257 career receptions are the most in ISU history.