FCS, Illinois State football
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With the Bison and 2022-23 champion South Dakota State out, only two of the teams still alive entering the quarterfinals have won the title in the last 25 years: No. 12 seed Villanova (2009) and No. 3 seed Montana (2001). Could it finally be the year for 2024's losing finalist, Montana State, which hasn't won the championship since 1984?
The 2025 FCS championship semifinals are here, and No. 2 Montana State, No. 3 Montana, No. 12 Villanova and Illinois State still have a chance to lift this year's trophy. Here's what you need to know.
Another x-factor will be how effective Villanova's defense has been in key situations. The Wildcats have held opponents to 28% on third-down attempts, while also making several key red zone stops in all three postseason games. The best example was the forced fumble on Lehigh's final possession, sealing the win for the Wildcats.
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FCS Quarterfinals Recap: Breaking the Bracket More
Stephen F. Austin’s season ends at 11-3 after making its first quarterfinal appearance since 2009. Star receiver Kylon Harris finished his night with 11 catches for 85 yards but no touchdowns. Vidlak went for 242 yards in the air with one score. Standout corner Charles Demmings did not play due to an illness.
It's quarterfinal weekend in the FCS playoffs, and Montana State and Montana are still playing home football games.
Illinois State will travel to No. 12 seed Villanova in the semifinals of the 2025 FCS Playoffs. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday (Dec. 20) at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2. This will be the second meeting between these programs, with the Redbirds defeating the Wildcats in the first matchup in 1976.
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