Sat Dec 07 21:40:00 UTC 2024: **UC Davis Aggies Face Illinois State in NCAA Football Championship Second Round**
DAVIS, CA – The UC Davis Aggies (10-2) will host the Illinois State Redbirds (10-3) this Saturday at 1 p.m. PST at UC Davis Health Stadium in the second round of the NCAA Division I Football Championship. This marks the first-ever meeting between the two teams. The Aggies, 7-1 in the Big Sky Conference, are coming off a 42-39 victory over Sacramento State, while the Redbirds, 6-2 in the Missouri Valley Conference, secured their playoff berth with an impressive 35-27 win over Southeast Missouri State, fueled by eight turnovers. Illinois State boasts a six-game winning streak.
UC Davis head coach Tim Plough, who was recruited by Illinois State himself years ago but chose Davis due to weather concerns, acknowledges the Redbirds’ strong team and their success on the road. He highlights Illinois State’s efficient running game and talented defense, while also emphasizing the Aggies’ own offensive prowess (averaging 35.2 points per game). Plough remained tight-lipped about his team’s final roster, stating that intense competition in practice will determine the final 64 players allowed by NCAA rules. Special teams, particularly punt returns, are also expected to play a crucial role.
The game will be televised on ESPN+ and broadcast on SacTown Sports 1140 AM. Coach Plough expressed his disappointment that running back Lan Larison and quarterback Miles Hastings were not selected to the Big Sky Conference’s first team, believing it to be a significant oversight. Larison’s impressive season included 1,321 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, 755 receiving yards, and 6 receiving touchdowns. Hastings threw for 3,745 yards and 32 touchdowns. The Aggies’ strong defensive presence includes David Meyer with 104 tackles and Rex and Porter Connors with 91 and 72 tackles, respectively. The winner advances to the quarterfinals on December 13th or 14th to face the winner of the Tarleton State-South Dakota game.
First Piper 