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Lions Face Tough Challenge Against Redbirds in 2025 Showdown

9/21/2025

Summary

Lions Face Redbirds

The University of North Alabama Lions will play the No. 4 Illinois State Redbirds on September 20, 2025, in Illinois.
UNA ranks fifth in FCS rushing offense with 244.7 yards per game, while Illinois State boasts the third-best rushing defense, allowing 79.3 yards.
UNA holds a 1-2 record, recently winning 49-21 against Northeastern State; Illinois State is 2-1 after a loss to Oklahoma.
This game is the second meeting between the teams, with Illinois State winning the first in 2024.
Other key matchups include Alabama vs. Georgia on September 27 and several ranked games in Week 4 of FCS football.

Summary

SEMO Battles SIU

Southeast Missouri State (SEMO) will face Southern Illinois (SIU) in the 93rd "War for the Wheel" on September 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM CST.
SEMO, currently 1-2, seeks to rebound after a loss to North Dakota State, while SIU holds a 2-1 record.
SIU's dual-threat quarterback DJ Williams presents a challenge for SEMO's defense, led by linebacker Landon Sylvie.
The rivalry spans over a century, with SEMO leading 43-39-8 overall and a 4-3 advantage since 2018.
Quarterback Jax Leatherwood will make his first start in this rivalry, highlighting the crowd's energy as crucial for SEMO's performance.

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Lions Face Redbirds

The University of North Alabama Lions will play the No. 4 Illinois State Redbirds on September 20, 2025, in Illinois.
UNA ranks fifth in FCS rushing offense with 244.7 yards per game, while Illinois State boasts the third-best rushing defense, allowing 79.3 yards.
UNA holds a 1-2 record, recently winning 49-21 against Northeastern State; Illinois State is 2-1 after a loss to Oklahoma.
This game is the second meeting between the teams, with Illinois State winning the first in 2024.
Other key matchups include Alabama vs. Georgia on September 27 and several ranked games in Week 4 of FCS football.

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