Illinois' disappointing season may have college football fans in central Illinois ready to move on to basketball but 2 of the state's smaller universities will are heading into the post season.
Eastern Illinois will take on South Dakota State (8-3) Saturday in the first round of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. The Panthers (7-4) will go on the road in their first playoff appearance since 2009.
And on Dec. 1, Illinois State (8-3) will travel to Appalachian State for the second round of the FCS playoffs. The Redbirds earned a first-round bye before facing the Mountaineers (8-3). Illinois State is making its first playoff appearance since 2006.