Southeast Missouri’s reliance on the air game kept the Redhawks in the game, but eight turnovers ultimately proved costly as SEMO fell in the first round of the NCAA Division One Football Championship Subdivision playoffs to Illinois State 35-27 on Saturday, Nov. 30.

Quarterback Paxton DeLaurent tied an FCS record with 85 passing attempts, completing 48 of them for 557 yards. That included four touchdown passes, two of them to Dorian Anderson. However, DeLaurent also threw five interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns. DeLaurent was also responsible for one of three Redhawk fumbles lost to the Redbirds, who despite having the 12 seed, was on the road to Cape Girardeau as their stadium was hosting Illinois’ state high school championships. Illinois State led 28-7 at the half, but SEMO were able to close the gap with two unanswered touchdowns in the fourth quarter. However, the onside kick attempt failed, and Illinois State knelt out the clock to advance.

Southeast Missouri conclude their season at 9-4, having won a share of the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference title.