Stephen F. Austin Moves 2024 Opener; Eastern Illinois and Illinois State Extend Series

Stephen F. Austin’s (Southland) 2024 season opener against North American University (SAC – NAIA) has been moved to Thursday, August 29 with kickoff scheduled for 8 PM Eastern Time. The game was previously scheduled for Saturday, August 31. North American University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Sooner Athletic Conference. There are 58 games scheduled between FCS teams and non-Division I opponents for the 2024 season.

Eastern Illinois (Big South-OVC) and Illinois State (MVFC) will continue their football series through the 2028 season, according to FBSchedules. The two teams are already scheduled to meet in 2024 and 2025 with ISU hosting this year followed by EIU hosting next season. The teams will continue to alternate hosting with the Redbirds hosting in 2026, Panthers in 2027, and Redbirds again in 2028. Illinois State leads the all-time series 59-43-9 with the 2023 game ending in a 14-13 win for Eastern Illinois after a touchdown with second remaining.

Photo Credit to Eastern Illinois University Athletics

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