Dillon Gearhart’s faith in his abilities as an Illinois State football player has been repeatedly tested.
That same faith continues to produce rewards for Gearhart in his sixth season as a Redbird.
“I’ve seen this program the whole six years go through a lot of ups and downs,” Gearhart said. “It means so much to be back in the playoffs again this year.”
No. 11-ranked ISU opens the FCS playoffs Saturday with an 11 a.m. game against No. 16 Southeast Missouri at Houck Field in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Both teams are 9-3 and won six of eight conference games.