Illinois State quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse joins the podcast fresh off one of the most shocking wins in FCS playoff history, a 29–28 road upset of No. 1 North Dakota State in the Fargodome.

Despite throwing five interceptions, Rittenhouse delivered when it mattered most, leading two late touchdown drives and completing the bold game-winning two-point conversion to silence one of the toughest environments in college football.

In this conversation, Tommy breaks down the week of preparation, the calm he felt in the middle of chaos, and the mindset behind the phrase, “You can’t score 14 in one drive.” He talks about trusting his teammates, embracing the scramble drill, and why there was no hesitation when it came time to go for two.

Tommy also reflects on his five-year journey at Illinois State, the influence of head coach Brock Spack, the bond inside the Redbirds locker room, and how Johnny Cash helps fuel his edge on game day.

Now quarterfinal bound, Rittenhouse looks ahead to the rematch out west at UC Davis, carrying belief, composure, and a team built for the moment.