Normal, IL (Sports Network) - The Illinois State football program announced the completion of its 2013 schedule Wednesday after it added a Sept. 21 home game against Abilene Christian.

The Redbirds, who reached the FCS national quarterfinals this past season, will play an 11-game schedule, including five home matchups at Hancock Stadium.

"It's been tough to find an 11th game, which is kind of becoming the culture right now in FCS football," ISU coach Brock Spack said. "However, we are excited to add a good program like Abilene Christian to the schedule to complete our 2013 slate. They are making the transition to FCS football and are typically a very skilled, fast team. We are going to have our hands full next season and it's going to be a very difficult schedule for us."

The Redbirds' other home games are within the Missouri Valley Football Conference against Western Illinois (Oct. 5), Indiana State (Oct. 19), South Dakota (Oct. 26) and Northern Iowa (Nov. 2).

2013 Illinois State Football Schedule

Aug. 29, at Ball State, Muncie, Ind.

Sept. 14, at Eastern Illinois, Charleston, Ill.

Sept. 21, Abilene Christian, Normal, Ill.

Sept. 28, at Missouri State*, Springfield, Mo.

Oct. 5, Western Illinois*, Normal, Ill.

Oct. 12, at Youngstown State*, Youngstown, Ohio

Oct. 19, Indiana State*, Normal, Ill.

Oct. 26, South Dakota*, Normal, Ill.

Nov. 2, Northern Iowa*, Normal, Ill.

Nov. 9, at North Dakota State*, Fargo, N.D

Nov. 16, at Southern Illinois*, Carbondale, Ill.

* - Missouri Valley Football Conference game

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