Charleston, IL -- (Sports Network) - Pierre Rembert ran for 122 yards and a touchdown to lead Illinois State over Eastern Illinois 24-13 in the first round of the NCAA Division I-AA football playoffs.

Jason Tate and Jesse Caesar each returned interceptions for touchdowns for the Redbirds (9-3), who will travel to Youngstown State in the quarterfinals.

Luke Drone finished 16-of-33 for 177 with four interceptions for Illinois State, which needed to score 14 fourth-quarter points to escape with the win. Rembert's 18-yard TD run with 2:07 left gave the Redbirds a 17-13 lead. Caesar then returned an interception 45 yards with a minute left for the final score.

Cole Stinson completed 15-of-30 passes for only 79 yards with three picks for Eastern Illinois (8-5), which trailed 10-6 at halftime before going ahead 13-10 early in the fourth when Terrance Sanders returned an interception 87 yards for a score.