The young Australian is in the fight of his life to secure full playing privileges on the PGA Tour next year, and he keeps producing.
Entering the week at No.100 in the FedEx Cup standings - only the top 100 will keep their full status for next year - there is no margin for error or mishaps.
On Thursday, when he was eight behind the leaders, he finished birdie-birdie to move to within six off the lead at the Seaside Course.
On Friday, playing the more testing Plantation Course, he finished with eagle on the par-5 18th to equal his 66 from the previous day.
It gave Vilips a 10-under 132 total, six behind sole leader Andrew Novak (65, Plantation Course).
The eagle, to go with four birdies, elevated the 24-year-old into a tie for 22nd. More importantly, his projected ranking has risen to No.96 - giving him some breathing space for the final two rounds.
Novak, who became a dad two weeks ago for the first time, holds a one-shot lead Michael Thorbjornsen (63, Seaside) and Patrick Rodgers (62, Plantation).
But the real focus was far down the leaderboard at the cut line.
Beau Hossler is at No.103 and making the cut was his only hope. He hit a tough chip to set up birdie on the par-5 eighth at the Plantation, and then got up-and-down from a bunker on his final hole at No.9 for a 67 to make the cut on the number.
His work is not done, but at least he has a chance. The conditions have been so calm that the cut fell at seven-under 135.
"Kind of tough, honestly, this week with it just going to be an absolute shootout - no wind, greens are very receptive, virtually no rough. So just knowing that it's more or less just going to be a wedge and putting contest," Hossler said.
Among those who missed the cut were former British Open champion Brian Harman, Sahith Theegala and Justin Lower (69-68).
Johnny Keefer, the Korn Ferry Tour player of the year who received a sponsor exemption, had a 64 at Seaside and was three shots behind. A finish in the top 5 might be enough for Keefer, who is No.50 in the world, to secure a Masters invitation through the world ranking.
Harrison Endycott, the other Australian in the field, made the cut on the number.
Endycott, who entered the tournament at No.210, shot a blemish-free five-under 67 that included a key birdie on his second-last hole.
with AP
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