2023 FCS Playoffs: Quarterfinals Recap
Four teams secured their spot in the semifinals of the FCS Playoffs this past weekend. Montana, North Dakota State, South Dakota State, and UAlbany are the final four teams remaining with a chance to make a trip to Frisco for the 2024 FCS National Championship.
We recap all the action from the quarterfinals of the FCS Playoffs below.
North Dakota State 45, No. 3 South Dakota 17
North Dakota State jumped out to a 35-3 first-half lead and never looked back as the Bison avenged their regular-season loss to the Coyotes. Quarterback Cam Miller bounced back with an efficient performance, completing 13-of-15 passes for 210 passing yards and two total touchdowns. The Bison rolled up over 200 rushing yards and four touchdowns, led by Cole Payton with 65 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. The emergence of wide receiver Eli Green has been exciting to watch as the sophomore led the Bison with five receptions for 116 receiving yards.
The Bison were dominant defensively as North Dakota State held South Dakota to only 52 rushing yards on 20 carries. Cole Wisniewski continued his stellar season with two interceptions, which tied the single-season record for the Bison. South Dakota turned the ball over three times, which led to 14 points for North Dakota State. The bright spot for South Dakota was the duo of Javion Phelps (81 Receiving Yards; 1 TD) and Carter Bell (5 Receptions; 79 Receiving Yards). The Coyotes struggled to consistently establish drives, which led to North Dakota State dominating the time of possession (36:08-23:52).
Up Next: North Dakota State will travel to No. 2 Montana in the semifinals of the FCS Playoffs. Kickoff is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 3:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2.
No. 1 South Dakota State 23, No. 8 Villanova 12
Despite a sluggish first half, South Dakota State outgained Villanova 279-84 in the second half to secure a spot in the semifinals. Running back Isaiah Davis had another signature postseason performance with 192 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. The offense struggled over the first quarters, but Matt Durrance blocked a punt and scored on a 45-yard return to give the Jackrabbits the lead. Poor weather impacted both passing attacks, but Mark Gronowski still completed 11-of-19 attempts for 101 passing yards and one touchdown.
South Dakota State's defense continued to dominate, holding the Wildcats to only 219 total yards. Villanova established some consistency on the ground with Jalen Jackson (67 Rushing Yards; 1 TD) but failed to find the same success in the second half. Linebacker Adam Bock led the Jackrabbits with 11 total tackles, while Quinton Hicks had an impressive game with seven total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and one sack. Cornerback Dalys Beanum sealed the game with an interception in the fourth quarter.
Up Next: South Dakota State will host TBA in the semifinals of the FCS Playoffs. Kickoff is scheduled for Dec. 15 at 6:00 p.m. CT on ESPN2.
No. 5 UAlbany 30, No. 4 Idaho 22
UAlbany scored 16 points in the fourth quarter to stun Idaho in the Kibbie Dome on Saturday night. Wide receiver Brevin Easton had a career game with nine receptions for 228 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. Quarterback Reese Poffenbarger completed 24-of-41 passes for 341 passing yards and three touchdowns. Poffenbarger set the UAlbany single-season record for offensive yards and the career record for touchdown passes in the win.
The Great Danes only finished the game with one sack, but Anton Juncaj made his one sack count with a strip sack of Gevani McCoy with less than two minutes remaining to clinch the win. Juncaj broke the UAlbany single-season sack record with his performance. Linebacker Dylan Kelly led the Great Danes with seven total tackles, while cornerback Aamir Hall had an outstanding performance in coverage with multiple pass breakups.
Up Next: UAlbany will travel to South Dakota State in the semifinals of the FCS Playoffs. Kickoff is scheduled for Dec. 15 at 6:00 p.m. CT on ESPN2.
No. 2 Montana 35, No. 7 Furman 28 (OT)
Quarterback Clifton McDowell found wide receiver Keelan White for the 13-yard game-winning touchdown in overtime in an instant classic between the Grizzlies and Paladins. Wide receiver Junior Bergen was the star of the game as the junior opened the game with a 99-yard kick return and had a crucial 59-yard punt return touchdown in the fourth quarter. Bergen finished the game with 242 all-purpose yards, including 44 receiving yards on four receptions. McDowell was also spectacular as he completed 17-of-31 passes for 208 passing yards and one passing touchdown. He also led the Grizzlies with 118 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.
Furman made some outstanding plays late in this game, but the Grizzlies held the Paladins to only 282 total yards and only 3.5 yards per play. Montana held the Furman rushing attack to 2.8 yards per carry and finished the game with eight tackles for loss. Linebacker Braxton Hill led the Grizzlies with 10 total tackles, while Riley Wilson led the team with two tackles for loss and one sack. Furman tight end Mason Pline had an outstanding performance with nine receptions for 78 receiving yards and the game-tying touchdown at the end of regulation.
Up Next: Montana will host North Dakota State in the semifinals of the FCS Playoffs. Kickoff is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 3:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2.
