FCS Playoffs

[ST_Lawson]

Just a reminder though, if you have access to watch the game via legitimate (legal) means, then I'd recommend doing that instead of First Row Sports.
For example, I'm watching Coastal Carolina at NDSU streaming from ESPN. The quality is good, there's no danger of infecting my computer with spyware/malware, and ESPN counts another viewer of an FCS football game. The more interest there is in FCS football, the more likely they are to work to get more games broadcast. First Row doesn't count towards ESPN's viewership stats.

If you do not have access to the ESPN broadcasts or online streams, then First Row is great for allowing you to watch games you wouldn't otherwise be able to watch. But if you have the option, go with the legitimate source(s).

And just to let you know, all of those Div. II and III games are also available on WatchESPN or ESPN3 today as well.

[ST_Lawson]

Like last year, NDSU took down Coastal Carolina in the playoffs.
Unlike last year, when the Bison pulled away early and coasted to a fairly easly 48-14 victory, this game was close and not easy.

NDSU got ahead by a 11 fairly early and they kinda went back and forth with scores all through the game with NDSU only up by 4 after the first quarter (14-10), 4 again at the half (24-20), and 5 after 3 quarters (31-26). CCU finally scored and took a 1 point lead early in the 4th quarter (32-31), but NDSU was able to answer (with a 2-pt conversion) and then hold them the rest of the game. That last score was the difference, with the Bison winning 39-32.

NDSU will play the winner of the Sam Houston State at #6 Villanova game (currently tied at 24 with 2 min left in 3rd quarter) at the Fargodome next weekend.

[ST_Lawson]

And Game #3 in the books with unseeded Sam Houston State heading out to Villanova and beating the 6th seed Wildcats 34-31.
SHSU will travel to Fargo, ND next weekend for a rematch with the Bison. The first two FCS championships that NDSU won in the current streak of 3 were wins over Sam Houston State. NDSU has a 3-1 overall record against SHSU, winning in Fargo in '07, losing in Huntsville, TX in '09, then winning the '12 and '13 FCS championships in Frisco, TX.

The last of the 4 games this weekend is Illinois State at Eastern Washington. At halftime, the Redbirds currently lead 24-17. Winner will travel to New Hampshire next weekend.

[ST_Lawson]

And in the final game, Illinois State defeated Eastern Washington with a (basketball game) score of 59-46.
Marshaun Coprich ended the game with a career-high 258 yards and 4 TDs.

The end of the game was overshadowed when, with approximately 1:40 left in the game, a medical emergency occurred in the stands. One of the fans (I've heard that it was a parent of one of the EWU football players) had what they believe to be a heart attack. The game was delayed for probably a half hour or so while medical personnel attended to the person. I don't know any other details at this point.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't someone have a heart attack at one of our games...last year maybe? Was it right before the game started? That sounds right. And I think the person survived...right?

Anyway, it's a horrible situation no matter when it happens. My thoughts are with the family members and the Eastern Washington team at this time.

[wiu712]

Attendance at the Dec 12-13 NCAA Football Playoffs

FCS Quarterfinals:
Sam Houston State at Villanova = 2,333. Sam Houston State won 34-31.
Illinois State at Eastern Washington = 6,239. Illinois State won 59-46.
Chattanooga at New Hampshire = 6,380. New Hampshire won 35-30.
Coastal Carolina at North Dakota State = 18,049. North Dakota State won 39-32.


Division 2 Semifinals:
West Georgia at Colorado State-Pueblo = 7,236. CSU-Pueblo won 10-7.
Concord (West Virginia) at Minnesota State-Mankato = 3,269. Mankato won 47-13.


Division 3 Semifinals:
Linfield at Wisconsin-Whitewater = 1,942. UW-Whitewater won 20-14.
Wesley at Mount Union = 2,424. Mount Union won 70-21.

[wiu712]

The end of the game was overshadowed when, with approximately 1:40 left in the game, a medical emergency occurred in the stands. One of the fans (I've heard that it was a parent of one of the EWU football players) had what they believe to be a heart attack.

From SB Nation:

A man at the FCS quarterfinal matchup between Eastern Washington and Illinois State required emergency medical attention after he went into cardiac arrest, according to the ESPN broadcast, and had to be treated by medical staff. Medical personnel performed CPR, according to Jim Allen of the Spokesman Review. Police confirmed the man was the father of Eastern Washington offensive lineman Jake Rodgers.

Cheney police confirm Jake Rodgers dad was the one in stands. Jake is a lineman at EWU and is from Spokane, Shadle Park high school.

An ambulance was driven onto the track behind the sideline. Players took knees on the sidelines, with the Eagles huddling up in a prayer.

The situation occurred late in the fourth quarter. The game was delayed for several minutes while the man was loaded into an ambulance. The teams eventually returned to the field and played out the final 1:40.

[ST_Lawson]

Forgot to mention game times and stuff for this weekend.

Sam Houston State is playing at North Dakota State tonight (right now, actually). NDSU is up 7-0 in the 1st quarter.

Illinois State will play at New Hampshire tomorrow afternoon at 1 PM Central.

[sealhall74]

This game at half reminds me of our game with them as NDSU looks vulnerable. Lets see what kind of adjustments they come up with. I already am booked for Frisco so surely I will get to see some Valley team there, right?

[ST_Lawson]

This game at half reminds me of our game with them as NDSU looks vulnerable. Lets see what kind of adjustments they come up with. I already am booked for Frisco so surely I will get to see some Valley team there, right?

They adjusted....21 points in the second half so far for the Bison.

Unless they completely fall apart in the last part of the 4th quarter, it looks like it's NDSU in the championship for the 4th year in a row.

[ST_Lawson]

And it's a final. North Dakota State wins it...35-3 over Sam Houston State.

Now to root for ISU tomorrow for an all-MVFC championship game.