Looking for indepth previews of this weekends FCS Quarterfinal games? You have come to the right place. I would have written these myself, but, you know...got a little busy.Here they are in all of their glory from www.sportsnetwork.com
By Brett Kahn, FCS Assistant
Bethlehem, PA (Sports Network) - Here are the matchups for the quarterfinal round of the 2009 FCS playoffs and other selected games. All games are in EST.
SATURDAY'S PLAYOFF GAMES
No. 6 William & Mary (10-1) at No. 1 Southern Illinois (11-1), 12 p.m.
Two teams that have never played will meet for the first time in the quarterfinal round of the 2009 FCS playoffs.
This is Southern Illinois' fourth quarterfinal appearance in five seasons and first second-round berth for William & Mary since 2004.
No. 3 seeded and Missouri Valley Football Conference champion Southern Illinois blew out Eastern Illinois 48-7 in the first round last weekend.
The Salukis outgained the Panthers 389-189, with 2009 Payton Award finalist Deji Karim (1,667 yards rushing, 18 TDs) running for 155 yards and two scores, including a 58-yarder in the fourth quarter.
Karim ranks second nationally in rushing, is tied for second in scoring and is third in all-purpose yardage (2,234 yards). His 2009 rushing total ranks third in SIU history.
Freshman quarterback Paul McIntosh (1,341 yards of total offense, 13 TDs) compiled 181 yards and three scores against EIU and has filled in nicely for Chris Dieker, who is out for at least one more game after suffering a broken left clavicle earlier in the season. McIntosh's 115 yards rushing against the Panthers was a career-high.
Joe Allaria (50 catches, 13.4 average, three TDs) leads SIU's wide receiving corps that also features Bryce Morris (37 catches, 11.2 average, two TDs). The duo didn't produce a lot in the opening round game, because of the success of a rushing attack that racked up 323 yards.
Southern Illinois ranks eighth nationally in scoring defense and seventh in sacks allowed. The unit played extremely well against the Panthers, holding EIU to just seven points and under 200 yards of total offense.
The Salukis' defense features Buchanan Award nominee Brandin Jordan (76 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, seven quarterback hurries) and Kyle Walker (40 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, six quarterback hurries) at linebacker and All- American Korey Lindsey (58 tackles, six interceptions) at cornerback.
SIU leads the nation in kickoff returns, with Karim (32.9 average, one TD) carrying the effort.
William & Mary, an at-large selection from the Colonial Athletic Association shut out Weber State in the first round, 38-0 to advance. The offense outgained a very solid Wildcats' unit 408-161, with All-CAA running back Jonathan Grimes (1,102 yards rushing, six TDs) compiling 139 yards rushing on 23 carries.
All-CAA Tribe quarterback R.J. Archer (2,585 yards of total offense, 20 TDs) racked up 216 yards of total offense and two rushing scores in the win. It was the first time Archer had rushed for more than one touchdown in a game since facing Villanova in October of last season.
Archer's top receivers include D.J. McAulay (45 catches, 11.3 average, three TDs), Chase Hill (31 catches, 13.8 average, four TDs) and tight end Rob Varno (42 catches, 9.5 average, three TDs).
William & Mary's defense rank No. 1 FCS in fewest rushing yards allowed, is second in total defense and fourth in sacks. The unit showed its dominance against the Wildcats, shutting out a WSU offense that hadn't been held to zero points all season.
Buchanan Award nominee Adrian Tracy (68 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 10 sacks), defensive tackle Sean Lissemore (63 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss) and CAA defensive rookie of the year, cornerback B.W. Webb (21 tackles, seven interceptions, two TDs) lead this stingy Tribe defense. Webb had two picks and returned one 58 yards for a touchdown against Weber State.
Both defenses have held their own all season, making this matchup about which offense can be most effective. But William & Mary's offensive balance with Archer could tip the game the Tribe's way.
WILLIAM & MARY 24, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS 14
No. 12 Stephen F. Austin (10-2) at No. 3 Montana (12-0), 2:05 p.m.
Montana has beaten Stephen F. Austin in the only three times they've played and will have a chance to advance to the semifinals of the 2009 FCS playoffs for second straight season.
The last time these squads got together was in 1998, in a 49-42 Grizzlies win at SFA. Montana would head to the playoffs that season, only to fall to Western Illinois, 52-9 in the first round.
There was also a 1995 semifinal playoff encounter, where the Grizzlies dominated the Lumberjacks 70-14 in Missoula, MT., on the way to Montana's first national championship.
The top-seeded Grizzlies recovered from one of the biggest deficits in FCS playoff history last week, scoring 34 points in the fourth quarter to beat South Dakota State, 61-48. Montana looked dreadful early in game, falling behind 41-14 and 48-27 before making its comeback.
Montana's offensive explosion in the fourth quarter was paced by quarterback Andrew Selle (2,250 yards passing, 21 TDs, five interceptions), who tossed two touchdown passes in the final frame, finishing the game with 309 yards passing, three touchdown passes and two interceptions. Selle ranks sixth nationally in passing efficiency.
Running back Chase Reynolds (1,193 yards rushing, 18 TDs) was limited in yardage (34 yards), but found the end zone three times, twice in the fourth quarter.
Grizzly All-American wide receiver Marc Mariani (62 catches, 18.6 average, 11 TDs) was the sparkplug for the historical comeback, racking up 389 all- purpose yards and three scores, including a 98-yard kickoff return near the end of the third quarter. Mariani ranks fourth nationally in punt returns (16.3 average) and 11th in all-purpose yards (1,823 yards).
Mariani is joined in the Montana receiving group by senior Tyler Palmer (34 catches, 12.9 average, four TDs).
Montana's defense has been its Achilles heel this season, although the unit had held opponents to under 20 points in the previous four games before the playoffs. However, the defense was put under pressure by SDSU's rushing attack for much of the afternoon.
The Grizzly defense features linebacker Shawn Lebsock (82 tackles), cornerback Andrew Swink (25 tackles, interceptions) and defensive end Jace Palmer (32 tackles, nine tackles for loss, six pass breakups).
SFA earned its first playoff win since 1995 by winning a share of the Southland Conference title and the automatic bid. The Lumberjacks took down Eastern Washington, 44-33, at home in the first round.
The nation's top-ranked scoring offense and second-ranked scoring offense put up 563 yards of total offense, with Payton Award nominee Jeremy Moses (3,920 yards passing, 40 TDs) throwing for 432 yards and four touchdown passes.
Moses spread the ball around to nine different receivers, with Duane Brooks (110 catches, 9.3 average, six TDs), Gralyn Crawford (47 catches, 15.3 average, seven TDs) and Brandon Scott (24 catches, 11.4 average, five TDs) leading the effort. The three combined for 30 catches, 302 yards and three scores.
Wide receiver Aaron Rhea (54 catches, 13.8 average, 11 TDs) missed his second straight game with an ankle injury, but is expected to play this weekend along with Contrevious Parks (45 catches, 10.3 average, five TDs), who also missed the EWU game due to injury.
The Lumberjacks' rushing attack takes a back seat to the air attack, but Vincent Pervis (872 yards rushing, two TDs) played well against the Eagles, compiling 177 all-purpose yards in the win.
SFA's defense struggled against Eastern Washington, allowing a blistering 595 yards of total offense and 33 points, its most this season.
The unit features Buchanan Award nominee Tim Knicky (37 tackles, 15 tackles for loss) at defensive end, All-American linebacker Jabara Williams (102 tackles, eight tackles for loss, seven pass breakups) and defensive tackle Kenneth Charles (43 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, nine sacks).
Both teams are clearly explosive on offense, but the lack of SFA's rushing attack could provide a disadvantage for the Lumberjacks.
MONTANA 44, STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 34
No. 10 New Hampshire (10-2) at No. 2 Villanova (11-1), 3:30 p.m.
Villanova and New Hampshire will meet in a rematch from the regular season in the quarterfinal round of the 2009 FCS playoffs.
UNH handed Villanova its lone loss this season, taking down the VU Wildcats 28-24. On an extremely windy day at UNH's Cowell Stadium, New Hampshire took advantage of VU's miscues to build a 23-7 first-half lead, fell behind 24-23 and then won it on a pair of Tom Manning field goals in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback R.J. Toman completed 15-of-28 passes for 292 yards and tight end Scott Sicko caught three passes for 135 yards and a 32-yard touchdown for New Hampshire.
Villanova, however, won the last time the teams played in the Philadelphia area, 24-13 last season behind 222 rushing yards overall and 150 yards of total offense from quarterback Chris Whitney.
New Hampshire is making its second straight quarterfinal appearance and third in the past four seasons, but the team has never advanced to the semifinals in seven previous FCS postseason appearances. Last season, UNH fell to Northern Iowa, 36-34 in the second round.
New Hampshire took down McNeese State, 49-13 to advance last week. The nation's ninth-ranked scoring offense racked up 460 yards of total offense, with Toman (2,135 yards of total offense, 19 TDs) throwing for 204 yards and scoring a season-high four times.
UNH's rushing attack ranks 37th in FCS and compiled 183 yards against the Cowboys. Running back Chad Kackert (790 yards rushing, 10 TDs) leads the attack and carried 14 times for 63 yards and a score against MSU.
Sicko (53 catches, 13.1 average, nine TDs) is the team's best receiver and hauled in two Toman touchdown passes against the Cowboys. Wide receiver J.T. Wright (34 catches, 11.4 average) is another capable pass catcher for New Hampshire.
UNH's defense got off to a very strong start in 2009, but fell off late, surrendering 42 points to a poor Rhode Island team. The looked to get back to form, surrendering just 326 yards against a formidable McNeese State offense.
New Hampshire's defense features linebackers Devon Jackson (97 tackles, eight tackles for loss), Sean Ware (93 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss) and Terrence Klein (75 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions) and All-CAA cornerback Dino Vasso (70 tackles, six pass breakups, five interceptions).
Villanova, the No. 2 seed and the auto-bid winner from the CAA, took care of business against Holy Cross, 38-28 to advance to its second straight quarterfinal round.
CAA offensive player of the year Matt Szczur (1,716 combined yards, 13 TDs) led the offensive effort, compiling 238 all-purpose yards and a touchdown run. Szczur ranks fourth nationally in kickoff returns, averaging 27.3 yards and is always a threat to break one.
Whitney (2,442 yards of total offense, 21 TDs, three interceptions), the first-team All-CAA quarterback, has been solid all season for Villanova's versatile offense which ranks 14th nationally in scoring.
Running back Aaron Ball (662 yards rushing, six TDs) racked up 99 yards and a touchdown against the Crusaders and is the team's leading running back. Finally healthy after battling with a turf toe most of the season, Angelo Babbaro (237 yards rushing, four TDs) is another rushing threat and ran for 75 yards and a touchdown in the first round win.
Wide receiver Brandyn Harvey (50 catches, 12.6 average, five TDs) poses a size advantage in Villanova's receiving corps, but has hauled in just seven balls in his last three games.
Villanova's defense settled down after the first quarter against Holy Cross and started pressuring quarterback Dominic Randolph. After surrendering 14 points to the high-octane offense in the first quarter, the defense kept Holy Cross' offense to just 14 points in the final three frames.
Buchanan Award nominee Tim Kukucka (51 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss) paces Villanova's defense, with help from fellow linebackers Terence Thomas (97 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss) and Osayi Osunde (74 tackles, seven tackles for loss) and safeties Ross Ventrone (62 tackles, five pass breakups) and John Dempsey (59 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss).
Villanova could be the most well-balanced team in FCS this season and with the decline of UNH's defense, should be able to make its first semifinal appearance since 2002.
VILLANOVA 28, NEW HAMPSHIRE 20
No. 5 Appalachian State (10-2) at No. 4 Richmond (11-1), 7 p.m.
Richmond and Appalachian State meet in a rematch of last season's quarterfinals in the 2009 FCS playoffs.
The Spiders went on to win the 2008 national championship after taking down the Mountaineers, 33-13, ending an FCS-record, 13-game playoff winning streak against the three-time champs.
Richmond took advantage of hip and knee injuries to ASU quarterback Armanti Edwards (26-of-41, 323 yards, one TD, five interceptions passing) to force seven Mountaineer turnovers. Josh Vaughan rushed 32 times for 133 yards and three TDs for the Spiders.
In the previous playoff meeting in the 2007 semifinals, Edwards rushed for 313 yards and four TDs and passed for 182 yards and three more scores as ASU won 55-35.
Richmond, the No. 4 seed, beat Elon, 16-13 last week to advance to the quarterfinals. The Spiders survived when the Phoenix missed a pair of field goals from 27 and 48 yards in the final two minutes. Parker Miles partially blocked the 48-yard attempt on the final play of the game, forcing the attempt to come up short.
The Spiders' offense compiled an impressive 400 yards of total offense, with third-team All-CAA quarterback Eric Ward (2,503 yards of total offense, 19 TDs, 10 interceptions) registering 276 total yards and a 76-yard touchdown run. The senior's 136 yards rushing in the contest was a career-high.
Running back Justin Forte (999 yards rushing, six TDs) adds to Richmond's 32nd-ranked rushing attack and ran for 96 yards against the Phoenix.
A strong group of wide receivers, led by Tre Gray (46 catches, 13.5 average, three TDs), Kevin Grayson (44 catches, 11.2 average, two TDs) and Donte Boston (32 catches, 15.3 average, four TDs), gives Ward some reliable targets.
Defensively, Richmond has been one of the best teams in FCS the past two seasons. The unit ranks seventh nationally in scoring defense and 14th in total defense.
The Spiders' defense hasn't surrendered more than 21 points in eight straight games and features standouts Buchanan Award nominee Martin Parker (71 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, eight quarterback hurries) at defensive end, linebackers Collin McConaghy (89 tackles) and Eric McBride (84 tackles) and All-American cornerback Justin Rogers (eight pass breakups, three interceptions).
Appalachian State escaped with a 20-13 win over South Carolina State, in a game littered with turnovers. ASU's third-ranked total offense was limited to just 302 yards and one offensive touchdown.
The Mountaineers scored the game-winning touchdown on a botched SCSU field goal attempt in which the snap when over the holder's head, allowing Dominique McDuffie to pick up the loose ball and take it 50 yards to the end zone.
Armanti Edwards (3,296 yards of total offense, 27 TDs, six interceptions tossed a season-high three interceptions and was caught off-guard by the SCSU pass rush most of the afternoon. Edwards is still recovering from a slight ACL sprain that he suffered against Elon, but the senior is expected to be near 100% this weekend.
Running back Devon Moore (1,115 yards rushing, 15 TDs) was limited to just 61 yards on 20 carries against Elon and was slightly banged up, but is expected to start this weekend. ASU's 10th-ranked rushing attack was limited to just 84 yards.
Wide receivers Brian Quick (49 catches, 16.7 average, four TDs) and Matt Cline (69 catches, 11.5 average) have paced ASU's talented group since slot receiver-returnman CoCo Hillary (4,100 combined yards for his career) underwent season-ending knee surgery. Quick had an acrobatic touchdown catch in the win.
Appalachian State's defense has significantly improved over the course of the season and has given up just 10 offensive points per game in the past three contests.
The unit is littered with talent in 2008 Buchanan Award finalist Mark LeGree (63 tackles, seven interceptions) at safety and All-Americans, cornerback Cortez Gilbert (68 tackles) and linebackers D.J. Smith (113 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, seven quarterback hurries) and Jacque Roman (93 tackles).
This game hinges on Edwards' health. If he is mobile and can both run and throw it will keep the Richmond defense honest and ASU should prevail.
APPALACHIAN STATE 27, RICHMOND 21
SATURDAY'S PLAYOFF GAMES
No. 6 William & Mary (10-1) at No. 1 Southern Illinois (11-1), 12 p.m.
Two teams that have never played will meet for the first time in the quarterfinal round of the 2009 FCS playoffs.
This is Southern Illinois' fourth quarterfinal appearance in five seasons and first second-round berth for William & Mary since 2004.
No. 3 seeded and Missouri Valley Football Conference champion Southern Illinois blew out Eastern Illinois 48-7 in the first round last weekend.
The Salukis outgained the Panthers 389-189, with 2009 Payton Award finalist Deji Karim (1,667 yards rushing, 18 TDs) running for 155 yards and two scores, including a 58-yarder in the fourth quarter.
Karim ranks second nationally in rushing, is tied for second in scoring and is third in all-purpose yardage (2,234 yards). His 2009 rushing total ranks third in SIU history.
Freshman quarterback Paul McIntosh (1,341 yards of total offense, 13 TDs) compiled 181 yards and three scores against EIU and has filled in nicely for Chris Dieker, who is out for at least one more game after suffering a broken left clavicle earlier in the season. McIntosh's 115 yards rushing against the Panthers was a career-high.
Joe Allaria (50 catches, 13.4 average, three TDs) leads SIU's wide receiving corps that also features Bryce Morris (37 catches, 11.2 average, two TDs). The duo didn't produce a lot in the opening round game, because of the success of a rushing attack that racked up 323 yards.
Southern Illinois ranks eighth nationally in scoring defense and seventh in sacks allowed. The unit played extremely well against the Panthers, holding EIU to just seven points and under 200 yards of total offense.
The Salukis' defense features Buchanan Award nominee Brandin Jordan (76 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, seven quarterback hurries) and Kyle Walker (40 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, six quarterback hurries) at linebacker and All- American Korey Lindsey (58 tackles, six interceptions) at cornerback.
SIU leads the nation in kickoff returns, with Karim (32.9 average, one TD) carrying the effort.
William & Mary, an at-large selection from the Colonial Athletic Association shut out Weber State in the first round, 38-0 to advance. The offense outgained a very solid Wildcats' unit 408-161, with All-CAA running back Jonathan Grimes (1,102 yards rushing, six TDs) compiling 139 yards rushing on 23 carries.
All-CAA Tribe quarterback R.J. Archer (2,585 yards of total offense, 20 TDs) racked up 216 yards of total offense and two rushing scores in the win. It was the first time Archer had rushed for more than one touchdown in a game since facing Villanova in October of last season.
Archer's top receivers include D.J. McAulay (45 catches, 11.3 average, three TDs), Chase Hill (31 catches, 13.8 average, four TDs) and tight end Rob Varno (42 catches, 9.5 average, three TDs).
William & Mary's defense rank No. 1 FCS in fewest rushing yards allowed, is second in total defense and fourth in sacks. The unit showed its dominance against the Wildcats, shutting out a WSU offense that hadn't been held to zero points all season.
Buchanan Award nominee Adrian Tracy (68 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 10 sacks), defensive tackle Sean Lissemore (63 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss) and CAA defensive rookie of the year, cornerback B.W. Webb (21 tackles, seven interceptions, two TDs) lead this stingy Tribe defense. Webb had two picks and returned one 58 yards for a touchdown against Weber State.
Both defenses have held their own all season, making this matchup about which offense can be most effective. But William & Mary's offensive balance with Archer could tip the game the Tribe's way.
WILLIAM & MARY 24, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS 14
No. 12 Stephen F. Austin (10-2) at No. 3 Montana (12-0), 2:05 p.m.
Montana has beaten Stephen F. Austin in the only three times they've played and will have a chance to advance to the semifinals of the 2009 FCS playoffs for second straight season.
The last time these squads got together was in 1998, in a 49-42 Grizzlies win at SFA. Montana would head to the playoffs that season, only to fall to Western Illinois, 52-9 in the first round.
There was also a 1995 semifinal playoff encounter, where the Grizzlies dominated the Lumberjacks 70-14 in Missoula, MT., on the way to Montana's first national championship.
The top-seeded Grizzlies recovered from one of the biggest deficits in FCS playoff history last week, scoring 34 points in the fourth quarter to beat South Dakota State, 61-48. Montana looked dreadful early in game, falling behind 41-14 and 48-27 before making its comeback.
Montana's offensive explosion in the fourth quarter was paced by quarterback Andrew Selle (2,250 yards passing, 21 TDs, five interceptions), who tossed two touchdown passes in the final frame, finishing the game with 309 yards passing, three touchdown passes and two interceptions. Selle ranks sixth nationally in passing efficiency.
Running back Chase Reynolds (1,193 yards rushing, 18 TDs) was limited in yardage (34 yards), but found the end zone three times, twice in the fourth quarter.
Grizzly All-American wide receiver Marc Mariani (62 catches, 18.6 average, 11 TDs) was the sparkplug for the historical comeback, racking up 389 all- purpose yards and three scores, including a 98-yard kickoff return near the end of the third quarter. Mariani ranks fourth nationally in punt returns (16.3 average) and 11th in all-purpose yards (1,823 yards).
Mariani is joined in the Montana receiving group by senior Tyler Palmer (34 catches, 12.9 average, four TDs).
Montana's defense has been its Achilles heel this season, although the unit had held opponents to under 20 points in the previous four games before the playoffs. However, the defense was put under pressure by SDSU's rushing attack for much of the afternoon.
The Grizzly defense features linebacker Shawn Lebsock (82 tackles), cornerback Andrew Swink (25 tackles, interceptions) and defensive end Jace Palmer (32 tackles, nine tackles for loss, six pass breakups).
SFA earned its first playoff win since 1995 by winning a share of the Southland Conference title and the automatic bid. The Lumberjacks took down Eastern Washington, 44-33, at home in the first round.
The nation's top-ranked scoring offense and second-ranked scoring offense put up 563 yards of total offense, with Payton Award nominee Jeremy Moses (3,920 yards passing, 40 TDs) throwing for 432 yards and four touchdown passes.
Moses spread the ball around to nine different receivers, with Duane Brooks (110 catches, 9.3 average, six TDs), Gralyn Crawford (47 catches, 15.3 average, seven TDs) and Brandon Scott (24 catches, 11.4 average, five TDs) leading the effort. The three combined for 30 catches, 302 yards and three scores.
Wide receiver Aaron Rhea (54 catches, 13.8 average, 11 TDs) missed his second straight game with an ankle injury, but is expected to play this weekend along with Contrevious Parks (45 catches, 10.3 average, five TDs), who also missed the EWU game due to injury.
The Lumberjacks' rushing attack takes a back seat to the air attack, but Vincent Pervis (872 yards rushing, two TDs) played well against the Eagles, compiling 177 all-purpose yards in the win.
SFA's defense struggled against Eastern Washington, allowing a blistering 595 yards of total offense and 33 points, its most this season.
The unit features Buchanan Award nominee Tim Knicky (37 tackles, 15 tackles for loss) at defensive end, All-American linebacker Jabara Williams (102 tackles, eight tackles for loss, seven pass breakups) and defensive tackle Kenneth Charles (43 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, nine sacks).
Both teams are clearly explosive on offense, but the lack of SFA's rushing attack could provide a disadvantage for the Lumberjacks.
MONTANA 44, STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 34
No. 10 New Hampshire (10-2) at No. 2 Villanova (11-1), 3:30 p.m.
Villanova and New Hampshire will meet in a rematch from the regular season in the quarterfinal round of the 2009 FCS playoffs.
UNH handed Villanova its lone loss this season, taking down the VU Wildcats 28-24. On an extremely windy day at UNH's Cowell Stadium, New Hampshire took advantage of VU's miscues to build a 23-7 first-half lead, fell behind 24-23 and then won it on a pair of Tom Manning field goals in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback R.J. Toman completed 15-of-28 passes for 292 yards and tight end Scott Sicko caught three passes for 135 yards and a 32-yard touchdown for New Hampshire.
Villanova, however, won the last time the teams played in the Philadelphia area, 24-13 last season behind 222 rushing yards overall and 150 yards of total offense from quarterback Chris Whitney.
New Hampshire is making its second straight quarterfinal appearance and third in the past four seasons, but the team has never advanced to the semifinals in seven previous FCS postseason appearances. Last season, UNH fell to Northern Iowa, 36-34 in the second round.
New Hampshire took down McNeese State, 49-13 to advance last week. The nation's ninth-ranked scoring offense racked up 460 yards of total offense, with Toman (2,135 yards of total offense, 19 TDs) throwing for 204 yards and scoring a season-high four times.
UNH's rushing attack ranks 37th in FCS and compiled 183 yards against the Cowboys. Running back Chad Kackert (790 yards rushing, 10 TDs) leads the attack and carried 14 times for 63 yards and a score against MSU.
Sicko (53 catches, 13.1 average, nine TDs) is the team's best receiver and hauled in two Toman touchdown passes against the Cowboys. Wide receiver J.T. Wright (34 catches, 11.4 average) is another capable pass catcher for New Hampshire.
UNH's defense got off to a very strong start in 2009, but fell off late, surrendering 42 points to a poor Rhode Island team. The looked to get back to form, surrendering just 326 yards against a formidable McNeese State offense.
New Hampshire's defense features linebackers Devon Jackson (97 tackles, eight tackles for loss), Sean Ware (93 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss) and Terrence Klein (75 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions) and All-CAA cornerback Dino Vasso (70 tackles, six pass breakups, five interceptions).
Villanova, the No. 2 seed and the auto-bid winner from the CAA, took care of business against Holy Cross, 38-28 to advance to its second straight quarterfinal round.
CAA offensive player of the year Matt Szczur (1,716 combined yards, 13 TDs) led the offensive effort, compiling 238 all-purpose yards and a touchdown run. Szczur ranks fourth nationally in kickoff returns, averaging 27.3 yards and is always a threat to break one.
Whitney (2,442 yards of total offense, 21 TDs, three interceptions), the first-team All-CAA quarterback, has been solid all season for Villanova's versatile offense which ranks 14th nationally in scoring.
Running back Aaron Ball (662 yards rushing, six TDs) racked up 99 yards and a touchdown against the Crusaders and is the team's leading running back. Finally healthy after battling with a turf toe most of the season, Angelo Babbaro (237 yards rushing, four TDs) is another rushing threat and ran for 75 yards and a touchdown in the first round win.
Wide receiver Brandyn Harvey (50 catches, 12.6 average, five TDs) poses a size advantage in Villanova's receiving corps, but has hauled in just seven balls in his last three games.
Villanova's defense settled down after the first quarter against Holy Cross and started pressuring quarterback Dominic Randolph. After surrendering 14 points to the high-octane offense in the first quarter, the defense kept Holy Cross' offense to just 14 points in the final three frames.
Buchanan Award nominee Tim Kukucka (51 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss) paces Villanova's defense, with help from fellow linebackers Terence Thomas (97 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss) and Osayi Osunde (74 tackles, seven tackles for loss) and safeties Ross Ventrone (62 tackles, five pass breakups) and John Dempsey (59 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss).
Villanova could be the most well-balanced team in FCS this season and with the decline of UNH's defense, should be able to make its first semifinal appearance since 2002.
VILLANOVA 28, NEW HAMPSHIRE 20
No. 5 Appalachian State (10-2) at No. 4 Richmond (11-1), 7 p.m.
Richmond and Appalachian State meet in a rematch of last season's quarterfinals in the 2009 FCS playoffs.
The Spiders went on to win the 2008 national championship after taking down the Mountaineers, 33-13, ending an FCS-record, 13-game playoff winning streak against the three-time champs.
Richmond took advantage of hip and knee injuries to ASU quarterback Armanti Edwards (26-of-41, 323 yards, one TD, five interceptions passing) to force seven Mountaineer turnovers. Josh Vaughan rushed 32 times for 133 yards and three TDs for the Spiders.
In the previous playoff meeting in the 2007 semifinals, Edwards rushed for 313 yards and four TDs and passed for 182 yards and three more scores as ASU won 55-35.
Richmond, the No. 4 seed, beat Elon, 16-13 last week to advance to the quarterfinals. The Spiders survived when the Phoenix missed a pair of field goals from 27 and 48 yards in the final two minutes. Parker Miles partially blocked the 48-yard attempt on the final play of the game, forcing the attempt to come up short.
The Spiders' offense compiled an impressive 400 yards of total offense, with third-team All-CAA quarterback Eric Ward (2,503 yards of total offense, 19 TDs, 10 interceptions) registering 276 total yards and a 76-yard touchdown run. The senior's 136 yards rushing in the contest was a career-high.
Running back Justin Forte (999 yards rushing, six TDs) adds to Richmond's 32nd-ranked rushing attack and ran for 96 yards against the Phoenix.
A strong group of wide receivers, led by Tre Gray (46 catches, 13.5 average, three TDs), Kevin Grayson (44 catches, 11.2 average, two TDs) and Donte Boston (32 catches, 15.3 average, four TDs), gives Ward some reliable targets.
Defensively, Richmond has been one of the best teams in FCS the past two seasons. The unit ranks seventh nationally in scoring defense and 14th in total defense.
The Spiders' defense hasn't surrendered more than 21 points in eight straight games and features standouts Buchanan Award nominee Martin Parker (71 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, eight quarterback hurries) at defensive end, linebackers Collin McConaghy (89 tackles) and Eric McBride (84 tackles) and All-American cornerback Justin Rogers (eight pass breakups, three interceptions).
Appalachian State escaped with a 20-13 win over South Carolina State, in a game littered with turnovers. ASU's third-ranked total offense was limited to just 302 yards and one offensive touchdown.
The Mountaineers scored the game-winning touchdown on a botched SCSU field goal attempt in which the snap when over the holder's head, allowing Dominique McDuffie to pick up the loose ball and take it 50 yards to the end zone.
Armanti Edwards (3,296 yards of total offense, 27 TDs, six interceptions tossed a season-high three interceptions and was caught off-guard by the SCSU pass rush most of the afternoon. Edwards is still recovering from a slight ACL sprain that he suffered against Elon, but the senior is expected to be near 100% this weekend.
Running back Devon Moore (1,115 yards rushing, 15 TDs) was limited to just 61 yards on 20 carries against Elon and was slightly banged up, but is expected to start this weekend. ASU's 10th-ranked rushing attack was limited to just 84 yards.
Wide receivers Brian Quick (49 catches, 16.7 average, four TDs) and Matt Cline (69 catches, 11.5 average) have paced ASU's talented group since slot receiver-returnman CoCo Hillary (4,100 combined yards for his career) underwent season-ending knee surgery. Quick had an acrobatic touchdown catch in the win.
Appalachian State's defense has significantly improved over the course of the season and has given up just 10 offensive points per game in the past three contests.
The unit is littered with talent in 2008 Buchanan Award finalist Mark LeGree (63 tackles, seven interceptions) at safety and All-Americans, cornerback Cortez Gilbert (68 tackles) and linebackers D.J. Smith (113 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, seven quarterback hurries) and Jacque Roman (93 tackles).
This game hinges on Edwards' health. If he is mobile and can both run and throw it will keep the Richmond defense honest and ASU should prevail.
APPALACHIAN STATE 27, RICHMOND 21
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