All eight seeds survive round of 24
1) South Dakota State 42 Vs. Delaware 6
After falling behind 3-0 mid-way through the first quarter, South Dakota State (11-1) dominated the rest of the way to take a 42-6 victory over the Delaware Blue Hens (8-5). The Jackrabbits, who averaged 6 yards per carry as a team on the day, were led by running back Isaiah Davis who rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns. The top-ranked Jackrabbits will advance to the quarterfinal for the sixth time in the last seven years and will host the Holy Cross Crusaders. The quarterfinal matchup will kick off Saturday from Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium at 11:00.
8) Holy Cross 35 Vs. New Hampshire 19
Improving on their undefeated season, the Holy Cross Crusaders (12-0) knocked off the New Hampshire Wildcats (9-4) on Saturday with a 35-19 victory on their home turf. Behind 100+ yard rushing performances from both Peter Oliver and Matthew Sluka, Holy Cross advances to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1983. The Crusaders will travel to Brookings, S.D. next Saturday to take on top-ranked South Dakota State at 11:00.
4) Montana State 33 Vs. Weber State 25
After building a 33-10 lead over the Weber State Wildcats (10-3), the 2021 national runner-up Montana State Bobcats (11-1) hung on to a 33-25 victory to advance to the quarterfinal round. Accumulating 554 yards of total offense on Saturday, the Bobcats were led by quarterback Tommy Mellott, who was responsible for 258 total yards on the day. Montana State will be back at home next Friday to host fifth-seeded William & Mary. The Bobcats and Tribe will kick off from Bozeman, M.T. at 9:15.
5) William & Mary 54 Vs. Gardner-Webb 14
The William & Mary Tribe (11-1) were dominant in all aspects of the game on Saturday as they rolled the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs 54-14 in the second round. William & Mary totaled over 600 yards of offense on the day while also forcing six turnovers from Gardner-Webb. The Tribe will advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2009 and will travel to Bozeman, Mont. to play the Montana State Bobcats. The quarterfinal matchup will kick off from Bobcat Stadium at 9:15 on Friday.
3) North Dakota State 49 Vs. Montana 26
Behind a dominant rushing attack from North Dakota State (10-2), the Bison pulled away in the second half to knock off the Montana Grizzlies (8-5) by a score of 49-26 in the second round. Led by Kobe Johnson, who ran for 206 yards and two touchdowns on the day, the Bison rushed for 453 yards as a team. Along with a defensive touchdown, the Bison had four rushing touchdowns of 68 yards or longer on the day. The Bison will be back at home for the 13th straight year in the quarterfinals and will host the Samford Bulldogs next Friday. The Bison and Bulldogs will kick off from the Fargodome at 6:00.
6) Samford 48 Vs. Southeastern Louisiana 42 (OT)
In a high-scoring affair where both teams combined to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark of total offense, the Samford Bulldogs (11-1) would prevail over the Southeastern Louisiana Lions (9-4) in overtime on Saturday afternoon. Combining over 400 yards and five touchdowns on the day, quarterback Quincy Crittendon willed his team to victory to advance to the quarterfinal for the first time in 31 years. The Bulldogs will travel up to Fargo, N.D. next Friday to take on the Bison of North Dakota State. Kick-off from the Fargodome will be at 6:00.
2) Sacramento State 38 Vs. Richmond 31
In a back-and-forth matchup between the undefeated Sacramento State Hornets (12-0) and the red-hot Richmond Spiders (9-4), Sacramento State took the victory despite losing the turnover, time of possession, and rushing battles. With the dual presence of quarterbacks Jake Dunniway and Asher O’Hara, who combined for 400 passing yards, the Hornets advance past the second round for the first time in their Division I history. Next Friday, Walter Payton Award finalist Lindsey Scott Jr. and the Incarnate Word Cardinals will come to Sacramento to take on the Hornets at 9:30.
7) Incarnate Word 41 Vs. Furman 38
Despite accumulating over 600 yards of total offense on Saturday, the Incarnate Word Cardinals (11-1) needed a last-second touchdown to take home a 41-38 second-round victory over the Furman Paladins (10-3). Throwing for five touchdowns for the sixth time in the last seven games, quarterback Lindsey Scott Jr. connected with wide receiver Kole Wilson for a go-ahead 32-yard touchdown with just 1:54 remaining. As the Cardinals clinch a quarterfinal berth for the first time in program history, they will now travel to undefeated Sacramento State next Friday for a 9:30 kick-off.
Quarterfinal Schedule – (all times central)
Friday
#3 North Dakota State Vs. #6 Samford 6:00 ESPN2
#4 Montana State Vs. #5 William & Mary 9:15 ESPN2
#2 Sacramento State Vs. #7 Incarnate Word 9:30 ESPN+
Saturday #1 South Dakota State Vs. #8 Holy Cross 11:00 ESPN