Defense Leads JMU, UNH Into FCS Quarterfinals

12/2/2017 8:08:12 PM

Rob Washburn

Top-seeded James Madison forced five turnovers and defeated fellow CAA Football foe Stony Brook, 26-7, while New Hampshire knocked off 4th-seeded Central Arkansas, 21-15, on Saturday to advance to the quarterfinals of the NCAA FCS playoffs.

James Madison 26, Stony Brook 7

Boxscore

James Madison's top-ranked defense intercepted a program-record tying five passes and posted a 26-7 victory over CAA Football foe Stony Brook. It was the 24th consecutive victory for the Dukes (12-0), who will host Weber State in the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs at 7 p.m. on Friday in a game televised on ESPN2. JMU quarterback Bryan Schor completed 26-of-35 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns, while recevier Terrence Alls made a career-high 10 receptions for 94 yards and a TD.

The Dukes took the opening kickoff and drove 74 yards to take a lead they would never relinquish as Schor found Trai Sharp with a five-yard TD pass. Alls had a 1-yard TD catch and Ethan Ratke booted two field goals as they expanded the advantage to 19-0 at the break. JMU's defense, which didn't allow a point over the first three quarters, got interceptions from five different players as Jordan Brown, Curtis Oliver, Raven Greene, Jimmy Moreland and Rashad Robinson each had one.

Stony Brook (10-3), which had a six-game winning streak snapped, out-gained JMU 311-304 yards, but couldn't overcome the turnovers. Harrison Jackson caught a 37-yard TD pass in the fourth quarter for SBU's lone score. Jackson finished with seven catches for 124 yards and a TD. Linebacker Noah McGinty recorded a team-high 13 tackles, including 2.0 for loss.

New Hampshire 21, Central Arkansas 15

Boxscore

New Hampshire's defense forced four turnovers, including a 56-yard pick six by Evan Horn, as New Hampshire (9-4) upset 4th-seeded Central Arkansas, 21-15. The Wildcats will travel to 5th-seeded South Dakota State in quarterfinal action at 3 p.m. on Saturday in a game that can be seen on ESPN3.

Wildcats' defensive tackle Rick Holt had a huge game with nine tackles and 2.5 sacks, while Jae'Wuan Horton sealed the victory by strip sacking UCA quarterback Hayden Hildebrand with 1:16 left and Jared Kuehl recovered the fumble. It was one of five sacks for UNH.

Horn's interception return gave UNH a 14-7 lead midway through the third quarter. Freshman quarterback Christian Lupoli, who took over for injured starter Trevor Knight in the second quarter, completed 8-of-10 passes for 63 yards, including a 9-yard TD pass to Malik Love that made it 21-9 with 7:19 remaining. UCA pulled back within six after a quick 78-yard touchdown pass, but Horton's sack and forced fumble brought an end to UCA's 10-game winning streak.

Evan Gray rushed for 85 yards on 24 carries for the Wildcats and Love finished with five catches for 50 yards.

For complete recaps and box scores, click here.