Welcome to the FCS Football Talk podcast.
On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:
-The Ivy League in the playoffs
-Jason Eck leaving Idaho for New Mexico
-Gevani McCoy potentially transferring to UIW
-Semifinal matchups
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Below is a brief recap of each quarterfinal game of the 2024 FCS Playoffs.
2024 FCS Playoffs: Quarterfinal Recap
No. 1 Montana State 52, No. 8 Idaho 19
It was another dominant performance for Montana State, defeating Idaho in a 52-19 blowout on Friday night. The Bobcats rushed for 283 yards and five touchdowns, averaging over five yards per carry. Quarterback Tommy Mellott led the Bobcats with 131 rushing yards while completing 12-of-18 passes for 172 yards and two passing touchdowns. Running back Adam Jones got the start after Scottre Humphrey missed the game with an injury. He had a career-high four rushing touchdowns. After Idaho tied the game at 10 in the second quarter, Montana State scored 42 unanswered points to advance to the semifinals.
No. 2 North Dakota State 31, No. 7 Mercer 7
North Dakota State held Mercer scoreless over the final three quarters, securing a spot in the semifinals for the fourth consecutive season. The Bison defense only allowed 195 yards of total offense and eight first downs. Quarterback Cam Miller completed 16-of-25 passes for 259 passing yards and three total touchdowns. He connected with wide receiver Bryce Lance for two touchdowns, while Mekhi Collins led the Bison with 119 receiving yards. Linebacker Logan Kopp led the Bison with two tackles for loss and one sack.
No. 3 South Dakota State 55, No. 6 Incarnate Word 14
There was never a doubt in Brookings on Saturday. The Jackrabbits jumped out to a 31-0 lead at halftime and never looked back. South Dakota State recorded 273 rushing yards and four touchdowns, led by Amar Johnson with 132 yards on 18 carries. Quarterback Mark Gronowski posted five total touchdowns, including two early touchdown passes to wide receiver Griffin Wilde. Linebacker Adam Bock led the Jackrabbits with 11 total tackles, while Tucker Large had another outstanding performance with eight tackles and a fumble recovery.
No. 4 South Dakota 35, No. 5 UC Davis 21
No. 4 South Dakota secured the first semifinal appearance in program history with an impressive win over No. 5 UC Davis. After entering the postseason with one of the lowest turnover rates, South Dakota’s defensive forced six turnovers, headlined by five interceptions. Linebacker Gary Bryant III led the Coyotes with 15 total tackles, one fumble recovery, and one interception. Quarterback Aidan Bouman completed 14-of-22 passes for 253 passing yards and three touchdowns. He connected with tight end JJ Galbreath six times for 45 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The Coyotes struggled to establish the run, but Travis Theis found the end zone twice.
