The 2016 FCS Playoffs are here! We've got game-by game previews, an FCS Playoff Bracket for you to fill out, and all sorts of analysis and highlights coming your way in the next few weeks. Check back daily for more FCS playoff coverage.
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Samford
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| Saturday: 5 p.m. EST (ESPN3) |
THE PLAYERS
SAMFORD (7-4) – Devlin Hodges, QB (342-479, 3,716 yards, 33 TDs, 8 interceptions); Karel Hamilton, WR (100 catches, 1,242 yards, 14 TDs); Shaheed Salmon, LB (88 tackles, 13 TFLs)
YOUNGSTOWN STATE (8-3) – Martin Ruiz, RB (176 carries, 1,018 yards, 10 TDs); Avery Moss, DE (42 tackes, 10 sacks); Derek Rivers, DE (37 tackles, 10 sacks)[divider]
THE STATS
SAMFORD – 347.4 passing yards a game (3rd in FCS)
YOUNGSTOWN STATE – 294.4 yards allowed a game (7th in FCS) [divider]
THE SKINNY
It's a classic offense versus defense matchup. Samford quarterback Devlin Hodges is third in the FCS with 3,716 yards passing. Meanwhile, Youngstown State's Avery Moss and Derek Rivers are nightmares on the edge of the defensive line for quarterbacks to worry about. YSU's defense has carried the team a long way this season, but the Penguins put up 65 points against Missouri State in the last game of the regular season. If YSU can contain Samford's passing attack and keep the offensive momentum going, the Penguins are a dangerous unseeded team.
THE PREDICTION: Youngstown State 28, Samford 14[divider]
More First Round Previews
Cal Poly vs. San Diego | Chattanooga vs Weber State | Central Arkansas vs Illinois State
St. Francis at Villanova | Lehigh at New Hampshire | Charleston Southern at Wofford
North Carolina A&T at Richmond
