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Youngstown: 40No. 2 Eastern Washington: 38 |
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| FCS SEMIFINALS |
It was the upset heard 'round the world after Eastern had scored 69 unanswered points in the playoffs after a 38-0 win against Richmond in the quarterfinals…
In the final seconds of the game, Youngstown tight end Kevin Rader made a catch around Eastern Washington defender Ketner Kupp to put the Penguins up by two points. While it's not seen too often, it's completely legal to make a catch against a defender.
Left with just a kick return, the Eagles made an admirable return throwing back a bunch of laterals, but were never able to break through and return the kick for a touchdown.
This certainly wasn't the way star receiver Cooper Kupp wanted to end his college career, but he put on a clinic out on the field, finishing with 180 yards and two touchdowns.
For the Penguins, Tevin McCaster was the standout player on offense. He finished with 154 rushing yards and three touchdowns. His career high before today- and the only time he rushed for over 100 yards- was for 107 against Duquesne in the first game of the season.
Tevin McCaster found the end zone three times in the win. (Youngstown Athletics)
Whenever Eastern seemed to be on the cusp of getting a little breathing room and ahead by two scores, Youngstown would come back firing. The pivotal moment of the game seemed to be after Eastern was forced to punt, only to recover the punt off of a fumble. With momentum swinging, Eastern was able to capitalize on the drive, putting them ahead 24-10. Youngstown made it happen though, and ended the half down 17-24.
This game was certainly about two offenses performing admirably, and Youngstown had the momentum to finish the game. In the second half, the Penguins outgained the Eagles on offense 276-152.
Youngstown will now square off against James Madison in Frisco, Texas January 7. The Dukes pulled off an upset of their own last night on North Dakota State's turf.
