The Georgia Southern Eagles pulled off a mild upset on Saturday afternoon, defeating the Old Dominion Monarchs in the FCS quarterfinals, 49-35 despite trailing by 14 in the fourth. They’ll advance to take on the winner of Wofford vs. North Dakota State.
Georgia Southern vs. Old Dominion results: Eagles roar back and advance
Despite trailing 35-21 in the fourth quarter, the Georgia Southern Eagles topped the Old Dominion Monarchs in the FCS quarterfinals, 49-35.
Scott Cunningham
Though the Monarchs lost, they did take part in history, as Heinicke became the first quarterback in FCS history to throw for over 5,000 yards. Heinicke broke Steve McNair's season passing record of 4,863 yards.
Old Dominion took what appeared to be a commanding 35-21 lead at the end of the third quarter, when Monarchs quarterback Taylor Heinicke completed an 8-yard touchdown pass to Nick Mayers. Unfortunately for the Monarchs and Monarchs fans, that was as good as it would get.
Updated bracket
Side 1
Georgia Southern
North Dakota State
Side 2
Sam Houston State
Eastern Washington
Georgia Southern cut Old Dominion’s lead down early in the fourth quarter, when Jerick McKinnon rushed for a 4-yard touchdown, pulling the Eagles within one score of the Monarchs. McKinnon added a 2-yard touchdown run with just over five minutes left to go in the fourth quarter, tying the game up at 35-35.
Dominique Swope gave Georgia Southern the lead with 2:36 to go, when he rushed for a 12-yard touchdown, completing the Eagles’ improbable comeback. Old Dominion received the ball back with 2:36 to go -- and a chance to tie the game.
Heinicke’s first pass of the drive was intercepted, however, giving Georgia Southern the ball back deep inside Old Dominion territory. McKinnon added a 1-yard touchdown run to put the game away.
The two teams combined for over 1,100 yards of total offense.
Box Score Hero: Jerick McKinnon ran 30 times for 174 yards, and scored four touchdowns for the Eagles in the win.
Next Week’s Schedule: Old Dominion’s season is over, while Georgia Southern will take on the winner of the North Dakota State-Woffard game.
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