The second FCS playoff semifinal comes to you from frigid Cheney, Wash., where No. 2 seed Eastern Washington will host Youngstown State, with the winner heading to the FCS Championship. The forecast calls for a high temperature of barely above zero, so this game will be a test of who can endure. The winner gets James Madison in the Jan. 17 national title game, after the Dukes beat powerhouse North Dakota State to end the Bison’s run of five consecutive championships.
Youngstown State vs. EWU, FCS semifinals 2016: Start time, live stream, TV schedule, and 3 things to know
Get ready for football in the freezing cold.
James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles lost their only game of the season to now-eliminated NDSU in September, and they’ve reeled off 11 straight wins in the meantime. They have the best passing attack in the FCS, led by quarterback Gage Gubrud. The question, however, is how effective the passing game will be with temperatures dropping so low on Saturday.
Youngstown State booked its ticket to the semis with a gut-check, double-overtime win over Wofford last weekend. The Penguins have three losses on the year: one to West Virginia, and the other two were to North Dakota State and South Dakota State.
How to watch, stream, and listen
TV: 6:30 p.m., ET, ESPNU
Radio: Youngstown State | Eastern Washington
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Three big things to know
- Eastern Washington’s passing attack will face tough conditions on Saturday. It probably won’t be very snowy or windy, but bone-chilling temperatures will make securely gripping the ball extremely difficult. If the Eagles have to keep the ball on the ground, they may be in trouble.
- Youngstown State is coming off an emotional double-overtime win, and it remains to be seen how the Penguins respond after hitting the road and playing in adverse conditions. The stakes are high, but getting hit in this kind of cold knocks the enthusiasm right out of you.
- No, really, it’s going to be freezing. If you know someone going to this game, ask them how many dozens of blankets they’re bringing. It probably won’t be enough.
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