Laugh at the red turf if you want. But Eastern Washington just closed out a perfect home season in its inaugural year on the bloodgrass, and the latest win will send them to the FCS Championship Game.
Villanova Vs. Eastern Washington: Eagles Close Out Game With Critical Drive, Win Ticket To Title Game
Villanova turned the ball over six times in the game — five times before an interception on a meaningless last-second Hail Mary — in the last game of the season for the defending national champions. Eastern Washington piled up 407 yards of total offense to claim the right to face either Delaware or Georgia Southern next month for the title.
Delaware and Georgia Southern will play Saturday to decide the other spot in the national championship game.
Bo Levi Mitchell was 27-of-38 for 292 yards and 4 TDs in the game; Brandon Kaufman had eight catches for 135 yards and a touchdown, while Nicholas Edwards grabbed another 9 passes for 82 yards and two scores. Mario Brown added 104 yards on 26 rushes.
The Eagles defense held Nova to 230 yards, helped in part by the Wildcat’s four fumbles and two interceptions.
Despite all that, the game was close until the end. With the lead whittled down to three points, Eastern Washington got the ball on its own 37-yard line, then launched a 12-play touchdown drive that drained six minutes off the clock and ended Nova’s hopes of a comeback. The Eagles converted two fourth downs on the drive, including a 23-yard touchdown pass from Mitchell to Greg Herd on 4th-and-5 to put the game out of reach.
So, yeah, snicker all you want about the fact that they play on a field that makes your eyes hurt. And while you’re laughing, Eastern Washington’s fans will be making their hotel reservations in Frisco, Tex.
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