2011 FCS Playoffs: James Madison, Old Dominion Advance With First Round Wins

Tennessee Tech would go on to fumble the following kickoff, and Central Arkansas turned that into a Eddie Camara field goal from 25 yards out. Tennessee Tech did get on the board on the next drive - an 11 yard touchdown pass from Lamb to Cody Matthews, but that was the only offensive output to speak of until late in the game. Central Arkansas would add a Nathan Dick touchdown run, another Camara field goal, and a Jesse Grandy 42 yard touchdown reception before Tech would eventually score again, at the start of the fourth quarter. Lamb his Charli Stevens for a six yard touchdown reception.

It was all for naught though, as Nathan Dick completed a 30 yard touchdown pass to Thomas Hart halfway through the fourth, and the game was sealed at 34-14. Central Arkansas advances to take on # Montana in the second round of the FCS Palyoffs.

The third game of the FCS Playoffs is complete, and it ended with Stony Brook scoring three straight touchdowns to overtake Albany 31-28 in the second half. Albany jumped out to an early commanding lead with the first two touchdowns, the first coming at the very end of the first quarter, and the second coming right the beginning of the scond, when Dean Mercuris blocked a punt. The extra point was good on the blocked punt touchdown and Albany had a 14-0 lead.

The third quarter began with a Drew Smith 43 yard touchdown pass to put them up 28-10. That’s when Stony Brook responded with two touchdowns near the end of the third, at four minutes and one minute. Brock Jackolski scored on a six yard rushing touchdown and Essington completed a 55 yard passing touchdown to him on the next drive. In the fourth, it was Jackolski once again, an 11 yard touchdown scamper to give them the lead that they’d hold for the remainder, advancing in the FCS Playoffs.

Old Dominion took care of Norfolk State in its opening round matchup to advance into the real FCS playoff bracket on Saturday afternoon, 35-18. The Monarchs took control early and never relinquished it, heading into the half with a 21-7 lead. From there, Old Dominion opened it up in the third quarter, keeping Norfolk State off the board while putting up 14 points to take a commanding 35-7 lead into the final 15 minutes.

Though Norfolk State attempted to mount a late charge, it was too little, too late as Old Dominion rolled to a 17-point win. The Spartans did score the final 11 points of the game, holding Old Dominion scoreless in the fourth quarter.

The first game of the 2011 FCS playoffs is in the books, and it took a game winning field goal as time expired to break a 17-17 tie between James Madison and Eastern Kentucky. The JMU Dukes came back from a 17-7 deficit third quarter deficit to advance to a second round matchup against North Dakota State in Fargo.

JMU now travels to Fargo to face the number two seeded North Dakota State Bison. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3 with kickoff scheduled for 3PM next Saturday.