James Madison overcomes East Tennessee State in 71-61 victory

In Fargo, North Dakota, the second-seeded North Dakota State Bison staged a remarkable comeback against the 15th-seeded Abilene Christian Wildcats in the second round of the FCS playoffs on Saturday. After falling behind 17-3 early in the game, the Bison responded with a series of impressive plays, including a pivotal 100-yard kickoff return by Jackson Williams, which sparked a scoring run of 31 consecutive points. The Bison's effective offense was led by quarterback Cam Miller, who not only threw for three touchdown passes but also contributed with a touchdown run himself. Abilene Christian, representing the United Athletic Conference, initially took control with key offensive plays, including a 90-yard touchdown run by Sam Hicks and a quarterback pass from Maverick McIvor to J.J. Henry, which gave them an early 14-point lead. However, the powerful response from North Dakota State allowed them to turn the game around and secure a 20-17 lead by halftime. The Bison’s defense further strengthened their position by limiting Abilene Christian's scoring opportunities in the second half, allowing them to capitalize on their offensive momentum. As the game progressed, Nehemiah Martinez made a notable impact with a 53-yard return that helped the Wildcats stay in contention, pulling within 10 points early in the fourth quarter. But the Bison countered effectively, highlighted by a remarkable 36-yard touchdown connection between Miller and Bryce Lance, which solidified their lead. In addition to Miller's offensive prowess, North Dakota State's defense, including a critical interception return by Marcus Gulley, ultimately contributed to their victory with a series of scoring plays that put the game well out of reach for Abilene Christian. With this win, North Dakota State, now boasting an 11-2 record, prepares to host seventh-seeded Mercer in the upcoming quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs. This match marks their continued dominance in the FCS, having reached the playoffs for the 15th consecutive season. Meanwhile, the Wildcats, having made their playoff debut after joining the classification in 2013, conclude a promising season despite the defeat, having secured their first playoff win the previous round against Northern Arizona. The game also marked a historic moment for kicker Crosa, who set an FCS record by completing his 262nd career point after touchdown (PAT), passing the previous record holder.