Top Performances in SWAC Championship and FCS Quarterfinals

May 3, 2021 by Staff

Here are some of the top performances, both team and individual, from this past weekend's FCS college football action.

Zabrian Moore have 5 catches for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns for Alabama A&M as the Bulldogs defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the SWAC Championship game at Jackson, Mississippi on Saturday. The victory gave Alabama A&M its first conference title since 2011.

North Dakota State special teams get a big shout-out for keeping the Bison in the game at Sam Houston State before ultimately falling 24-20. All but two of NDSU's points came via the various special team units as they tallied two points on a blocked punt safety, 6 points on Christian Watson's 94-yard kickoff return, 6 more on Braylon Henderson's 76-yard punt return, plus a 33-yard field goal and an extra point.

The Delaware defense went on the road and upset Jacksonville State 20-14 behind a stellar team defensive performance. The Blue Hens limited the Gamecocks to just 8 first downs and 200 total yards as they advanced to the semifinal for the first time since 2010 and on track to win their first natiinal title since 2003 when K.C. Keeler was the head coach.

Speaking of K.C. Keeler, he is now 28-0 in home playoff games with Rowan, Delaware and SHSU.

James Madison RB Percy Agyei-Obese scored two touchdowns and an for 128 yards on 27 carries as the Dukes advanced to the semifinals with a 34-21 win at home over North Dakota. QB Cole Johnson was an efficient 14-of-17 passing for 251 yards and TD passes of 19 and 63 yards, both of which came in the second half as JMU opened a 34-14 lead.

South Dakota State QB Mark Gronowski was only 9-of-16 passing but had two scoring strikes and ran 13 times for 142 yards and another touchdowns as the Jackrabbits advanced to the semifinals with a come-from-behind 31-26 win over Southern Illinois in Brookings.

The South Dakota State defense also deserves kudos for  giving the comeback a chance to take root with an interception in the end zone and a goal line stand, both in the 3rd quarter. The Jackrabbits scored touchdowns after both stops. And the defense finished off the game by halting a late scoring threat with another interception.