FCS Playoffs 2018: Underdogs steal show in quarterfinals
By Zach Bigalke
No. 6 UC Davis Aggies stunned by No. 3 Eastern Washington Eagles
A back-and-forth battle in Cheney saw No. 3 Eastern Washington come back against Big Sky rival UC Davis to advance to the semifinals on the red turf in a 34-29 thriller. Eastern Washington took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, UC Davis came back to tie things up at 14-14 by halftime, and the Aggies took a 21-14 lead into the fourth quarter.
The Eagles retook the lead with a pair of quick touchdowns in the fourth quarter. UC Davis scored a touchdown, then put two points on the board to retake the lead 29-28 with 1:13 remaining. Eastern Washington coolly moved the ball downfield and snatched a touchdown with 26 seconds to go. An interception on the penultimate play allowed Eastern Washington bleed down the clock and close out a narrow victory.
Eric Barriere was a ridiculously efficient 21-of-25 for 235 yards with three touchdowns and a pick. The Eagles quarterback also ran in a score, as he led the way on offense. Three interceptions by the defense also helped shut down UC Davis when it looked like they could run away with the game in the second half.