The Eastern Washington Eagles, playing at home on the red turf at Roos Field, are hold six-point halftime lead over the Villanova Wildcats in the first of two FCS semifinal games, 20-16. Without star running back Taiwan Jones, Eastern quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell has taken control, throwing for 149 yards and two touchdowns. The Eagles tacked-on two field goals, giving us the difference in the game at the half.
Villanova got off to a strong start after Angelo Babbaro took the opening kickoff 86 yards to the house, giving the Wildcats a 7-0 lead right out of the gate. Eastern answered when Mitchell found Nicholas Edwards for 31 yards and a touchdown to cap a five play, 63 yard drive. Mike Jarrett added two first goal field goals to put the Eagles up by six in a fast and furious first 15 minutes.
In the second quarter, it was Mitchell connecting with Edwards again, this time for six yards and a touchdown. With Eastern on the verge of running away with the game, Villanova responded, finishing an 11 play, 70 yard drive with a one-yard Matt Szczur touchdown run.
Heading into the second half, Eastern Washington leads Villanova, 20-14. The game, and the Eagles’ glorious red turf, can be found live on ESPN2.