It all comes down to this for the Eastern Washington Eagles. On Friday night, in Frisco, Texas, the Eagles hit the field looking to cap their FCS playoff run with a championship. The top-ranked, and fifth-seeded, Eagles have a date with the Delaware Blue Hens, and prolific quarterback Pat Devlin.
Unfortunately for Eastern Washington, All-American running back Taiwan Jones will be watching from the sideline. The Eagles leading rusher broke his foot ahead of Eastern's FCS semifinal win over defending champion Villanova on Dec. 17. The Eagles fared well against the Wildcats, using a strong performance by quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell and a defense that locked down in critical moments. Against the Blue Hens, Eastern needs more of the same, especially from Mitchell.
Delaware makes its way to Frisco after a 27-10 win over Georgia Southern in the other FCS semifinal. Quarterback Pat Devlin, a bonafide NFL prospect and transfer from Penn State, is a handful for opposing defenses, and can break a game open at any moment. Devlin finished the FCS semifinal with 137 yards and two touchdowns. With Devlin under center and Andrew Pierce, whose 186 yards in the FCS semifinal took the pressure of the Blue Hens' quarterback, manning the backfield, the Hens offense is a handful.
The Eagles and Blue Hens hit the field at 4 p.m. on ESPN2. Stay tuned to our StoryStream throughout the game and follow along with all the action as the Eagles play for the FCS Championship in Frisco, Texas.