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The Eastern Washington Eagles will play for a spot in the National Championship on Saturday as they host Sam Houston State in the 2012 FCS playoffs.
The Eagles defeated Illinois State 51-35 to advance to the semifinals. EWU is the No. 2 seed and will now host the Bearkats. Eastern Washington enters the game with an 11-2 record, but the Eagles are 7-0 at home this season. Both of the Eagles losses this season were by four points or less including a 24-20 loss to Washington State in Week 2. EWU enters Saturday's game on a five game winning streak.
Sam Houston State advanced to the semifinals with a 34-16 win at Montana State last week. The Bearkats are 5-3 on the road this season, but 3-1 in their last four road games. The 10-3 Bearkats are led by junior quarterback Brian Bell. Bell threw for three touchdowns last week against Montana State.
Saturday's game is scheduled to kickoff at 1 p.m. PT and will be televised on ESPNU and WatchESPN. The winner will advance to play in the National Championship game on January 5.