FCS playoffs 2012 bracket: Eastern Washington advances to semifinals to take on Sam Houston

The quarterfinal weekend of the 2012 FCS Tournament proved less predictable than the tournament had proven in weeks past, but the No. 2 Eastern Washington Eagles advanced with a 51-35 victory over Illinois State to set up a semifinal showdown with Sam Houston State next Saturday.

Sam Houston State advanced by upsetting No. 3 Montana State, 34-16, in the quarterfinals.

Eastern Washington was helped past Illinois State on the strength of quarterback Kyle Padron's six touchdown tosses, including two to wide receiver Brandon Kaufman. Looking to repeat their FCS championship of two seasons ago, the No. 2 Eagles will host Sam Houston State in their semifinal.

The winner of that game will face off against the winner of a showdown between top-ranked North Dakota State and No. 5 Georgia Southern, which both advanced to the semifinals with close victories in the quarterfinals. Georgia Southern upset No. 4 Old Dominion, 49-35, to advance.