FCS Playoffs bracket updates throughout the 2017 quarterfinals
Eight teams will battle to advance to the semifinals.
FCS playoff bracket
FCS quarterfinals round schedule
Friday
No. 1 James Madison 31, Weber State 28
Saturday
No. 2 North Dakota State 42, Wofford 10
Game 3: New Hampshire vs. No. 5 South Dakota State at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN3 (live stream)
Game 4: Kennesaw State vs. No. 6 Sam Houston State at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN3 (live stream)
FCS quarterfinals preview
The 2017 FCS playoffs have been exciting so far, but we are now down to the quarterfinals round. The James Madison Dukes, North Dakota State Bison, Weber State Wildcats, Wofford Terriers, New Hampshire Wildcats, South Dakota Coyotes, Kennesaw State Owls, and the Sam Houston State Bearkats have all scratched and clawed their way to the quarterfinals. The first matchup of this round, which is between James Madison and Weber State, is on Friday at 7 p.m. ET. ESPN2 (live stream) will broadcast this game.
No. 1 James Madison is the reigning FCS champion and is trying to capture another FCS crown. Weber State, however, collected 11 wins this season — which is a program record. The Wildcats also won two FCS playoff games for the first time ever.
No. 2 North Dakota State defeated Illinois State to reach this year's quarterfinals, and it will clash with Wofford on Saturday. In fact, the Bison defeated the Terriers in the 2012 quarterfinals, so the Terriers are looking to avenge that loss.
New Hampshire will lock horns with No. 5 South Dakota on Saturday. The Wildcats' defense led the charge during their 14-0 win against Central Connecticut, but New Hampshire's offense has to score more points to knock off the Coyotes.
Lastly, Kennesaw State will collide with No. 6 Sam Houston State later on Saturday. The Owls are a big story in this year's FCS playoffs. They started playing football in 2015 and are already competing for an FCS crown. The Owls' defense has been dominant so far, but that unit has to maintain this level of play against Sam Houston State.