Following Saturday's victory over Weber State, Eastern Washington has been selected as one of two Big Sky representatives for the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Playoffs.
EWU was selected at the No. 15 seed to match up against No. 2 McNeese State, who has a perfect 11-0 record in 2007. McNeese State just wrapped up the Southland Conference title with a 6-0 conference record.
"I know they are excited about the opportunity," Head Coach Paul Wulff said of the players on his team. "We are one of 16 teams in America that have the opportunity to play for the national championship and we need to seize that opportunity."'
The last time the Eagles made the playoffs was 2005 behind the arm of Walter Payton award-winner Erik Meyer. The loss marked the end of his collegiate career and the beginning of this year's multi-award-winning quarterback Matt Nichols.
As a sophomore, Nichols has anchored his team with First Team All-Big Sky Conference accolades and three Big Sky Offensive Player of the Week awards.
Last season, he ended the year with a mere eight touchdowns and school-record 17 interceptions.
The statistics have completely turned this season as one more year of experience has paid major dividends. Nichols thus far has accumulated 3,125 passing yards, 30 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also earned the single-season school record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 313 on the year.
Nichols battles with McNeese State quarterback Derrick Fourroux who is sixth nationally in passing efficiency with a 161.6 rating, followed by Nichols's 161.4 at seventh.
As a team, McNeese State ranks 10th in FCS in scoring offense (37.0 per game) and is eighth in scoring defense (16.0). The Cowboys rank fourth in turnover margin (plus 1.64 per game) while the Eagles are ranked 10th (1.27).
Eastern ended with the same rank as last week in the national polls at No. 15. The win over WSU didn't boost their playoff push.
"I clearly thought we were one of the better teams in the country," said Wulff. "I think the way we played this season proved that. I am very excited for our team, especially the seniors, to have the opportunity to compete for a national championship."
Earlier this season on Sept. 1, McNeese State defeated Portland State 35-12.
Eastern lost to the Vikings 28-21 on Sept. 29. EWU finished the season 8-3 overall and 6-2 in conference.
The Cowboys and Eagles game time is set for Saturday, Nov. 24 at 5 p.m. Pacific time.
Live stats are available at GoEags.com.
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