West romps to record, leads Towson past EIU, 49-39
CHARLESTON — Terrance West ran for a record-setting 354 yards and five touchdowns on a snow-covered field and Towson overcame an early two-touchdown deficit to knock off Eastern Illinois Friday 49-39 in the Football Championship Subdivision quarterfinals.
West set a record for rushing yards in an FCS playoff game.
Towson (12-2) fell behind 14-0 in the first quarter as sleet and snow fell in 30-degree temperatures. But West found his footing and ran them back into the game.
West’s two second-quarter touchdowns helped the Tigers to a 21-14 halftime lead and he added three more in the second half.
Eastern Illinois (12-2) came into the game allowing 146.8 rushing yards a game and was gashed for 472.
Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was 38-50 for 321 and two touchdowns. Erik Lora caught 18 balls for 129 yards and a touchdown.
Towson finds out Saturday who its faces in the semifinals next weekend.