photo courtesy: Missouri Valley athletics
Heart of America Athletic Conference co-champion Missouri Valley escaped with a 20-17 double-overtime win against Northwestern (Iowa) Saturday at Gregg-Mitchell Field. The win is the second-consecutive victory for the Vikings against Northwestern in the FCS and improves the club to 3-0 in head-to-head playoff meetings.
After a first overtime featured touchdowns by both teams, Northwestern took the first possession of the second overtime and drove down to the Viking 1-yard line. The Red Raiders were stuffed on a third down run and their fourth-down pass attempt fell incomplete to open the door for Missouri Valley.
The Vikings handed the ball to running back Malachi Daniels, who ended the contest with a game-high 93 rushing yards rushing, on three-straight plays to set up the game-winning field goal. Daniel Mouro converted the 35-yard field goal attempt to give Missouri Valley the win and its third-straight trip to the FCS Quarterfinals.
Quarterback Bruce Reyes led the way for the Vikings with 140 yards passing and one touchdown, while also running for 28 yards.
Craig Bruinsma was the top offensive performer for Northwestern, completing 24-of-42 attempts for 169 yards and two touchdowns.