The rubber match went the way of the Mountaineers -- and what a match it was.

Meeting for the third consecutive postseason, Appalachian State and Richmond capped off the 2009 NCAA Playoffs quarterfinals with an instant classic. The programs accounting for the last four national championships exchanged leads throughout the second half, but it was the visiting Mountaineers who prevailed.

"It's called Armanti Edwards. He's a terrific player," said Richmond head coach Mike London in the post-game press conference.

Edwards scored two of ASU's three fourth quarters, including the difference-making four-yard pass to Matt Cline with 10 seconds on the clock. The strike put ASU ahead 35-31, where it would remain when time expired.

Three minutes earlier, Richmond had regained the lead Edwards earlier took away with a touchdown rush when Eric McBride returned a loose ball to the end zone.

Billed "Clash of the Titans" on the Richmond athletic website RichmondSpiders.com, Saturday's nightcap lived up to its lofty billing on a day when other Playoff match-ups ended in lopsided scores.

Two of the Championship Subdivision's top quarterbacks were lined up under center at UR Stadium, and one was guaranteed to end his collegiate career. That was Richmond's Eric Ward, who last week surpassed 10,000 yards of total offense for his tenure.

ASU's senior quarterback Edwards plays on, one win away from his third national championship game and with a second straight Walter Payton Award in his sights. Edwards is one of three finalists for this year's award with Southern Illinois running back Deji Karim and Elon wide receiver Terrell Hudgins.

For Edwards to reach that Dec. 18 championship game in Chattanooga, Tenn., his Mountaineers will have to do something no team has this season -- beat the Montana Grizzlies.

The overall No. 1 seed extended its unanswered point total to a mind-boggling 91 by racking up 51 against Southland Conference co-champion Stephen F. Austin.

The Grizzlies had reeled off 40 straight in the opening round to rally against South Dakota State, 61-48.

Montana welcomes ASU to Missoula Saturday, where a raucous crowd and 17-game home win streak await. The Grizzlies last lost at home Nov. 24, 2007 in a playoff game with Wofford.

The winner of the Montana - ASU game is assured a Colonial Athletic Association foe in the National Chamionship game. Villanova avenged its only loss of the season in spectacular fashion, routing New Hampshire 46-7.

Villanova dealt with snowy weather by taking to the ground -- and what a strategy it proved to be. Angelo Babbaro went off for 148 yards and three touchdowns to pace the Wildcats' romp.

William & Mary went on the road to topple the coaches' poll No. 1 Southern Illions, 24-3. Defensive end Adrian Tracy tied the program record with his 12th sack in the win, and running back Jonathan Grimes exploded for three scores.

The Tribe and Wildcats met Oct. 3 in Philadelphia, a 28-17 Villanova win. The two are scheduled to meet Friday, back at Villanova, and for the second time will be broadcast on national television.

Their October encounter was aired nationally on Versus, and Friday's game is scheduled for ESPN2.