Elon running back Malcolm Summers dives for a touchdown in a win over Charleston Southern.
There was a lot of action this week in FCS football. Here are some of the most noteworthy moments of Week 3:
Holy Cross left FCS nation saying holy upset
Quarterback Peter Pujals was slinging touchdowns left and right as Holy Cross upset No.11 New Hampshire. The Wildcats jumped out to an early lead after Trevor Knight connected with Neil OāConnor. From there, the Crusaders put up 30 unanswered points, thanks to a pair of Pujals touchdowns. Pujals ended the game with 367 yards passing and 5 touchdowns, the cherry-on-top coming with finding Martin Dorsey for 86 yards with six minutes left of regulation.
Final Score: Holy Cross 51, No. 9 New Hampshire 26
Feelin' fine after beatin'!! #WeWill pic.twitter.com/LzWvvFfXIa
ā Holy Cross Football (@HCrossFB) September 16, 2017
South Dakota looked unstoppable against the state above
The No. 23 ranked Coyotes of South Dakota were firing on all cylinders Saturday versus Interstate 29 foe No. 10 North Dakota. The game began with South Dakota scoring 38 straight points. Production came from all across the depth chart for the Coyotes, outgaining the Fighting Hawksin yardage 575-257. Coming off a shutout in which North Dakota put up 34 points, the outstanding defense of South Dakota might have outshined their offense, allowing just 7 points.
Final Score: No. 23 South Dakota 45, No. 10 North Dakota 7
MORE: Legendary DII coach Adam Dorrel ready for challenges of FCS at Abilene Christian
#FearTheFCS was on full force
No. 20 North Carolina A&T kept the early season full of FCS upsets going. FBS opponent Charlotte scored a minute into the game, giving the appearance that beating an FCS team might be a cakewalk. But the Aggies had other plans. They led for the final three and a half quarters after trailing in the first, sealing the deal on a Franklin McCain III interception return on Charlotteās potential game-winning drive. NC A&T won 35-31.
Idaho State shocked their FBS opponent Nevada as well. From the start it was all Bengals, who led 30-7 with 10 minutes to play in the third. However, the Wolf Pack turned up the jets scoring three straight touchdowns and shutting down Idaho Stateās offense. In a place to tie the game with a minute left, Nevada failed to convert on a 2-point conversion giving Idaho State the 30-28 upset in Reno.
Fight Bengals Fight! 30-28 victory over UNR #BEATUNR #EverythingMatters pic.twitter.com/ZsoZes4IVs
ā Idaho State Football (@IdahoStateFB) September 17, 2017
Elon hung onto its final thread
The upsets did not just come in the hands of FCS over FBS, as Elon defeated No. 19 Charleston Southern. Three different Phoenix players scored, giving Elon a 19-7 lead heading into the fourth. The Buccaneers of Charleston Southern scored to make it a 5-point game, but elected to kick a field goal with five minutes remaining rather than go for a touchdown. The risk benefitted the Phoenix, who were able to leave CSU winless on the year.
Final Score: Elon 19, Charleston Southern 17
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A LOT of points were scored
Across the board, points, points and more points were scored in week 3.
James Madison steamrolled Norfolk State 75-14.
South Dakota State sprinted past Drake 51-10.
Villanova shutout Lafayette 59-0.
Watch the highlights from last night's win over Lafayette!#TapTheRock #GoNova pic.twitter.com/6YhxJuP8Om
ā Villanova Football (@NovaFootball) September 17, 2017
Richmond put up a school record 48 points in the first half, including a 34-point second quarter to defeat Howard 68-21.
Youngstown State beat Central Connecticut State 59-9.
Week 3 was full of wild games, none crazier than Stephen F. Austin's victory over Incarnate Word, which included an interception returned 67 yards by Alize Ward for a game-ending touchdown.
