E. Washington tops rival Montana 37-20 in playoffs

Published Dec. 6, 2014 8:13 p.m. ET

foxsports

CHENEY, Wash. (AP) Vernon Adams Jr. threw for two touchdowns, going over 10,000 yards for his career, and ran for another score, and fourth-seeded Eastern Washington turned back Big Sky Conference rival Montana 37-20 in the second round of the FCS playoffs on Saturday.

Quincy Forte added 128 yards rushing and a touchdown.

The Eagles (11-2), who beat the Grizzlies 36-26 four weeks ago, are home against fifth-seeded Illinois State next weekend.

This time it was the defense that came up with the big plays against the Grizzlies (9-5). A blocked punt by Ronnie Hamlin recovered on the 2-yard line set up the opening score and a fumble recovery put the Eagles inside the Montana 10 for Tyler McNannay's field goal for a 30-13 lead with 9:24 to play.

Montana's Travon Vann, who had nine catches for 161 yards, had a 30-yard TD reception with 6:29 to go but Todd Raynes made his second interception of the game and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown with 1:40 left.