Quincy Crittendon has made quite a name for himself in only two games in a Samford uniform. The backup quarterback scored his second straight walk-off touchdown Saturday night to give Samford a crucial 48-42 overtime victory over Southeastern Louisiana.
With the win, Samford advances in the FCS Playoffs and will face North Dakota State on Dec. 10 at the Fargodome.
Michael Hiers, Samford’s usual starter at QB, was hampered by a hand injury all week. He started in the contest against SELA but was quickly removed after only a couple of offensive plays. However, Crittendon did not waste the opportunity, as he threw for 314 yards and four touchdowns. The backup ran for 94 yards and a score, as well.
Despite the spectacular effort from Crittendon, the game remained close throughout. Southeast Louisiana came back from two different 14-point deficits, one in the third quarter and another in the fourth quarter. Cephus Johnson III was electric, as the Lions quarterback ran for 123 yards and three touchdowns.
However, with the game knotted at 42 on the second play of overtime, Johnson coughed up the football into the end zone for a touchback, giving Samford possession and a chance to win the game with a score. Crittendon answered the bell, running into the endzone on a 10-yard scamper that sent Seibert Stadium into a frenzy.
It will remain interesting to see how Samford and head coach Chris Hatcher approach their new quarterback dilemma. Hiers has been reliable all season and is in the top 10 in almost every FCS passing statistic. However, Crittendon has delivered Samford two of their biggest wins of the season, the first over Mercer that gave Samford the outright SoCon title, and now an FCS Playoff win over SELA.
Regardless of who plays under center, the Bulldogs are in for a tough test next Saturday against the NDSU Bison, who have won nine FCS titles in the past 11 years.
Sports Editor
