Winston-Salem State defeated the nation’s top-ranked defense in its 21-17 victory over Indiana University Indiana of Pennsylvania to advance to the NCAA Division II semifinals for the second straight season.
The Crimson Hawks (12-2) came in to the game allowing just more than 250 yards of total offense per game but gave up 338 yards to WSSU.
The Rams (13-0) defense forced two turnovers and limited Indiana’s running game to 133 rushing yards, 136 yards less than its season average.
Game highlights include a 55-yard touchdown Hail Mary pass from quarterback Anthony Carrothers to wide-receiver Kenny Patterson with seconds left in the first half to take a 14-7 lead and a final stop by the Ram defense on 4th and 5 with 34 seconds left in the fourth to secure the win.
Quarterback Kameron Smith played for the first time since his injury in the CIAA Championship Game and threw the game-deciding touchdown to fullback Ricky Rozier late in the fourth quarter.
Rams wide receivers Jameze Massey and Jahuann Butler had a combined 227 receiving yards and linebacker Carlos Fields led the defense with 10 tackles and an interception.
The Rams will face the (12-2) Buffaloes of West Texas A&M Dec. 8 at home.
The Dec. 4 The News Argus includes coaches and players post-game interviews.