Youngstown State 35,
James Madison 31

Nov. 25, 2006
    Behind a career day from quarterback Tom Zetts and some tough late running by All-America tailback Marcus Mason, Youngstown State used some Stambaugh playoff magic to come from 11 points down in the fourth quarter to beat James Madison 35-31 in the first round of the FCS playoffs.
    Mason scored the game-winning touchdown with 1:12 remaining to cap the fourth-quarter rally, and Marty Hutchinson and James Terry stopped JMU quarter Justin Rascati on fourth down scramble to end James Madison's desperation final drive.
    Zetts passed for a career-high 314 yards and a touchdown while Mason finished with 72 yards and two scores. Wide receiver T.J. Peterson caught a school-record tying 11 passes for 144 yards.
    James Madison scored 14 straight points in the second half to take a 31-20 lead with 14:52 remaining in the fourth quarter. But Zetts' right arm brought the Penguins all the way back completing 9-of-15 passes for 116 yards in the final quarter.
    After a big defensive stand forced a three-and-out, Zetts hit Peterson for a six-yard touchdown and a two-point conversion to get YSU within three.
    The Dukes elected to go for a first down on fourth and inches with just under five minutes to play, but Rashod Cotton and Hutchinson stuffed Rascati on a sneak to give YSU a chance.
    The Penguins took over with 4:41 remaining and took the lead for good on Mason's one-yard scamper.
    The Dukes’ final drive began on their 34-yard line. Rascati completed his first two passes down to the YSU 46. After two drops and a big breakup by Vince Gliatta, Rascati scrambled and came up two yards short on fourth down. The Penguins took over with three seconds left and watched time expire from the sidelines.
    The win for the Penguins was their first in the postseason since 1999 and the first under head coach Jon Heacock. YSU had built a 20-17 halftime lead only to watch the Dukes score two second-half touchdowns to grab their 31-20 lead.