Yale Stuns Youngstown State in FCS Playoff Upset, Illinois State to Face NDSU
YOUNGSTOWN, ohio – In a stunning first-round upset of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs on November 25, 2023, Yale rallied from a massive halftime deficit to defeat Youngstown state 43-42.The Bulldogs’ comeback, fueled by 21 fourth-quarter points, marks the largest halftime reversal for the program since 1941 and the first time an FCS team has overcome a 28+ point halftime disadvantage since Cornell’s 29-28 victory over Harvard in 2000.
The dramatic victory propels Yale into the second round of the FCS playoffs, while Youngstown State’s season concludes. This outcome underscores the unpredictable nature of the FCS postseason, where established programs can be challenged by determined opponents. Elsewhere in the playoff bracket, Illinois State secured a second-round matchup against north dakota State, and both South Dakota State and south Dakota delivered dominant performances in their respective first-round contests.
Yale running back Josh Pitsenberger spearheaded the comeback, rushing for 209 yards on 32 carries and scoring three touchdowns, including the decisive 56-yard run with 2:47 remaining in the game. Noah Piper’s subsequent extra point proved to be the game-winning margin. The Bulldogs’ resilience in the face of adversity highlights their determination and sets the stage for a challenging second-round encounter.