Huskies Advance To Mankato With 40-35 Win In Arkansas

The #12 St. Cloud State Huskies (11-1) advanced in the NCAA Division II Football Playoffs with a 40-35 upset win at #4 Henderson State (11-1) yesterday afternoon in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. The win sets up a matchup against #1 Minnesota State this Saturday at Noon in Mankato.

The win gives the Huskies their first eleven-win season in school history, and advancement  to the second round of the D-2 playoffs for the third time. All three Northern Sun Intercollegiate (NSIC) teams (SCSU, MSU, and UMD) remain in the playoffs as Minnesota Duluth also advanced with a win over Emporia State, 55-13.

Husky quarterback Phillip Klaphake completed 21 of 36 passes for 263 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also rushed for 39 yards and one touchdown. Running back Michael Walker ran for two touchdowns and threw for a third.

SCSU and MSU have faced each other 77 previous times, but this will be their first meeting in the post season. Their last match-up was a 25-21 MSU win at Husky Stadium in 2012.