HARRISONBURG, Va. (AP) — Ethan Ratke kicked a career-long 46-yard field goal on the final play of the game and defending FCS champion James Madison rallied to defeat Weber State 31-28 on Friday night and run its winning streak to 25.
Ratke’s third field goal capped an eight-play, 39-yard drive after the top-seeded Dukes (13-0) forced the Wildcats (11-3) into a three-and-out and got the ball back on its 31 with 1:06 to play.
The top-seeded Dukes are home next weekend against the winner of Saturday’s game between New Hampshire and South Dakota State.
In a wild fourth quarter the teams combined for 35 points, including Bryan Schor’s 40-yard touchdown pass to Riley Stapleton and Trai Sharp’s two-point conversion run on an inside handoff with 2:08 to play.
Ratke, whose previous best field goal was 40 yards, kicked a 40-yarder with 7:52 to play to pull the Dukes within 21-20. Weber State followed with a 10-play, 82-yard drive capped by Stefan Cantwell’s 36-yard pass that Drew Batchelor pulled down between two defenders in the end zone, making it 28-20 with 3:14 to go.
Schor was only 21 of 45 but threw for 359 yards. Stapleton had eight catches for 189 yards and Terrence Alls snared six for 117. Marshall ran for 128 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries.
Cantwell was just 12-of-30 passing but had two touchdowns and 238 yard and ran for a score. Kevin Smith had a touchdown rushing and receiving for Weber State.