FCS playoff schedule 2012: Semifinal matchups set for Friday, Saturday

After three thrilling rounds to open the tournament, the 2012 FCS playoff field will be cut down to just two schools this weekend with a pair of crucial semifinal games set to be played.

Looking to wrap up a date in the Jan. 5 national championship game in Frisco, Texas with a victory, the No. 1 overall North Dakota State Bison will host Georgia Southern on Friday evening from the Fargodome. The Bison edged Wofford, 14-7, last Saturday to stay alive, keeping alive the schools' chance at back-to-back FCS championships.

The second semifinal will pit No. 2 overall seed Eastern Washington against a dangerous Sam Houston State team on Saturday afternoon. Despite the fact that Eastern Washington has already racked up 11 wins this season, the Bearkats are coming off a 14-win campaign in 2011 where they lost to North Dakota State in the title game. The Eagles will have the benefit of playing on their home field, but Sam Houston State will enter after only dropping one game all year to an FCS opponent.

Here is the full FCS semifinal schedule:

No. 5 Georgia Southern at No. 1 North Dakota State

When: Friday, Dec. 14

Where: Fargodome, Fargo, ND

Game time: 7 p.m. CT

TV channel: ESPN2

Sam Houston State at No. 2 Eastern Washington

When: Saturday, Dec. 15

Where: Roos Field, Cheney, Washington

Game time: 3 p.m. CT

TV channel: ESPNU

Full FBS playoff bracket