For the first time in the history of the Varsity Cup, Navy will not be in the semifinals, as Arkansas State ran out to a 24-0 halftime lead, and held off a Midshipmen surge to win the quarterfinal 31-24.

"We knew what we needed was a good defensive game plan and devotion to the defensive structure," said ASU Head Coach Shaun Potgieter. " In the first half we did that very well."

Potgieter wanted his Red Wolves to stop Navy on the outside, and, even better, stop their outside backs from getting the ball. That worked, and in fact it was Arkansas State that managed to find space out wide. Zac Young had an excellent game at outside center, making come impressive tackles on defense, and scoring two tries.

In tight, captain and prop forward Kude Makuvire was a monster, and also scored two tries, while leading from the front. Makuvire produced ASU's first try, and then trundled over for his second to make it 14-0. Young scored his first to make it 21-0, and a penalty kick made it 24-0.

Navy scored right before halftime to get somewhat back into it, but Young's second made it 31-7 at the beginning of the second. After that, Arkansas State learned a little lesson about giving a chance to a team that doesn't ever get discouraged. Navy was never going to let of, so when ASU's play suffered even slightly, Navy took advantage, scoring three tries to come within a try at 31-24.

"We had a great second half, but they scored most of their points off our penalties," said Navy Head Coach Mike Flanagan. "Arkansas State is very good, but we also contributed to their success. Then we sort of simplified what we were doing and we shut 'em out the last 30 minutes. We showed some real character coming back, and with 12 minutes to go we're seven points from a victory."

"We lost our defensive structure a bit in the second half and that's why they came back," said Potgieter. "But we're very happy with the win. I think we blew up a few people's brackets. We're excited to see what we can do next week."

BYU defeated Dartmouth 75-15 to make the semifinal against Arkansas State - these two teams met in the 2012 DIA final, which BYU won 49-42. 

"If we get them at the right time with the right approach, we can knock them off," said Potgieter.