With the FCS leading passer and starting quarterback Maverick McIvor on the bench, the Abilene Christian Wildcats turned to backup quarterback Carson Haggard and a stifling defense to defeat Northern Arizona 24-0 in the first round of the NCAA FCS playoffs.

The United Athletic Conference champions and No. 15 seed advance to meet perennial powerhouse and No. 2 seed North Dakota State at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, inside the Fargodome. The Bison have won nine FCS championships since 2011 and had a bye to the second round.

The Wildcat defense was incredible in the program’s first appearance in the FCS playoffs, holding the Lumberjacks to 194 total yards and posting the program’s first shutout since 2021. NAU’s rushing attack gained 29 yards on 24 attempts, which forced the Lumberjacks to earn an average of 9.2 yards per third down attempt.

The ACU coaching staff knew it would rely on its defense, with McIvor sidelined while he remained in the concussion protocol. The Wildcats are hopeful he returns next week but know they have someone capable of leading the offense with Haggard. The sophomore transfer from Tulane completed 23 of 29 passes for 244 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions against NAU. Haggard attempted 31 passes for 187 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions leading into the contest.

Haggard was assisted by senior running back Sam Hicks, who gained 171 yards and a touchdown rushing while adding 64 yards on five receptions. Meanwhile, the defense recorded four sacks, led by Kaghen Roach, who registered 1.5 sacks and three quarterback hurries.

The win adds another chapter to a wild season for ACU, which began with an overtime loss at Texas Tech, followed by their bus being involved in an accident while leaving the stadium. The Wildcats hope to continue their story against one of the best teams in FCS next week.