Azusa Pacific Advances

After struggling against 15th-ranked Doane of Nebraska for much of the first half, defending champion Azusa Pacific scored three unanswered touchdowns to win, 31-12, in the opening round of the NAIA football playoffs at Azusa.

Doane (7-3) was leading, 12-10, before seventh-ranked Azusa Pacific (8-2) scored touchdowns in each of the last three quarters.

All-American Jack Williams rushed for 152 yards and caught four passes for 61 yards and a touchdown for Azusa Pacific. Quarterback Neo Aoga completed 17 of 30 passes for 308 yards and four touchdowns.