By Robbie Ross
SouthernPigskin.com

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The Samford Bulldogs all but clinched an at-large berth in the NCAA FCS Playoffs Saturday as they ended Furmanxe2x80x99s seven game winning streak, 26-20, in Birmingham.

nThe Samford Bulldogs all but clinched an at-large berth in the NCAA FCS Playoffs Saturday as they ended Furmanxe2x80x99s seven game winning streak 26-20 in Birmingham.

nDevlin Hodges solidified his claim on the SoCon Offensive Player of the Year award throwing for 305 yards and two touchdowns. Hodgesxe2x80x99 favorite target was Kelvin McKnight who had 179 yards and a touchdown on 10 catches.

nSamfordxe2x80x99s defense kept the Paladins rushing offense in check limiting Furman to 182 yards on the ground. The Paladins were averaging 247 yards rushing coming into the game.xc2xa0

nFurman senior quarterback PJ Blazejowski led the Paladins with 229 yards while completing 11 of 20 passes. Blazejowski also threw one interception which came with under a minute to go with the Paladins trying to get a last second win.

nWith the win Samford moves to 8-3 on the year and finishes in second place in the SoCon at 6-2. The Bulldogsxe2x80x99 win also clinched their second consecutive at-large berth in the NCAA FCS Playoffs.

nFurman lost for the first time since a 49-16 setback to NC State just over two months ago, on September 16th. The Paladinsxe2x80x99 seven game winning streak was their longest winning streak since 1999. Furmanxe2x80x99s three losses to FCS teams have come by a total of 10 points (Wofford 24-23, Elon 34-31 and Samford 26-20). Furman will now wait until the NCAA FCS Playoff Selection Show to see if they will be selected to the 24-team field for the first time since 2013 as the SoConxe2x80x99s third team.

nWofford clinched the SoConxe2x80x99s automatic bid last week with their win over VMI finishing the season 7-1 in the league.xc2xa0

nThe NCAA FCS Playoff Selection Show will be televised Sunday morning at 11:00 on ESPNU. Check back Sunday afternoon for Southern Pigskinxe2x80x99s breakdown of the bracket. The FCS Playoffs begin next weekend with eight first round games at campus sites.