Keiser in NAIA Football Championship semifinals without playing a game

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

The Keiser Seahawks have advanced to the NAIA Football Championship Series semifinals – without playing a down in the quarterfinals.

Keiser's opponent for the Nov. 6 quarterfinal – Marion University (Indiana) Knights – self-reported that an academically ineligible student-athlete had played in three games for the sixth-seeded team this season. The NAIA booted the program from the Football Championship Series over the discovery and Marion officials have acknowledged they may have to vacate up to three games in which the ineligible player competed. 

"We sincerely apologize to Keiser University, the NAIA, our student-athletes, and the Marian community that we cannot continue our season," said Steve Downing, Marian's Director of Athletics, in a statement. "This is a disappointing outcome for everyone involved. We regret the disruption it causes and are taking immediate steps to address the root causes."

Keiser (11-0), seeded No. 2, will host an opponent to be determined in the semifinals on Dec. 13. Kickoff from Keiser Football Field is 1 p.m.

Of course, the Seahawks have had their own postseason drama. Head coach Myles Russ has missed the last two games with a health issue. A day before the Seahawks' 44-16 quarterfinal victory over Southeastern, Russ posted he “has been quietly and bravely battling a severe medical emergency." Defensive coordinator Peter Davila filled in as senior quarterback Shea Spencer completed 27 of 33 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns in the rout.

Keiser said any fans who purchased tickets for this weekend's game will receive a refund. Those refunds should take 3-5 business days to arrive, depending on financial institution.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Keiser Seahawks NAIA quarterfinal foe withdraws due to ineligible player

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos