Eastern Washington’s Cooper Kupp, who has piled up more yards than any receiver in college football history, said the real reward of playing in the FCS playoffs is getting to spend more time with his teammates.

Eastern Washington (12-1) hosts Youngstown State (11-3) on Saturday in the semifinals of the FCS playoffs in frigid Cheney, Washington.

“You get the chance to earn another week or three weeks with these guys and spend more time together,” Kupp said this week. “It’s a genuine brotherhood.”

Kupp this season has 107 catches for 1,520 yards and 15 touchdowns. He won the Walter Payton Award last season as the top player in FCS and could become the second two-time winner when it is handed out Jan. 6.

The temperature in Cheney should be hovering around zero at kickoff. It is expected to be by far the coldest game in Eastern Washington football history.

“We will have to deal with the elements on Saturday,” Youngstown coach Bo Pelini said. “We’re not going to be able to simulate zero degree weather (in practice).”

The Penguins may be without running back Martin Ruiz, who was arrested last week on firearms charges. Pelini declined to discuss the incident this week. Ruiz has rushed for 1,153 yards this season.

Eastern Washington leads FCS with an average of 411 passing yards per game behind quarterback Gage Gubrud, while Youngstown State allows only 182 passing yards per game.

Eastern Washington coach Beau Baldwin said any team that reaches the semifinals is impressive.