Top Game Previews for Saturday, 12/6
All 13 of my predictions for this weeks games can be found on the Football Gazette website [use link on the right side to get there] and then click on Don's predictions.
First, I will list the Top Playoff Games, as I see them, for each of the four divisions (NCAA 1-AA, II, III and NAIA) this Saturday. As time permits I will try to give my analysis on as many games as possible.
NCAA 1-AA First Round Playoff Game
at Delaware (12-1) over Northern Iowa (10-2). Delaware head coach K.C. Keeler while serving as head coach at Rowan (formerly Glassboro State College) for nine seasons, Keeler developed a dynasty in small college football. Known as an outstanding offensive innovator, he is Rowan's all-time leader in coaching wins with a record of 88-21-1 and his winning percentage of .801 is fourth among all active coaches at that level of football. Keeler took his teams to the national semifinals in seven of his nine seasons and to the national championship game (Stagg Bowl) five times. He took his head coaching position after one season as an assistant coach at Amherst (Mass.) College and seven years as an assistant at Rowan, five of them as an offensive coordinator. After a 6-6 record at Delaware last year this his second year has brought a sparkling 12-1 season so far, including a victory over Navy. Northern Iowa coach Mark Farley is in his third season at the helm of the Panthers football program. In is first year (2001) he took his team to the playoffs. In three years he has an overall record of 26-11, including playoff appearances in 2001 and this season. Delaware is coming off a blistering of Southern Illinois while Northern Iowa was stunting Montana State’s attack. Delaware is captivating the football fans with their wizard at Quarterback, senior (#12) Andy Hall. The dangerous Mister Hall has completed 205-of-321 pass attempts (63.9 percent) for 2,386 yards and 23 touchdowns and has gained 642 yards on the ground and scored eight touchdowns on 141 carries. Grabbing most of Hall’s tosses is sophomore (#6) David Boler who has 50 receptions for 568 yards and seven scores while averaging 19.9 yards per kickoff return. Sophomore (#7) Brian Ingram has caught 43 passes for 549 yards and three TDs, while sophomore (#8) Justin Long has snared 41 passes for 445 yards and five touchdowns. Working the ground attack to the Blue Hens advantage is senior running back (#2) Germaine Bennett with 247 carries for 1,239 yards (5.02 avg.) and 4 scores. Senior (#5) Antawn Jenkins has picked up 525 yards rushing on 128 carries with six TDs. Delaware’s defense is headed by Mr. Prime Time, junior linebacker (#58) Mondoe Davis with 88 stops, 5.5 for losses with four sacks, while fellow linebacker, sophomore (#44) John Mulhern has 77 hits, eight behind the line, one interception, five pass blocks and three fumble recoveries. On the defensive line two stalwarts are to be lauded for their performances, senior (#96) Shawn Johnson leading the way with 57 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, including 12 sacks, six pass blocks, two fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles, while sophomore (#68) Tom Parks has 41 hits, 10 for losses, two pass deflections and two forced fumbles. Junior defensive back (#47) Sidney Haugabrook comes on board with 76 stops, two interceptions, eight pass breakups and one blocked kick. Northern Iowa’s ground attack is championed by sophomore tailback (#4) Terrance Freeney with 287 carries for 1,215 yards and 16 touchdowns and has seven catches for 61 yards. Junior tailback (#1) Richard Carter has rushed for 794 yards with four scores and has caught 21 passes for 210 yards. Junior quarterback (#13) Tom Petrie has rushed for 240 yards with one score and has passed for 2,305 yards and 18 touchdowns, completing 156-of-275 pass attempts. Senior (#80) Eddie Galles has been the most frequently used receiver for Petrie with 39 catches for 765 yards and four TDs. Senior (#88) Marlus Mays has caught 30 passes for 493 yards and five scores. Freshman place kicker (#49) Brian Wingert has converted 13-of-15 field goal attempts with a long of 45 yards, including 6-of-8 from 40 yards or longer. Junior punter (#19) Corey Henke is averaging 40.4 yards on 63 punts with 18 stopping inside the 20-yard line. Mr. Prime Time for UNI is senior cornerback (#2) Benny Sapp with 36 tackles, two interception with 101 return yards, including one for a score, 13 pass blocks and two fumble recoveries, while on punt returns is averaging 9.7 yards per return and on 15 kickoff returns has averaged 25.8 yards a return. Senior free safety (#32) Justin Sandy has 62 hits, five for losses, three interceptions, six pass deflections and two forced fumble, while freshman defensive back (#3) Dre Dokes tops off at 54 tackles, four interceptions and three pass breakups. Senior defensive end (#5) Matt Mitchell has 55 hits, 15 for losses, including 6.5 sacks, one interception and one blocked kick. MY OBSERVATONS: Once you get into the playoffs anything can happen and it becomes harder to predict the outcome of a game … usually. Last week Delaware pulled off a stunner, not by winning, but by the scoring margin of the win. Will they have a let-down after that overwhelming victory? Guess we’ll see on Saturday. I feel that Northern Iowa matches up better with the Blue Hens than their opponent of a week ago. Delaware’s Hall enjoys throwing the pigskin and I’m sure he will do a lot of that to start the game in an attempt to grab an early lead, but I do expect the running attack to be very active especially if the lead is fairly close. Northern Iowa needs to establish their running game to make their passing attack have more authority. I look for NIU to start their offensive attack on the ground. PLAYERS TO WATCH: For Delaware, Hall is a wiz at finding an open receiver and is quite competitive if he has to carry the ball himself. Bennett can power his way for long gainers. Boler is the man they will go to on third-and-long or if they are playing catch-up. Davis is capable of busting through any offensive line, so keep your eye on him as he attacks the NIU quarterback. Johnson is big (6’5”, 275), strong and quick, watch him bang his way through the line in a direct path for the quarterback. For Northern Iowa, I expect Freeney to get a work-out in this game, so watch his bulldozing tactics and if he has a problem gaining yardage on the ground, the Panthers could be in for a long day! If Petrie is allowed the time he can be very effective in throwing the ball. It will be interesting to see how this develops. Sapp is the Panther weapon that could provide the win for NIU. Sapp is extremely mobile and quick and makes things happen. If the game is close in the final minutes, Wingert’s toe will be a formidable “tool” for use. Mitchell is efficient at pressuring the opposing quarterback. Maybe I’m overly impressed by UD’s win last week, so this game could be much closer than I think. Bring it on!!! I still like Delaware 27-14.
NCAA II Semi-Final Playoff Game
North Alabama (13-0) over at North Dakota (11-1). Mark Hudspeth is in his second year as head football coach at the University of North Alabama, where he helped direct the Lions through a 4-7 campaign in 2002 in the first steps of a rebuilding phase. That season was highlighted by an offense that broke seven team and 13 individual records, while ranking 13th nationally in passing offense, 24th in total offense and 29th in scoring offense. He got his first collegiate head coaching victory on Sept. 7, 2002 at Lambuth, 24-17 and added victories over Arkansas Tech, Central Arkansas and West Georgia in his initial season with the Lions. Now in his fifth year as head football coach at the University of North Dakota, Dale Lennon has continued a tradition of UND football success in his first four seasons. The injury bug bit the Sioux in 2002 as injuries at several key positions hampered UND all season long. Despite the setbacks, key reserves played a part in UND retaining the Nickel Trophy with a 12-6 win at NDSU on Oct. 12. It marked the second straight and eight out of the last ten times that UND has won the intrastate rivalry. In 2001, Lennon led UND to a 14-1 overall record and the school’s first national championship in its rich 106-season football history. UND capped its season by defeating Grand Valley (Mich.) State, 17-14, in the NCAA Division II national championship game on Dec. 8 in Florence, Ala. North Alabama looks to have their youth back again and are prancing as if it were still the ‘90’s. One thing is certain, the Fighting Sioux will not run from the roaring Lions. North Alabama does have a team reminiscent of those great teams they had in the 1990’s. Leading the Lions offense is their very talented senior quarterback (#7) Will Hall who has completed 237-of-330 passes (71.8 pct.) for 3,194 yards with 28 touchdowns while also gaining 490 yards and four scores on 142 carries. With all the quality receivers UNA has, senior (#8) David Mooneyham has the team-high in receptions with 51 good for 779 yards and seven touchdowns. Sophomore (#14) Marcus Lewis follows him with 33 grabs for 548 yards and three scores. Two more receivers worthy of mention here are, junior (#2) Martin Huggins with 27 catches for 395 yards and one score, while senior (#18) Brian Bester has tucked in 25 receptions for 311 yards and one TD. With two exemplary running backs the Lions have an almost mystical offense. Sophomore running back (#1) DeMarcus Blount has gained 855 yards and 16 touchdowns on 153 carries and has caught 37 passes for 253 yards and four more scores, while junior slot back (#25) Randy Vickers has 146 carries for 784 yards and nine TDs, and has picked up another 123 yards on 16 catches with one more score. To add to the Lions offensive prowess their senior place kicker (#11) Travis Johnston has converted on 15-of-17 field goal attempts with a long of 43 yards and is averaging 38.5 yards per punt on 48 kicks. North Alabama’s defense doesn’t have any weakness either and is led by their aggressive sophomore linebacker (#33) Donald Tharpe with his team-high 78 tackles, 15 for losses with 7.5 sacks, two interceptions and two pass blocks. A couple of other movers-and-shakers at linebacker are sophomore (#50) Harold Wisdom with 61 tackles, including seven for losses, while junior (#20) Colby Simmons has 52 hits, 12 tackles for loss, including 2.5 sacks, one pass breakup and one blocked kick. At cornerback, junior (#6) Evan Oglesby holds tough with 61 stops, seven interceptions and eight pass breakups, while that nasty nose guard position is maintained by senior (#92) Jonathan Taylor with 34 tackles, eight behind the line, three interceptions and one pass deflection. Not to worry, North Dakota knows how to play the game very well too. It has only been two years since they were the National Champs, injuries crippled them last year, but they will be ready to play Saturday. The fighting Sioux offense is directed by their very competent junior quarterback (#12) John Bowenkamp who has passed for 2,435 yards and 20 touchdowns completing 198-of-308 passes (64.3 pct.). By far the man stealing the spotlight at wide receiver is (#24) Willis Stattelman with 86 receptions for 974 yards and eight scores. The speedy receiver/kick returner (#81) Travis Lueck has 42 catches for 601 yards and seven TDs and also averages 15.2 yards on 39 punt returns, including two for touchdowns, and has 13 kickoff returns for an average of 18.8 yards each. Senior (#84) Jesse Ahlers has brought down 47 passes for 596 yards and four touchdowns, while junior (#8) Caleb Johnson has 23 catches for 299 yards and three TDs. The versatile RS-freshman (#27) Brandon Strouth has 23 receptions for 182 yards with one score and has gained 324 yards on the ground on 77 carries including one more TD. Junior place kicker (#7) Jesse Glas has connected on 13-of-23 field goal tries with a long conversion of 52 yards. UND’s senior punter (#17) Bret Bentow is averaging 39.6 yards per punt with a long of 64 yards, including 11 inside the 20-yard line. Winning the race to stop the ball carrier belongs to the swift and penetrating sophomore linebacker (#40) Digger Anderson with an amazing 102 hits, 8.5 tackles for loss, one interception, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumble. As Anderson does, my daughter lived in Coon Rapids, but moved back to Illinois a few years ago and her oldest daughter is a senior at North Park College and the younger one is a sophomore at Grand Valley State. Gee, I got carried away there. You needed a breather anyway from this long-winded preview. Right? Two more stalwarts at linebacker are sophomore (#33) Danny Gagner with 63 stops, 5.5 for losses, three interceptions, including one returned for a score, three pass breakups, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles, while sophomore (#44) Tyler Dahlen has 36 hits, 7.5 for losses with 2.5 sacks, two pass deflections, five QB hurries and one blocked kick. RS-freshman cornerback (#32) Jason Hoffschneider has brought down 53, intercepted five, including one returned for a TD, and has seven pass blocks. Junior defensive back (#20) Ryan Manke has turned in 56 tackles, one interception and 12 pass breakups. MY OBSERVATIONS: Both these semi-finalist have outstanding teams. I do believe though that the overall makeup of UNA will carry the day. The Lions will probably start out with their passing game and if they manage to get a two-touchdown lead, they will shift to their equally efficient running attack. North Dakota needs to get on the board first. I feel that UND will do very little running even if they get the lead. North Dakota needs to keep moving the ball quickly through the air to keep the pressure on UNA. Well, at least that’s what I think. PLAYERS TO WATCH: For North Alabama, the energizing Mr. Hall will show his accuracy and put a chill on the UND faithful, he is that good! Blount is a powerful runner and will be very hard to contain. Mooneyham, Lewis and Huggins will be waving their hands about in hopes that one of Hall’s passes will be aimed at them. Wisdom and Oglesby will be planted right at the feet of an intended receiver, while Tharpe and Simmons will be surprising Bowerkamp with their quickness. For North Dakota, Bowerkamp has a quick release and should be able to connect with the elusive Lueck or Stattelman. If and when UND rushes with the ball I’m certain it will be in the hands of Roland. The long-distance punting of Bentow should keep the Sioux in the ball game. Anderson will be in the face of Hall throughout the contest. Hoffschneider and Gagner will present a threat because of their perceptive pass coverage. I simply feel that North Alabama has more tools at their disposal in this game and I have to go with them, 33-21.
NCAA III Quarterfinal Playoff Game
at Mount Union (11-0) over Wheaton (12-0). This game will be televised by CSTV. Larry Kehres (Care-Us), in his 18th year at the helm of the Purple Raider football fortunes, has built one of the most successful programs in all of college football. His teams have won 14 Ohio Athletic Conference Championships ('86, '90, '92-'03) while posting 12 undefeated regular seasons ('86, '90, '92, '93, '95-'03). Under Kehres, the Raiders have won seven Division III National Championships in the last 10 years ('93, '96, ''97, '98, '00, & '01, '02). Since 1990, the Raiders have made 14 playoff appearances while posting college football's most wins and best winning percentage (173-7-1/.959). During the last 12 regular seasons, his teams have posted a phenomenal 120-1 overall mark. For his efforts, Kehres (203-17-3/.917) at Mount Union) has been named the AFCA Division III National Coach of the Year seven times ('93, '96, '97, '98, '00, '01, '02) - voted on by the American Football Coaches Association. Coach Mike Swider has posted a 61-19 record in his eight seasons as the Wheaton mentor. He has tallied a .763 winning percentage, which is second all-time among Wheaton's 21 head football coaches. Last year, Swider guided the team to its first playoff appearance and undefeated conference season since 1995, finishing with a 10-2 overall record. Swider was named “Coach of the Year,” for the second time in his eight seasons as Wheaton placed eight on the All-CCIW First Team. Mount Union is averaging 239.5 rushing and 308.3 yards per game passing. If they don’t get you one way, they will get you the other! Mount Union has college football’s longest current winning streak at 53 games – one shy of the all-time mark of 54, set by Mount Union (1996-99). Mount Union has won 107 of their last 108 games! Leading this year’s version of the Purple Raiders' is junior quarterback (#8) Zac Bruney with 67 carries for 287 yards and three scores and has completed 125-of-195 passes (64.1 percent) for 2,171 yards and 22 touchdowns. When Bruney is not directing traffic you will find another outstanding quarterback at the helm in senior (#11) Jesse Burghardt who has completed 58-of-85 passes for 1,085 yards and 12 TDs and has rushed for 152 yards and two scores. Heading the receiving corps is sophomore (#32) Randall Knapp with 57 catches for 1,247 yards and 11 touchdowns. Senior (#25) Nick Sirianni has caught 35 passes for 730 yards and 10 TDs, while junior tight end (#86) Drew Hanley has pulled in 17 tosses for 285 yards and three scores. MUC’s top rusher is junior (#34) Rick Ciccone with 157 carries for 727 yards and 10 touchdowns, while teammate, junior (#22) Jeff Strauch has gained 350 yards on 65 carries with five TDs. Senior running back (#46) Brian Miller has 45 carries for 257 yards and four scores and has 18 receptions for 224 yards and three more TDs. Senior CB/KR (#13) Mike Miller has returned nine kickoffs an average of 24.9 yards per return and on defense he has 45 tackles, one interception, eight pass breakups and two blocked kicks. Other defensive standouts include senior linebacker (#44) Shaun Spisak with 96 hits, five for losses and two pass blocks, while senior linebacker (#28) Anthony Frate has 45 stops, 12 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, two forced and two recovered fumbles. Senior defensive tackles (#91) Antoine Dillard hits the chart with 66 tackles, 12 behind the line of scrimmage, four sacks and six QB hurries. Senior defensive end (#99) Johnny Josef has mustard 35 stops, 12 for losses, seven sacks, four pass deflections and eight QB hurries, while senior free safety (#16) Matt Caponi has totaled 50 tackles, five interceptions and 10 pass breakups. Wheaton’s offense is expedited by senior quarterback (#16) Chad Bradley who has thrown for 2,875 yards and 20 touchdowns, completing 194-of-318 passes. Senior receiver (#4) Andrew King is the leading pass catcher with 72 for 859 yards and four touchdowns, while junior (#80) Colin Sinclair has tucked in 45 passes for 673 yards and five scores. Junior wide receiver/kick returner (#22) Brad Musso has 65 receptions for 1,256 yards with 10 touchdowns and has returned 30 punts for an average of 14.9 yards per return, including two for scores. The Thunder’s ground attack is advanced by leading rusher, senior (#7) Dan Price with 237 carries for 1,199 yards and 11 scores. Junior (#21) Garrett Granberg has also been effective on the ground, gaining 758 yards with 10 touchdowns on 165 carries. Junior fullback (#41) Skip Ast is credited with 51 rushes for 234 yards and four TDs. Wrestling the lead in tackles amongst his fellow defensmen is senior linebacker (#43) Tom McAndrews with 88 hits, 11 for losses and one interception. Senior (#44) Jeff Humm has totaled 68 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions and three pass deflections. Wheaton has three standouts patrolling the defensive backfield with senior (#28) Ty Gose hitting the tackle chart with 77 stops, three interceptions and eight pass blocks. Senior (#34) Shawn Wildt has 65 hits, four for losses, four interceptions and eight pass breakups, while fellow defensive back, senior (#12) Michael Drach has captured 53 ball carriers, intercepted four passes and broke up 10 passes. MY OBSERVATIONS: He might be able to work a miracle if only Wheaton Alum Billy Graham would sit on the Wheaton bench in this game. I remember listening to Billy as far back as the 50’s, and have always been impressed with his thought-provoking deliveries. Anyway, let’s face it, as long as Wheaton is in the North Region they will not make it to the finals … at least till the Mount Union dynasty falls … if it ever does! I do think however that Wheaton can make this a close game. Mount Union will do their usual thing of passing and some running. Wheaton’s defensive backs should be able to cause some consternation for the Raiders’ quarterback, but the linebackers and linemen have to put pressure on MUC’s quarterback to have it work. Wheaton likes to rush almost as much as they pass. That’s a good thing … if they can confront the Raiders’ defensive line with enough authority to get their runners through to daylight! Wheaton does have a super team, but Mount Union has so much tradition and is riding a 53-game winning streak and playing at home, it will be tough for the Thunder to pull off the upset. PLAYERS TO WATCH: This game has several players for both sides that perform with viger or “mucho gusto”. For Mount Union, Bruney is the key, he has a smooth delivery and can rush with the ball when necessary. Watch Knapp fool his coverage with his considerable moves. Dillard will be pressuring Bradley throughout the game, which could cause the Wheaton quarterback into making mistakes. Caponi is very quick on pass coverage. For Wheaton, Bradley will need to get off his delivery quicker than he is used to, and that could be the key to a Wheaton victory. Price is a power-driving back and will make some headway for the Thunder’s ground assault. If Wheaton can manage to keep it close, the hero of the game could be Musso who has deceptive speed. I look for Musso to be able to get open for some long gainers through the airways and look out if he gets his hands on a punt return, quick with great moves. I think Wheaton will be able to score, but I still think Mount Union will win 35-21.
at Rensselaer Tech (10-1) over Ithaca (10-2). Mike Welch is in his tenth season at Ithaca. Ithaca College's ninth head football coach, he has continued the success of one of Division III's winningest programs. His teams have been consistent playoff contenders and he owns a record of 80-28 (.741) as Bomber coach. Coach Joe King is in his fourteenth season at the helm of Rensselaer football. During his tenure, Rensselaer has compiled a 95-36-2 record (.722 winning percentage), making King the most successful Rensselaer football coach in school history. Over the past eleven seasons, Coach King has guided Rensselaer to a combined 82-24 (.774) mark, as well as four ECAC Championships (1992, 1993, 1995, 1997), three straight UCAA Championships (1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2003), and two undefeated regular seasons concluding with a NCAA Playoff appearance (9-0 in 1999, 8-0 in 2001). With his 37th career win in 1995, King moved into the No. 1 spot for most wins in a coaching career. My original choice here was Ithaca, but after doing more analysis I have come to the conclusion that RPI will pull out the win. RPI is led by their sensational senior quarterback (#7) Dan Cole who has completed 256-of-425 passes (62 percent) for 3,174 yards and 36 touchdowns! Pulling down the majority of Cole’s passes is senior (#3) Flynn Cochran with 97 catches for 1,185 yards and 15 scores. Senior (#16) Pat Hughes has totaled 65 receptions for 656 yards and seven TDs, while junior (#18) Dan Stephens has tucked in 46 passes for 755 yards and eight scores. Freshman tight end (#82) Jon Branche has caught 31 passes for 414 yards and five touchdowns. Heading the rushing attack is the very dependable junior (#44) Otis Williams with 149 carries for 995 yards (6.68 avg.) and six scores and has caught 10 passes for 92 yards. Freshman (#32) Jay Bernardo has picked up 362 yards on the ground and four TDs on 75 carries. Holding the top spot on the tackle chart for Rensselaer Tech is Junior linebacker (#22) Sean Doran with 91 hits, one interception and six pass blocks, while junior linebacker (#11) Grant Cochran (Flynn is his brother) has accumulated 72 tackles, 13 for losses with four sacks and four pass breakups. A couple of other notable defensive backs for the Engineers is senior (#10) Mike DiFilippi with 67 stops, six interceptions and nine pass deflections, while junior (#5) Brent Hanson totals 52 tackles, five interceptions and five pass blocks. Junior defensive lineman (#97) Ramses Jimenez has 49 tackles, 10 for losses, eight sacks and two pass breakups. Ithaca’s offensive efforts are centered around sophomore quarterback (#3) Josh Felicetti with 2,031 yards passing and 19 touchdowns, completing 142-of-240 pass attempts. Junior receiver (#22) Jeff Welch (coach Welch’s son) has 41 receptions for 788 yards (19.2 yards per catch) and eight scores, while sophomore (#2) Justin Esposito has also caught 41 passes for 475 yards and two TDs. Junior fullback (#27) Jamie Free has 21 catches for 232 yards and three scores and has 25 rushes for 118 yards and two more touchdowns. The Bombers’ top rusher is senior (#34) Pete Celebre with 179 carries for 803 yards and six TDs. Senior (#4) Caleb Greer-Carney has rushed for 393 yards and three scores on 86 carries. Defensive standouts include sophomore linebacker, and team-leading tackler (#44) Dustin Ross with 101 hits, five tackles for loss and one interception. Senior linebacker (#29) Robert Truman has 86 stops, 14 behind the line including five sacks, while junior defensive end (#51) Bryan Steele has 41 hits, 16 tackles for loss, including seven sacks. Senior cornerback (#15) Seth Molisani totals 36 tackles, four interceptions, including one returned for a score, while senior strong safety (#8) Jon Edgcomb has 83 stops, four for losses, four pass breakups and four forced fumbles. Junior cornerback/kick returner (#36) Matt Tosh hits the tackle chart with 42, three interceptions and five pass breakups, and has returned 15 kickoffs for a 21.5 average per return and 26 punts an average of 17.7 yards a return, including one for a touchdown. MY OBSERVATIONS: For RPI, They will rely very much on their passing attack, although Ithaca’s defense is allowing just 134.8 yards a game. I think Cole will overcome any obstacles presented by the Ithaca defensive backs. With several competent receivers to throw to, Cole should be able to find the open man. Ithaca needs to grab an early lead and try to run time off the clock by using their rushing attack. Ithaca’s quarterback is not much of a rusher so if the RPI defenders can put consistent pressure on him, mistakes will be made. For Ithaca, it’s a must that they be able to pressure Cole and I expect a concerted effort by the Ithaca defenders to do just that. If they lack putting consistent pressure on PRI’s quarterback, it could be a very long day indeed for them. PLAYERS TO WATCH: For Rensselaer, Cole is the franchise, watch him pick his receivers and hit with consistency, just a great playmaker. Flynn Cochran will be enjoyable to watch as he runs his pattern and evades the defenders. Williams will keep the Ithaca defense off-guard with his flashy running. Grant Cochran and Jimenez will put a lot of pressure on Felicetti. The defensive backfield is well patrolled with two clever defenders in DiFilippi and Hanson. For Ithaca, Felicetti is the key and his offensive line must give him time to make the plays. The Bombers skillful receiver Jeff Welch should see more action in this game, especially if Ithaca falls behind by more than one TD. Ithaca has three standout pass rushers with Ross, Truman and Steel putting the pressure on. If Tosh could manage to break away on one of his kick returns it could make the difference in the ballgame. I’m going to follow my hunch and go with RPI, 21-14.
Bridgewater (11-1) over at Lycoming (9-1). Michael Clark has claimed his fourth straight ODAC conference championship in 2003, and in 2002, Clark guided the Eagles to their second consecutive undefeated regular season, third straight NCAA post-season appearance and their third ODAC football championship. This followed a 2001 season where the Eagles finished their best season in school history with a 12-1 record, losing in the "Stagg Bowl," the Division III national championship game, to perennial power Mount Union, 30-27. Frank Girardi, one of my all-time favorite coaches, is in his 32nd year at the helm of the Lycoming College football program. He has become a legend in his field by building one of the most respected and consistently successful NCAA Division III football programs in the nation. In his 32 seasons at Lycoming, Girardi has built a career record of 241-73-5 – a winning percentage of .763. He is one of only three active coaches at the Division III level to record 200 victories and one of only 11 active coaches at all levels of the NCAA to reach the milestone. His .763 winning percentage is fifth among active Division III coaches. Both Bridgewater and Lycoming have a very stingy rushing defense. Bridgewater is allowing just 73.1 yards to their opponents on the ground, while Lycoming is allowing 90.1 yards on the ground. Lycoming gains most of their yards passing (234.7 yards per game) and Bridgewater is more familiar with a ground attack (246.3). The Bridgewater ground assault is led by sophomore tailback (#24) Marcus Washington with 108 carries for 813 yards with seven touchdowns and on kickoff returns he is averaging 24.8 yards per return. Sophomore fullback (#46) Robert Matthews has 59 rushes for 460 yards and four scores, while freshman running back (#32) Winston Young has picked up 393 yards and one TD on 54 carries and has returned eight kickoffs for a 16.8 average per return. Fullback (#30) Eric Spence has 56 carries for 363 yards and three scores. Directing their offensive assault from his quarterback position is junior (#8) Brandon Wakefield with 85 carries for 366 yards with eight touchdowns and has completed 149-of-279 passes for 2,016 yards and 20 TDs. Tops among the Eagles receiving corps is senior (#80) Nicholas Lehto with 36 catches for 714 yards and five touchdowns, while sophomore (#31) Brian Awkard has pulled in 20 passes for 314 yards and four scores. Their very busy senior linebacker (#99) Jermaine Taylor has a team-high 128 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, including five sacks, one interception, three pass breakups, three fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles. A couple of other statistical leaders at a linebacker position are senior (#7) Gary Nelson with 68 hits, 16 for losses, including five sacks, two interceptions and eight pass blocks, while senior (#94) Cameron Garvin has 28 stops, including 11 behind the line, one interception and four pass deflections. Senior strong safety (#3) Jeremy Bradshaw hits the tackle chart with 54 stops, including 12 for lost yardage, four interceptions and two pass breakups, while on the defensive line junior (#78) Lawrence Frierson has contributed 49 tackles, including 12 for losses. Defensive back (#32) Shawn Smith has registered 25 tackles, six pass deflections and is averaging 29.9 yards a return on 14 kickoffs. Lycoming is led be their versatile junior quarterback (#10) Phil Mann who has completed 169-of-315 passes for 2,344 yards and 15 touchdowns, and when the situation has arisen, he has rushed for 240 yards on the ground with nine scores on 99 carries. The leading rusher for the Warriors is junior (#28) Drew Corsilli with 135 carries for 424 yards and three TDs, while senior (#32) Robert Miller has rushed for 394 yards and six scores on 97 carries and has caught nine passes for 71 yards. Lycoming has a fine receiving corps headed by senior (#19) Ricky Lannetti with 70 catches for 955 yards and five touchdowns while this adaptable receiver has also averaged 10.5 yards on 26 punt returns and 21.8 yards on 18 kickoff returns. Senior (#12) Sean Hennigar comes in with 47 receptions for 502 yards and six scores, while sophomore (#80) Tim Brown has 15 catches for 314 yards and one TD. Lycoming’s defense is bolstered by a couple of plucky linebackers, including senior (#27) Tim Schmidt having a team-high 71 tackles, with nine for losses, two interceptions and 12 pass blocks, while sophomore (#44) Luke Sterling has contributed 67 hits, including 16 tackles for loss which includes 11 sacks, one interception, eight pass breakups and four fumble recoveries. On the Lyco defensive line are senior end (#30) Sean McGinley with 60 stops, including 23 for losses with 14 sacks, while freshman (#92) Dave Van Nort has 38 hits, 13 behind the line of scrimmage with five sacks. Cavorting in the defensive backfield is junior back (#3) Brian Kaspick with 42 tackles, four interceptions and eight pass blocks, while fellow back (#29) Nick Pinto has 39 hits, five interceptions and 16 pass deflections. MY OBSERVATIONS: Lycoming has a stiff defense against a ground attack, but that is also Bridgewater’s main avenue of attack. If the Warriors can stop the Eagles ground assault the victory will be theirs, but Bridgewater has so many resourceful running backs that Lycoming must deal with, that it may become just academic as the Warriors defensive front wears down. However, I expect that Bridgewater will pass more than they usually do in this game. Bridgewater will try and run the ball down your throat and control the clock as well, so Lycoming needs to take the lead early and pass often. PLAYERS TO WATCH: For Bridgewater, Washington will be the main ingredient in their plans for a victory as the strong knowledgeable tailback is averaging 7.53 yards per carry and is also dangerous on kickoff returns. Wakefield is an inspiring player and will challenge his team to put forth the extra effort to grasp the win. Shawn Smith if he gets his hands on the ball after a kickoff, with his quick sharp moves, he is hard to contain and should present the Eagles with good field position. Taylor is a crippling tackler and will be a problem for Mann all afternoon. If Taylor doesn’t get to you, Nelson will as he darts around would be blockers to get to his target. For Lycoming, Mann to Lannetti will be the key for a Warrior win. Remember that this is only Lycoming’s 11th game this season while every other school will be playing on at least their 12th game this season, so that means that not all their stats are as lofty as some of the other teams. Hennigar will also be a major character in the scheme of things for Lyco. Sterling and McGinley will become familiar to Wakefield as the game progresses. I think Van Nort will come up with a big play in this game. I have to choose Bridgewater in this game, they have too much persuasive ground power, 34-24.
NAIA Semi-Final Playoff Game
at Sioux Falls (12-0) over Northwestern Oklahoma State (10-1). Last season, coach Bob Young led the Cougars to a 12-1 record. The Cougars took home the conference title with an 8-0 record. USF went on to win their first two playoff games before falling in the National Semifinals to the eventual champion Carroll College. Young has guided USF to nine South Dakota-Iowa Conference crowns before the school joined the GPAC three years ago, where they have won three crowns. Under coach Young, the Cougars have made nine NAIA postseason appearances, including a NAIA Division II National Championship in 1996. In the postseason, Young has compiled a record of 15-7. In 1996, he earned "Coach of the Year" honors from the NAIA, Don Hansen's Football Gazette, and American Football Quarterly. He was named the SDIC Coach of the Year seven times (1984, '88, '94, '96, '97, and '99) and has earned the honor twice in the GPAC. Since he arrived in Alva, Garin Higgins has made an immediate impact. After becoming the head coach of the Rangers in 2000, Higgins has compiled a record of 41-6, one that rivals most around. He has led Northwestern to four NAIA playoff appearances, was national runner-up in 2000 and has been named Central States Football League Coach of the Year for the past four seasons. Higgins chooses no liking for defeat. "We are never fully pleased by going undefeated in a season," said Higgins. "Everyone’s goal around here is to win in the preseason and take the national championship trophy home." This is a tough game to appraise, but I love the challenge! Northwestern has some great statistical numbers which can be deceiving because a number of their opponents had very weak teams. However they do have a very strong team overall and are averaging 242.6 yards a game rushing and 220.5 passing … combined, those are breath-taking numbers! Sioux Falls favors their passing attack and are averaging 284.8 yards per game while on the ground they rush at a 140.2 clip a game. Both defenses are very strong with Sioux Falls allowing just 100.2 yards rushing to their opponents and Northwestern just 95.4 yards per game. The Cougars will attempt to leap their way over the omnipresent Rangers under the skillful leadership of their competitive senior quarterback (#8) Jon Burckhardt whose scrambling tactics and strong arm have allowed him to pass for 3,350 yards and 23 touchdowns on completing 225-of-388 passes (.634 pct.) and he has also rushed for five scores. The main recipient of Burckhardt’s passes is their sneaky-fast senior receiver (#80) Grant Brecher with 70 catches for 1,011 yards with six TDs and is averaging 10.4 yards per return on 35 punts and18.5 per return on 18 kickoffs. Three other notable wide receivers for the Cougars are, RS-freshman (#84) Dusty Hovorka (59 catches, 1,017 yards, 10 TDs), RS-freshman (#87) Michael Warren (21 receptions, 264 yards) and junior (#5) Charles Johnson (13 catches, 316 yards, 4 scores). Another offensive weapon for the Rangers to be concerned about is Sioux Falls excellent place kicker, junior (#10) T.C. Fraser, who has converted 14-of-21 field goal tries, including a long of 52 yards. Topping the USF tackle chart with his team-high 84 hits is junior linebacker (#48)Curtis Eban, including 14 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions and five pass breakups. Holding strong on the defensive line are senior (#92) Duane Lunne with 80 stops, 13 for losses with 4.5 sacks, three pass deflections and four QB hurries, while RS-freshman (#45) Kyle Dreckman gets on the board with 41 tackles, 11.5 behind the line with 5.5 sacks, two pass blocks and seven QB hurries. The Sioux Falls defensive backfield list two standouts, including senior back (#18) Mike Hockett with 72 hits, five for losses, three interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown and seven pass deflections, while junior (#3) Ronnie McDougle registers 36 stops, five interceptions, 19 pass breakups, and two blocked kicks and he has also returned four kickoffs for an average of 24.5 yards. Northwestern Oklahoma State has an aggressive rushing assault which is led by their sensational multipurpose senior playmaker (#8) Patrick Crayton. He must be re-writing all the records at NWOSU. Crayton’s numbers for this season are astounding, his yardage has been gained in five different categories. Crayton has completed 104-of-179 passes for 1,569 yards and 17 touchdowns, rushed 115 times for 1,119 yards and 12 scores, caught 14 passes for 306 yards and four more TDs, returned 14 kickoffs an average of 22.0 per return, including one for a score and finally he is averaging 19.9 yards on 13 punt returns, including two for touchdowns. That’s 36 touchdowns he is responsible for! Well he isn’t the whole team of course, you can’t win with one man alone. A couple of other fine running backs for the Rangers are freshman (#14) Boye Ayodele with 67 carries for 411 yards and five scores, while junior (#33) Jeff Cooper has 69 carries for 409 yards and two TDs. Another notable running back is (#34) Mike Tyson with 73 carries for 382 yards and seven touchdowns. Junior quarterback (#11) Chris Phillips has passed for 837 yards and 10 scores, completing 56-of-101 pass attempts and has scored one rushing touchdown. Their receiving corps are headed by their very talented and speedy senior (#3) Michael Salters with 54 receptions for 1,018 yards and 15 scores, and he has returned nine punts for an average of 21.8 yards, including one for a touchdown and six kickoffs an average of 25.5 yards per return. A couple other prominent receivers for the Rangers are senior (#7) Sam Breeden with 52 catches for 601 yards and five TDs, while junior (#10) Sean Tesak has gained 308 yards and two scores on 23 receptions. Topping the Rangers tackle chart is their outstanding senior linebacker (#2) Travares Osley with 98 hits, 12.5 for losses, one interception and three pass blocks. On the defensive line is senior (#91) Ben Greer with 39 stops, 13.5 behind the line and two pass breakups. Northwestern has three quick defensive backs policing that area, including sophomore (#32) B.J. Taylor (60 tackles, three interceptions and four pass blocks), senior (#28) C.J. Hollins (47 hits, eight interceptions and nine pass deflections) and junior (#6) Arnie McPhee (46 hits, 9.5 for a loss, five interceptions and three pass breakups). MY OBSERVATIONS: This will be one heck-of-a-ballgame! Burckhardt will have his work cut out for him as the Rangers have three speedy defensive backs he will have to cope with. Burckhardt may have to try to connect on more short passes. It will be interesting to see if the speedy Hovorka can escape the Northwestern defenders long enough to catch some long passes. Sioux Falls passing game must work or they are in big trouble! Northwestern can pass as well as they are capable of rushing with the ball. I do predict though that the Rangers will be passing more in this encounter than usual. If the Rangers get the lead, you know they are going to stay on the ground as much as possible. PLAYERS TO WATCH: For Sioux Falls, Burckhardt is their bread-and-butter player and is capable of overcoming all obstacles with his quick release and keen eye for his receivers. Brecher and Hovorka will be interesting to watch as they attempt to evade the Rangers coverage, and they must be able to do that if they want the victory. Eban and Lunne should be able to put some pressure on the Rangers quarterback. Hockett and McDougle are very capable on pass coverage. If we have a close ball game here, the victory may all rest on the outcome of Fraser’s right foot. For Northwestern, almost all the action will be centered around the elusive Mr. Crayton as he will be involved in almost every play in the game. Salters is extremely dangerous also with his pass catching ability and his footwork on kick returns and he could be the hero for the Rangers’ in this game. Osley will be quick off the line and will be a constant menacing threat to Burckhardt. They may try and double-team Osley. Hollins and McPhee will also be a threat to pick off a Burckhardt pass. At home, I’ll stick with Sioux Falls, 27-21.
First, I will list the Top Playoff Games, as I see them, for each of the four divisions (NCAA 1-AA, II, III and NAIA) this Saturday. As time permits I will try to give my analysis on as many games as possible.
NCAA 1-AA First Round Playoff Game
at Delaware (12-1) over Northern Iowa (10-2). Delaware head coach K.C. Keeler while serving as head coach at Rowan (formerly Glassboro State College) for nine seasons, Keeler developed a dynasty in small college football. Known as an outstanding offensive innovator, he is Rowan's all-time leader in coaching wins with a record of 88-21-1 and his winning percentage of .801 is fourth among all active coaches at that level of football. Keeler took his teams to the national semifinals in seven of his nine seasons and to the national championship game (Stagg Bowl) five times. He took his head coaching position after one season as an assistant coach at Amherst (Mass.) College and seven years as an assistant at Rowan, five of them as an offensive coordinator. After a 6-6 record at Delaware last year this his second year has brought a sparkling 12-1 season so far, including a victory over Navy. Northern Iowa coach Mark Farley is in his third season at the helm of the Panthers football program. In is first year (2001) he took his team to the playoffs. In three years he has an overall record of 26-11, including playoff appearances in 2001 and this season. Delaware is coming off a blistering of Southern Illinois while Northern Iowa was stunting Montana State’s attack. Delaware is captivating the football fans with their wizard at Quarterback, senior (#12) Andy Hall. The dangerous Mister Hall has completed 205-of-321 pass attempts (63.9 percent) for 2,386 yards and 23 touchdowns and has gained 642 yards on the ground and scored eight touchdowns on 141 carries. Grabbing most of Hall’s tosses is sophomore (#6) David Boler who has 50 receptions for 568 yards and seven scores while averaging 19.9 yards per kickoff return. Sophomore (#7) Brian Ingram has caught 43 passes for 549 yards and three TDs, while sophomore (#8) Justin Long has snared 41 passes for 445 yards and five touchdowns. Working the ground attack to the Blue Hens advantage is senior running back (#2) Germaine Bennett with 247 carries for 1,239 yards (5.02 avg.) and 4 scores. Senior (#5) Antawn Jenkins has picked up 525 yards rushing on 128 carries with six TDs. Delaware’s defense is headed by Mr. Prime Time, junior linebacker (#58) Mondoe Davis with 88 stops, 5.5 for losses with four sacks, while fellow linebacker, sophomore (#44) John Mulhern has 77 hits, eight behind the line, one interception, five pass blocks and three fumble recoveries. On the defensive line two stalwarts are to be lauded for their performances, senior (#96) Shawn Johnson leading the way with 57 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, including 12 sacks, six pass blocks, two fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles, while sophomore (#68) Tom Parks has 41 hits, 10 for losses, two pass deflections and two forced fumbles. Junior defensive back (#47) Sidney Haugabrook comes on board with 76 stops, two interceptions, eight pass breakups and one blocked kick. Northern Iowa’s ground attack is championed by sophomore tailback (#4) Terrance Freeney with 287 carries for 1,215 yards and 16 touchdowns and has seven catches for 61 yards. Junior tailback (#1) Richard Carter has rushed for 794 yards with four scores and has caught 21 passes for 210 yards. Junior quarterback (#13) Tom Petrie has rushed for 240 yards with one score and has passed for 2,305 yards and 18 touchdowns, completing 156-of-275 pass attempts. Senior (#80) Eddie Galles has been the most frequently used receiver for Petrie with 39 catches for 765 yards and four TDs. Senior (#88) Marlus Mays has caught 30 passes for 493 yards and five scores. Freshman place kicker (#49) Brian Wingert has converted 13-of-15 field goal attempts with a long of 45 yards, including 6-of-8 from 40 yards or longer. Junior punter (#19) Corey Henke is averaging 40.4 yards on 63 punts with 18 stopping inside the 20-yard line. Mr. Prime Time for UNI is senior cornerback (#2) Benny Sapp with 36 tackles, two interception with 101 return yards, including one for a score, 13 pass blocks and two fumble recoveries, while on punt returns is averaging 9.7 yards per return and on 15 kickoff returns has averaged 25.8 yards a return. Senior free safety (#32) Justin Sandy has 62 hits, five for losses, three interceptions, six pass deflections and two forced fumble, while freshman defensive back (#3) Dre Dokes tops off at 54 tackles, four interceptions and three pass breakups. Senior defensive end (#5) Matt Mitchell has 55 hits, 15 for losses, including 6.5 sacks, one interception and one blocked kick. MY OBSERVATONS: Once you get into the playoffs anything can happen and it becomes harder to predict the outcome of a game … usually. Last week Delaware pulled off a stunner, not by winning, but by the scoring margin of the win. Will they have a let-down after that overwhelming victory? Guess we’ll see on Saturday. I feel that Northern Iowa matches up better with the Blue Hens than their opponent of a week ago. Delaware’s Hall enjoys throwing the pigskin and I’m sure he will do a lot of that to start the game in an attempt to grab an early lead, but I do expect the running attack to be very active especially if the lead is fairly close. Northern Iowa needs to establish their running game to make their passing attack have more authority. I look for NIU to start their offensive attack on the ground. PLAYERS TO WATCH: For Delaware, Hall is a wiz at finding an open receiver and is quite competitive if he has to carry the ball himself. Bennett can power his way for long gainers. Boler is the man they will go to on third-and-long or if they are playing catch-up. Davis is capable of busting through any offensive line, so keep your eye on him as he attacks the NIU quarterback. Johnson is big (6’5”, 275), strong and quick, watch him bang his way through the line in a direct path for the quarterback. For Northern Iowa, I expect Freeney to get a work-out in this game, so watch his bulldozing tactics and if he has a problem gaining yardage on the ground, the Panthers could be in for a long day! If Petrie is allowed the time he can be very effective in throwing the ball. It will be interesting to see how this develops. Sapp is the Panther weapon that could provide the win for NIU. Sapp is extremely mobile and quick and makes things happen. If the game is close in the final minutes, Wingert’s toe will be a formidable “tool” for use. Mitchell is efficient at pressuring the opposing quarterback. Maybe I’m overly impressed by UD’s win last week, so this game could be much closer than I think. Bring it on!!! I still like Delaware 27-14.
NCAA II Semi-Final Playoff Game
North Alabama (13-0) over at North Dakota (11-1). Mark Hudspeth is in his second year as head football coach at the University of North Alabama, where he helped direct the Lions through a 4-7 campaign in 2002 in the first steps of a rebuilding phase. That season was highlighted by an offense that broke seven team and 13 individual records, while ranking 13th nationally in passing offense, 24th in total offense and 29th in scoring offense. He got his first collegiate head coaching victory on Sept. 7, 2002 at Lambuth, 24-17 and added victories over Arkansas Tech, Central Arkansas and West Georgia in his initial season with the Lions. Now in his fifth year as head football coach at the University of North Dakota, Dale Lennon has continued a tradition of UND football success in his first four seasons. The injury bug bit the Sioux in 2002 as injuries at several key positions hampered UND all season long. Despite the setbacks, key reserves played a part in UND retaining the Nickel Trophy with a 12-6 win at NDSU on Oct. 12. It marked the second straight and eight out of the last ten times that UND has won the intrastate rivalry. In 2001, Lennon led UND to a 14-1 overall record and the school’s first national championship in its rich 106-season football history. UND capped its season by defeating Grand Valley (Mich.) State, 17-14, in the NCAA Division II national championship game on Dec. 8 in Florence, Ala. North Alabama looks to have their youth back again and are prancing as if it were still the ‘90’s. One thing is certain, the Fighting Sioux will not run from the roaring Lions. North Alabama does have a team reminiscent of those great teams they had in the 1990’s. Leading the Lions offense is their very talented senior quarterback (#7) Will Hall who has completed 237-of-330 passes (71.8 pct.) for 3,194 yards with 28 touchdowns while also gaining 490 yards and four scores on 142 carries. With all the quality receivers UNA has, senior (#8) David Mooneyham has the team-high in receptions with 51 good for 779 yards and seven touchdowns. Sophomore (#14) Marcus Lewis follows him with 33 grabs for 548 yards and three scores. Two more receivers worthy of mention here are, junior (#2) Martin Huggins with 27 catches for 395 yards and one score, while senior (#18) Brian Bester has tucked in 25 receptions for 311 yards and one TD. With two exemplary running backs the Lions have an almost mystical offense. Sophomore running back (#1) DeMarcus Blount has gained 855 yards and 16 touchdowns on 153 carries and has caught 37 passes for 253 yards and four more scores, while junior slot back (#25) Randy Vickers has 146 carries for 784 yards and nine TDs, and has picked up another 123 yards on 16 catches with one more score. To add to the Lions offensive prowess their senior place kicker (#11) Travis Johnston has converted on 15-of-17 field goal attempts with a long of 43 yards and is averaging 38.5 yards per punt on 48 kicks. North Alabama’s defense doesn’t have any weakness either and is led by their aggressive sophomore linebacker (#33) Donald Tharpe with his team-high 78 tackles, 15 for losses with 7.5 sacks, two interceptions and two pass blocks. A couple of other movers-and-shakers at linebacker are sophomore (#50) Harold Wisdom with 61 tackles, including seven for losses, while junior (#20) Colby Simmons has 52 hits, 12 tackles for loss, including 2.5 sacks, one pass breakup and one blocked kick. At cornerback, junior (#6) Evan Oglesby holds tough with 61 stops, seven interceptions and eight pass breakups, while that nasty nose guard position is maintained by senior (#92) Jonathan Taylor with 34 tackles, eight behind the line, three interceptions and one pass deflection. Not to worry, North Dakota knows how to play the game very well too. It has only been two years since they were the National Champs, injuries crippled them last year, but they will be ready to play Saturday. The fighting Sioux offense is directed by their very competent junior quarterback (#12) John Bowenkamp who has passed for 2,435 yards and 20 touchdowns completing 198-of-308 passes (64.3 pct.). By far the man stealing the spotlight at wide receiver is (#24) Willis Stattelman with 86 receptions for 974 yards and eight scores. The speedy receiver/kick returner (#81) Travis Lueck has 42 catches for 601 yards and seven TDs and also averages 15.2 yards on 39 punt returns, including two for touchdowns, and has 13 kickoff returns for an average of 18.8 yards each. Senior (#84) Jesse Ahlers has brought down 47 passes for 596 yards and four touchdowns, while junior (#8) Caleb Johnson has 23 catches for 299 yards and three TDs. The versatile RS-freshman (#27) Brandon Strouth has 23 receptions for 182 yards with one score and has gained 324 yards on the ground on 77 carries including one more TD. Junior place kicker (#7) Jesse Glas has connected on 13-of-23 field goal tries with a long conversion of 52 yards. UND’s senior punter (#17) Bret Bentow is averaging 39.6 yards per punt with a long of 64 yards, including 11 inside the 20-yard line. Winning the race to stop the ball carrier belongs to the swift and penetrating sophomore linebacker (#40) Digger Anderson with an amazing 102 hits, 8.5 tackles for loss, one interception, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumble. As Anderson does, my daughter lived in Coon Rapids, but moved back to Illinois a few years ago and her oldest daughter is a senior at North Park College and the younger one is a sophomore at Grand Valley State. Gee, I got carried away there. You needed a breather anyway from this long-winded preview. Right? Two more stalwarts at linebacker are sophomore (#33) Danny Gagner with 63 stops, 5.5 for losses, three interceptions, including one returned for a score, three pass breakups, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles, while sophomore (#44) Tyler Dahlen has 36 hits, 7.5 for losses with 2.5 sacks, two pass deflections, five QB hurries and one blocked kick. RS-freshman cornerback (#32) Jason Hoffschneider has brought down 53, intercepted five, including one returned for a TD, and has seven pass blocks. Junior defensive back (#20) Ryan Manke has turned in 56 tackles, one interception and 12 pass breakups. MY OBSERVATIONS: Both these semi-finalist have outstanding teams. I do believe though that the overall makeup of UNA will carry the day. The Lions will probably start out with their passing game and if they manage to get a two-touchdown lead, they will shift to their equally efficient running attack. North Dakota needs to get on the board first. I feel that UND will do very little running even if they get the lead. North Dakota needs to keep moving the ball quickly through the air to keep the pressure on UNA. Well, at least that’s what I think. PLAYERS TO WATCH: For North Alabama, the energizing Mr. Hall will show his accuracy and put a chill on the UND faithful, he is that good! Blount is a powerful runner and will be very hard to contain. Mooneyham, Lewis and Huggins will be waving their hands about in hopes that one of Hall’s passes will be aimed at them. Wisdom and Oglesby will be planted right at the feet of an intended receiver, while Tharpe and Simmons will be surprising Bowerkamp with their quickness. For North Dakota, Bowerkamp has a quick release and should be able to connect with the elusive Lueck or Stattelman. If and when UND rushes with the ball I’m certain it will be in the hands of Roland. The long-distance punting of Bentow should keep the Sioux in the ball game. Anderson will be in the face of Hall throughout the contest. Hoffschneider and Gagner will present a threat because of their perceptive pass coverage. I simply feel that North Alabama has more tools at their disposal in this game and I have to go with them, 33-21.
NCAA III Quarterfinal Playoff Game
at Mount Union (11-0) over Wheaton (12-0). This game will be televised by CSTV. Larry Kehres (Care-Us), in his 18th year at the helm of the Purple Raider football fortunes, has built one of the most successful programs in all of college football. His teams have won 14 Ohio Athletic Conference Championships ('86, '90, '92-'03) while posting 12 undefeated regular seasons ('86, '90, '92, '93, '95-'03). Under Kehres, the Raiders have won seven Division III National Championships in the last 10 years ('93, '96, ''97, '98, '00, & '01, '02). Since 1990, the Raiders have made 14 playoff appearances while posting college football's most wins and best winning percentage (173-7-1/.959). During the last 12 regular seasons, his teams have posted a phenomenal 120-1 overall mark. For his efforts, Kehres (203-17-3/.917) at Mount Union) has been named the AFCA Division III National Coach of the Year seven times ('93, '96, '97, '98, '00, '01, '02) - voted on by the American Football Coaches Association. Coach Mike Swider has posted a 61-19 record in his eight seasons as the Wheaton mentor. He has tallied a .763 winning percentage, which is second all-time among Wheaton's 21 head football coaches. Last year, Swider guided the team to its first playoff appearance and undefeated conference season since 1995, finishing with a 10-2 overall record. Swider was named “Coach of the Year,” for the second time in his eight seasons as Wheaton placed eight on the All-CCIW First Team. Mount Union is averaging 239.5 rushing and 308.3 yards per game passing. If they don’t get you one way, they will get you the other! Mount Union has college football’s longest current winning streak at 53 games – one shy of the all-time mark of 54, set by Mount Union (1996-99). Mount Union has won 107 of their last 108 games! Leading this year’s version of the Purple Raiders' is junior quarterback (#8) Zac Bruney with 67 carries for 287 yards and three scores and has completed 125-of-195 passes (64.1 percent) for 2,171 yards and 22 touchdowns. When Bruney is not directing traffic you will find another outstanding quarterback at the helm in senior (#11) Jesse Burghardt who has completed 58-of-85 passes for 1,085 yards and 12 TDs and has rushed for 152 yards and two scores. Heading the receiving corps is sophomore (#32) Randall Knapp with 57 catches for 1,247 yards and 11 touchdowns. Senior (#25) Nick Sirianni has caught 35 passes for 730 yards and 10 TDs, while junior tight end (#86) Drew Hanley has pulled in 17 tosses for 285 yards and three scores. MUC’s top rusher is junior (#34) Rick Ciccone with 157 carries for 727 yards and 10 touchdowns, while teammate, junior (#22) Jeff Strauch has gained 350 yards on 65 carries with five TDs. Senior running back (#46) Brian Miller has 45 carries for 257 yards and four scores and has 18 receptions for 224 yards and three more TDs. Senior CB/KR (#13) Mike Miller has returned nine kickoffs an average of 24.9 yards per return and on defense he has 45 tackles, one interception, eight pass breakups and two blocked kicks. Other defensive standouts include senior linebacker (#44) Shaun Spisak with 96 hits, five for losses and two pass blocks, while senior linebacker (#28) Anthony Frate has 45 stops, 12 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, two forced and two recovered fumbles. Senior defensive tackles (#91) Antoine Dillard hits the chart with 66 tackles, 12 behind the line of scrimmage, four sacks and six QB hurries. Senior defensive end (#99) Johnny Josef has mustard 35 stops, 12 for losses, seven sacks, four pass deflections and eight QB hurries, while senior free safety (#16) Matt Caponi has totaled 50 tackles, five interceptions and 10 pass breakups. Wheaton’s offense is expedited by senior quarterback (#16) Chad Bradley who has thrown for 2,875 yards and 20 touchdowns, completing 194-of-318 passes. Senior receiver (#4) Andrew King is the leading pass catcher with 72 for 859 yards and four touchdowns, while junior (#80) Colin Sinclair has tucked in 45 passes for 673 yards and five scores. Junior wide receiver/kick returner (#22) Brad Musso has 65 receptions for 1,256 yards with 10 touchdowns and has returned 30 punts for an average of 14.9 yards per return, including two for scores. The Thunder’s ground attack is advanced by leading rusher, senior (#7) Dan Price with 237 carries for 1,199 yards and 11 scores. Junior (#21) Garrett Granberg has also been effective on the ground, gaining 758 yards with 10 touchdowns on 165 carries. Junior fullback (#41) Skip Ast is credited with 51 rushes for 234 yards and four TDs. Wrestling the lead in tackles amongst his fellow defensmen is senior linebacker (#43) Tom McAndrews with 88 hits, 11 for losses and one interception. Senior (#44) Jeff Humm has totaled 68 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions and three pass deflections. Wheaton has three standouts patrolling the defensive backfield with senior (#28) Ty Gose hitting the tackle chart with 77 stops, three interceptions and eight pass blocks. Senior (#34) Shawn Wildt has 65 hits, four for losses, four interceptions and eight pass breakups, while fellow defensive back, senior (#12) Michael Drach has captured 53 ball carriers, intercepted four passes and broke up 10 passes. MY OBSERVATIONS: He might be able to work a miracle if only Wheaton Alum Billy Graham would sit on the Wheaton bench in this game. I remember listening to Billy as far back as the 50’s, and have always been impressed with his thought-provoking deliveries. Anyway, let’s face it, as long as Wheaton is in the North Region they will not make it to the finals … at least till the Mount Union dynasty falls … if it ever does! I do think however that Wheaton can make this a close game. Mount Union will do their usual thing of passing and some running. Wheaton’s defensive backs should be able to cause some consternation for the Raiders’ quarterback, but the linebackers and linemen have to put pressure on MUC’s quarterback to have it work. Wheaton likes to rush almost as much as they pass. That’s a good thing … if they can confront the Raiders’ defensive line with enough authority to get their runners through to daylight! Wheaton does have a super team, but Mount Union has so much tradition and is riding a 53-game winning streak and playing at home, it will be tough for the Thunder to pull off the upset. PLAYERS TO WATCH: This game has several players for both sides that perform with viger or “mucho gusto”. For Mount Union, Bruney is the key, he has a smooth delivery and can rush with the ball when necessary. Watch Knapp fool his coverage with his considerable moves. Dillard will be pressuring Bradley throughout the game, which could cause the Wheaton quarterback into making mistakes. Caponi is very quick on pass coverage. For Wheaton, Bradley will need to get off his delivery quicker than he is used to, and that could be the key to a Wheaton victory. Price is a power-driving back and will make some headway for the Thunder’s ground assault. If Wheaton can manage to keep it close, the hero of the game could be Musso who has deceptive speed. I look for Musso to be able to get open for some long gainers through the airways and look out if he gets his hands on a punt return, quick with great moves. I think Wheaton will be able to score, but I still think Mount Union will win 35-21.
at Rensselaer Tech (10-1) over Ithaca (10-2). Mike Welch is in his tenth season at Ithaca. Ithaca College's ninth head football coach, he has continued the success of one of Division III's winningest programs. His teams have been consistent playoff contenders and he owns a record of 80-28 (.741) as Bomber coach. Coach Joe King is in his fourteenth season at the helm of Rensselaer football. During his tenure, Rensselaer has compiled a 95-36-2 record (.722 winning percentage), making King the most successful Rensselaer football coach in school history. Over the past eleven seasons, Coach King has guided Rensselaer to a combined 82-24 (.774) mark, as well as four ECAC Championships (1992, 1993, 1995, 1997), three straight UCAA Championships (1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2003), and two undefeated regular seasons concluding with a NCAA Playoff appearance (9-0 in 1999, 8-0 in 2001). With his 37th career win in 1995, King moved into the No. 1 spot for most wins in a coaching career. My original choice here was Ithaca, but after doing more analysis I have come to the conclusion that RPI will pull out the win. RPI is led by their sensational senior quarterback (#7) Dan Cole who has completed 256-of-425 passes (62 percent) for 3,174 yards and 36 touchdowns! Pulling down the majority of Cole’s passes is senior (#3) Flynn Cochran with 97 catches for 1,185 yards and 15 scores. Senior (#16) Pat Hughes has totaled 65 receptions for 656 yards and seven TDs, while junior (#18) Dan Stephens has tucked in 46 passes for 755 yards and eight scores. Freshman tight end (#82) Jon Branche has caught 31 passes for 414 yards and five touchdowns. Heading the rushing attack is the very dependable junior (#44) Otis Williams with 149 carries for 995 yards (6.68 avg.) and six scores and has caught 10 passes for 92 yards. Freshman (#32) Jay Bernardo has picked up 362 yards on the ground and four TDs on 75 carries. Holding the top spot on the tackle chart for Rensselaer Tech is Junior linebacker (#22) Sean Doran with 91 hits, one interception and six pass blocks, while junior linebacker (#11) Grant Cochran (Flynn is his brother) has accumulated 72 tackles, 13 for losses with four sacks and four pass breakups. A couple of other notable defensive backs for the Engineers is senior (#10) Mike DiFilippi with 67 stops, six interceptions and nine pass deflections, while junior (#5) Brent Hanson totals 52 tackles, five interceptions and five pass blocks. Junior defensive lineman (#97) Ramses Jimenez has 49 tackles, 10 for losses, eight sacks and two pass breakups. Ithaca’s offensive efforts are centered around sophomore quarterback (#3) Josh Felicetti with 2,031 yards passing and 19 touchdowns, completing 142-of-240 pass attempts. Junior receiver (#22) Jeff Welch (coach Welch’s son) has 41 receptions for 788 yards (19.2 yards per catch) and eight scores, while sophomore (#2) Justin Esposito has also caught 41 passes for 475 yards and two TDs. Junior fullback (#27) Jamie Free has 21 catches for 232 yards and three scores and has 25 rushes for 118 yards and two more touchdowns. The Bombers’ top rusher is senior (#34) Pete Celebre with 179 carries for 803 yards and six TDs. Senior (#4) Caleb Greer-Carney has rushed for 393 yards and three scores on 86 carries. Defensive standouts include sophomore linebacker, and team-leading tackler (#44) Dustin Ross with 101 hits, five tackles for loss and one interception. Senior linebacker (#29) Robert Truman has 86 stops, 14 behind the line including five sacks, while junior defensive end (#51) Bryan Steele has 41 hits, 16 tackles for loss, including seven sacks. Senior cornerback (#15) Seth Molisani totals 36 tackles, four interceptions, including one returned for a score, while senior strong safety (#8) Jon Edgcomb has 83 stops, four for losses, four pass breakups and four forced fumbles. Junior cornerback/kick returner (#36) Matt Tosh hits the tackle chart with 42, three interceptions and five pass breakups, and has returned 15 kickoffs for a 21.5 average per return and 26 punts an average of 17.7 yards a return, including one for a touchdown. MY OBSERVATIONS: For RPI, They will rely very much on their passing attack, although Ithaca’s defense is allowing just 134.8 yards a game. I think Cole will overcome any obstacles presented by the Ithaca defensive backs. With several competent receivers to throw to, Cole should be able to find the open man. Ithaca needs to grab an early lead and try to run time off the clock by using their rushing attack. Ithaca’s quarterback is not much of a rusher so if the RPI defenders can put consistent pressure on him, mistakes will be made. For Ithaca, it’s a must that they be able to pressure Cole and I expect a concerted effort by the Ithaca defenders to do just that. If they lack putting consistent pressure on PRI’s quarterback, it could be a very long day indeed for them. PLAYERS TO WATCH: For Rensselaer, Cole is the franchise, watch him pick his receivers and hit with consistency, just a great playmaker. Flynn Cochran will be enjoyable to watch as he runs his pattern and evades the defenders. Williams will keep the Ithaca defense off-guard with his flashy running. Grant Cochran and Jimenez will put a lot of pressure on Felicetti. The defensive backfield is well patrolled with two clever defenders in DiFilippi and Hanson. For Ithaca, Felicetti is the key and his offensive line must give him time to make the plays. The Bombers skillful receiver Jeff Welch should see more action in this game, especially if Ithaca falls behind by more than one TD. Ithaca has three standout pass rushers with Ross, Truman and Steel putting the pressure on. If Tosh could manage to break away on one of his kick returns it could make the difference in the ballgame. I’m going to follow my hunch and go with RPI, 21-14.
Bridgewater (11-1) over at Lycoming (9-1). Michael Clark has claimed his fourth straight ODAC conference championship in 2003, and in 2002, Clark guided the Eagles to their second consecutive undefeated regular season, third straight NCAA post-season appearance and their third ODAC football championship. This followed a 2001 season where the Eagles finished their best season in school history with a 12-1 record, losing in the "Stagg Bowl," the Division III national championship game, to perennial power Mount Union, 30-27. Frank Girardi, one of my all-time favorite coaches, is in his 32nd year at the helm of the Lycoming College football program. He has become a legend in his field by building one of the most respected and consistently successful NCAA Division III football programs in the nation. In his 32 seasons at Lycoming, Girardi has built a career record of 241-73-5 – a winning percentage of .763. He is one of only three active coaches at the Division III level to record 200 victories and one of only 11 active coaches at all levels of the NCAA to reach the milestone. His .763 winning percentage is fifth among active Division III coaches. Both Bridgewater and Lycoming have a very stingy rushing defense. Bridgewater is allowing just 73.1 yards to their opponents on the ground, while Lycoming is allowing 90.1 yards on the ground. Lycoming gains most of their yards passing (234.7 yards per game) and Bridgewater is more familiar with a ground attack (246.3). The Bridgewater ground assault is led by sophomore tailback (#24) Marcus Washington with 108 carries for 813 yards with seven touchdowns and on kickoff returns he is averaging 24.8 yards per return. Sophomore fullback (#46) Robert Matthews has 59 rushes for 460 yards and four scores, while freshman running back (#32) Winston Young has picked up 393 yards and one TD on 54 carries and has returned eight kickoffs for a 16.8 average per return. Fullback (#30) Eric Spence has 56 carries for 363 yards and three scores. Directing their offensive assault from his quarterback position is junior (#8) Brandon Wakefield with 85 carries for 366 yards with eight touchdowns and has completed 149-of-279 passes for 2,016 yards and 20 TDs. Tops among the Eagles receiving corps is senior (#80) Nicholas Lehto with 36 catches for 714 yards and five touchdowns, while sophomore (#31) Brian Awkard has pulled in 20 passes for 314 yards and four scores. Their very busy senior linebacker (#99) Jermaine Taylor has a team-high 128 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, including five sacks, one interception, three pass breakups, three fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles. A couple of other statistical leaders at a linebacker position are senior (#7) Gary Nelson with 68 hits, 16 for losses, including five sacks, two interceptions and eight pass blocks, while senior (#94) Cameron Garvin has 28 stops, including 11 behind the line, one interception and four pass deflections. Senior strong safety (#3) Jeremy Bradshaw hits the tackle chart with 54 stops, including 12 for lost yardage, four interceptions and two pass breakups, while on the defensive line junior (#78) Lawrence Frierson has contributed 49 tackles, including 12 for losses. Defensive back (#32) Shawn Smith has registered 25 tackles, six pass deflections and is averaging 29.9 yards a return on 14 kickoffs. Lycoming is led be their versatile junior quarterback (#10) Phil Mann who has completed 169-of-315 passes for 2,344 yards and 15 touchdowns, and when the situation has arisen, he has rushed for 240 yards on the ground with nine scores on 99 carries. The leading rusher for the Warriors is junior (#28) Drew Corsilli with 135 carries for 424 yards and three TDs, while senior (#32) Robert Miller has rushed for 394 yards and six scores on 97 carries and has caught nine passes for 71 yards. Lycoming has a fine receiving corps headed by senior (#19) Ricky Lannetti with 70 catches for 955 yards and five touchdowns while this adaptable receiver has also averaged 10.5 yards on 26 punt returns and 21.8 yards on 18 kickoff returns. Senior (#12) Sean Hennigar comes in with 47 receptions for 502 yards and six scores, while sophomore (#80) Tim Brown has 15 catches for 314 yards and one TD. Lycoming’s defense is bolstered by a couple of plucky linebackers, including senior (#27) Tim Schmidt having a team-high 71 tackles, with nine for losses, two interceptions and 12 pass blocks, while sophomore (#44) Luke Sterling has contributed 67 hits, including 16 tackles for loss which includes 11 sacks, one interception, eight pass breakups and four fumble recoveries. On the Lyco defensive line are senior end (#30) Sean McGinley with 60 stops, including 23 for losses with 14 sacks, while freshman (#92) Dave Van Nort has 38 hits, 13 behind the line of scrimmage with five sacks. Cavorting in the defensive backfield is junior back (#3) Brian Kaspick with 42 tackles, four interceptions and eight pass blocks, while fellow back (#29) Nick Pinto has 39 hits, five interceptions and 16 pass deflections. MY OBSERVATIONS: Lycoming has a stiff defense against a ground attack, but that is also Bridgewater’s main avenue of attack. If the Warriors can stop the Eagles ground assault the victory will be theirs, but Bridgewater has so many resourceful running backs that Lycoming must deal with, that it may become just academic as the Warriors defensive front wears down. However, I expect that Bridgewater will pass more than they usually do in this game. Bridgewater will try and run the ball down your throat and control the clock as well, so Lycoming needs to take the lead early and pass often. PLAYERS TO WATCH: For Bridgewater, Washington will be the main ingredient in their plans for a victory as the strong knowledgeable tailback is averaging 7.53 yards per carry and is also dangerous on kickoff returns. Wakefield is an inspiring player and will challenge his team to put forth the extra effort to grasp the win. Shawn Smith if he gets his hands on the ball after a kickoff, with his quick sharp moves, he is hard to contain and should present the Eagles with good field position. Taylor is a crippling tackler and will be a problem for Mann all afternoon. If Taylor doesn’t get to you, Nelson will as he darts around would be blockers to get to his target. For Lycoming, Mann to Lannetti will be the key for a Warrior win. Remember that this is only Lycoming’s 11th game this season while every other school will be playing on at least their 12th game this season, so that means that not all their stats are as lofty as some of the other teams. Hennigar will also be a major character in the scheme of things for Lyco. Sterling and McGinley will become familiar to Wakefield as the game progresses. I think Van Nort will come up with a big play in this game. I have to choose Bridgewater in this game, they have too much persuasive ground power, 34-24.
NAIA Semi-Final Playoff Game
at Sioux Falls (12-0) over Northwestern Oklahoma State (10-1). Last season, coach Bob Young led the Cougars to a 12-1 record. The Cougars took home the conference title with an 8-0 record. USF went on to win their first two playoff games before falling in the National Semifinals to the eventual champion Carroll College. Young has guided USF to nine South Dakota-Iowa Conference crowns before the school joined the GPAC three years ago, where they have won three crowns. Under coach Young, the Cougars have made nine NAIA postseason appearances, including a NAIA Division II National Championship in 1996. In the postseason, Young has compiled a record of 15-7. In 1996, he earned "Coach of the Year" honors from the NAIA, Don Hansen's Football Gazette, and American Football Quarterly. He was named the SDIC Coach of the Year seven times (1984, '88, '94, '96, '97, and '99) and has earned the honor twice in the GPAC. Since he arrived in Alva, Garin Higgins has made an immediate impact. After becoming the head coach of the Rangers in 2000, Higgins has compiled a record of 41-6, one that rivals most around. He has led Northwestern to four NAIA playoff appearances, was national runner-up in 2000 and has been named Central States Football League Coach of the Year for the past four seasons. Higgins chooses no liking for defeat. "We are never fully pleased by going undefeated in a season," said Higgins. "Everyone’s goal around here is to win in the preseason and take the national championship trophy home." This is a tough game to appraise, but I love the challenge! Northwestern has some great statistical numbers which can be deceiving because a number of their opponents had very weak teams. However they do have a very strong team overall and are averaging 242.6 yards a game rushing and 220.5 passing … combined, those are breath-taking numbers! Sioux Falls favors their passing attack and are averaging 284.8 yards per game while on the ground they rush at a 140.2 clip a game. Both defenses are very strong with Sioux Falls allowing just 100.2 yards rushing to their opponents and Northwestern just 95.4 yards per game. The Cougars will attempt to leap their way over the omnipresent Rangers under the skillful leadership of their competitive senior quarterback (#8) Jon Burckhardt whose scrambling tactics and strong arm have allowed him to pass for 3,350 yards and 23 touchdowns on completing 225-of-388 passes (.634 pct.) and he has also rushed for five scores. The main recipient of Burckhardt’s passes is their sneaky-fast senior receiver (#80) Grant Brecher with 70 catches for 1,011 yards with six TDs and is averaging 10.4 yards per return on 35 punts and18.5 per return on 18 kickoffs. Three other notable wide receivers for the Cougars are, RS-freshman (#84) Dusty Hovorka (59 catches, 1,017 yards, 10 TDs), RS-freshman (#87) Michael Warren (21 receptions, 264 yards) and junior (#5) Charles Johnson (13 catches, 316 yards, 4 scores). Another offensive weapon for the Rangers to be concerned about is Sioux Falls excellent place kicker, junior (#10) T.C. Fraser, who has converted 14-of-21 field goal tries, including a long of 52 yards. Topping the USF tackle chart with his team-high 84 hits is junior linebacker (#48)Curtis Eban, including 14 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions and five pass breakups. Holding strong on the defensive line are senior (#92) Duane Lunne with 80 stops, 13 for losses with 4.5 sacks, three pass deflections and four QB hurries, while RS-freshman (#45) Kyle Dreckman gets on the board with 41 tackles, 11.5 behind the line with 5.5 sacks, two pass blocks and seven QB hurries. The Sioux Falls defensive backfield list two standouts, including senior back (#18) Mike Hockett with 72 hits, five for losses, three interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown and seven pass deflections, while junior (#3) Ronnie McDougle registers 36 stops, five interceptions, 19 pass breakups, and two blocked kicks and he has also returned four kickoffs for an average of 24.5 yards. Northwestern Oklahoma State has an aggressive rushing assault which is led by their sensational multipurpose senior playmaker (#8) Patrick Crayton. He must be re-writing all the records at NWOSU. Crayton’s numbers for this season are astounding, his yardage has been gained in five different categories. Crayton has completed 104-of-179 passes for 1,569 yards and 17 touchdowns, rushed 115 times for 1,119 yards and 12 scores, caught 14 passes for 306 yards and four more TDs, returned 14 kickoffs an average of 22.0 per return, including one for a score and finally he is averaging 19.9 yards on 13 punt returns, including two for touchdowns. That’s 36 touchdowns he is responsible for! Well he isn’t the whole team of course, you can’t win with one man alone. A couple of other fine running backs for the Rangers are freshman (#14) Boye Ayodele with 67 carries for 411 yards and five scores, while junior (#33) Jeff Cooper has 69 carries for 409 yards and two TDs. Another notable running back is (#34) Mike Tyson with 73 carries for 382 yards and seven touchdowns. Junior quarterback (#11) Chris Phillips has passed for 837 yards and 10 scores, completing 56-of-101 pass attempts and has scored one rushing touchdown. Their receiving corps are headed by their very talented and speedy senior (#3) Michael Salters with 54 receptions for 1,018 yards and 15 scores, and he has returned nine punts for an average of 21.8 yards, including one for a touchdown and six kickoffs an average of 25.5 yards per return. A couple other prominent receivers for the Rangers are senior (#7) Sam Breeden with 52 catches for 601 yards and five TDs, while junior (#10) Sean Tesak has gained 308 yards and two scores on 23 receptions. Topping the Rangers tackle chart is their outstanding senior linebacker (#2) Travares Osley with 98 hits, 12.5 for losses, one interception and three pass blocks. On the defensive line is senior (#91) Ben Greer with 39 stops, 13.5 behind the line and two pass breakups. Northwestern has three quick defensive backs policing that area, including sophomore (#32) B.J. Taylor (60 tackles, three interceptions and four pass blocks), senior (#28) C.J. Hollins (47 hits, eight interceptions and nine pass deflections) and junior (#6) Arnie McPhee (46 hits, 9.5 for a loss, five interceptions and three pass breakups). MY OBSERVATIONS: This will be one heck-of-a-ballgame! Burckhardt will have his work cut out for him as the Rangers have three speedy defensive backs he will have to cope with. Burckhardt may have to try to connect on more short passes. It will be interesting to see if the speedy Hovorka can escape the Northwestern defenders long enough to catch some long passes. Sioux Falls passing game must work or they are in big trouble! Northwestern can pass as well as they are capable of rushing with the ball. I do predict though that the Rangers will be passing more in this encounter than usual. If the Rangers get the lead, you know they are going to stay on the ground as much as possible. PLAYERS TO WATCH: For Sioux Falls, Burckhardt is their bread-and-butter player and is capable of overcoming all obstacles with his quick release and keen eye for his receivers. Brecher and Hovorka will be interesting to watch as they attempt to evade the Rangers coverage, and they must be able to do that if they want the victory. Eban and Lunne should be able to put some pressure on the Rangers quarterback. Hockett and McDougle are very capable on pass coverage. If we have a close ball game here, the victory may all rest on the outcome of Fraser’s right foot. For Northwestern, almost all the action will be centered around the elusive Mr. Crayton as he will be involved in almost every play in the game. Salters is extremely dangerous also with his pass catching ability and his footwork on kick returns and he could be the hero for the Rangers’ in this game. Osley will be quick off the line and will be a constant menacing threat to Burckhardt. They may try and double-team Osley. Hollins and McPhee will also be a threat to pick off a Burckhardt pass. At home, I’ll stick with Sioux Falls, 27-21.
posted by Don @ 12/04/2003 12:41:00 AM
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