September 18th, 2012 12:00am
In last weeks column, I talked about how Central Missouri quarterback Colter Smith got his opportunity due to an injury and how the Mules just may be better off in the long run because of it.
But as we all know, that type of situation is rare. In most cases injuries to key players leave teams scrambling to adjust game plans and get replacements ready. At the D2 level injuries seem to have even more potential to derail a team because with just 36 scholarships available, depth can be an issue.
Unfortunately, there were two more major injuries to star D2 quarterbacks last weekend, and they both have the potential to be major losses to their respective programs.
Grand Valleys Heath Parling suffered a knee injury against Tiffin last week and is out for the season. The junior came on during the second half of last season and was off to a fast start this year leading one of the most prolific offenses in D2. Of course a program like GVSU has more talent and depth than most teams and it certainly appears that sophomore Isiah Grimes has the ability to take over for Parling and do a solid job. That said, the loss of Parling could mean the difference between having a very good season and a national championship season.
The other major injury was to Kutztowns Kevin Morton, who suffered a dislocation to his left (non-throwing) shoulder in his teams 44-37 loss to Bloomsburg last week. While Mortons injury may not be season ending, his team sits at just 1-2 after close losses in back-to-back weeks. There is no room for error if the Golden Bears are to reach the postseason for the third straight year and it will be tough with the two-time PSAC East Offensive Player of the Year out of the lineup for any period of time.
Other Thoughts from Last Week
-The conference that seems to be very balanced is the Lone Star. Just three weeks in, each of the nine teams in the league has at least one loss overall and just West Texas A&M and Eastern New Mexico are unbeaten in the league. This will be a very interesting league to follow the rest of the year.
-Two more quarterbacks to add to the Harlon Hill watch list: Shippensburgs Zach Zulli and Henderson States Kevin Rodgers. Zulli has thrown for 1236 yards and 13 touchdowns already with just one interception. Rodgers has thrown 1183 yards and a remarkable 17 touchdown passes.
-Minnesota-Duluth scored touchdowns on its first ten possessions in a 70-24 beating of Concordia-St. Paul last week. UMD senior quarterback also is worth mention as a Harlon Hill candidate as the senior rushed for 100 yards on just ten carries, threw for 296 yards, and accounted for five touchdowns.
-Stat of the week: Through two games the Ouachita Baptist defense has allowed -42 yards rushing on 44 carries. The Tigers also lead the country in total defense, allowing just 110 yards per game.
-Not only is Emporia State (3-0) a virtual lock to finish with its first winning season in a decade, but I also think the Hornets have an excellent shot of starting the season 8-0. The only game of the next five that they will not be a heavy favorite is against Lindenwood, and that game will be at home.
Top Games this Week
IUP (3-0) at California (3-0)
This looks to be the game of the year in the PSAC West, with the winner effectively taking a two game lead in the race to win the division and reach the conference title game. IUP has allowed just six points all season, but the Crimson Hawks have faced very poor competition. That defense will be severely tested against a Vulcan offense that averages 487 yards per game. We will find out a lot about both teams after this game. California 27 Indiana 24.
Findlay (2-0) at Michigan Tech (2-0)
Findlays upset win at Saginaw Valley last week makes this a very big early season GLIAC game. It can be tough for teams to travel all the way up the Michigans Upper Peninsula and win, but these young Oilers (just seven seniors on the entire roster) do not seem to be phased by much of anything. Findlay 24 Michigan Tech 21.
Winona State (2-1) at Mary (3-0)
The Marauders may be playing their biggest game as a D2 program in hosting the Warriors, whose only loss is to Minnesota-Duluth. The Mary offense is tremendous throwing the football, but WSUs balance and stronger defense give the Warriors an advantage. Winona State 34 Mary 27.
Colorado Mines (3-0) at New Mexico Highlands (2-1)
The key match up will be the Oredigger offense (568 yards per game) against the physical and brash Cowboy defense that allows just 260 yards per game. Colorado Mines 28 New Mexico Highlands 20.
West Alabama (2-1) at Valdosta State (2-1)
With Delta State and North Alabama having off years, UWA and VSU would appear to be the class of the Gulf South. Both of these teams play great defense, but I think the Blazers will be able to do more offensively in this game, especially at home. Valdosta State 27 West Alabama 17.
Midwestern State (1-1) at Texas A&M-Kingsville (2-1)
It is really hard for me to get a read on these two teams. I really though the Javelinas were loaded defensively, but they gave up 40 points in their loss to West Texas A&M last week. MSU appears to be solid, but not quite as good on either side of the ball as last season. Texas A&M-Kingsville 21 Midwestern State 17.
Mailbag
[Q] What do you make of New Haven? Do you think this team has what it takes to get back to the national title game for the first time since 1997?
Henry
[A] I think UNH is a solid team and one that should win the Northeast 10. The Chargers will also be a factor in the region, but with teams like California, Shippensburg, Bloomsburg, Indiana and defending region champ Winston-Salem State looking solid as well, UNH is far from the favorite.
That said; if UNH was somehow able to win the region, the Chargers would probably have to deal with a powerhouse like Minnesota-Duluth, Pittsburg State or Northwest Missouri State in the semifinals. Those programs are simply at a higher level than anything we have seen from Super Region One over the last several years.
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