Well, as exciting as the concept of Rivalry Week in the last week of the regular season is, the actual games largely did not live up to that billing, as only one game was decided by less than 10 points. Three of the games were bona fide blowouts, all won by the three MIAA teams that were selected to participate in the 2016 NCAA Division II Football Playoffs, with the Bearcats, Hornets, and Mules making the dance. Two MIAA teams will be going bowling, as Washburn was selected to go to the Mineral Water Bowl and Fort Hays St. will be going to the C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl; both bowl games will be played on Saturday, December 3rd.

Week 11 Recaps

Lindenwood 7
Central Missouri 35Missouri Western State 3
Northwest Missouri State 44stth straight game to finish the regular season 11-0 and earned their second consecutive #1 seed in the Super Region 3 playoffs to go along with their 28th MIAA championship.

Emporia State 30
Washburn 3Fort Hays State 27
Nebraska Kearney 17Northeastern State 14
Central Oklahoma 17Pittsburg State 45
Missouri Southern State 31

MSSU QB Scott Brayden had 400 yards of total offense and accounted for 3 touchdowns (1 pass, 2 rush) in this one, but two 4th quarter interceptions returned for touchdowns turned out to be the difference. The Gorillas scored the first two touchdowns of the day in the 1st quarter on their way to 17-7 halftime lead, but their lead was cut to seven with 12 minutes to go in the game. After the Lions forced a punt on the ensuing drive, they gave the ball right back to Pitt on the first of the pick sixes, and it was game over from there. The Lions never quit, but the hole was just too deep to dig out of. Missouri Southern finished the year at 2-9, while the Gorillas, who began the season as MIAA title contenders, ended at a disappointing 7-4.

Early MIAA Coaching ChangesMIAA Post Season AwardshereFirst Round Playoff Preview

Two MIAA teams are in action this week, as 5th seeded Minnesota Duluth will travel to 4th seeded Emporia, and 7th seeded Central Missouri will take on 3rd seeded Harding in Arkansas. Once again, I collaborated with NSIC Columnist Matt Witwicki on the MIAA/NSIC matchup, and you can read our thoughts on the Hornets/Bulldogs game on his page.

#12 Central Missouri (9-2) at #9 Harding (11-0) 1PMWhen the Mules have the ball:th in D2 in 3rd down defense, and if the Mules allow them to keep that pace, the game will be ugly.

When the Bison have the ball:th in D2 in passing efficiency. The Mules are going to have to play smart, fundamental, disciplined defense against the Bison offense, and will need to make sure they take advantage of any Harding miscues. All it takes is one person to miss an assignment against the option and your team can be in trouble.


Outlook:rd place MIAA team, so by default they should be favored. In the playoffs, things like Special teams and turnovers often decide the games. Both teams have good special teams play, but Harding has been very good this year at taking the ball away, ranking 5th