The NCAA Division II Playoffs are down to the Super Regional finals, and the four games this upcoming Saturday will determine the National Semifinalists. With the Bearcats and Hornets playing each other last week, it was ensured an MIAA team would play in the regional final for the 12ththis article from NewsPressnow.comEmporia State 13
Northwest Missouri State 44th straight game.


A Quick Look Ahead to Semifinal Host PossibilitiesBowl Game Previews

Mineral Water Bowl (Excelsior Springs, MO)
Bemidji State (8-3) vs. Washburn (7-4) 12PM

As we did last year, NSIC Columnist Matt Witwicki and I collaborated on the preview for this game, which you can read here.


C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl (Copperas Cove, TX)
Eastern New Mexico (7-4) vs. Fort Hays State (7-4) 6PM

There has been a lot of talk this week about how Northwest Missouri State will be facing the triple option offense in their playoff game against Harding this week. The Tiger program can relate, as they will also be facing a triple option offense this week in the Heart of Texas Bowl. In fact, the Greyhounds are #2 in the country in rushing yards behind Harding, averaging 347 yards per game. They are a bit more adept at throwing the ball, averaging about 133 yards per game through the air, and are ranked 20thththSuper Region 3 Final Preview

#9 Harding (13-0) at #1 Northwest Missouri State (12-0) 1PMthrd down conversions; the Bearcats rank 19thth ranked 3rdrd down will be a major factor. Northwest will try to force Harding into 3rd and long situations and then rely on their 7th ranked 3rd down defense to get off the field. The longer they let the Bisons have the ball, the greater the chance of the upset, and Harding ranks second in the country in time of possession. Harding also has a very good kickoff return team (5thth semifinal in school history.

HU 17
NWMSU 27

(Last week: 1-0)
(Postseason: 2-1)
(Season: 51-18)


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