(Pictured: Azusa Pacific Cougars)

Clash of the CougarsPlayers to Watch:
Azusa Pacific CougarsSioux Falls CougarsAPU Offense vs USF DefenseAPU Defense vs USF Offense
The USF attack is a run-based zone read scheme that ranks 3rd in the nation in total offense. The Coo will utilize halfback Max Mickey but also mix in Justin Fulks as well in the running game. The combo of Mickey and Fulks have rushed for over 2,200 yards this season. Luke Papilion will also get carries in a similar way to Elffers from APU. Mickey is averaging 9.1 yards per carry, Papilion 7.9, placing them 1st and 2ndnd in the country in sacks (50), interceptions (23), defensive scores (7), and 1st in turnovers created (33).


(Pictured: APU Defense)

In watching the Cougars, they are very aggressive. Players who stick out are defensive end Jason Schwartz and backer Mykal Walker. Schwartz finds his way to the quarterback often, while Walker is very athletic and finds the ball in a hurry.

In the back half, Taliuaki Suliafu is quick the ball and often plays near the line of scrimmage. Cornerback C.J. Broussard has a team high 5 interceptions while Tyree Davis leads the group in pass breakups (8) and is also a dangerous return-man. DB Hunter Mahlberg, who also sees time in the secondary, was a former starter for Minnesota-Duluth before transferring two years ago.

Outlook
The USF offense against the aggressive APU defense should be a pretty interesting matchup. I think the athleticism of Azusa will be a factor in this game as they will be fast sideline to sideline. APU has good team speed and will be able to disrupt the USF offense and put them in some bad spots. The Cougars have been successful this year because of their ability to turn over their opponents and convert those chances into points.

The Coo averages 7.3 yards per play on offense, good for 4thrdWitt's Picks 2016 record: 71-17

*All pictures are from APU Athletics and Matt Witwicki