It is Wednesday and I usually post my thoughts on the upcoming NE-10 games. But for the first time ever, the NE-10 has a bye in the playoffs and # 2 New Haven waits for the winner of the Kutztown/Concord first round match up. So let's look at the potential opponents that New Haven will play on November 26th.

Here is all of the information for the game from the Kutztown website:

http://www.kubears.com/sports/2011/1...55.aspx?id=367


# 6 Concord (7-3, 7-1 WVIAC) @ # 3 Kutztown (10-1, 6-1 PSAC East)

When: November 19th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: First Meeting

My Thoughts: Per the stats, Kutztown is clearly the better team but games are played on the field.

Concord is making their first appearance in the NCAA playoffs after going winless just three seasons ago. It is not their first postseason appearance as they made the NAIA playoffs seven times in their history. The offense is averaging 24 points per game and their defense is giving up 20 points per game. The key to the game for the Mountain Lions will be slowing down the explosive Kutztown offense and limiting turnovers. They will also need to improve on their third down efficiency as they were only 34% in the regular season.

Kutztown is making their second straight playoff appearance. They were the top seed in 2010 but lost in the second round to eventual regional champion Shepherd. The offense is posting 39 points per game and the defense is giving up just 19 points per game. The key for the Golden Bears will be getting their offense in rhythm and moving the ball up and down the field with ease. Their defense is pretty good as well and has given up just 28 points in their last three games.

Kutztown has too much offensive firepower for Concord to contend with and should have no problem moving the ball up and down the field. If Concord is going to pull the upset, they are going to need a way to slow down Kutztown and force them to make bad decisions on a regular basis.

Prediction: Kutztown 42 Concord 14