Welcome to the second round of the playoffs. We are down to 16 teams in the playoffs. The games get bigger as the opponents get better.


Week 13 Capsules

# 3 Shepherd (11-0, 10-0 NE-10) @ # 2 LIU Post (12-0, 9-0 NE-10)

When: November 26th, 12 PM

All-Time Series: Series tied at one

Common Opponents: Assumption

@ Shepherd 48 Assumption 31

LIU Post 19 @ Assumption 18
@ LIU Post 43 Assumption 23

Shepherd Playoff History

10th playoff appearance

11-9 overall record

2-1 against the NE-10


LIU Post Playoff History

5th playoff appearance

3-4 overall record

1-0 against the MEC


Link to Team Stats:

Shepherd

LIU Post


Game Day Central

Video Link


My thoughts: Second round of the playoffs.

Shepherd Scouting Report:

Shepherd won their first-round game over Assumption 48-31. The Rams jumped out to an early 14-0 lead and never looked back. The combo of Jeff Ziemba and Billy Brown were unstoppable as they hooked up 12 times for 193 yards and three trips into the end zone. CJ Davis also tore apart the Assumption return team.

The offense is anchored by Ziemba. The senior moves the ball via the air and makes good decisions in the pocket. Brandon Hlavach is the leading running back and will be the benefactor of the Rams' passing game. As mentioned, Brown is the main target for Ziemba as he has hauled in 17 touchdowns this year. He is a big, physical receiver and will be the focal point of the passing game. Davis and Ryan Feiss are also dangerous receivers as they will pick up the slack when Brown is double covered. The offensive line is big and physical.

The defense is anchored by their linebackers. Octavius Thomas, James Gupton and Tre Anderson are all over the field and seem to be in on every play. The defensive line does a great job applying pressure on the opposing quarterback. Myles Humphrey, Bruno Anyangwe and James King are no strangers to putting the quarterback down with a sack. Tre Sullivan and Chris Jones are the anchors of the secondary. Zach Wise will handle the place kicking and Ruan Venter will handle the punting.

LIU Post Scouting Report:

LIU Post won their first playoff game since 2005 with a 48-41 victory over Winston Salem State. The Pioneers were solid for three quarters before a late Rams' rally made the final closer than it should have been. Malik Pierre scored three times and Jeff Kidd was his typical self in moving the offense up and down the field for over 500 yards.

The Post offense is run by Kidd. He is a dual threat quarterback who will stretch the field. Pierre and David White will share the running duties and both are capable of big plays. Shane Hubbard, Kyle Ward and James Higgins are the focal points in the passing game. The offensive line is solid and will protect Kidd very well.

The defense is anchored by their defensive line. Kenny Scotland, Kevin Petit-Frere, Anthony DeNunzio and Jess Agboste are one of the top units in the country. They get after the quarterback and limit the running game. Connor Farrell Ryan Renfroe and Nate Feliz are the linebackers and will patrol the middle of the field. Jared Chester, Joshua Flowers, Richard Wright and Jhaleel Oswald limit the opposing passing game and will be all over the field. Joey Tolygesi did not play last week as Andrew Ris handled the punting and John Pavacic was the kicker.


Shepherd Keys to the Game:

1. Get the ball into the hands of Billy Brown.
2. Find a way to slow down Kidd.
3. Take the crowd out of the game early.


LIU Post Keys to the Game:

1. Continue their balanced offensive attack.
2. Stop Billy Brown.
3. Force turnovers.

So who wins and why?

These teams met in the 2005 playoffs and ironically, both coaches are the same. It shows the success and longevity that both schools have. These teams are well stocked on both sides of the ball and this game is evenly matched in all phases.

LIU Post will look to establish their running game and passing game with Kidd making good decisions. The defense will look to stop the pass and smother the run.

Shepherd will look to stretch the field with the arm of Ziemba and his receivers. The defense will look to pressure the quarterback as they recorded six sacks last weekend.

Post is 2-0 at home in the playoffs while Shepherd is 3-6 away from Ram Stadium. This game will come down to a late drive that the duo of Pierre and White will grind out the winning score.

Prediction: LIU Post 24 Shepherd 17