Tweet
SR1 is arguably the weakest super region in D-II football. In large part due to it’s history in the semi-finals and resulting lack of national championships. Shepherd will be playing in its 5th national semi-final dating back to 2010. Despite the Rams’ 1-3 record, they don’t have a history of being blown out.
2010 at Delta State (L 17-29)
Trailed 14-17 at halftime, intercepted Delta State passes twice in the third quarter. Came out flat-footed following a lengthy severe downpour/lightning delay. Missed a lengthy FG late in the 3rd to tie it up, and struggled to regain any momentum.
2015 vs Grand Valley State (W 34-32)
Arguably the single-greatest game-day experience at Ram Stadium. And sure, the win helped. The weather was sunny and relatively warm for December. And there wasn’t an available spot anywhere in the stadium. The atmosphere was intense. And the game was intense. And Shepherd loss starting QB Jeff Ziemba early to injury, relying on its backup QB, Connor Jessop, to make it happen. Plays were made on offense, plays were made on defense. Shepherd didn’t get lucky in this one. They squared up against the Lakers and out-played them.
True, the beat down came a week later losing to NW MO State 7-34 for what amounted to a home game for the Bearcats where 85-90% of the full stadium were Bearcat fans who made the relatively short drive down.
2016 vs North Alabama (L 13-23)
Down by 7 mid-3rd quarter. Tough sledding against this to-be D-I FCS team. Huge plays late to make a game of it called back by some odd penalties. But in fairness, struggled against a very tough UNA team—but kept it close and made a game of it.
2021 at Ferris State (L 7-55)
I hope Shepherd doesn’t draw Ferris State next week—it’s not your typical revenge game (queue Kutztown and IUP) … players, coaches, fans, by-standers might still suffer some shell shock from that game. This one was, undoubtedly, SR1 getting blown out in the Semi-Finals. In fairness to the Rams, the eventual national champion defeated Grand Valley State 54-20 and NW MO State 41-20 to get to Shepherd; and then won the Natty defeating Valdosta State 58-17.
And it makes sense …
… the enrollments, graduating classes and alumni base are much larger at so many of the institutions outside of SR1. The financial resources (larger donor base) lead to D-1 FBS quality facilities. There are fewer D-1 and D-2 schools out west to compete for all of the talent in those regions.
But history shows Shepherd can compete for a chance to play in the national championship game. Five appearances in the semi-finals in 12 seasons is a great ride. Now it’s time to increase those natty appearances. Hopefully that’s where the Rams will meet Ferris State.
2010 at Delta State (L 17-29)
Trailed 14-17 at halftime, intercepted Delta State passes twice in the third quarter. Came out flat-footed following a lengthy severe downpour/lightning delay. Missed a lengthy FG late in the 3rd to tie it up, and struggled to regain any momentum.
2015 vs Grand Valley State (W 34-32)
Arguably the single-greatest game-day experience at Ram Stadium. And sure, the win helped. The weather was sunny and relatively warm for December. And there wasn’t an available spot anywhere in the stadium. The atmosphere was intense. And the game was intense. And Shepherd loss starting QB Jeff Ziemba early to injury, relying on its backup QB, Connor Jessop, to make it happen. Plays were made on offense, plays were made on defense. Shepherd didn’t get lucky in this one. They squared up against the Lakers and out-played them.
True, the beat down came a week later losing to NW MO State 7-34 for what amounted to a home game for the Bearcats where 85-90% of the full stadium were Bearcat fans who made the relatively short drive down.
2016 vs North Alabama (L 13-23)
Down by 7 mid-3rd quarter. Tough sledding against this to-be D-I FCS team. Huge plays late to make a game of it called back by some odd penalties. But in fairness, struggled against a very tough UNA team—but kept it close and made a game of it.
2021 at Ferris State (L 7-55)
I hope Shepherd doesn’t draw Ferris State next week—it’s not your typical revenge game (queue Kutztown and IUP) … players, coaches, fans, by-standers might still suffer some shell shock from that game. This one was, undoubtedly, SR1 getting blown out in the Semi-Finals. In fairness to the Rams, the eventual national champion defeated Grand Valley State 54-20 and NW MO State 41-20 to get to Shepherd; and then won the Natty defeating Valdosta State 58-17.
And it makes sense …
… the enrollments, graduating classes and alumni base are much larger at so many of the institutions outside of SR1. The financial resources (larger donor base) lead to D-1 FBS quality facilities. There are fewer D-1 and D-2 schools out west to compete for all of the talent in those regions.
But history shows Shepherd can compete for a chance to play in the national championship game. Five appearances in the semi-finals in 12 seasons is a great ride. Now it’s time to increase those natty appearances. Hopefully that’s where the Rams will meet Ferris State.
Comment