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The field appears to be set based on the participating teams’ websites.
4 Kutztown @ 1 Colorado Mines
3 Lenoir-Rhyne @ 2 Harding
I mean no disrespect when I say this but this is a very good final four with the exception of the Golden Bears. Three of these teams have a legitimate chance to win it all based on what I’ve seen by watching games. The $20 was worth it for being able to watch multiple games and take a close look. After Colorado Mines beat Grand Valley State to start the year, they were more or less the odds on favorite to win it all along with Ferris State at the time. Now I’m not so sure it’s a given. I see ways they can be beaten, although it won’t be this Saturday.
Kutztown at Colorado Mines
This will be a blowout unless there’s a wild weather event that evens the field. I’m talking a foot of snow at kickoff. Mines has way more starting talent, is deeper, is playing at home, and is battle tested. Although Kutztown is obviously on a roll in terms of their winning streak, they haven’t been all that impressive despite pulling out wins. Meanwhile, Mines has dismantled both of its playoff opponents in Augustana and Central Washington. For comparisons sake, both teams Mines pounded would win SR1. I wish there was a realistic scenario where Kutztown could make it a four quarter game, but there just isn’t one. This is likely to be worse than last year’s 31 point win over Shepherd. There’s not much more to say about this matchup. Sorry Bears fans.
Lenoir-Rhyne at Harding
This is a fascinating matchup. Harding is one of the more interesting teams in the field. They probably have the best defense in DII. They’re fast, physical, and dominant up front. They have four shutouts and held two other teams to one score. To hold GVSU without a touchdown is insane, and on top of that, I think the Lakers only got into the red zone once! GVSU came into the game yesterday averaging 48 points per game! You’d have to go way back to find the last time they were held without a touchdown. The big question for the Bisons (why isn’t it Bison?) is can they score enough points?
Harding runs the old school Wing T offense, very similar to what you’ll see in the Army/Navy game next weekend. Older IUP fans will remember North Alabama in the championship game in 93. They’re a ground and pound team and are happy with 3 yard gains. Their QB was probably the weakest passer in the entire playoff field, but they don’t need him to be Tyson Bagent. He runs the offense like a machine, is tough, and can hit a big pass here and there if you’re caught sleeping. GVSU hung in there all day against it, but eventually the dam broke. I don’t think Lenoir-Rhyne is bringing the same type of defense to town so I do expect Harding to score more.
Lenoir-Rhyne is just an excellent all-around team. To go down and pound Valdosta State on their turf yesterday was impressive and surprising. They’re playing their best football at the right time and have enough talent on both sides of the ball to beat anyone. They’re going to have to hold Harding to under 20 points to have any chance though, and I’m not sure they can do it. Heck, the way Harding is playing defense, LR might need to hold them to under 10.
I’m going to give the edge to Harding in this one. Defense wins championships and they’re incredible on that side of the ball.
4 Kutztown @ 1 Colorado Mines
3 Lenoir-Rhyne @ 2 Harding
I mean no disrespect when I say this but this is a very good final four with the exception of the Golden Bears. Three of these teams have a legitimate chance to win it all based on what I’ve seen by watching games. The $20 was worth it for being able to watch multiple games and take a close look. After Colorado Mines beat Grand Valley State to start the year, they were more or less the odds on favorite to win it all along with Ferris State at the time. Now I’m not so sure it’s a given. I see ways they can be beaten, although it won’t be this Saturday.
Kutztown at Colorado Mines
This will be a blowout unless there’s a wild weather event that evens the field. I’m talking a foot of snow at kickoff. Mines has way more starting talent, is deeper, is playing at home, and is battle tested. Although Kutztown is obviously on a roll in terms of their winning streak, they haven’t been all that impressive despite pulling out wins. Meanwhile, Mines has dismantled both of its playoff opponents in Augustana and Central Washington. For comparisons sake, both teams Mines pounded would win SR1. I wish there was a realistic scenario where Kutztown could make it a four quarter game, but there just isn’t one. This is likely to be worse than last year’s 31 point win over Shepherd. There’s not much more to say about this matchup. Sorry Bears fans.
Lenoir-Rhyne at Harding
This is a fascinating matchup. Harding is one of the more interesting teams in the field. They probably have the best defense in DII. They’re fast, physical, and dominant up front. They have four shutouts and held two other teams to one score. To hold GVSU without a touchdown is insane, and on top of that, I think the Lakers only got into the red zone once! GVSU came into the game yesterday averaging 48 points per game! You’d have to go way back to find the last time they were held without a touchdown. The big question for the Bisons (why isn’t it Bison?) is can they score enough points?
Harding runs the old school Wing T offense, very similar to what you’ll see in the Army/Navy game next weekend. Older IUP fans will remember North Alabama in the championship game in 93. They’re a ground and pound team and are happy with 3 yard gains. Their QB was probably the weakest passer in the entire playoff field, but they don’t need him to be Tyson Bagent. He runs the offense like a machine, is tough, and can hit a big pass here and there if you’re caught sleeping. GVSU hung in there all day against it, but eventually the dam broke. I don’t think Lenoir-Rhyne is bringing the same type of defense to town so I do expect Harding to score more.
Lenoir-Rhyne is just an excellent all-around team. To go down and pound Valdosta State on their turf yesterday was impressive and surprising. They’re playing their best football at the right time and have enough talent on both sides of the ball to beat anyone. They’re going to have to hold Harding to under 20 points to have any chance though, and I’m not sure they can do it. Heck, the way Harding is playing defense, LR might need to hold them to under 10.
I’m going to give the edge to Harding in this one. Defense wins championships and they’re incredible on that side of the ball.
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