Div II and III College Football

RogueScholar · 12-13-08, 12:26 PM

Well, keep in mind that I haven't had the opportunity to watch either Minn-Duluth or NW Missouri St., but after reviewing the numbers, I'm once again on the underdog with Minn-Duluth. I do have a few reasons that I believe will stand up to scrutiny.

NW Mizzou has played the second toughest DII schedule, emerging with only one loss, in the first game of the season. Minn-Duluth has played in a far weaker conference, entering this match with only the 34th-ranked schedule in DII, far closer to the average, and leaving them with fewer injuries both during the season and taking the field today. Minn-Duluth remains undefeated, even though as a lower seed they've played stiffer competition in the early playoff rounds.

Both teams have versatile offenses, but Minn-Duluth has never allowed an opponent to score more than 21. I won't be surprised to see NW Mizzou exceed this mark, but not without taking a beating in the process. In addition, this game will be played in Alabama, sunny skies but only 50 degrees, which is going to be quite balmy for the team that goes to school within spitting distance of Canada.

In conclusion, I'm taking Duluth and the points, as well as a teaser with Duluth and the Over. Even though these defenses are very good, a 7-point teaser gives you Duluth +14.5 and Over 44. This is by no means a strong lean for me, and my stake will be one unit at the most, but I thought I would enumerate my reasons here for those that were curious.

Let's get 'em, boys!

AMBlai01 · 12-13-08, 12:31 PM

I like Wheaton with the Pts in that game. I know Mt Union is a beast of a team but that is a ton of points to cover by in a Semifinal game.

I love Whitewater in that other game. They are a lot more solid and really should beat up on those Texas boys.

mmike032 · 12-13-08, 12:35 PM

anybody got any insight into the Richmond/ N iowa game?

gnkeith · 12-13-08, 12:37 PM

As a graduate of NWMSU, GO BEARCATS! As a rooting interest for the Bearcats, do you guys recommend making a small wager on your team minus the points and rooting for it all, or the other team plus the pts and more than likeley come away a winner either way. This is Northwests 4th straight championship game and I must say they are on a mission this year. Thoughts?

RogueScholar · 12-13-08, 12:40 PM

In your spot, as a fan of the favorite, I'd take Duluth and the points. The old aphorism tells us that "Defense wins championships" and Duluth has been very consistent with defense. For your sake I hope the Bearcats win, but I truly don't see it happening by a 2+ score margin.

CaneDawg · 12-13-08, 01:43 PM

Originally posted by mmike032

anybody got any insight into the Richmond/ N iowa game?

i played a 7pt tease earlier today cause its on espn2 at 4

action junkie...i get it from Big T

niowa+14.5/over 40

home team with points
flipped a coin on the total

who knows

RogueScholar · 12-13-08, 02:07 PM

I'm actually feeling that Richmond is the play in this game. Not only are they absolutely on fire right now, but they're more talented on both sides of the ball. Richmond and James Madison both hail from the Colonial South Division, without question the home of the highest quality FCS football this year. JMU beat them this year with offense, something that N. Iowa simply doesn't have the capacity for. Richmond showcases the best defense in that conference, and easily a Top 3 defense for all of FCS.

I will be very surprised if N. Iowa scores more than 17 in this game, Richmond always finds a way to create turnovers and pad their time of possession. If Richmond cruises to 28 by the end of the 3rd Q, they'll pull the skill players and run the ball 30 times in the 4th to burn the clock. There's no need for a statement game here, they're looking down the barrel of a gun at Montana, who will want to make sure that their opponent in the championship game leaves with fewer teeth than they arrived with.

All this being said, I'm on Richmond -7 in this game, and probably ten bucks on Under 48.5 just so you guys know that I put my money where my mouth is. Definitely Richmond is the play here, I'll be parked in front of the TV for the whole game, with my usual Canadian Club on the rocks. Cheers everyone, cherish these games, you'll be glad you did in three months when all you can find on TV is basketball.