Well I'm not next to a computer tonight to do my updates so I'm going to do my best to try to predict the next round with my cell phone. Keep in mind that there might be some weird typos and whatnot so forgive me if you have to try to translate.
recapping the second round, Texas A&M Commerce, Northern Michigan, Valdosta State, Westchester, Presbyterian, Winona State, Cheney and Virginia state move on to the next round.
Trailing 21-15 at halftime, Virginia state rallies to win in overtime 42 - 39 over Saginaw Valley State ending the run. Impressive changes because it look like svsu was dominating the first half.
Now we find ourselves in the quarterfinals, and all of the teams that made it here deserve to be here.
Texas A&M Commerce versus Valdosta State
This is going to be a battle of the defense. Both teams feature excellent defensive units but both have significant drop offs after you pass their starting units. Texas has the #1 quarterback in division two in the #4 running back as well, and I think that may play the biggest factor in this game. Their receiving unit is not as great, and VSU's LB group is near Elite.
As I said both teams defensively are very sound, but you need points to win the game. Vsu's strength will come at tailback featuring a combo of running backs who are both inside the top 15. This team does utilize them, but they tend to lean on the pass quite a bit so it'll be interesting to see how the tactics romaine versus a stubborn LB unit.
This should be a great game and it could easily go either way depending on how luck falls. It's difficult to write about your own team sometimes, but I do see Texas edging this one out based on the offense of weapons and matchups.
Prediction: Texas A&M 31-24
Presbyterian versus West Chester
What a game this could possibly be, both teams are very equal across the board with very little weaknesses. Westchester is going to try to light up the scoreboard through the air but that's going to be difficult versus a stingy Presbyterian secondary that is probably the best in division 2 with three defensive backs ranked inside the top 10. They are a bit soft around the linebacker spot but pressure is going to be in abundance with one of the best defensive lines you can find in this year's talent pool.
Presbyterian has the second best quarterback and running back in the league, and they run a very balanced offense so they can attack you in different directions. With a strong offensive line, this will suit Presbyterian's style to try to keep the ball out of West Chester's hands which can often be the best defense forces and all pass team. WC's defensive line maybe a little stout for them to run well on but their linebacker core is probably the weaker of their defensive units so if they can get into the second level you might see some nice gains.
West Chester has a top 5 quarterback and a pair of wide receivers to utilize in this contest. As I said though, Presbyterian has probably the best group of elite defensive backs in the playoff tournament. With a great offense of line, their quarterback should get protection that he needs to drive the ball down the field and ultimately they will put points on the board in this game. The game does feel tilted towards the pass so I always feel like the receivers will have some sort of bonus versus equally match talent on defense.
Does West Chester have enough Firepower to power through the secondary that Presbyterian is bringing? It sure could, but I think they fall just short.
Prediction: Presbyterian 33-31
Cheney versus Virginia State
We discussed previously that Virginia state is strong in their secondary, offensive line and they have a top 10 wide receiver. However, Cheney is hands-down on a different level in tonight's event. They have easily the best offensive line in Division II and top 10 players all over the board.
Virginia state is going to have hard sledding all night long in this contest. They have done some amazing things this year pulling out some victories and we have to keep in mind they only lost by 2 points when they played Cheney earlier this season. We also have to realize that 14 of those points, came off of kickoff returns. Will they be that lucky to get that type of performance from Special Teams again? My guess is probably not, but before I rule out their chances, they performed an amazing comeback on a very good Saginaw Valley State team last round. Sometimes when you see the talent being less it does not mean that it will always translate to a loss on the field when you are passing. Something positive is working with VSU and we will have to wait and see if he can pull it off again.
Cheney is just a juggernaut this year, and I would normally say that I could easily see this year's championship being Northern Michigan versus Cheney with the level of talent and balance that both of those teams have. The only problem with this, is if Cheney wins they will have to play possibly Northern Michigan in the semifinals. Theyare loaded and have a top 10 player in every key offensive position plus a starting offensive line that is ranked all of them within the top 40. Plus, a shut down secondary, two linebackers in side the top five into defensive lineman inside the top 10.
Cheney doubled VSU's yardage in their first meeting and I really doubt they will get the same special team play to happen, I see them running away with this after the second half.
Prediction: Cheyney 38-13
Northern Michigan versus Winona State
Winona State has been playing like they are on a mission and that mission may very well in tonight. Northern Michigan is coming into this game with some players that Winona state has not had to face all season. Northern Michigan is also not past the quarterfinals in the past two seasons, and the playoff curse could continue.
WSU has a top 10 quarterback and a top 20 running back but their highlight is the #2 WR Earl Hannah. They have thrown to Hannah 132 times this season racking up 27 touchdowns, but that is right in the middle between the running back and tight in in receptions. A fairly balanced passing attack may be good in this situation. Their defense could get them into trouble early, as only three players are ranked inside the top 100.
Northern Michigan not only has the top 5 quarterback but they have the best running back and wide receiver in Division II. In addition, his backup is a top 5 running back any top 10 wide receiver. Of course they have a strong offensive line and defensive line, they also boast to top 10 linebackers and the #1 and #2 defensive backs. It's really just an insane amount of weapons and talent that's very well-balanced for any game.
if Winona State is going to have any success they are going to have to find some matchups and get some help from some big special teams plays. It's possible they could pull this one it's possible they could pull this one out, but Northern Michigan is very difficult to to stay with for all four quarters.
Prediction: Northern Michigan 42-23
Fancy Playoff Bracket is updated.