A loss to the D-II community puts a damper on things, and one team advances without four of its star players. Quarterfinal recaps, semifinal previews, bowl game results, and other things after the jump.
Super Region 1
Regional Final: (4)Shepherd 49, at (2)Mercyhurst 14
Shepherd (12-1) became the first WVIAC team in history to reach the D-II semifinals as they flat-out mauled the Lakers in the second half, erasing a 14-all halftime tie. Mercyhurst goes home with a 10-3 mark.
Super Region 2
Regional Final: (2)Delta State 28, at (1)Albany State 7
Delta (10-3) gave up a touchdown on the opening drive, and then kept the Rams from doing anything else whatsoever in sending them to their first (and final) defeat. Four turnovers helped the Statesmen’s cause. Albany finishes the year 11-1.
Super Region 3
Regional Final: at (1)Minnesota-Duluth 25, (2)Augustana (SD) 13
Well, the Bulldogs (13-0) finally got to play the Vikings, and at least sealed their argument as the best team in Division II; now all that’s left is to prove it. With one star injured and two other starters suspended for violating team rules, Duluth still easily prevailed. Defense was the key for Duluth, who held Augie to 180 yards of offense on the day. Augustana closes the ledger at 11-2.
Super Region 4
Regional Final: at (3)Northwest Missouri State 37, (4)Central Missouri 20
Blake Bolles threw four TD passes, and Northwest (12-1) never trailed as they defeated the Mules for the second time this season. Central ends its year 11-3.
Semifinals:
Shepherd at Delta State 2:00 Eastern, CBS College Sports
Shepherd annihilated their region to get here. On the other hand, Region 2 is a lot tougher than Region 1, so Delta State did some work as well. While both teams move the ball well, Delta has had questions defensively while Shepherd has shut down some high-powered offenses. I expect Shepherd to break through and reach the title game.
Northwest Missouri State at Minnesota-Duluth 6:00 Eastern, CBS College Sports
Duluth, despite being 13-0, is reeling. Two star players are suspended, two others are injured, and the net effect is to seriously damage the Bulldog offense. That said, Northwest cannot afford to fall behind early as they’ve had a tendency to do of late. They’re playing on the road against an undefeated team in what are likely to be crappy conditions. Can Northwest reach their sixth consecutive title game (and avenge their loss in the 2008 championship)? I think so.
News and Stuff:
Gulf South: (Region Two)
Super Region 2 Final: (2)Delta State 28, at (1)Albany State 7
Saturday:
Semifinal: Shepherd at Delta State
Mid-America: (Region Four)
Super Region 4 Final: at (3)Northwest Missouri State 37, (4)Central Missouri 20
Kanza Bowl (Topeka, KS): Washburn 45, Midwestern State 14
Mineral Water Bowl (Excelsior Springs, MO): Pittsburg State 13, Concordia-St. Paul 9
Saturday:
Semifinal: Northwest Missouri State at Minnesota-Duluth
Great Lakes IAC: (Region Three)
Season complete.
South Atlantic: (Region Two)
Season complete.
Northern Sun: (Region Three)
Super Region 3 Final: at (1)Minnesota-Duluth 25, (2)Augustana (SD) 6
Mineral Water Bowl (Excelsior Springs, MO): Pittsburg State 13, Concordia-St. Paul 9
Saturday:
Semifinal: Northwest Missouri State at Minnesota-Duluth
Great Northwest: (Region Four)
Season complete.
Lone Star: (Region Four)
Kanza Bowl (Topeka, KS): Washburn 45, Midwestern State 14
Saturday:
Season complete.
Pennsylvania: (Region One)
Super Region 1 Final: (4)Shepherd 49, at (2)Mercyhurst 14
Saturday:
Season complete.
West Virginia: (Region One)
Super Region 1 Final: (4)Shepherd 49, at (2)Mercyhurst 14
Saturday:
Semifinal: Shepherd at Delta State
Rocky Mountain: (Region Three)
Season complete.
Southern: (Region Two)
Super Region 2 Final: (2)Delta State 28, at (1)Albany State 7
Pioneer Bowl (Columbus GA): St. Augustine’s 20, Fort Valley State 9
Saturday:
Season complete.
Northeast Ten: (Region One)
Season complete.
Central: (Region One)
Pioneer Bowl (Columbus GA): St. Augustine’s 20, Fort Valley State 9
Saturday:
Season complete.
Great Lakes FC:
Season complete.
Independents:
Season complete.
Sad news from Goodwell, as Oklahoma Panhandle State head coach Mike Wyatt passed away Sunday from a heart attack. Condolences to the OPSU family, and to Wyatt’s daughter.