There are just two weeks left in the regular season for the Division II football schedule and we have two Missouri schools who can just about clinch punch their tickets for post-season with wins, while another needs to finish the season strong for an outside chance. Northwest Missouri State, 2nd in their regional rankings have clinced the regular season MIAA title, but need to play well to get a first round playoff bye.
It will be the 25th meeting between Northwest Missouri and Fort Hays State, with Fort Hays State holding a 12-11-1 edge. Northwest has won the last five atchups,including a 56-7 triumph last year. NWMSU’s LaRon Council leads the MIAA in rushing with 96.0 yards per game, while FHSU’s James Walker is third with 84.3 ypg.
Missouri Western, third in the regional rankings will take on Emporia State. Western leads the all-time series 20-11, including a 28-21 victory last season. Emporia State is second in the MIAA in rushing offense with 181.9 yards per game. Western is fourth in the league in rushing defense, allowing 127.0 ypg.
Missouri Southern and Central Missouri are all square in the series history, 14-14-2. Central Missouri has won six of the last seven meetings, including a 47-14 win last
season. UCM’s Anthony Stewart is second in the MIAA in scoring (TDs) with 9.3 points per game, and MSSU’s Daniel Thompson is third with 9.0 points per game. The Mules are 9th in regional rankings with the top six teams advancing. If they get by Southern this week, they’ll have to beat Northwest in the final game of the regular season.
Truman meets Washburn for the 27th time, with TSU holding an 18-8 overall advantage. Washburn has won the last two meetings, including 31-17 a year ago. Washburn leads the MIAA in passing offense with 304.8 yards per game, and Truman is second in the league in passing defense, giving up 198.6 yards per contest.
