If you are big into polls, then you would think that the winner of Saturday’s NCAA Division II quarterfinal game between No. 2 Northwest Missouri State and No. 1 Central Washington University may find themselves playing for the national title.
Central Washington is ranked number one for the first time in program history since mvoing to Division II. They pride themselves on a strong defense. Abilene Christian prided themselves on strong defense as well and after beating the Bearcats in week one, they found out just how much Northwest improved as the Bearcats beat A-C 35-10 in the second round of the playoffs last season.
NW Missouri State has advanced to the national title game in six of the past 11 years. The Bearcats won back-to-back titles in 1998 and 1999 but have lost the last four trips to the title game. NW Missouri State lost to Grand Valley State (Mich.) in both the 2005 and 2006 championship games. In 2007, the Bearcats fell to Valdosta State (Ga.) and, last year, they lost to Minnesota-Duluth.
Head coach Mel Tjeerdsma talks with me about last week’s win and how things are shaping up for this great battle in Central Washington this weekend which will kickoff at 2pm our time. You can also watch a webcast of the game if you head to Northwest’s website.
Listen to my interview with Coach Tjeerdsma.
