Game 8 of the Night

As the season moves into the second half, it is time for the top teams to move up in the standings and the pretenders to start dropping down. The increase in human coaches has made the remaining games more interesting than in seasons past. We are down to 15 undefeated teams now and I expect that number to drop to somewhere between 5-7 by the time the playoffs start. For those still undefeated, good luck trying to stay that way. For those who has already lost a game or two, keep winning and knocked those undefeated when the opportunity arises.

Tonight's game of the night is the only match-up that features two top 25 teams. On top of that, both teams are being ran by first year coaches. From the NSIC, we have #15 West Liberty State at #22 Bemidji State as our premier game.

Coach Jibe has WLS at 5-2 so far. He took over a team that was coached by another coach and has been in the playoffs the last four seasons. Unfortunately the team's two games against top 25 teams has ended with a 47-104 deficit.

In the other division of the NSIC, you have Coach Columbusbuck at Bemidji State. He took over a team that was ran by Sim the last three season. He runs the Pro-Set on offense which helps with formation IQ since the Sim also ran it. Defense could be an issue with formation IQ since he is playing the 3-4 and all the defensive players are learning it at the same time.

Many factors tell me to pick WLS for the win and give them a chance to get back to .500 with my pickings, but I just can't do it. Those two bad losses worries me too much so I'm picking Bemidji State for the win 37-20.