Game 9 of the Night
Previous GotN Prediction/Result: Hillsdale 24 - Saginaw Valley St 20 / Saginaw Valley St 38 - Hillsdale 35
Intro/comments/match-up: Well, the "grumpy dog" is back after suffering his second straight disappointing loss.
With a non-existent running game and being behind 17-14 at the half in part by giving up a kick return, Hillsdale went to relying on its passing attack. That decision looked like a coach-of-the-year move after the first play resulted in a 63-yard touchdown pass and a 21-17 lead. Unfortunately, the decision went back to a desperate coach's move as the second possession went three and out. Saginaw Valley then went on a 12-play, 80-yard drive and retook the lead 24-21. After exchanging possessions, Hillsdale pretended to be OU and went on a 4-play, 61-yards, 1:29 touchdown drive to go back ahead 28-24. Saginaw Valley was not to be deny as it went on a quick one minute drive and took the lead back 31-28. After Hillsdale failed to convert a 4th and 1 short of midfield, Saginaw Valley made them pay for their aggressiveness by driving for another touchdown and extending their lead 35-24 with just 5:35 left. Calling up his best Lincoln Riley impression, "smart dog" got Hillsdale to score a TD and cut the lead to 38-35. Then the defense got an interception and the ball back at their own 46 with 2:13 left. At that point, all the sooner magic that was being sprinkled over the team ran out as not one, but two weak four and outs clinched the game for Saginaw Valley.
Tonight's schedule had three very enticing match-ups. In the GSC, #5 North Alabama takes on #21 Valdosta State. The PSAC has #12 Bloomsburg battling #15 West Chester. And thirdly, the RMAC has #10 Western New Mexico facing #13 Midwestern State. All three games are winners for GotN honors, but since only one can be profile, the RMAC got the nod.
Team: Midwestern State
Coach: Linux Box # of Seasons: 15
Roster Breakdown:
Seniors: 11
Juniors: 10
Sophomores: 13
Freshmen: 16 (13 sims, no red-shirts)
Offensive Formations: Pro-set, Trips
Defensive Formations: 4-3, Nickel
Losses: N/A
Comments: Almost pulled this game from the GotN, but wasn't 100% sure if coach Linux Box was still playing.
Team: Western New Mexico
Coach: Tmelonhead # of Seasons: 10
Roster Breakdown:
Seniors: 10
Juniors: 9
Sophomores: 13
Freshmen: 18
Offensive Formations: Wishbone
Defensive Formations: 4-4, Nickel
Losses: 30-48 #2 Cheyney
Comments: After opening the game with a loss to one of D2 best team, coach Tmelonhead has rolled out seven straight wins. Team has the third best rushing attack at 279.8 yards per game led by the third leading rusher, Paul Brunson, with 1563 yards.
Tonight's Prediction: Western New Mexico has won the last two games in this series after losing the first seven. Although Midwestern State has an experienced roster, the possibility that they are not being coached makes it a no-brainer. Western New Mexico 38, Midwestern State 14...but wouldn't be surprised if this assumption burns the "grumpy dog".