Game 3 of the Night - Season 140
Previous GotN Prediction: Bloomsburg 35 - Northern Michigan 24
Result: Northern Michigan 57 - Bloomsburg 45
Intro/comments/match-up: What a championship caliber game this was with both teams trading blows as each offense ended with over 500 yards of offense. Despite all that offense, it looks like Northern Michigan's defense was the big difference by holding Bloomsburg's quarterback under 50% completion rate while catching five of their passes themselves.
The trouble started early when Bloomsburg threw their first interception on the fourth play of the game. Northern Michigan said "thank you very much" and took just two plays to go 21 yards and the early 7-0 lead. After an exchange of punts, Bloomsburg went on a 14-play drive to tie the game. Then after NMU was forced to punt, BU took the punt back 79 yards for the 14-7 lead. NMU then went on a long drive but had to settle for a short FG. The next three possessions all resulted in touchdowns and a 28-17 lead for BU. BU did their best to help NMU by throwing two more interceptions, but NMU could only managed one FG and found themselves behind at the half 28-20.
NMU got the ball first but went three and out. BU wasn't done playing Santa Claus by giving NMU the ball back on their first play by throwing another interception. NMU learned their lesson from the first half and took advantage by scoring a touchdown. Two plays later Santa was still handing out presents as NMU graciously accepted the fumbled football. This gift ended up being worth only three points but gave NMU a 30-28 lead. BU quarterback finally found their guy for a 70-yard completion that led to a short field goal and the lead back at 31-30. NMU then scored a touchdown and a field goal on their next two possessions to take a 40-31 lead into the fourth quarter. BU's generous ways continued into the fourth quarter with another interception on their third play of the quarter. NMU wasted no time going 35 yards in two plays and increasing their lead to 47-31. After Bloomsburg punted the ball on their next possession, NMU kicked a field goal. The next three possessions ended up as touchdowns before the game ended with NMU running two plays from victory formation.
The "smart dog" view of NMU changed after this game. They are now on the list of teams that could win it all this season. Although it will take a few more big victories before I can consider coach Mrbig987 at a top level coach, this game was very impressive and kudos to Mrbig987 on the fantastic win.
We are leaving the northeast and traveling to the southwest for an interesting game between Presbyterian and Western New Mexico.
Team: Presbyterian
Coach: Rposborne # of Seasons: 29
Roster Breakdown:
Seniors: 13
Juniors: 14
Sophomores: 10
Freshmen: 13
Offensive Formations: Pro-set, Notre Dame
Defensive Formations: Nickel
Key Wins: N/A
Losses: N/A
Comments: After three straight top-5 seasons where coach Rposborne had Presbyterian on the way for his first national championship, the team slipped dramatically with a first round exit and a 27th ranked finish. Unfortunately, it wasn't a one-season fluke as they followed it out with a 36th ranked finish and no playoff invitation. To get back into the playoff picture again, Presbyterian will need to prove their worthiness in their next three games against Western New Mexico, Albany State, and Bloomsburg.
Team: Western New Mexico
Coach: Greenchain # of Seasons: 1
Roster Breakdown:
Seniors: 9
Juniors: 13
Sophomores: 15
Freshmen: 13
Offensive Formations: I, Trips, Wishbone
Defensive Formations: 4-3, Nickel, Dime
Key Wins: N/A
Losses: N/A
Comments: After being ran by coach Tmelonhead for the last ten seasons, Western New Mexico changed coaches this season by choosing coach Greenchain to lead them. Greenchain is a very experienced coach with over 3,700 games played and a .718 winning percentage and 2 titles.
Tonight's Prediction: Both rosters have some serious issues that could be their downfall by the time the season is over. WNM seems to have a big advantage at QB which would normally be the edge in being favored. Then a look at them only having four wide receiver that includes a sophomore and two freshmen negates that advantage. Both teams' offensive lines gives me more concern than confidence. Defenses look to be formidable for both sides and could keep this game low scoring. I'm torn in deciding who to pick, but since my initial pick in close match-ups are usually wrong (key the laughter), the pick tonight is Western New Mexico 17, Presbyterian 14.