Concordia football will be making the program's third straight appearance in the NAIA playoffs after receiving an at-large bid. The Cardinals will face off against undefeated #4 Grand View, the champions of the Heart of America Athletic Conference North Division. CUAA moved their final record to 8-2 after a 28-17 win over Indiana Wesleyan while the Vikings completed their 11-0 regular season with a 60-6 win over Clarke.
This will be the first meeting between the two programs in school history. The Cardinals will look to pull off the upset and advance to the next round for the second straight year.
Game Details
Statistical Breakdown
Personnel Matchups
Grand View at a glance
Grand View enters the contest ranked #4 in the country with a perfect 11-0 record. The Vikings have featured a stingy defense, making three shutouts and ranking #1 in the country in total defense (205.5 YPG allowed). Grand View has 3 wins against ranked teams during the year, including a 27-6 win over then-#2 Benedictine. Grand View is a former member of the MSFA and won the national championships in 2014. Joe Woodley is in his 1st year as head coach after previously serving as offensive coordinator.
NAIA Coaches Poll
The Cardinals finished the season ranked #12 in the NAIA Coaches Poll. Marian and Saint Francis remained at #2 and #11 respectively. Siena Heights fell to #20 and Indiana Wesleyan ended the year receiving votes. MSFA Midwest winner Saint Xavier moved up one spot to #9. This marks the second conesecutive year the Cardinals have been ranked in every poll during the season.
Player of the Week Honors
Omar Sinclair (SO/Norcross, GA) was named MSFA Mideast Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in Concordia's 28-17 win over Indiana Wesleyan. The sophomore running back rushed for 65 yards and 2 touchdowns while also recording 39 receiving yards and a touchdown. This marks Sinclair's second time receiving the conference honor this season.
NAIA Football Championships Series
(courtesy of naia.org)
NAIA Football Championship Series First Round Pairings
Marian, Saint Francis, and Saint Xavier are also representing the MSFA in the NAIA playoffs. Marian will host Reinhardt in the first round while Saint Francis will travel to Lindsey Wilson. Saint Xavier will be on the road against Northwestern (Iowa).
Final MSFA Mideast Standings
