(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia football will prepare to host #9-ranked Saint Francis (IN) after being voted this week's NAIA Game of the Week. The #13-ranked Cardinals enter the contest 2-0 after they defeated #2 Marian 16-14 last week. The Cougars come into the match 1-0 after downing Taylor 24-10 in their season opener. CUAA will look to defeat both Marian and Saint Francis in the same year for the first time as they aim to move up the rankings.
Game Details
Statistical Breakdown
Personnel Matchups
Saint Francis at a glance
The Saints enter the contest ranked #9 in the country. Saint Francis played their first game of the season last week, defeating Taylor 24-10 in their home opener. Long-time coach Kevin Donley enters his 23rd year at the helm of the program.
Player of the Week Recognition
Casey Rauch received recognition at the NAIA and MSFA Mideast level as the Special Teams Player of the Week. The freshman linebacker/punter kicked 8 punts for 360 yards in CUAA's 16-14 win over Marian, reaching a new career-long distance of 65 yards. Rauch recorded 4 punts inside the 20-yard line including 2 that went to the 2-yard line.
Ryan Fish earned MSFA Mideast Defensive Player of the Week as well as NCCAA Defensive Player of the Week. Fish anchored the Cardinal defense, recording 9 total tackles. His three pass breakups helped prevent Marian's offense from getting first downs allowing the Cardinals to control field position.
NAIA Football Firstdown Playbook Top 25 Poll
The NAIA Football Firstdown Playbook Top 25 poll will remain unchanged until March 22. As such, the Cardinals still remain ranked #13 in the poll. This week's opponent Saint Francis checks in at #9. MSFA Mideast members Marian (#2) and Siena Heights (#22) are ranked. MSFA Midwest members Saint Xavier (#14), Roosevelt (#20) and Olivet Nazarene (#25) have also received rankings.
Other MFSA Games
MSFA Mideast
#22 Siena Heights @ Lawrence Tech – 12:00pm
Taylor @ Madonna – 1:00pm
#2 Marian @ Indiana Wesleyan – 1:05pm
MSFA Midwest
#25 Olivet Nazarene @ Saint Francis (IL) – 1:00pm
#14 Saint Xavier @ Missouri Baptist – 5:00pm
Trinity International @ Saint Ambrose – 6:00pm
