D2 Roundup
This is the first edition of the Wilkinson division 2 roundup. In an effort to provide more content, I have decided to take a look at what's going on down in D2 and see the movers and shakers down there. Feel free to send me a sitemail with anything that may interest you from a D2 perspective. For Season 125 Vol. 1, I will look at the championship contenders for the upcoming season, I hope you enjoy.
The Favorite
Colorado School of Mines (RMAC) - Head coach 0bigzeke0 has won a national championship every fourth season, dating back to season 105. He’s won in Season 105, 109, 113, 117 and 121. With this being season 125, it only stands to reason that the Orediggers are favorites to be hoisting the trophy. Colorado-Mines has vast experience, with 25 seniors and a junior class of 12, so nearly ¾ of the roster is upperclassmen. The Orediggers feature a balanced attack with an edge to the run game. CSM features 4 RB’s to tote the rock, Andrew Hatch, Charles Guerra, James Diaz and Harry Carter. The trenches are set on the offensive side as well, with 9 upperclassmen at OL. Rest assured this team will survive late until the playoffs.
The Contenders
South Dakota (NCC) – Coach Jmurphy8587 picked up right where alphaflight left off, picking up
two national championships in his first two seasons in Vermillion. A perennial contender to walk away with hardware, he earned his third with the Coyotes in season 124. William Gonzales will be leading the way under center this season after throwing for 43 TD’s as an understudy. His favorite target is likely to be WR Gregory Ferguson, a senior out of Shawano, WI, who had 1666 yds receiving in his redshirt jr season. An early season indicator for South Dakota will be a tilt vs preseason #6 Tarleton St on the road.
Northwood (GLIAC) – The Timberwolves may be best positioned to beat Colorado-Mines, with veteran depth on the defensive back 7, with 6 upperclassmen at LB. Coach fotman led the T-Wolves to glory in season 120, with a final four and an NC game appearance in between. The Wolves will be tested early, with 3 strong OOC contests versus Cheyney, West Virginia Wesleyan and Millersville, each a top ten preseason ranked squad. How coach fotman fares in those early contests is going to weigh heavily on his seeding and chances to make a run at a title.
Millersville (PSAC) – Coach montourfalls has to be excited that QB Raul Robbins is still roaming the campus at Millersville. The redshirt senior returns to the Marauders and is ready to lead the offense. Robbins mostly held the clipboard for 4 seasons while other QB’s led Millersville to deep playoff runs, the last four going at least 3 round deep. This is a pass leaning offense, but there is talent to pound the rock and tons of beef up front to make holes as wide as the Grand Canyon. The starting 5 on the offensive line are all upperclassmen. On defense, there is depth and experience at all levels. The Marauders have potential to go 3 rounds deep or more.
St. Joseph’s (SIAC) - Gators06 has had a long run in Rensselaer. He’s been firmly entrenched since season 82 winning 9 national championships, the latest being in season 123. The Pumas are starting a redshirt soph QB in Shawn Booth, which can be cause for concern. Should things go awry for St Joe’s savvy veteran Robert Hess is capable of running the Puma attack. There a no glaring holes on this roster, so the Pumas will go as far as Shawn Booth can take them. Reliable RB David Higgins is ready to carry the load and sure-handed Luis Boyle can catch anything thrown in his vicinity. Both are excellent options for Booth as he learns the ropes under center.
West Virginia Wesleyan (SAC) – In his 3rd season at WVWU, coach slid64er is loading up for a deep run in Buckhannon. The Bobcat athletic department backed up the Brinks truck to get coach slid64er to come to WVWU and they’re waiting for the payoff that is coming. An early season battle with Northwood will show how far the Bobcats are capable of going this season. Coach slid64er is putting his stamp on the roster, but will rely on holdover David Alexander to run the show for the offense. Another very deep team on the offensive line, stamina will not be an issue for those long drives for WVWU. The 3-4 front will be led by 3 monsters, Barry Burton, Edward Brown and Leroy Crowley. The back 7 is deep enough to stall out some drive also.
