The Ship
The season is nearly over in Wilkinson. Another season of upsets, surprises and crushed dreams. A couple of days ago there were 32 teams, all with the same goal and now we're down to just two. Fewer teams but the goal remains the same. For one coach it would be his 3rd NC and the other is searching for his first.
Both of these teams have QBs that have thrown for over 40 TD each. You'd think that they were pass heavy teams but both teams use pretty balanced attacks as they also boast backs who have both scored over 30 TD each and over 2000 yards on the ground. Both teams also have stout defenses. Both teams only gave up more than 30 points in a game, 6 combined times this season. Statistically they're actually pretty even teams with UNI having slightly higher numbers. One difference is the number of losses.
UNI comes in as the only remaining undefeated team in DIAA. SFA comes in with 2 losses on the season. Both games that SFA lost were extremely close losses to coaches who are also well known in this world. SFA can do what it takes to win big games, they will just need to play lights out as the team that they face is GUESS rated #1 and for good reason. UNI is stacked. 3 Top 25 QBs, 3 top 10 RBs, 3 top 100 WR, 2 top 50 TE, 4 top 100 OL... ok ok you get the idea. This team doesn't have many weaknesses.
Trying to find a chink in the armor is what coach jeffc7823 is trying to do. JeffC has an impressive 131-49 (72.8%) record in 12 seasons at SFA. Over that time he has tallied 3 conference titles and the team has advanced past the first round of playoffs every season since season 135. His coaching matchup is against jddriscoll, a coach who has now wracked up a 171-21 (89.1%) in 11 seasons while at UNI. They have acquired 11 CCs and are the 2 time defending National Champions.
This game smells of a tough road for SFA, there is a lot to overcome in this game. Jeffc is going to have to coach out of his mind and his players are going to have to perform to the same level. Can that happen?.... This is Wilkinson my friends, we have seen crazier things. To both of the teams and coaches in this game tomorrow, Good luck. Congratulations on what you have accomplished this season.
