ChiefsPlanet - View Single Post - **** The Official Northwest Missouri State vs. Valdosta State Game Thread ****

**Bearcat** · 12-15-2007, 10:51 AM

D-II Championship: Northwest Missouri vs. Valdosta State matchups

When Northwest Missouri runs
Despite what the Harlon Hill trophy voters think, Northwest Missouri has the best running back in NCAA Division II in senior Xavior Omon. Omon is all but guaranteed to get at least 150 yards against a defense that allows 123 rushing yards per game.
EDGE: Northwest Missouri

When Northwest Missouri passes
With each game, Northwest Missouri junior quarterback Joel Osborn is becoming a more efficient passer. He’s gotten away from forcing balls into coverage, and that bodes well for the Bearcats. Osborn has also dealt with inclement weather the last two weeks, so the expected rain for today’s game shouldn’t bother him.
EDGE: Northwest Missouri

When Valdosta State runs
The Bearcats have been strong against the run all season, except for the second half against Pittsburg State. Valdosta State averages 178 yards rushing per game, but running back Michael Terry isn’t capable of hurting Northwest Missouri with his 82.4 yards rushing per game.
EDGE: Northwest Missouri

When Valdosta State passes
The Northwest Missouri secondary has made plays in crucial situations, but the Bearcats have given up some big pass plays, particularly in the first half against Grand Valley State last week. Valdosta State senior quarterback Willie Copeland ranked third in pass efficiency in the Gulf South Conference.
EDGE: Valdosta State

Special teams
Both teams have reliable place-kickers. Northwest Missouri has a more explosive kickoff returner. And don’t be surprised if the Bearcats block a punt.
EDGE: Northwest Missouri

Coaching
Valdosta coach David Dean led the Blazers to the Division II title in 2004 over a more talented Pittsburg State squad. Dean can coach. But what Mel Tjeerdsma has done in 14 seasons at Northwest Missouri has been phenomenal. He has taken a program that was at the bottom of the MIAA and transformed it into a Division II power that is making its third straight trip to the title game. Tjeerdsma’s team will not be denied.
EDGE: Northwest Missouri

Intangibles
Valdosta State overcame a 14-0 first-quarter deficit against Pittsburg State and came back and won 36-31 for the 2004 title. So the Blazers know how to win the biggest game. Northwest Missouri has lost the last two title games, so the Bearcats have the hunger.
EDGE: Northwest Missouri

PREDICTION: Northwest Missouri 31-17

•WHEN/WHERE: 11 a.m. today at Braly Field in Florence, Ala.
•TV/RADIO: ESPN2, WHB (810 AM), KCXL (1140 AM)

12-15-2007, 10:51 AM	#3
Bearcat Would an idiot do that? Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Arizona Casino cash: $-915069	D-II Championship: Northwest Missouri vs. Valdosta State matchups When Northwest Missouri runs Despite what the Harlon Hill trophy voters think, Northwest Missouri has the best running back in NCAA Division II in senior Xavior Omon. Omon is all but guaranteed to get at least 150 yards against a defense that allows 123 rushing yards per game. EDGE: Northwest Missouri When Northwest Missouri passes With each game, Northwest Missouri junior quarterback Joel Osborn is becoming a more efficient passer. He’s gotten away from forcing balls into coverage, and that bodes well for the Bearcats. Osborn has also dealt with inclement weather the last two weeks, so the expected rain for today’s game shouldn’t bother him. EDGE: Northwest Missouri When Valdosta State runs The Bearcats have been strong against the run all season, except for the second half against Pittsburg State. Valdosta State averages 178 yards rushing per game, but running back Michael Terry isn’t capable of hurting Northwest Missouri with his 82.4 yards rushing per game. EDGE: Northwest Missouri When Valdosta State passes The Northwest Missouri secondary has made plays in crucial situations, but the Bearcats have given up some big pass plays, particularly in the first half against Grand Valley State last week. Valdosta State senior quarterback Willie Copeland ranked third in pass efficiency in the Gulf South Conference. EDGE: Valdosta State Special teams Both teams have reliable place-kickers. Northwest Missouri has a more explosive kickoff returner. And don’t be surprised if the Bearcats block a punt. EDGE: Northwest Missouri Coaching Valdosta coach David Dean led the Blazers to the Division II title in 2004 over a more talented Pittsburg State squad. Dean can coach. But what Mel Tjeerdsma has done in 14 seasons at Northwest Missouri has been phenomenal. He has taken a program that was at the bottom of the MIAA and transformed it into a Division II power that is making its third straight trip to the title game. Tjeerdsma’s team will not be denied. EDGE: Northwest Missouri Intangibles Valdosta State overcame a 14-0 first-quarter deficit against Pittsburg State and came back and won 36-31 for the 2004 title. So the Blazers know how to win the biggest game. Northwest Missouri has lost the last two title games, so the Bearcats have the hunger. EDGE: Northwest Missouri PREDICTION: Northwest Missouri 31-17 •WHEN/WHERE: 11 a.m. today at Braly Field in Florence, Ala. •TV/RADIO: ESPN2, WHB (810 AM), KCXL (1140 AM)
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