Thoughts on the final 4 teams remaining
Wartburg College
After watching closely it's obvious to me this team is not just statistically good defensively, but they're clearly elite. I know that's not such a hot take, they've been great all year but in D3 we are really only used to seeing incredible championship caliber units come out of a handful of programs. But they have my stamp of approval! Defensive line is long and fast off the edges, linebackers and secondary pursue the ball very well and most importantly they play as a unit. The defense reminds me of Trinity quite a bit actually when I watch the front 7 but their defensive backs are a little longer.
Offensively the run game is also the real deal. The Clasen kid reminds me of a lot of Justin Beaver the UWW running back from a while back. All in all this is a really good team, looking forward to seeing them play vs a traditional power in a huge semi final game.
Mount Union
I believe from what I've seen this UMU team has taken a step forward on both sides of the ball from a year ago. But if I had to pick a side of the ball that has been more impressive I might have to go with the defense.. watching the game last year between Mount & NCC I couldn't help but feel like "this isn't the same Mount Union defense that we're used to". After watching the game vs Del Valley I think Mount is very close if not all the way back to being at that level again defensively. Gonna look into this one a little more before I decide on where to set the odds but right now it's gonna be close to a pick 'em in Alliance for me.
UMHB
Last year our team's performance vs Linfield was the turning point in our season and the 4th quarter comeback this last week vs Bethel where the Cru offense scored 24 unanswered had a very similar feel. I believe this offense is now where it was a year ago on our championship run.. our defense has gotten better and better all season & came up with some MASSIVE plays to stop Bethel. The turnovers were fantastic and something we've been lacking in big spots this season so that was good to see. I still wouldn't put this unit on the same level as our championship defense a year ago but given the youth and turnover I think it's about as much as I could've hoped for this season as a fan. They're good enough to give us a chance and that's all we can ask for.
NCC
I'm having a hard time getting a great feel for where this team is exactly because I've really only had the game vs Wheaton to examine and the other games haven't meant a whole lot. The game against Carnegie Melon was interesting as well.
My assessment of the offense is that they will once again have an elite run game and maybe the most athletic offensive line in D3 which is on par with the teams they've had the last few years. Luke Lehnen (QB) seems to be more involved in the run game this season & I would only expect him to take a step forward this season as a passer. Also I have not said this about many if any D3 players this year but I do believe Deangelo Hardy will have an NFL career.. so that never hurts to have on your team.
Defense, this is where I think NCC seems to have shored some things up. Particularly up front where they're elite against the run and rushing the passer.. I also wouldn't be surprised if they approach the UMHB offense with a little different game plan (maybe an umbrella coverage similar to Bethels) this go around. All in all NCC deserves to be the #1 team and as of now I'd probably have them listed as a field goal favorite or a little less.
Gonna be a fun weekend!
