By George Kopf (@GeorgeKopf19) & Matt Reynolds (@MattRey30)
With one week left in the FCS football regular season and the first round of Division II football playoffs about to begin, plenty of dramatics were in store across the country on this chilly November weekend. Plus, basketball has provided plenty of upset in its young season, getting you caught up on it all in vol. 12 of the Peak Sports Weekly Recap.
Lions Inch Closer to Southland Title
In a Peak Bowl rivalry, Southeastern Louisiana proved to be too much for Northwestern State, winning 23-7 in a crucial Southland meeting. The Lions (7-3, 4-1) used a strong first half to propel them to the important victory. By virtue of their early season win over Incarnate Word, SLU only needs a win on Thursday against rival Nicholls to clinch the Southland and grab an automatic bid into the FCS Playoffs. The Demons' conference success drew to a screeching halt, being held to just 209 yards of total offense.
Gorillas, Bulldogs Are Playoff Bound
Both top-10 Division II teams won on Saturday, finishing their strong regular seasons. Ferris State (9-1) topped Wayne State (MI) 35-14, while Pittsburg State (11-0) handled Fort Hays State 40-14. Both squads were selected to play in the 28-team Division II playoffs. The Bulldogs and Gorillas were drawn into the same part of the bracket as the 2-seed and 3-seed, respectively. If they win their first round games, they would play each other next weekend in a playoff Peak Bowl. Ferris State hosts Davenport, a conference foe, while Pittsburg State hosts Indianapolis this Saturday.
Eagles Elated, Celebration Bowl Bound
North Carolina Central has proved time and time again they are a dangerous team in the MEAC, and Saturday was no different. The Eagles defeated Norfolk State 48-14, securing their spot as the conference champion for the first time in six years. North Carolina Central (8-2, 4-1) used a dominant second quarter, scoring touchdowns on four straight possessions to send Spartans fans home early. The Eagles finish the regular season on the road, but have locked up their spot in the Cricket Celebration Bowl against the SWAC champions. That opponent is shaping up to be a head-on collision with Deion Sanders' Jackson State. What a wild game that will be.
Bears, Gamecocks Ready for Saturday Showdown
The two best in the ASUN won in commanding fashion, and it sets up a showdown for all the marbles. Central Arkansas (5-5, 3-1) stymied SFA 34-7 after a two touchdown performance from star wide receiver Kylin James. Down in Alabama, the Gamecocks (8-2, 4-0) never trailed and comfortably won their final FCS home game 42-17 over Eastern Kentucky. Jacksonville State's running attack is wickedly talented, with QB Zion Webb and RB Ron Wiggens causing problems for opposing defenses. This Saturday's matchup between the Bears and Gamecocks will be for the ASUN crown.
Go Streaking
Peak football programs are ending their seasons very strong, including four teams soaring on impressive win streaks. Florida A&M (8-2. 6-1) won their eighth straight after starting 0-2, scoring just enough in a 21-14 back-and-forth Peak Bowl against Alabama State. Elsewhere, Murray State (2-8, 1-3) has found their stride, winning back-to-back games in a 27-9 win over Robert Morris. Moving west, the Utah Tech (4-6, 2-2) offense hasn't stopped rolling and picked up a 34-28 home win over Tarleton and their third consecutive contest. Lastly, the Holy Cross Crusaders won again and remained undefeated in a 36-29 win over Bryant. The Crusaders (10-0, 5-0) will look to complete their sixth undefeated regular season in program history this weekend against Georgetown.
Griffons' Ground Game Dominates
Missouri Western concluded their season with a 41-0 shutout over Lincoln (MO). The Griffons (5-6) started and ended the season with shutout victories, last doing so in 1975. The star of the show on Saturday was RB Titus Young, who broke multiple rushing records on his Senior Day and received our Athlete of the Week (see below).
Hoop, There It Is!
Basketball is underway and there have already been so many upsets. Southeastern Louisiana beat Wyoming 76-72 on Sunday, dominating the second half. Elsewhere, Utah Tech won their home opener, holding off Cal State Northridge 69-63 on Sunday. However, it was Northwestern State that stole the show on Monday night. The Demons knocked off No. 15 TCU 64-63 on the road in one of the season's best upsets. Senior Ja'Monta Black made seven three-pointers, part of his 25 points, that helped Northwestern State get their first win over a ranked opponent since 2006.
Scores from Peak Action
#2 Sacramento State 45, Portland State 17 (Friday)
#5 Holy Cross 36, Bryant 29
#6 Ferris State 40, Wayne State (MI) 14
Wofford 34, VMI 16
The Citadel 66, Virginia-Lynchburg 0
Murray State 27, Robert Morris 9
Morgan State 37, Delaware State 7
NC Central 48, Norfolk State 14
Jacksonville State 42, Eastern Kentucky 17
Missouri Western 41, Lincoln (MO) 0
Florida A&M 21, Alabama State 14
#5 Pittsburg State 35, Fort Hays State 14
Utah Tech 34, Tarleton 28
Central Washington 49, UTPB 14
Western New Mexico 38, Eastern New Mexico 24
Nicholls 12, TAMU-Commerce 10
#25 Southeastern Louisiana 23, Northwestern State 7
Central Arkansas 34, SFA 7
Tennessee Tech 35, North Alabama 27
Peak Sports Athlete of the Week
Week 11: RB Titus McCoy, Missouri Western
With his performance on Saturday, McCoy had a Senior Day he will never forget. In his last game as a Missouri Western Griffon, the senior from Indianapolis, IN had 35 carries for 289 yards and five touchdowns. His yard total broke the 26-year old single-game school rushing record, while his five scores tied a single-game school record. The first Division II player to receive our Athlete of the Week, McCoy's stats on Saturday helped ensure a 41-0 shutout victory over Lincoln (MO).
