By George Kopf (@GeorgeKopf19) and Matt Reynolds (@MattRey30)
Men's Basketball: Northwestern State Demons (5-2) @ SFA Lumberjacks (4-3)
Thurs. Dec. 1; 9 PM ET/ESPN+ ($)
Northwestern State takes their four-game win streak on the road to Nacogdoches, TX to face SFA. To continue their hot start, the Demons look to defend the glass and rebound well, as the Lumberjacks average 10.9 offensive rebounds per game, good for fifth in the WAC. Since the Demons typically run a smaller lineup with their dynamic trio of transfers, the battle will be won in the paint on Thursday evening. If Northwestern State continues to win these tough matchups, they have a shot at reaching their goals by the end of the season.
Men's Basketball: Utah Tech Trailblazers (3-4) @ Utah State Aggies (5-0)
Thurs. Dec. 1; 9 PM ET/Mountain West Network
A Beehive State rivalry at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum is sure to be a good one on Thursday. The Trailblazers travel north, hoping to slow down the fast-paced Aggies. Utah Tech relies on sophomore Tanner Christensen to methodically lead their offense, while Utah State averages over 88 points per with junior Steven Ashworth doing most of the heavy lifting. This matchup will be a contrast of two different styles of basketball that are sure to collide in an intriguing battle.
New Hampshire Wildcats (9-3) @ #8 Holy Cross Crusaders (11-0)
Round 2 of FCS Playoffs
Sat. Dec. 3; 12 PM ET/ESPN+ ($)
Following a first-round bye, the Crusaders start their quest to Frisco, TX to play for the FCS National Championship. To keep the dream alive, they will have to get past a pesky New Hampshire team. The Wildcats made enough defensive plays to outpace Fordham and hope to do the same against a high-powered Holy Cross offense. Matthew Sluka, Jalen Coker and the rest of the Holy Cross playmakers want to continue their historic season, as a victory would set the school's single-season win mark.
Men's Basketball: Charleston Cougars (7-1) @ The Citadel Bulldogs (5-3)
Sat. Dec. 3; 1 PM ET/ESPN+ ($)
After a six-year hiatus, the crosstown rivalry between Charleston and The Citadel is back on. Just two miles isolate the two schools, but Bulldogs first-year head coach Ed Conroy made it a priority to get the Cougars back on the schedule. The Citadel leads the all-time series 57-40 despite Charleston having won the last 10 in the series. The Cougars have been great so far, owning quality wins over Virginia Tech, Davidson, and Colorado State, only losing to North Carolina. The Bulldogs look to pull off a big win and end the streak, and transfer Austin Ash and senior Stephen Clark will likely be the facilitators to make that happen.
D-II: #2 Ferris State Bulldogs (11-1) @ #1 Grand Valley State Lakers (12-0)
Quarterfinal Round of Playoffs - Super Region 3
Sat. Dec. 3; 1 PM ET/FloSports ($)
The Bulldogs' return trip to the Division II National Championship is still most definitely in reach. After two home playoff tilts, Ferris State hits the road for a postseason rematch of the Anchor-Bone Classic. The last few meetings have been notable in the rivalry, including earlier in October, where the Lakers prevailed 22-21 in Big Rapids. Grand Valley State gets home-field advantage this time around, but Ferris States' average of 38.8 points per game on the road proves they aren't scared of enemy territory. Last year, Ferris State completed a sweep of the Lakers 54-20 in the playoffs on the way to their first national title. The stage is set and the stakes are high; the winner moves on, and the loser goes home with the season ended by their rival.
Southeastern Louisiana Lions (9-3) @ #6 Samford Bulldogs (10-1)
Round 2 of FCS Playoffs
Sat. Dec. 3; 3 PM ET/ESPN+ ($)
The Lions fended off a strong Idaho team in the first round to advance to the second, and their reward is a good Samford squad well-rested and ready for their first playoff game. Traveling just east, Southeastern Louisiana will likely find another quality performance from QB Cephus Johnson III to help them keep the national title in their sights. A Lions win would give the program its first road playoff win and second quarterfinal appearance ever.
