By George Kopf (@GeorgeKopf19) and Matt Reynolds (@MattRey30)
Football: #8 Holy Cross Crusaders (12-0) @ #1 South Dakota State Jackrabbits (11-1)
FCS Quarterfinals
Sat. Dec. 10; 12 PM ET/ESPN
A historical Holy Cross season rolls on with their shot at the top-ranked Jackrabbits in a nationally televised playoff game on Saturday. These teams have met only once, a 31-3 South Dakota State victory in the first round of the delayed 2020 playoffs. South Dakota State hasn't lost to an FCS opponent this season and almost overtook FBS opponent Iowa in their first game. Still, Holy Cross taking out FBS opponent Buffalo shows they aren't a team to be taken for granted. Playing in their first quarterfinal since 1983, Holy Cross's offense looks to get back to its regular season form to knock off the Jackrabbits. Reaching the semifinals would be yet another first for the Holy Cross program and cement the legacy of this team.
Football: #4 West Florida Argonauts (11-1) @ #1 Ferris State Bulldogs (12-1)
Division II National Semifinal
Sat. Dec. 10; 12 PM ET/ESPN+ ($)
Ferris State finds itself in familiar territory, advancing to their fourth straight national semifinal. A matchup of the last two national champions, this game should be an absolute dandy. The Argonauts knocked off Ferris State in 2019 en route to winning the national championship. The winner heads off to McKinney, TX and the Bulldogs want to ensure they can defend the title. West Florida has averaged 42 ppg in their 3 playoff games, but an incredibly stingy Ferris State defense featuring Caleb Murphy will look to shut that offense down.
Men's Basketball: Wofford Terriers (6-4) @ Georgia Southern Eagles (5-4)
Sat. Dec. 10; 3 PM ET/ESPN+ ($)
Wofford enters Saturday's contest with a trip to the south side of Georgia could be their first triumph away from Spartansburg, SC. Freshman guard Jackson Paveletzke has taken major strides over the last five games for the Terriers, averaging 15.6 points per game. His scoring surge will complement the inside game of senior B.J. Mack, who has put up double figures in all ten games this season. If the Terriers can play at their pace and play quality basketball, expect them to knock off the Eagles and grab that elusive first road win.
Men's Basketball: Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks (3-6) @ Northwestern State Demons (7-2)
Sat. Dec. 10; 4:30 PM ET/ESPN+ ($)
The Demons are on fire, hoping for a seventh straight win come Saturday. Their early start to the season has surprised many outside of Natchitoches, LA. First year head coach Corey Gipson has his squad playing inspired basketball, while transfer guard DeMarcus Sharp has continued to keep the Demons in games with his scoring. Saturday's home game against the in-state rival Warhawks should be plenty of motivation to keep playing at a high level. Keep an eye on the Demons this year; they may continue to surprise folks.
Men's Basketball: Central Arkansas Bears (4-4) @ Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (6-3)
Sat. Dec. 10; 8 PM ET/ORU Sports Network
Central Arkansas heads northwest to Tulsa to play a notable mid-major program that has recent NCAA Tournament success. Oral Roberts' run to the Sweet 16 just two years ago put the school on the map. Their Cinderella run is certainly behind them, but senior guard Max Abmas still remains a key threat for the Golden Eagles. Meanwhile, the Bears are still looking for their identity eight games in and are bound to have a big jump at any time now. Look for the Bears to come out swinging in this bout!
