NAIA Week 0 is in the book and man it feels good to have college football back. Sure it wasn’t a full slate of games but that doesn’t mean it didn’t lack drama. It also doesn’t mean there weren’t some real shitty games. Here’s the high level “what you need to care about” from this weekend’s slate
Morningside defeats Benedictine, 20-17: We knew there would be questions at the QB position for both teams coming into this game. We also knew these two teams could be considered for national title implications later in the season. In the end, the result was what I expected but the manner of the result was not. Morningside turned the ball over 5 times in a road game. That almost never results in a victory. Is it a testament to this team’s ability to never say die? Or did they just get lucky and Benedictine couldn’t capitalize? Too early to tell. QB Lennx Brown of Morningside had 246 total yards in this game and scored from 12 yards out to put the Mustangs up for good.
Graceland defeats Doane, 42-17: A lot of you might look at this result and say, “so what?” But I look at this game and realize this is game 1 of the second full season for Pat Ross at Graceland. The Yellow Jackets improved last year and putting up 42 in the season opener against a non-conference opponent is enough to at least raise one eyebrow. QB Cade Ross threw for 430 yards in the win.
Ottawa (AZ) defeats Arizona Christian, 37-7. The closest thing to rivalry NAIA football in Arizona was a big dud. ACU couldn’t do anything against OU who took a 24-7 lead into halftime. OU had 556 yards of total offense to ACU’s 217. Games like this you want to blame on turnovers or something like that but ACU only turned it over once. They were just outmatched. . .and now they get to play against the Frontier Conference.
Evangel defeats Kansas Wesleyan, 17-7. KWU entered the season at No. 20 in the Coaches Poll and will likely exit in the first week of rankings after this loss. EU out-gained KWU 399-148 in total offense. The Coyotes added to their woes losing 4 fumbles. EU wins their first ever KCAC game.
Montana State Northern defeats Mayville State, 14-0. The Lights snap a 13 game losing streak at home.
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