The weird non-conference weeks are done, and now we get down to the real nitty-gritty of UMAC football. We've already had some excitement this year, with St. Scholastica off to a strong start and Crown finally getting that 24-game losing streak off of their back, there are a few news worthy notables. But now that stuff is over and we're moving on to bigger and better things; pride, history, and rivalries. Okay, maybe I just wrote that because it sounds cool; I don't know if there are a ton of rivalries in the UMAC besides Crown/Northwestern. Either way, tensions are much higher in these conference games, and it'll be fun to see how they play out!
Okay, here are the matchups for week three:
Westminster at Iowa Wesleyan - Both of these teams come into this matchup 0-2, and will be hungry for their first win. Only one will emerge victorious, obviously, and based on my extra keen knowledge of non-UMAC teams (that was sarcasm if you couldn't tell), that one will be Westminster. The Blue Jays put up some points against Nebraska Wesleyan in week one, really the only notable game between the two teams so far. The Westminster passing attack has been serviceable, with QB Wyatt Ellis throwing for 386 yards and 5 TDs in the first two weeks, with WR Travion Mosby accounting for 176 of those yards receiving and 3 of the TDs. I think Westminster will prove a bit too much, but I can't confidently say that it will be a sound defeat. The Tigers may be able to claw their way into this one. I'll take the Blue Jays in close-ish battle, 35-24.
Greenville at Northwestern - The Panthers surprised me with a win over visiting Kalamazoo last week, and maybe it means they're ready to play. They didn't show it much in week one, but maybe that set the fire under their butts. Northwestern played a few tough teams and really didn't come up with anything to show for it. I'm thinking this will be a close one, but the Eagles will take their home field advantage and history of solid defense and ride to victory in a tight matchup. This is also the UMAC Game of the Week. Big stakes here. Northwestern squeaks by Greenville, 17-14.
MacMurray at Minnesota Morris - The Highlanders have played some decent teams, and put some points up on the board. The Cougars, on the other hand, haven't been able to scrounge together much offense; or defense, for that matter. This game will be in the Big Cat, but I think MacMurray still has a strong remaining team and will come out on top easily in this one. The Highlanders tame the Cougars, 35-17.
Crown at St. Scholastica - The Storm finally had their big win last week against Beloit, and maybe that will spur them on to more success this year. Unfortunately, they're coming against a rolling Saints offense led by QB Zach Edwards, who leads the UMAC in passing by far with 593 yards and 9 TDs. He's setting a record pace already, and it'll be tough for Crown to slow him down. Even though Crown has the best passing defense on paper, only allowing 194 yards and 0 TDs through two games, I think it'll be tough for them to keep up in this one. The Saints will keep their momentum going to push back the Storm. St. Scholastica triumphs at home, 38-14.
Martin Luther is on their bye this week, and I can only imagine D3football.com Team of the Week winner Mike Radue is kicking his feet up with a fruity drink and curly straw (or pint of German beer, those Lutherans ya know), probably hanging out with his buds Zach Bloomquist and Austin DeNoyer in separate bathtubs overlooking New Ulm. Or maybe they're enjoying a poolside tan by the Pit after it's filled with rainwater. Either way, they're resting after a hard-earned victory over Rockford last week, and will start preparing for their week four opponent, Greenville.
Well, that's all for week three, folks! Looking forward to some UMAC action. Check out the UMAC schedule here and the statistic leaders here. You can follow me as I attempt to keep up with the games on Twitter, and for kicks and giggles, you can check out the Facebook page as well. Let me know your thoughts about week three, either here or on social media! Good luck to all players and coaches, and as always...prove me wrong.
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