This is easily the toughest game to predict in the second round of the NAIA Football Championship Series. Morningside has played like a title contender at times this year while College of Idaho has slowly risen to new heights this fall. Both teams have solid defenses and both are led by experienced coaches who will have their squads ready.
Keys: Morningside University (9-2)
- Don’t force the offense. Take what COI gives you on defense and prevent yourself from turning the ball over.
- Get pressure from the DL into the COI backfield. Force them to throw on the run and out of rhythm.
- Run the ball successfully in short yardage.
- Make COI one dimensional on offense.
Keys: College of Idaho (9-1)
- Pressure MU QB Zach Chevalier to throw on the run and make mistakes.
- Establish a dual threat attack on offense.
- Grind on Morningside’s defense with the run game.
- Stretch the field when possible with the speed of the Yote’s WRs.
Prediction
The formula is very simple in this game. The offense that makes the fewest amount of mistakes and holds onto the football will win this game. Morningside looks unstoppable when they do that. COI looks equally as good when their run game and pass game are balanced. The defense that forces the mistake and gets points will get the advantage and ultimately the win. I’ve changed my prediction four times this week already but this is what I’m sticking with.
Morningside 31 College of Idaho 24
