It might be late, but better late than never. As 2006 draws to a close, here's the final tally for the Lightning for this past season.
CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES--4-1 (.800)
Only miss was the NAIA title game. (Sioux Falls defeated St. Francis (Ind.) 23-19 on Dec. 19)
FINAL NUMBERS FOR THE 2006 SEASON
341-154 (.689)
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM REAL FOOTBALL CENTRAL!!!!!
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Sunday, December 31, 2006
Sunday, December 24, 2006
MOUNT UNION AIMS HIGH!
Their latest NCAA Division III football national championship trophy may be fresh in the trophy case, but Mount Union already has its sights on doing the "hat trick".
Article courtesy of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Article courtesy of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Monday, December 18, 2006
MONDAY NIGHT ROUNDUP--DECEMBER 18, 2006 (SEASON FINALE)
Well, here it is, the final edition of "MNR" for 2006. So, what are we waiting for? Let's go!
FCS RECAP
Appalachian State repeats as national champions with a 28-17 win over Massachusetts.
Article courtesy of College Sporting News
GRAND REPEAT FOR GRAND VALLEY
Grand Valley repeats as NCAA Division II national champions after downing Northwest Missouri State 17-14 at Florence, Ala. Saturday.
Article courtesy of mlive.com
MOUNT UNION MAULS WISCONSIN-WHITEWATER
The trophies just keep on coming for the Mount Union College Purple Raiders, as they won their ninth NCAA Division III title in the last 14 years with a 35-16 win over Wisconsin-Whitewater in Stagg Bowl XXXIV at Salem, Va. last Saturday.
Article courtesy of Cleveland.com
SIOUX FALLS WINS NAIA TITLE
The University of Sioux Falls (S.D.) Cougars won their first NAIA national championship since 1996, as they defeated the University of St. Francis (Ind.) Cougars 23-19.
Article courtesy of Victory Sports Network
ALABAMA A&M WINS SWAC CROWN
The fourth time proves to be the charm for the Bulldogs, as they down the Golden Lions to win their first-ever SWAC title.
Article courtesy of al.com
FCS RECAP
Appalachian State repeats as national champions with a 28-17 win over Massachusetts.
Article courtesy of College Sporting News
GRAND REPEAT FOR GRAND VALLEY
Grand Valley repeats as NCAA Division II national champions after downing Northwest Missouri State 17-14 at Florence, Ala. Saturday.
Article courtesy of mlive.com
MOUNT UNION MAULS WISCONSIN-WHITEWATER
The trophies just keep on coming for the Mount Union College Purple Raiders, as they won their ninth NCAA Division III title in the last 14 years with a 35-16 win over Wisconsin-Whitewater in Stagg Bowl XXXIV at Salem, Va. last Saturday.
Article courtesy of Cleveland.com
SIOUX FALLS WINS NAIA TITLE
The University of Sioux Falls (S.D.) Cougars won their first NAIA national championship since 1996, as they defeated the University of St. Francis (Ind.) Cougars 23-19.
Article courtesy of Victory Sports Network
ALABAMA A&M WINS SWAC CROWN
The fourth time proves to be the charm for the Bulldogs, as they down the Golden Lions to win their first-ever SWAC title.
Article courtesy of al.com
Thursday, December 14, 2006
THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 16 (THE 2006 FINALE)
Last Week--5-1 (.833)
Year-To-Date--337-153 (.688)
Well, it has come down to this! Weeks and weeks of drills during the preseason, followed by more weekends of fall football frenzy have culminated into a championship weekend! So, as always, let's not waste any time. Let's go!
NCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISION--FINALS
at Chattanooga, Tenn.
Massachusetts (13-1) vs. Appalachian State (13-1)
NCAA DIVISION II--CHAMPIONSHIP
at Florence, Ala.
Grand Valley State (13-0) vs. Northwest Missouri State (13-0)
NCAA DIVISION III--CHAMPIONSHIP
at Salem, Va.
Wisconsin-Whitewater (13-0) vs. Mount Union (13-0)
NAIA
at Savannah, Tenn.
Sioux Falls (13-0) vs. St. Francis (Ind.)--(13-0)
SWAC CHAMPIONSHIP
at Birmingham, Ala.
Alabama A&M (8-3) vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (8-3)
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM REAL FOOTBALL CENTRAL!!!!
Year-To-Date--337-153 (.688)
Well, it has come down to this! Weeks and weeks of drills during the preseason, followed by more weekends of fall football frenzy have culminated into a championship weekend! So, as always, let's not waste any time. Let's go!
NCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISION--FINALS
at Chattanooga, Tenn.
Massachusetts (13-1) vs. Appalachian State (13-1)
NCAA DIVISION II--CHAMPIONSHIP
at Florence, Ala.
Grand Valley State (13-0) vs. Northwest Missouri State (13-0)
NCAA DIVISION III--CHAMPIONSHIP
at Salem, Va.
Wisconsin-Whitewater (13-0) vs. Mount Union (13-0)
NAIA
at Savannah, Tenn.
Sioux Falls (13-0) vs. St. Francis (Ind.)--(13-0)
SWAC CHAMPIONSHIP
at Birmingham, Ala.
Alabama A&M (8-3) vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (8-3)
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM REAL FOOTBALL CENTRAL!!!!
NCAA DIVISION I CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW
It all comes down to one game Friday night, as Appalachian State tries to defend its national title against Massachusetts in a nationally-televised game on ESPN.
Click here for the preview!
Click here for the preview!
Monday, December 11, 2006
MONDAY NIGHT ROUNDUP--OCTOBER 11, 2006
Well, it has come down to this! The national champions of small college football will be decided this weekend! So, what are waiting for? Let's get started with a review of how all of the teams got to the title games in their respective divisions!
NCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISION
It's Appalachian State vs. Massachusetts for all of the marbles in Chattanooga Friday night!
Article courtesy of College Sporting News
NCAA DIVISION II
It's a rematch of last year's title game here: Grand Valley State vs. Northwest Missouri State. Click on the links below for game summaries.
Grand Valley State 49, Delta State 30
Northwest Missouri State 33, Bloomsburg 3
NCAA DIVISION III
There's a rematch at the Stagg Bowl in Salem, Va. too, as Mount Union matches wits against Wisconsin-Whitewater for the second straight year.
Mount Union 26, St. John Fisher 14
Wisconsin-Whitewater 44, Wesley 7
NAIA
Article courtesy of Victory Sports Network
NCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISION
It's Appalachian State vs. Massachusetts for all of the marbles in Chattanooga Friday night!
Article courtesy of College Sporting News
NCAA DIVISION II
It's a rematch of last year's title game here: Grand Valley State vs. Northwest Missouri State. Click on the links below for game summaries.
Grand Valley State 49, Delta State 30
Northwest Missouri State 33, Bloomsburg 3
NCAA DIVISION III
There's a rematch at the Stagg Bowl in Salem, Va. too, as Mount Union matches wits against Wisconsin-Whitewater for the second straight year.
Mount Union 26, St. John Fisher 14
Wisconsin-Whitewater 44, Wesley 7
NAIA
Article courtesy of Victory Sports Network
Saturday, December 09, 2006
TEXAS A&M-KINGSVILLE NAMES NEW HEAD COACH
Keith Baxter hopes to restore the lost luster of a once proud program at the NCAA Division II level, as he became the new head coach Texas A&M-Kingsville Thursday.
Article courtesy of kristv.com
Article courtesy of kristv.com
HOLIDAY HYSTERIA--THE ROAD TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP
NCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP--SEMIFINALS
UMASS KNOCKS OFF MONTANA 19-17...PUNCHES TICKET TO CHATTANOOGA!!!
The Minutemen from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst reach the championship game of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), formerly NCAA Division I-AA, for the first time since 1998, by pulling out a surprising win in hostile territory over the Grizzlies Friday night, before a national television audience on ESPN2.
Expanded Coverage
Article courtesy of Boston.com
University of Massachusetts Press Release
University of Montana Recap
Article courtesy of Helena (Mont.) Independent-Record
Associated Press Recap
UMASS KNOCKS OFF MONTANA 19-17...PUNCHES TICKET TO CHATTANOOGA!!!
The Minutemen from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst reach the championship game of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), formerly NCAA Division I-AA, for the first time since 1998, by pulling out a surprising win in hostile territory over the Grizzlies Friday night, before a national television audience on ESPN2.
Expanded Coverage
Article courtesy of Boston.com
University of Massachusetts Press Release
University of Montana Recap
Article courtesy of Helena (Mont.) Independent-Record
Associated Press Recap
Thursday, December 07, 2006
THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 15
Last Week--15-2 (.882)
Year-To-Date--332-151 (.687)
A light slate of games this weekend, as it's all NCAA, all the time!
KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED
Most important games highlighted in BOLD type.
Classic games highlighted in italics.
NCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISION--SEMIFINALS
Massachusetts (12-1) at Montana (12-1)
(It's the Grizzlies hosting the Minutemen in the mountain air that is Big Sky Country!)
Youngstown State (11-2) at Appalachian State (12-1)
NCAA DIVISION II PLAYOFFS--SEMIFINALS
Delta State (12-2) at Grand Valley State (13-0)
Bloomsburg (12-1) at Northwest Missouri State (13-0)
(It's the Huskies versus the Bearcats on ESPNU!)
NCAA DIVISION III PLAYOFFS--SEMIFINALS
St. John Fisher (12-1) at Mount Union (13-0)
(It's the Rochester Redbirds taking on the Purple Raiders in this potential classic!)
Wesley (13-0) at Wisconsin-Whitewater (13-0)
(The Warhawks and Wolverines square off in the semis for the second straight year!)
Year-To-Date--332-151 (.687)
A light slate of games this weekend, as it's all NCAA, all the time!
KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED
Most important games highlighted in BOLD type.
Classic games highlighted in italics.
NCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISION--SEMIFINALS
Massachusetts (12-1) at Montana (12-1)
(It's the Grizzlies hosting the Minutemen in the mountain air that is Big Sky Country!)
Youngstown State (11-2) at Appalachian State (12-1)
NCAA DIVISION II PLAYOFFS--SEMIFINALS
Delta State (12-2) at Grand Valley State (13-0)
Bloomsburg (12-1) at Northwest Missouri State (13-0)
(It's the Huskies versus the Bearcats on ESPNU!)
NCAA DIVISION III PLAYOFFS--SEMIFINALS
St. John Fisher (12-1) at Mount Union (13-0)
(It's the Rochester Redbirds taking on the Purple Raiders in this potential classic!)
Wesley (13-0) at Wisconsin-Whitewater (13-0)
(The Warhawks and Wolverines square off in the semis for the second straight year!)
Monday, December 04, 2006
NO MONDAY NIGHT ROUNDUP
This week's Monday Night Roundup will not run due to "technical difficulties". Sorry for the inconvenience.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
HOLIDAY HYSTERIA--ROAD TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP
MORE ON MOUNT UNION
Even at the NCAA Division III level, it's not easy staying on top. Read on to find out how and why Mount Union manages to stay among the nation's elite small college football programs year in and year out.
Article courtesy of Akron (Ohio) Beacon Journal
Even at the NCAA Division III level, it's not easy staying on top. Read on to find out how and why Mount Union manages to stay among the nation's elite small college football programs year in and year out.
Article courtesy of Akron (Ohio) Beacon Journal
HOLIDAY HYSTERIA--THE ROAD TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP
THE PLAYOFFS IN REVIEW--PART TWO
This installment recaps the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III playoffs, as well as the semifinals of the NAIA playoffs.
NCAA DIVISION III PLAYOFFS--QUARTERFINALS
Mount Union 17, Capital 14
The eight-time national champion Purple Raiders moved one step closer to adding yet another title to their trophy case, but not before holding off a challenge from a Crusaders in a close finish.
Article courtesy of Akron (Ohio) Beacon Journal
Bonus coverage courtesy of Cleveland.com
St. John Fisher 31, Rowan 0
The Cardinals advance to the national semifinals for the first time ever by pounding the Profs!
Article courtesy of Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Wesley 34, Mary Hardin-Baylor 20
The Wolverines from Dover, Del. advance to the semis after holding off a late rally from their Texas foes.
Article courtesy of Delaware Online
Wisconsin-Whitewater 17, St. John's (Minn.) 14
The Warhawks ward off a challenge from the Johnnies for a big quarterfinal win.
Article courtesy of Janesville (Wis.) Gazette
Bonus coverage
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, Wis.)
NAIA PLAYOFFS--SEMIFINALS
Sioux Falls 25, Missouri Valley 18
The Cougars from South Dakota punched their ticket to Savannah, Tenn. after holding off the Vikings in a thriller!
Article courtesy of Sioux Falls (S.D.) Argus Leader
St. Francis (Ind.) 49, St. Xavier 20
The Cougars from Fort Wayne, Ind. got the other spot in the NAIA title game by stomping a pack of Cougars from Chicago.
Article courtesy of Fort Wayne.com
This installment recaps the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III playoffs, as well as the semifinals of the NAIA playoffs.
NCAA DIVISION III PLAYOFFS--QUARTERFINALS
Mount Union 17, Capital 14
The eight-time national champion Purple Raiders moved one step closer to adding yet another title to their trophy case, but not before holding off a challenge from a Crusaders in a close finish.
Article courtesy of Akron (Ohio) Beacon Journal
Bonus coverage courtesy of Cleveland.com
St. John Fisher 31, Rowan 0
The Cardinals advance to the national semifinals for the first time ever by pounding the Profs!
Article courtesy of Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Wesley 34, Mary Hardin-Baylor 20
The Wolverines from Dover, Del. advance to the semis after holding off a late rally from their Texas foes.
Article courtesy of Delaware Online
Wisconsin-Whitewater 17, St. John's (Minn.) 14
The Warhawks ward off a challenge from the Johnnies for a big quarterfinal win.
Article courtesy of Janesville (Wis.) Gazette
Bonus coverage
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, Wis.)
NAIA PLAYOFFS--SEMIFINALS
Sioux Falls 25, Missouri Valley 18
The Cougars from South Dakota punched their ticket to Savannah, Tenn. after holding off the Vikings in a thriller!
Article courtesy of Sioux Falls (S.D.) Argus Leader
St. Francis (Ind.) 49, St. Xavier 20
The Cougars from Fort Wayne, Ind. got the other spot in the NAIA title game by stomping a pack of Cougars from Chicago.
Article courtesy of Fort Wayne.com
HOLIDAY HYSTERIA--THE ROAD TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP
THE PLAYOFFS IN REVIEW
Here's a quick recap of Saturday's playoff action.
NCAA DIVISION I QUARTERFINALS ACTION RECAP
Article courtesy of College Sporting News.
NCAA DIVISION II PLAYOFFS--QUARTERFINALS
Delta State 27, North Alabama 10
Statesmen pull off yet another upset on the road, end Lions perfect season!
Article courtesy of the Jackson (Miss.) Clarion Ledger
Grand Valley State 30, North Dakota 20
Next stop for the Statesmen is Michigan, as the Lakers stop the Fighting Sioux!
Article courtesy of milive.com.
Bloomsburg 24, Shepherd 21
The Huskies win 12th straight game, knock off Rams!
Article courtesy of Sunbury (Pa.) Daily Item
Here's a quick recap of Saturday's playoff action.
NCAA DIVISION I QUARTERFINALS ACTION RECAP
Article courtesy of College Sporting News.
NCAA DIVISION II PLAYOFFS--QUARTERFINALS
Delta State 27, North Alabama 10
Statesmen pull off yet another upset on the road, end Lions perfect season!
Article courtesy of the Jackson (Miss.) Clarion Ledger
Grand Valley State 30, North Dakota 20
Next stop for the Statesmen is Michigan, as the Lakers stop the Fighting Sioux!
Article courtesy of milive.com.
Bloomsburg 24, Shepherd 21
The Huskies win 12th straight game, knock off Rams!
Article courtesy of Sunbury (Pa.) Daily Item
Friday, December 01, 2006
THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 14
Last Week--24-6 (.800)
Year-To-Date--317-149 (.680)
December is just around the corner, and as the number of games played get smaller, the stakes only get bigger. So, what are waiting for! Let's get started!
KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED
Most important games highlighted in BOLD type.
Classic games highlighted in italics.
NCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP--SECOND ROUND
Montana State (8-4) at Appalachian State (11-1)
Illinois State (9-3) at Youngstown State (10-2)
("Real Biggie" re-match of Gateway Conference squads!)
New Hampshire (9-3) at Massachusetts (11-1)
Southern Illinois (9-3) at Montana (11-1)
NCAA DIVISION II PLAYOFFS--QUARTERFINALS
North Dakota (11-1) at Grand Valley State (12-0)
(Both teams have combined to win four of the last five national championships! [UND in 2001; GVSU in 2002, 2003, & 2005])
Delta State (11-2) at North Alabama (11-0)
(Another regular season re-match of conference foes!)
Bloomsburg (11-1) at Shepherd (11-0)
(The top two seeds in the Northeast Region finally square off in West Virginia this weekend!)
Chadron State (12-0) at Northwest Missouri State (12-0)
(Unbeaten teams battle for bragging rights in the Southwest Region this Saturday!)
NCAA DIVISION III PLAYOFFS--QUARTERFINALS
Capital (11-1) at Mount Union (12-0)
(Yet another re-match of a conference regular season game!)
Rowan (9-2) at St. John Fisher (11-1)
Mary Hardin-Baylor (10-2) at Wesley (12-0)
St. John's (Minn.)--(11-1) at Wisconsin-Whitewater (12-0)
(It's the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" [MIAC] against the "Cheese League" [WIAC] in this huge showdown!)
NAIA PLAYOFFS--SEMIFINALS
St. Xavier (10-2) at St. Francis (Ind.)--(12-0)
Missouri Valley (13-0) at Sioux Falls (12-0)
(A battle of unbeatens in the Upper Midwest ensues!)
OTHER GAMES
Alcorn State (5-5) at Grambling State (3-7)
Bemidji State (9-2) vs. Pittsburg State (9-2)*
*--Mineral Water Bowl at Excelsior Springs, Mo.
Johnson C. Smith (7-3) vs. Tuskegee (8-3)%
%--Pioneer Bowl at Charlotte, N.C.
Year-To-Date--317-149 (.680)
December is just around the corner, and as the number of games played get smaller, the stakes only get bigger. So, what are waiting for! Let's get started!
KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED
Most important games highlighted in BOLD type.
Classic games highlighted in italics.
NCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP--SECOND ROUND
Montana State (8-4) at Appalachian State (11-1)
Illinois State (9-3) at Youngstown State (10-2)
("Real Biggie" re-match of Gateway Conference squads!)
New Hampshire (9-3) at Massachusetts (11-1)
Southern Illinois (9-3) at Montana (11-1)
NCAA DIVISION II PLAYOFFS--QUARTERFINALS
North Dakota (11-1) at Grand Valley State (12-0)
(Both teams have combined to win four of the last five national championships! [UND in 2001; GVSU in 2002, 2003, & 2005])
Delta State (11-2) at North Alabama (11-0)
(Another regular season re-match of conference foes!)
Bloomsburg (11-1) at Shepherd (11-0)
(The top two seeds in the Northeast Region finally square off in West Virginia this weekend!)
Chadron State (12-0) at Northwest Missouri State (12-0)
(Unbeaten teams battle for bragging rights in the Southwest Region this Saturday!)
NCAA DIVISION III PLAYOFFS--QUARTERFINALS
Capital (11-1) at Mount Union (12-0)
(Yet another re-match of a conference regular season game!)
Rowan (9-2) at St. John Fisher (11-1)
Mary Hardin-Baylor (10-2) at Wesley (12-0)
St. John's (Minn.)--(11-1) at Wisconsin-Whitewater (12-0)
(It's the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" [MIAC] against the "Cheese League" [WIAC] in this huge showdown!)
NAIA PLAYOFFS--SEMIFINALS
St. Xavier (10-2) at St. Francis (Ind.)--(12-0)
Missouri Valley (13-0) at Sioux Falls (12-0)
(A battle of unbeatens in the Upper Midwest ensues!)
OTHER GAMES
Alcorn State (5-5) at Grambling State (3-7)
Bemidji State (9-2) vs. Pittsburg State (9-2)*
*--Mineral Water Bowl at Excelsior Springs, Mo.
Johnson C. Smith (7-3) vs. Tuskegee (8-3)%
%--Pioneer Bowl at Charlotte, N.C.