Bearcats, Bulldogs battle for Super Region 3 title

Game No. 14 - Northwest Missouri State (12-1) at Ferris State (11-0)Saturday, Dec. 7 | 1 p.m. (ET)/12 p.m. (CT) | Big Rapids, Michigan | Top Taggart Field (6,200)NCAA Division II Playoffs - QuarterfinalLive Stream - FerrisStateBulldogs.com Live Audio - KXCV

Radio Play-by-Play: John Coffey

Radio Analyst: Matt Tritten

Radio Sideline: Logan Weber



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KMA (960 AM), Shenandoah, Iowa

KKWK (100.1 FM), Cameron

KCWJ (1030 AM), Kansas City



Live Stats - www.FerrisStateBulldogs.com

Tickets - www.StarTickets.com

THIS WEEK'S GAMENorthwest Missouri State will trek to Big Rapids, Michigan, to take on No. 2-ranked Ferris State in the Super Region 3 championship game. Kick is set for 12 p.m. (CT)/1 p.m. (ET) at Top Taggart Field.SUPER REGION 3Northwest reached the Super Region 3 final with victories over Harding (7-6) and Lindenwood (63-7).Ferris State had a first round bye and then defeated Central Missouri (37-10).TICKET INFORMATIONTickets for the national quarterfinal playoff game are on sale now and fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance through Ferris State.Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $7 for senior citizens (age 65+) along with $5 for students in grades K-12. In addition, FSU students and Northwest students with a valid student IDs are $5. Children ages five and under are free.Fans can purchase playoff tickets online 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.StarTickets.com or call (800) 585-3737. Tickets may be purchased in person at the FSU Athletics Ticket Office located inside the Ewigleben Sports Complex.The ticket office will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET) the entire week along with extended hours on Wednesday until 7 p.m. In addition, the gameday ticket office inside the Wheeler Pavilion at Top Taggart Field will open early on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. (ET) for ticket sales.THIRD ALL-TIME MEETINGSaturday will mark the third all-time meeting between Northwest and Ferris State. Both previous matchups occurred in the NCAA Div. II playoffs.Northwest notched a 35-20 win over Ferris State in the 2016 national semifinals in Maryville.Ferris State posted a 27-21 victory over Northwest in the 2018 second round in Big Rapids.Northwest's Results vs. Ferris StateL, 27-21 at Ferris State (11/24/18)W, 35-20 vs. Ferris State (12/10/16)THE COACHESNorthwest is led by third-year head coach. Wright was named head coach at Northwest Missouri on Dec. 19, 2016. Wright has posted a 31-7 mark for the Bearcats. Wright arrived at Northwest in 2004 as the defensive line coach and coordinator of special teams. In 2011, Wright was named defensive coordinator and assistant head coach. A native of Hamilton, N.Y., Wright earned his bachelor's degree at Dana College in 1995 and his master's at Northwest in 1996.A proven winner at all of his previous coaching stops and highly-regarded across the country, Tony Annese took over the Ferris State Bulldog program following three impressive years as the head coach at Grand Rapids Community College, which came on the heels of a highly successful 25-season stint at the prep level. Annese is in his eighth year at Ferris State. In 2018, the Bulldogs notched the most historic season in school history, reaching the NCAA Division II national title game for the first time in school history. FSU matched the all-time NCAA wins record, posting a 15-1 overall mark and also claimed both the GLIAC and Super Region Three championships.WHAT THE BULLDOGS DOFerris State ranks No. 1 in the nation in third-down conversion defense by allowing the opposition to convert only 24.1% of the time.The Bulldogs rank No. 3 in scoring defense by allowing only 13.4 points per game.Ferris State ranks No. 5 in the nation in total offense by averraging 514.4 yards per game.13 STRAIGHT WINS AT TOP TAGGART FIELDFerris State enters Saturday's game owning the second-longest home-field winning streak among Division II teams with 13 consecutive home victories at Top Taggart Field.Lenoir-Rhyne holds the longest current home win streak with 15 in a row.ROAD PLAYOFF WINSNorthwest has tallied a mark of 13-8 all-time in road playoff games.Northwest is 4-1 on the road this season.Northwest's Road Playoff Wins1996 - W, 22-21 at Neb.-Omaha1999 - W, 41-35 at Northern Colo.2005 - W, 45-14 at Angelo State2005 - W, 42-32 at Washburn2005 - W, 21-10 at Pittsburg State2005 - W, 25-24 at North Alabama2007 - W, 26-13 at Chadron State2008 - W, 45-36 at Abilene Christian2009 - W, 21-10 at Cent. Washington2010 - W, 35-31 at Texas A&M-Kingsville2011 - W, 39-35 at Missouri Western2011 - W, 31-31 at Midwestern State2018 - W, 42-17 at Grand Valley St.RECORD-BREAKING WIN OVER LINDENWOODNorthwest put its postseason record book in tatters following Saturday's 63-7 win over Lindenwood.Northwest set marks for largest margin of victory (56), most points scored (63), most rushing yards (413), most rushing touchdowns (8) and total touchdowns (9).BAYER TAKES THREE AWAYJunior safetytied a Northwest record with three inteceptions in a game against Lindenwood.Bayer became the first Bearcat to notch three interceptions in a postseason game.Interceptions in a Game3, Greg Lees vs. Truman State (10/25/80)3, Dave Toti vs. Truman State (10/25/80)3, Cody Buhrmeister vs. Truman State (10/9/93)3, Tony Sly vs. Central Missouri (10/27/01)3, Jared Fox vs. Pittsburg State (10/18/14)3,vs. Lindenwood (11/30/19)12 WINS FOR 13TH TIMENorthwest reached 12 victories in a season for the 13th time in program history and for the first time since the 2016 season.Northwest's 12+ Win Seasons15 wins - 1998*15 wins - 2013*15 wins - 2015*15 wins - 2016*14 wins - 1999*14 wins - 200614 wins - 2009*13 wins - 200812 wins - 199712 wins - 200212 wins - 200712 wins - 201012 wins - 2019* - National ChampionsRICH COMPANY FOR WRIGHTNorthwest head coachbecame only the third Bearcat head coach to increase his win totals in each of his first three seasons.Wright guided Northwest to nine wins in 2017, 10 wins in 2018 and the Bearcats tallied their 12th win in 2019 with a 63-7 victory over Lindenwood.H.F. Lawrence went from three wins in 1923 to six wins in 1924 to seven wins in 1925.Mel Tjeerdsma had zero wins in 1994 before upping his win total to six in 1995. Tjeerdsma then tallied 11 wins in 1996.50 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF WINSThe Bearcats are 50-17 all-time in the playoffs, which marks the most victories in Division II playoff history.Ferris State ranks No. 6 in Division II with 16 all-time playoff wins. The Bulldogs are 16-10 all-time in the Division II playoffs. Ferris State is making its sixth straight appearance in the playoffs.The Bearcats (.742) also rank No. 1 in highest winning percentage in the Division II playoffs.Most Division II Playoff VictoriesNorthwest Mo. St. 50Grand Valley St. 35North Alabama 35North Dakota St. 30Valdosta St. 26Pittsburg St. 25Indiana (Pa.) 22Carson-Newman 20North Dakota 18Ferris St. 16Delta St. 15Jacksonville St. 15Tex. A&M-Kingsville 15UC Davis 15Div. II Playoff Win PercentageNorthwest Mo. St. 50-17 (.746)North Dakota St. 30-12 (.714)Grand Valley St. 35-15 (.700)Valdosta St. 26-13 (.667)Mississippi College 8-4 (.667)Lenoir-Rhyne 8-4 (.667)North Alabama 35-18 (.660)Delta St. 15-8 (.652)Tex. A&M-Commerce 11-6 (.647)Delaware 7-4 (.636)Northern Colorado 12-7 (.632)Jacksonville St. 15-9 (.625)Ferris St. 16-10 (.615)Pittsburg St. 25-16 (.610)Minnesota Duluth 14-9 (.609)Portland St. 12-8 (.600)minimum of 10 games played50-WIN PLAYOFF CLUBNorthwest became only the fourth NCAA school with 50 or more all-time playoff victories.Mount Union holds the all-time playoff record with 104 wins. North Dakota State ranks second with 62 playoff victories. Wisconsin-Whitewater has posted 53 playoff triumphs.NDSU won 30 NCAA Div. II playoff games before transitioning to FCS where the Bison have picked up 32 more playoff wins.24 STRAIGHT HOME PLAYOFF VICTORIESNorthwest has recorded 24 straight home playoff victories. The Bearcats are 31-3 all-time at home in the playoffs.Northwest's Home Playoff Games1997 - W, 39-28 vs. North Dakota State1997 - L, 25-19 vs. Northern Colorado1998 - W, 28-14 vs. Nebraska-Omaha1998 - W, 42-17 vs. Northern Colorado1998 - W, 49-34 vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville1999 - W, 20-13 vs. North Dakota1999 - W, 20-12 vs. Indiana (Pa.)2000 - L, 31-17 vs. North Dakota State2002 - W, 45-41 vs. Minnesota Duluth2002 - L, 23-12 vs. Northern Colorado2004 - W, 34-14 vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville2006 - W, 27-0 vs. Midwestern State2006 - W, 28-21 vs. Chadron State2006 - W, 33-3 vs. Bloomsburg2007 - W, 56-28 vs. West Texas A&M2007 - W, 34-16 vs. Grand Valley State2008 - W, 38-35 vs. Pittsburg State2008 - W, 41-7 vs. North Alabama2009 - W, 35-10 vs. Abilene Christian2009 - W, 56-31 vs. California (Pa.)2010 - W, 28-24 vs. Missouri Western2010 - W, 37-20 vs. Central Missouri2012 - W, 35-0 vs. Harding2013 - W, 45-21 vs. Minnesota Duluth2013 - W, 59-21 vs. St. Cloud State2013 - W, 27-13 vs. Grand Valley State2015 - W, 54-7 vs. Humboldt State2015 - W, 38-17 vs. Emporia State2015 - W, 38-23 vs. West Georgia2016 - W, 44-13 vs. Emporia State2016 - W, 35-0 vs. Harding2016 - W, 35-20 vs. Ferris State2019 - W, 7-6 vs. Harding2019 - W, 63-7 vs. LindenwoodMEASURE UP WITH BEARCATSNorthwest owns an NCAA Division II playoff record 50 victories. The other current members of the MIAA have won a combined 40 playoff games.MIAA Playoff RecordsNorthwest Missouri 50-17 (24 years)Pittsburg State 25-16 (18 years)Central Oklahoma 3-4 (4 years)Emporia State 3-4 (4 years)Northeastern St. 2-2 (2 years)Central Missouri 3-4 (4 years)Missouri Western 2-4 (4 years)Washburn 1-3 (3 years)Nebraska-Kearney 1-4 (4 years)Fort Hays State 0-4 (4 years)Missouri Southern 0-1 (1 year)PROGRAM OF THE DECADENorthwest is the winningest NCAA Div. II program of this decade from 2010-2018. Northwest is 119-17 for an .875 winning percentage since 2010. The Bearcats have been ranked No. 1 in the NCAA Div. II Top 25 poll 38 times since the start of the 2010 season.600 BEARCAT VICTORIESNorthwest became the seventh NCAA Division II school to record 600 or more victories. Northwest has compiled an all-time record of 605-403-33.NCAA Division II Football Wins1. Pittsburg State 7192. Tuskegee 6963. Hillsdale 6454. Carson-Newman 6425. Central Oklahoma 6406. West Chester 6367. Northwest Mo. St. 605source: NCAA Football Record Book/Each Institution's SIDMIAA CHAMPSNorthwest earned a share of the program's 30th MIAA regular season title with a 45-23 win over previously undefeated Central Missouri.The Bearcats have claimed six of the last seven MIAA crowns.It is the second MIAA title for head coachPLAYOFF EXPERIENCENorthwest extended a pair of Division II playoff standards by earning a bid into the 2019 playoffs.Northwest earned its 24th overall appearance in the Div. II playoffs. Feris State is making its 10th NCAA playoff appearance.The Bearcats extended their streak of consecutive playoff appearances to 16 in a row. The Bisons have made the NCAA field in five straight seasons.Most Div. II Playoff AppearancesNorthwest Missouri 24North Alabama 21Grand Valley State 19Indiana (Pa.) 19Pittsburg State 18UC Davis 18North Dakota State 17Valdosta State 17Consecutive Div. II AppearancesNorthwest Mo. St. 16 (2004-pres.)Grand Valley St. 10 (2001-2010)Pittsburg St. 9 (1989-1997)Albany St. 8 (2004-2011)Tex. A&M-Kingsville 7 (1992-1998)Carson-Newman 7 (1993-1999)UC Davis 7 (1996-2002)North Alabama 7 (2005-2011)DIVISION II'S ELITE PROGRAMNorthwest has captured six NCAA Div. II national championship – the most national titles by any Division II program. Northwest won national championships in 1998, 1999, 2009, 2013, 2015 and 2016.The Bearcat have played in the NCAA Div. II national championship game 10 times in the last 21 years. Northwest has played for the crown in 1998, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2015 and 2016.NCAA Division II National TitlesNorthwest Mo. St. 6North Dakota St. 5Grand Valley St. 4Valdosta St. 4North Alabama 3Minnesota Duluth 2Northern Colorado 2Pittsburg St. 2Texas St. 2Troy 214 others have one national titlePHILLIPS NAMED MIAA DEF. PLAYER OF THE YEAR; 20 'CATS EARN ALL-LEAGUE STATUSBearcat senior defensive linemanhas been named the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year and the Bearcat football team had 20 players named to the all-MIAA squads.Phillips (Tabor, Iowa) led the MIAA in tackles-for-loss (15.0) and ranks second in quarterback sacks (8.0). Phillips registered 53 tackles, forced two fumbles, recovered three fumbles and posted two safeties for the MIAA's top-ranked defense. Phillips is the 10th Bearcat since 2000 to be named the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year.NW's MIAA Defensive POY Since 2000, DL – 2019Collin Blevins, DL – 2015Matt Longacre, DL – 2014Matt Longacre, DL – 2013Ryan Jones, DB – 2010Myles Burnsides, DB – 2008Jared Erspamer, LB – 2007Dave Tollefson, DL – 2005Adam Long, LB – 2004Brian Williams, LB – 2000Joining Phillips on the all-MIAA first team were senior offensive lineman(Kearney, Missouri) and junior defensive back(Albia, Iowa).Northwest collected eight second-team all-MIAA picks. The second-team selections went to senior tight end(Blue Springs, Missouri), junior linebacker(Kansas City, Missouri), junior wide receiver(Youngstown, Ohio), sophomore defensive lineman(Bolivar, Missouri), senior running back(Oberlin, Ohio), junior defensive lineman(Waynesville, Missouri), junior kicker(Kansas City, Missouri) and sophomore quarterback(Elkhorn, Nebraska).Northwest added three all-MIAA third-team honorees in sophomore linebacker(Tabor, Iowa), senior offensive lineman(Bettendorf, Iowa) and sophomore defensive back(Grimes, Iowa).The Bearcats notched six honorable mention all-MIAA awards as well. The honorable mention picks went to junior offensive lineman(Waukesha, Wisconsin), senior defensive lineman(Little Chute, Wisconsin), senior defensive back(Kearney, Missouri), senior linebacker(Hartland, Wisconsin), senior defensive back(Lake Worth, Florida) and senior running back(Chula Vista, California).FIRST TEAM – BEARCAT BIOS– led the team in tackles (75) … second on the team with 15 passes defensed and 11 pass breakups … registered eight tackles-for-loss … had a season-high 11 tackles and four TFLs at Emporia State (Oct. 5) … notched his first collegiate interception against Pittsburg State (Oct. 12) at Arrowhead Stadium ... became first Bearcat to record three interceptions in a postseason game against Lindenwood (Nov. 30) ... returrned a pick 23 yards for a touchdown against Lindenwood.– second straight season he has earned first-team all-MIAA honors after posting honorable mention status as a redshirt freshman in 2017 … has started all 38 games of his collegiate career … the Bearcat offense ranks No. 1 in the nation in red zone offense that scored 39-of-40 times (.975).– MIAA Defensive Player of the Year … started all 11 games on the defensive line a year after earning honorable mention all-MIAA status … MIAA leader in tackles-for-loss (15) … tied for second in the MIAA lead in sacks (8.0) ... has recovered a team-best three fumbles … posted a season-high 10 tackles and three TFLs in a 45-23 win over Central Missouri (Nov. 16).SECOND TEAM – BEARCAT BIOS– ranks second on the team in touchdown receptions (6) … ranks third on the squad in receptions (25) and receiving yards (362) … named the MIAA offensive player of the week against Pittsburg State (Oct. 12) when he had three catches for 61 yards and three touchdowns in the win over the Gorillas as Arrowhead Stadium … has played and started in 12 games this season … earned honorable mention all-MIAA honors in 2018 … two-time academic all-district pick … Academic All-America selection in 2018.– ranks second on the squad with 74 total tackles and three interceptions … has made 35 solo stops … credited with 8.5 TFLs … scored his first collegiate touchdown on a 29-yard interception return vs. Central Missouri (Nov. 16) … notched his first sack in Northwest's win against Pittsburg State (Oct. 12) at Arrowhead Stadium … has played and started in 12 games.– team leader in receptions (40), receiving yards (658), receiving touchdowns (8) … averaged 84.1 all-purpose yards per game … scored touchdowns via receiving (8), rushing (1) and kick return (1) … caught a season-high six passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns in a win at Missouri Southern (Sept. 21) … set the Northwest single-game record for kick return yards with 174 vs. Central Oklahoma (Sept. 28) … returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown vs. the Bronchos … has started in all 13 games … has caught at least one pass in all 13 games.– ranks second in the MIAA lead in quarterback sacks (8.0) … third on the team with 56 tackles … has 11.5 TFLs … had a season-high eight tackles against Missouri Western (Sept. 5) … the Bearcat defense has allowed a league-best 84.6 rushing yards per game … has started all 13 games for the No. 1-ranked defense in the MIAA.– MIAA leader in total touchdowns scored (17) ... Northwest's first 1,000-yard season rusher since 2011 with 1,003 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns … leads the Bearcats in all-purpose yards per game (104.7) … ranks sixth in the MIAA in rushing yards per game (76.9) … ranks second on the team in receptions (32) and and fourth on the team in receiving yards (346) … has three 100-plus rushing games … rushed for 130 yards vs. Missouri Western (Sept. 5) … rushed for 150 yards and a score vs. Missouri Southern (Sept. 21) … rushed for a season-high 211 yards and four touchdowns vs. Northeastern State (Nov. 2) ... rushed for three touchdowns vs. Lindenwood (Nov. 30) … started all 13 games at running back.– ranks third in the MIAA in tackles-for-loss per game (11.5) … tied for sixth in the nation with three blocked kicks … has 41 tackles (26 solos) and five quarterback sacks … leads the team with 12 quarterback hurries … had a season-high nine tackles at Nebraska-Kearney (Oct. 19) … has played and started in 11 games … first-team all-MIAA pick in 2018.– leads Northwest in points scored (114) … ranks No. 6 in the nation in scoring … 13-of-20 in field goals, including 12-of-13 from 49 yards or less ... has not missed a field goal of less than 50 yards in last 10 games … his 53-yard field goal against Emporia State ranked as the second-longest field goal made in school history … connected on all four field goal attempts vs. the Hornets and was named the MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week … booted a game-winning 38-yard field goal to defeat Fort Hays State (Nov. 9) in double overtime.– second straight season earning second-team all-MIAA honors … ranks No. 9 in the nation in points responsible for (216) … has passed for 2,466 yards on 173-of-327 passing with 24 TDs and only seven interceptions … ranks No. 2 on the team in rushing with 738 yards and 12 touchdowns … two-time MIAA player of the week … rushed for a career-high 172 yards against Pittsburg State (Oct. 12) at Arrowhead Stadium … passed for a career-high 305 yards and four touchdowns (all in the first half) against Central Oklahoma (Sept. 28) … passed for 279 yards and three TDs, while rushing for 96 yards and a score in Northwest's 36-33 double-overtime victory at Fort Hays State (Nov. 9) … has started all 26 games over the past two seasons.THIRD TEAM – BEARCAT BIOS– ranks sixth on the team in total tackles (49) … second on the squad with 29 solo stops … two-time MIAA defensive player of the week … returned a fumble 43 yards for a touchdown and an interception 29 yards for a touchdown in the season-opening win over Missouri Western (Sept. 5) … posted a season-high 11 tackles in a victory over Pittsburg State (Oct. 12) … started 11 games at linebacker.– second straight year being named to the third-team all-MIAA squad … has started 26 consecutive games on the offensive line … two-time academic all-district pick … Academic All-American in 2018.– leads the MIAA in passes defensed (20) … ranks second in the league in interceptions (6) … made four starts and has played in 11 games … has 27 total tackles, 3.5 TFLs and one quarterback sack … named the MIAA defensive player of the week after picking off two passes and returning a fumble for a touchdown in Northwest's 45-23 win over Central Missouri (Nov. 16).HON. MENTION – BEARCAT BIOS– has started all 13 games at left guard … Bearcats rank No. 5 in the nation in scoring per game (44.8 ppg) … Northwest has rushed for 38 touchdowns and passed for 29 scores in 2019.– two straight years of earning honorable mention all-MIAA status … started all 13 games at defensive end … has 45 tackles (27 solos), 5.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries … he had an 18-yard scoop and score against Northeastern St. (Nov. 2).– has battled injuries throughout his career, including this season where he has started and played in only eight games … has 36 tackles (31 solos) and 3.5 TFLs … posted a season-high eight tackles in a 45-23 win over Central Missouri (Nov. 16) … returned an interception 52 yards for a touchdown vs. Northeastern State (Nov. 2).– started all 13 games at linebacker … ranks fourth on the team with 53 total tackles (36 solos) … credited with 5.5 TFLs and 3.0 quarterback sacks.– played in 10 games and made nine starts … credited with 19 tackles … tied a season-high with six tackles vs. Fort Hays State (Nov. 9) before suffering a season-ending injury in the second half.– named to the honorable mention all-MIAA squad for the second straight season … carried the ball 105 times for 639 yards and five touchdowns … rushed for 128 yards and a touchdown vs. Northeastern State (Nov. 2) ... posted a career-high 178 rushing yards and two scores against Lindenwood (Nov. 30).DEFENSIVE STOPS IN 2ND 1/2The Northwest defensive unit has allowed seven second-half touchdowns in 2019 and three of those scores came in the season opener at Missouri Western (Sept. 5).Since the opener, the Bearcat defensive unit has allowed four second-half touchdowns - one in the third quarter at Nebraska-Kearney (Oct. 19), one came in the first overtime session at Fort Hays State (Nov. 9), another came in the fourth quarter against Central Missouri (Nov. 16) and the final one came with 1:14 left in the fourth quarter vs. Harding (Nov. 23).RED-ZONE SCORINGNorthwest ranks No. 1 in the nation in red zone scoring offense. The Bearcats have scored on 39 of their 40 trips inside the red-zone this season for a 97.5 percent scoring percentage.The only time Northwest failed to score this season in the red-zone came on the final play of the Bearcats's 45-35 win at Missouri Western when Northwest took a knee.Northwest has posted 28 touchdowns and has made six field goals in its 34 red-zone scores.NCAA Div. II Red-Zone Scoring1. Northwest Mo. State .9752. Central Oklahoma .9533. Southern Arkansas .9524. Mississippi College .9385. Carson-Newman .9356. Fort Hays State .9297. Fort Valley State .9238. Slippery Rock .9189. Truman State .91510. Pace .914BEARCATS FEATURE NO. 6 SCORING OFFENSENorthwest ranks No. 6 in the nation in scoring offense at 44.8 points per game.Northwest has scored 50 or more points four times this season.NCAA Div. II Scoring Offense1. Minnesota State 47.7 ppg2. Slippery Rock 47.3 ppg3. Indianapolis 47.1 ppg4. Tarleton State 45.0 ppg5. Northwest Mo. St. 44.8 ppg6. Central Missouri 44.8 ppg7. Indiana (Pa.) 44.2 ppg8. Tiffin 43.2 ppg7. Lenoir-Rhyne 42.3 ppg10. Missouri Western 41.8 ppgBEARCATS STOP THE RUNNorthwest is tops in the MIAA in rushing defense by giving up only 84.6 yards per game. Northwest's run defense ranks No. 9 in the nation.Northwest has held eight of its 13 opponents to less than 100 yards rushing.NCAA Div. II Rushing Defense1. California (Pa.) 57.4 ypg2. Indianapolis 61.5 ypg3. Minnesota State 68.6 ypg4. Colo. St.-Pueblo 74.9 ypg5. Fairmont State 77.7 ypg6. St. Cloud State 79.9 ypg7. Colorado Mines 80.2 ypg8. Lenoir-Rhyne 81.3 ypg9. Northwest Mo. St. 84.6 ypg10. Notre Dame 87.8 ypgAMONG THE NATION'S BEST IN SACKS, TACKLES-FOR-LOSSNorthwest ranks No. 7 in the nation in team sacks per game (3.46) and No. 10 in the nation in team tackles-for-loss per game (8.9).NCAA Div. II Quarterback Sacks1. Concordia-St. Paul 3.732. Colorado State-Pueblo 3.69Lenoir-Rhyne 3.694. Dixie State 3.645. Texas A&M-Commerce 3.586. Virginia State 3.507. Northwest Mo. State 3.468. Miles 3.42Minnesota State 3.42Bowie State 3.42NCAA Div. II Tackles-for-Loss1. Tarleton State 10.82. Bowie State 10.33. Adams State 9.84. Notre Dame (Ohio) 9.25. Fort Valley State 9.26. Quincy 9.17. UVa-Wise 9.08. Texas A&M-Commerce 9.0St. Cloud State 9.010. Northwest Mo. State 8.9NO LAUNDRY ON THE FIELDNorthwest ranks No. 1 in the MIAA in fewest penalties per game (4.92)and fewest penalty yards per game (45.85).Northwest did not have a penalty accepted against them in its 7-6 win over Harding. The Bisons had only one accepted penalty in the contest - an offsides call on the onside kick attempt with 1:14 left in the game.4TH DOWN STOPSNorthwest ranks No. 2 in the nation in stopping teams on fourth down conversions. Northwest has allowed only four fourth-down conversions on 23 attempts this season.NCAA Div. II 4th Down Conv. Def.1. Harding .000 (0-7)2. Northwest Mo. St. .174 (4-23)3. Adams State .222 (4-18)4. Tuskegee .235 (4-17)5. Augustana (S.D.) .269 (7-26)EFFICIENT PASS DEFENSEThe numbers don't lie as Northwest ranks No. 1 in the MIAA in team passing efficiency defense (100.13).Bearcat opponents have completed a league-low 46.2 percent of their passes.'CATS FORCE 35 TURNOVERSThe Beacats rank tied for No. 2 in the nation in turnovers gained (35). Northwest has picked off 23 passes and has recovered 12 fumbles.NCAA Div. II Turnovers Gained1. Colorado State-Pueblo 392. Bowie State 35Northwest Mo. St. 354. Kutztown 325. Augustana (S.D.) 30Carson-Newman 30GETTING PICKY ON DEFENSENorthwest ranks No. 1 in the MIAA and No. 3 in the nation in passes intercepted. The Bearcats have tallied 23 interceptions and 10 different players have recorded picks.Northwest's 23 picks are the most since the Bearcats produced 26 interceptions in 2015. The school record for interceptions in a season is 28 set in 2012.NCAA Div. II Passes Intercepted1. Colorado State-Pueblo 302. Bowie State 253. Northwest Mo. St. 234. Carson-Newman 225. Glenville State 216. Winona State 20Shephard 208. Minnesota State 19Sioux Falls 19Augustana (S.D.) 19Kutztown 19Northwest Pass INTs (Season)28 - 201226 - 201525 - 200923 - 2019TREY PICKS 'EM OFFSophomore cornerbackranks second in the MIAA in interceptions with six.His six picks are the most for a Bearcat since Jack Young intercepted seven passes in 2016.Washington is tops in the MIAA in passes defensed (19) and he ranks No. 4 in the nation in passes defensed per game (1.9).Northwest Interceptions (Season)1. Mike Rivers (1983) 102. Kevin Berg (2015) 8Joe Wingate (1970) 84. Jason Agee (1989) 7Marty Albertson (1977) 7Randy Baehr (1974) 7Nate DeJong (2012) 7Jack Young (2016) 79. Myles Burnsides (2008) 6Ryan Miller (2002) 6(2019) 6NCAA Div. II Passes Defended1. Junior Faulk (Delta State) 2.22. Nick Ciccio (Colo. Mesa) 2.03. Delonte Hood (Glenville St.) 1.94.(Northwest) 1.8Dee Alford (Tusculum) 1.8Kei Beckham (Charleston) 1.8NINE DEFENSIVE SCORESThe Bearcats rank tied for No. 1 in the nation with nine defensive touchdowns in 2019.recorded a fumble return and an interception returns for touchdowns in the season opener at Missouri Western. The win against Missouri Southern produced defensive scores from(INT) and(INT).Northwest added two more defensive touchdowns against Northeastern State with an 18-yard fumble return byand a 52-yard interception return byThe Bearcats tallied two defensive touchdowns against Central Missouri on a fumble return fromand a pick-six fromscored the ninth defensive touchdown of the season when he returned an interception 23 yards for a touchdown against Lindenwood (Nov. 30)Defensive Touchdowns1. Northwest Mo. St. 9Colorado State-Pueblo 93. Tarleton State 7South Dakota Mines 75. Glenville State 6Harding 6Bowie State 622 DIFFERENT BEARCATS FIND END ZONEThrough 13 games, 22 different Northwest players have found the end zone.17 TDs12 TDs10 TDs6 TDs5 TDs4 TDs4 TDs2 TDs2 TDs2 TDs2 TD1 TD1 TD1 TD1 TD1 TD1 TD1 TD1 TD1 TD1 TD1 TDANDREWS TO THE END ZONESenior tight endis Northwest's active leader in career touchdown receptions (11).Andrews has 49 career catches for 610 yards. Andrews has 25 catches this season for 362 yards and six touchdowns.SAMPSON RANKS 6TH IN NATION IN SCORINGSampson ranks T-No. 6 in the nation in scoring with 114 points.Sampson ranks first in the nation in scoring among kickers.NCAA Div. II Individual Scoring1. Jaleel McLaughlin (Notre Dame) 1802. Brockton Brown (Ouachita Bap.) 1503. Deonte Glover (Shepherd) 138Nate Gunn (Minnesota State) 1385. Zimari Manning (Tarleton St.) 1326.(Northwest Mo. St.) 114Mike Strachan (Charleston) 114Thuro Reisdorfer (Sioux Falls) 114Duane Brown (Indiana, Pa.) 11410. Jared Vincent (Pittsburg St.) 113PARKER MOVES UP KICKING LISTSJunior kickerhas made 30 career field goals, which ranks No. 6 among Bearcat kickers in the history of the program.Sampson also ranks No. 5 in Bearcat history in extra points made (140).Sampson has made 13-of-19 field goals this season, including 12-of-13 from 49 yards or less. Sampson ranks T-No. 9 for field goals made in a season by a Bearcat kicker with 13 in 2019.Career Field Goals Made1. Simon Mathiesen (2013-16) 612. David Purnell (1996-99) 523. Tommy Frevert (2005-08) 414. Todd Adolf (2009-12) 335. Peter Rameh (1985-88) 326.(2017-pres.) 307. Eddie Ibarra (1999-02) 298. Steve Stokes (1973-77) 199. Shawn Geraghty (1977-79) 1810. Luis Berlanga (2002-04) 16Career Extra Points Made1. Todd Adolf (2009-12) 2722. Tommy Frevert (2005-08) 2633. David Purnell (1996-99) 2414. Simon Mathiesen (2013-16) 2375.(2017-pres.) 1406. Eddie Ibarra (1999-02) 947. Peter Rameh (1985-88) 838. Steve Stokes (1973-77) 809. Luis Berlanga (2002-04) 7410. Andy Timmerman (2000) 67Single-Season Field Goals Made1. Simon Mathiesen (2015) 252. Simon Mathiesen (2016) 18David Purnell (1999) 184. Luis Berlanga (2004) 165. Eddie Ibarra (2001) 15David Purnell (1997) 157. Eddie Ibarra (2002) 14Tommy Frevert (2006) 149. Todd Adolf (2012) 13(2019) 13BLAKE LEADS THE WAYJunior safetyleads Northwest in total tackles (75) and solo tackles (51).THE TRUFFLE SHUFFLESophomorehas posted 8.0 quarterback sacks to rank T-No. 2 in the MIAA. Howard prouldy performs "The Truffle Shuffle" after each sack.IMONI = BIG PLAYSJunior wide receiverscored two touchdown receptions in Northwest's 36-33 win at Fort Hays State (Nov. 9).Donadelle nabbed a 42-yard score fromin the second quarter. Donadelle caught a five-yard scoring strike from Wright in the first overtime session.Donadelle ranks tied for No. 6 in the MIAA with eight touchdown receptions.Donadelle ranks third on the Bearcats with 10 total touchdowns.Donadelle has scored via receiving (8), rushing (1) and kick return (1).Donadelle is the top receiver on the squad with 40 receptions for 658 yards.Donadelle is averaging 16.5 yards per catch, 16.0 yards per rush and 35.9 yards per kick return. He has touched the ball 56 times for 1,093 yards. Donadelle is averaging 19.52 yards per touch in 2019.Donadelle ranks No. 21 in the MIAA in all-purpose yards per game (80.9).RANKIN TOATS THE ROCKis the first Northwest player to reach 1,000 yards rushing in a season since James Franklin rushed for 1,247 yards in 2011.Rankin ranks No. 3 in the MIAA in rushing yards with 1,003 yards on the ground. Rankin has carried the ball 177 times and is averaging 5.7 yards per carry.Rankin has totaled an MIAA-best 17 total touchdowns in 2019. Rankin has 13 rushing touchdowns and four receiving scores.Rankin has totaled 2,578 career rushing yards on 525 carries and has scored 23 rushing touchdowns in 57 collegiate games. Rankin played his previous three seasons at Kent State University.Rankin has produced five 100-yard rushing games in his collegiate career.Rankin's 100-Yard Games9/8/18 vs. Howard - 147 yds.10/6/18 vs. Ohio - 123 yds.9/5/19 at Mo. Western - 130 yds.9/21/19 at Mo. Southern - 150 yds.11/2/19 vs. Northeastern St. - 211 yds.NOT MANY POINTSNorthwest's 7-6 over Harding was the lowest point total for the Bearcats since being shutout vs. South Dakota State on Sept. 3, 2003.It's also the fewest points scored in a Bearcat victory since Northwest notched a 7-3 win over Missouri S&T on Homecoming on Oct. 14, 1989.The last time Northwest won a game 7-6 came on Homecoming on Oct. 27, 1973, vs. Truman State.FEWEST POINTS IN A PLAYOFF VICTORY FOR BEARCATSThe seven-point scoring output for Northwest was the fewest ever needed to win an NCAA Division II playoff game in school history.Northwest's previous lowest scoring contests that resulted in a Bearcat playoff victory came in 1999. Northwest notched a 20-13 overtime win over North Dakota (11/20/99) and a 20-12 triumph Indiana, Pa. (12/4/99).Northwest had been 0-11 when scoring less than 20 points in the playoffs prior to its 7-6 win over Harding.ANDREWS, SPELHAUG EARN ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICTseniorsandhave been named to the 2019 First-Team Academic All-District® Football Team as selected by CoSIDA.The 2019 Academic All-District® Football Team recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom.Andrews, a tight end from Blue Springs, Missouri, has played in nine games and ranks second on the Bearcats in touchdown receptions with six. Andrews has caught 19 passes for 303 yards in 2019. He has rushed the ball five times for 44 yards, including a long of 18 yards. Andrews has a 3.48 cumulative grade point average while majoring in chemistry with an emphasis in biochemistry.Spelhaug, an offensive lineman from Bettendorf, Iowa, has started all 10 games in 2019. Spelhaug has started 23 consecutive games on the offensive line. He has helped the Bearcat offense rank No. 1 in the nation in red zone offense. The Bearcats also rank No. 4 in the nation in scoring at 46.8 points per game. Spelhaug has a 3.92 cumulative grade point average with a major in business economics.Andrews and Spelhaug were each named First-Team Academic All-Americans in 2018.10TH OVERTIME GAME FOR NWNorthwest played in its 10th overtime game in program history in its 36-33 double-overtime victory at Fort Hays State.It was the sixth regular season overtime in Bearcat history.It was only the third time that Northwest has played two or more overtimes in a game.Northwest is 7-3 in overtime contests.Northwest's Overtime Games11/09/2019 at Fort Hays State - W, 36-33 (2OT)11/24/2012 at Minnesota State - L, 38-35 (2OT)11/26/2001 at Midwestern State - W, 38-3110/24/2009 vs. Washburn - W, 22-1910/06/2007 vs. Pittsburg State - W, 37-3408/25/2005 vs. Minnesota State - W, 24-2110/25/2003 at Missouri Western - L, 30-2711/01/2001 vs. Missouri Western - L, 37-3012/11/1999 vs. Carson-Newman - W, 58-52 (4OT)11/29/1999 vs. North Dakota - W, 20-13LAST COMEBACK FROM 17+Northwest rallied from a 17-point second-quarter deficit Saturday at Fort Hays State for a 36-33 double-overtime victory.Prior to Saturday, the last time Northwest came back from 17 points down came Sept. 19, 2015, when Central Missouri held a 23-6 lead in the third quarter in Warrensburg. Northwest would rally to score a 34-30 road victory. Brady Bolles scored the game-winning touchdown from seven yards out with 34 seconds left against the Mules.WALK-OFF WINNERkicked a walk-off 38-yard field goal to defeat Fort Hays State in double-OT, 36-33.The last walk-off field goal winner for the Bearcats prior to Saturday's victory came when Todd Adolf hit a 45-yarder as time expired to lift Northwest to a 17-16 win over Central Missouri on Nov. 6, 2010.79 FOR NORTHWESTNorthwest scored 79 points against Northeastern State to rank as the second-highest scoring output in school history.Northwest Points in a Single Game1. 86 vs. Southwest Baptist (9/29/07)2. 79 vs. Northeastern St. (11/2/19)3. 77 vs. MSU Moorhead (8/28/04)4. 74 vs. Northeastern St. (10/15/16)5. 73 vs. Lincoln (9/17/11)6. 72 vs. Central Okla. (10/12/13)7. 70 vs. Fort Hays St. (9/24/11)70 vs. Truman St. (9/26/09)70 vs. Missouri S&T (11/4/00)70 vs. Central Okla. (10/6/12)3RD-BEST SCORING GAME IN '19Northwest's 79 points vs. the RiverHawks are also the fifth-most points scored this season in a game by an NCAA Division II school.Northeastern State gave up four of the top-five scoring games in the country in 2019.Most Points - Single Game in 20191. Fort Hays State (vs. NSU) 912. Mo. Southern (vs. NSU) 863. Central Oklahoma (vs. NSU) 824. Minnesota St. (vs. Crookston) 815. Northwest Mo. St. (vs. NSU) 796. Fort Valley St. (vs. Central St.) 77Indiana (Pa.) (vs. Lock Haven) 778. Shepherd (vs. East Stroudsburg) 769. Findlay (vs. Alderson-Broaddus) 7510. Minnesota St. (vs. Mary) 7453-YARDER RANKS SECOND IN BEARCAT HISTORY53-yard field goal ties for the second-longest field goal in Bearcat football history. Pat Johnson booted a 54-yard field goal vs. Washburn on Sept. 23, 1987.It is the second 50-yard or plus field goal in Sampson's collegiate career. Sampson made a 50-yard field goal at Northeastern State on Oct. 27, 2018.Longest Field Goal Made (Game)1. Pat Johnson vs. Washburn (9/23/87) 542. Shawn Geraghty at William Jewell (9/17/77) 53at Emporia St. (10/5/19) 534. Peter Rameh at Mo. Western (9/19/87) 52Peter Rameh vs. Mo. Western (9/17/88) 526. Peter Rameh vs. Washburn (9/10/88) 51Luis Berlanga vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville (11/20/04) 51Luis Berlanga at Pittsburg St. (11/27/04) 51FOUR FIELD GOALS MADEfour field goals made in a game ranks tied for the second-best mark in program history.Simon Mathiesen made five field goals vs. Harding on Dec. 3, 2016.Mathiesene also made four in a game along with Coreye Paetznick, Tommy Frevert and Sampson.Most Field Goals Made (Game)1. Simon Mathiesen vs. Harding (12/3/16) 52. Corey Paetznick vs. Mo. Southern (10/11/03) 4Tommy Frevert vs. Bloomsburg (12/10/16) 4Simon Mathiesen vs. Humboldt St. (11/25/15) 4at Emporia St. (10/5/19) 46. 14 times 3