A lighter week on the NAIA schedule still brings big impact, including seven featured games – two between top 25 opponents, and one of those a top 10 matchup in the MSFA. In all, 36 games dot the schedule, with broadcast links, news, stats, notes and standings in the Week 6 edition of the NAIA Football Notebook.
Note: game times across the NAIA have been removed from this week’s notebook, due to several date/time changes with the projected landfall of Hurricane Isaias in some regions, and forecasted heat in others.
Download this week’s game notes here: PDF
A Top 10 matchup brings together one of the NAIA’s most productive offenses and one of its strongest pass defenses. Indiana Wesleyan leads the nation with 663 yards of total offense per game and ranks second in scoring at 62.6 points per contest. Marian counters with a defense allowing just 144.8 passing yards per game, fourth-fewest in the NAIA. The Knights have held three opponents to six points or fewer this season. Last season, Marian upset Indiana Wesleyan, also at home, 52-42.
#22 Georgetown (3-2) at #11 Lindsey Wilson (5-1) ($)
Georgetown heads to Lindsey Wilson for a ranked Mid-South matchup. The Blue Raiders have scored 251 points through six games, while Georgetown looks to build on last week’s 21-19 win over Cumberland. Lindsey Wilson has also produced one of the nation’s most effective rushing attacks, averaging 6.6 yards per carry.
(RV) Texas Wesleyan (3-2) at #16 Louisiana Christian (5-1)
Louisiana Christian brings one of the NAIA’s highest-scoring offenses into a matchup with Texas Wesleyan. The Wildcats average 51 points and 492.3 yards per game, ranking third nationally in scoring average. Texas Wesleyan enters receiving votes after improving to 3-2 with a 34-27 win over Arkansas Baptist.
#13 Campbellsville (4-1) at (RV) Cumberlands (4-1)
Two 4-1 teams meet in a Mid-South matchup with national implications. Campbellsville averages 42 points and 512.8 yards of offense, while Cumberlands has produced 457.8 yards per contest. Both teams look to rebound from losses to nationally ranked opponents.
(RV) Florida Memorial (3-2) at #2 Keiser (3-1)
Florida Memorial travels to Keiser following a 31-16 win over previously unbeaten Southeastern. The Seahawks average 50 points and 496.3 yards per game while allowing just 12.3 points per contest. Keiser also leads the NAIA in passing defense, surrendering only 128.8 yards per game.
Montana Western (2-3) at #12 Carroll (4-1)
Carroll hosts Montana Western in a Frontier Conference matchup featuring two of the NAIA’s more efficient passing offenses. Montana Western averages 331.6 passing yards per game, third nationally, while Carroll ranks third in passing efficiency at 188.4. The Saints counter with a defense allowing 11.6 points and 242.6 yards per game.
Olivet Nazarene (4-0) at Madonna (3-2)
Madonna is the only team among three with five defensive touchdowns on the year in action this week, hosting undefeated and No. 17 Olivet Nazarene (Ill.). ONU is ninth nationally in scoring offense at 43.0 points per game, and seventh in rushing efficiency, 6.3 yards per carry.
KCAC Breaks Before Showdown
The entire KCAC is idle this week, setting the stage for one of the NAIA’s biggest matchups of the season. No. 8 Friends and No. 14 McPherson are both 6-0 and meet next week, featuring the nation’s highest-scoring offense (Friends, 66.0 points per game) against its top scoring defense (McPherson, 7.3 points allowed per game). Friends quarterback Walker Overman enters the bye after earning NAIA Offensive Player of the Week honors, accounting for five touchdowns and 330 yards of total offense last week.
Guerrero Makes Return History
Briar Cliff’s Cormyc Guerrero returned a kickoff 98 yards and a punt 75 yards for touchdowns in a 38-7 win over Waldorf. The performance earned Guerrero NAIA Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
Hasten Delivers in Rivalry Win
Benedictine’s Isaiah Hasten intercepted two passes in the Ravens’ 34-32 victory over Baker, returning the first 91 yards for a touchdown. His second interception helped seal the win and earned him NAIA Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Dordt Keeping the Flags Down
Dordt has been penalized just 18 times through five games, the fewest in the NAIA. The Defenders average 29.4 penalty yards per contest.
Sladky Finds the Football
Dakota Wesleyan’s Trevor Sladky leads the NAIA with five interceptions. The Tigers have collected 12 as a team, matching the national lead, and returned those interceptions for 213 yards.
Money in the Return Game
Midland’s Tyson Money leads the NAIA with 254 punt return yards. The Warriors have accumulated 351 punt return yards as a team, averaging 21.9 yards per return.
Mayville State Leaning on the Run
Mayville State has rushed 341 times through six games, the most in the NAIA. The Comets average 261 rushing yards per game and have accumulated 1,566 yards on the ground.
CMU Disrupts the Passing Game
Central Methodist has broken up 36 passes through six games, the most in the NAIA. Ashton Fowler leads the Eagles with eight pass breakups, while the defense has collected nine interceptions.
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