UW-Whitewater (12-0) will host Linfield College (11-0) in the quarterfinals of the NCAA III playoffs. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 Saturday at Perkins Stadium.
Preview ||
Championship Website
The Warhawks used a 33-3 win over Franklin in the second round to advance to the quarterfinals. Linfield came back from a 21-3 deficit in the second quarter to defeat Hampden-Sydney 31-21 in the second round.
Saturday's game will pin Division III's top scoring offense against the nation's top scoring defense. The Wildcats average 51.6 points per game while the Warhawk defense allows just 7.5 per contest this season. Both teams are ranked in the top five in the NCAA DIII statistics in rush defense but Whitewater has the upper hand in total defense allowing just 223.8 yards per game.
The Warhawks boast the best turnover margin of the eight teams still remaining in 2013 forcing 2.3 per game, an impressive +28 margin over their opponents this season. The Wildcat defense is no slouch to creating turnovers. They force 1.8 per game and are +20 this season, second best of the eight remaining teams.
Whitewater is the more experienced team in the quarterfinals with eight appearances including seven trips to the semifinals and four national championships in the last nine seasons. Linfield has advanced to the quarterfinals three of the last five years.
The Warhawks and Wildcats have met on the gridiron just twice in history with UW-W advancing both times. UW-Whitewater topped Linfield 44-41 in McMinnville, Oregon in the NCAA III Quarterfinals in 2005 and advanced to the Stagg Bowl with a 27-17 win over the Wildcats at Perkins Stadium in 2009.
TICKETS
Free student tickets are available for the game courtesy of DLK Enterprises and UW-W Residence Life. A limited number of tickets will be available from three locations:
DLK Enterprises: 144 Tratt St.
Residence Life: Goodhue 1st Floor
UW-W Athletic Department: Williams Center Room 112
*Please note that DLK and Residence Life tickets are reserved for residents only! Photo identification will be required for pick up from these locations. Tickets are available while supplies last.
GAME COVERAGE
Saturday's game will be broadcast on local Charter Cable channels from UW-W TV. A high definition
live stream of UW-W TV's broadcast will be available online and via mobile. Gary Douglas and Arnie Peck will give the call for WKCH. You can tune in to 106.5 fm or
listen live online. A link to live stats will be available approximately one hour prior to kickoff.
BOOKSTORE HOURS
The UW-Whitewater Bookstore hours have been extended to 9 am-3 pm Saturday for the game. Stop by and stock up on Warhawk Gear and take advantage of a 20% off apparel and gift sale!
