WINONA, Minn. – Winona State University travels to Concordia-St. Paul for the final game of the 2019 regular season looking to finish on a high note after suffering a gut-wrenching 26-25 loss to Augustana last Saturday. Kickoff at Sea Foam Stadium is set for 12 p.m.
Last week's setback to Augie likely put an end to the Warriors' NCAA Playoff chances, although not definitively, but WSU still has its sights set on the postseason with a bid to the Mineral Water Bowl (December 7th) still very much up for grabs. The Warriors have qualified for the Mineral Water Bowl three times, having won twice, and last played in the game in 2012.
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SCOUTING CSP: The Golden Bears (6-4) have tallied their most wins since 2011 (6-5) and are seeking their first season with at least seven wins since 2010. A win over Winona State would also put CSP in contention for the Mineral Water Bowl. Seven of the Golden Bears' 10 games this year have been decided by one score or fewer. CSP ranks eighth in the NSIC in both scoring offense (23.8 ppg) and scoring defense (22.1). The Golden Bear offense relies heavily on the ground game; ranking last in the NSIC in passing yards (1,504). The two-headed attack of Darios Crawley-Reid and Shaq Johnson have combined for nearly 1,000 rushing yards and 10 TDs. Maxon Hutton is a mobile quarterback that has racked up 375 rushing yards and three scores. Through the air, Hutton has thrown seven TDs and seven INTs. The CSP defense leads the NSIC, and ranks second in the nation in sacks (39), and is seventh in the country in fumble recoveries (12). Chris Garrett leads all Division II players in sacks (14) and forced fumbles (7). If the Warriors can contain the Golden Bears' pressure up front, the secondary is vulnerable, having surrendered 2,261 passing yards this season – the fourth-most in the NSIC.
LAST MATCHUP: The Golden Bears and Warriors put on a classic to conclude the 2018 season in Winona that saw the home team rally for a 24-20 comeback victory when John Rumpza connected with Connor Schulz with 36 seconds remaining for the game-winning touchdown. Rumpza, who was pressed into duty for an injured Owen Burke, will be under center once again on Saturday in the same manner. The senior quarterback went 17-31 for 182 yards with one TD and two interceptions last week when Burke went down. The Golden Bears' lone win over WSU in the past decade came in 2014 by a score of 31-28.
BALL HAWKS: The Warrior defense continues to bully opponents and force turnovers. WSU has recorded at least one takeaway in nine of 10 games this year and has forced two or more eight times. The Warriors lead the NSIC, and rank third in the country in INTs (18), and are 10th nationally in turnovers gained (24). Last weekend, Nick Pridgeon, who was the NSIC Defensive Player of the Week prior, recorded nine tackles, a forced fumble, and returned an interception for an 85-yard TD. The senior linebacker leads the team in tackles (60), TFL (11), and has a pair of forced fumbles to go along with two picks. Redshirt freshman Clay Shueffner leads WSU with four INTs.
PURPLE & BALLIU: Redshirt junior Jake Balliu has been the model of consistency for WSU in his return from injury this season. The wideout has at least two catches in every game, and has recorded five or more receptions five times. Balliu ranks 10th in the NSIC in receptions (40) and fourth in TDs (7). He also leads the Warriors with a career-best 519 receiving yards.
SPECIAL FORCES: Winona State has shown strength in all three phases this season, including the special teams unit. Senior kicker Paul Ortiz is 16-19 in field goal attempts this year, including a perfect 4-4 effort last week. His 1.78 field goals/game rank third among all Division II kickers. Ortiz also ranks sixth in the NSIC in punting average (40.0), having booted the ball at least 50 yards seven times, and pinning the opposition inside the 20-yard line on 16 attempts. The Warriors' return game also continues to excel, ranking third in the nation in kickoff returns (27.11 yards/attempt) and 19th in punt returns (13.88). Isaiah Hall leads the NSIC in kick returns (27.6) and Jake Balliu is second in punt returns (13.4).
REGIONAL ROUNDUP: The final NCAA Division II Super Regional rankings were released on Tuesday with Winona State holding at No. 9. Ranked ahead of the Warriors from the NSIC in Super Region Four are: No. 2 Minnesota State, No. 5 Augustana and No. 8 Sioux Falls. The top seven teams from each region qualify for the NCAA Playoffs. The Warriors would need some help from across the region in the final week to reach the NCAA Playoffs for the second time in three years. The NCAA Selection Show is set for Sunday at 4 p.m.
