One of the biggest football games of the week in Division III is in our backyard. Lycoming (3-0, 5-1) heads to #9 Delaware Valley (3-0, 5-1) for a homecoming showdown for first place in the MAC. The Aggies only loss was a close game to #3 Wesley while the Warriors were topped by Rowan (just missed the top 25 this week) in the first game of the year by a touchdown. With such close records, some wonder why Lycoming is not getting more respect in the national poll. On paper they have many of the same characteristics. Lycoming leads the conference in scoring with 32.5 PPG, and DVC is a close second at 32.3; on scoring defense, the Aggies give up 11 PPG while the Warriors hold the opposition to 14.8. They sport the two top rushing offenses in the conference with Lycoming grinding out 219.8 YPG and DVC 210.5. The two top MAC rushers are responsible for most of those yards – Josh Kleinfelter (Lycoming) averages 165.8 and Matt Cook (DVC) checks in at 118.3. Something has to give as the two rushing defenses are also tops in the league (DVC giving up 72.7 yards and Lycoming 76.8). Perhaps the only point where one team has a statistical advantage is in the passing game – at DVC’s Mark Hatty throws for 217 yards a game (243.7 for the team) while Lycoming only gains 156 passing yards a game. More importantly, the DVC defense is tops against the pass while Lyco ranks 5th in the MAC. Stats are one thing and the game is another – should be great weather (the last three meetings between these teams have been in adverse conditions) and a spectacular college football game!

In other games Wilkes (2-1, 3-3) travels to FDU (0-3, 3-3) as both teams try to rebound from disappointing losses last weekend. Wilkes could not hold onto a half time lead or take advantage of eight DVC turnovers; the Devils were up 21-7 to LVC but collapsed coming down the stretch. FDU’s Matt Jeffers is second in the MAC in total offense with 218.8 YPG. The Colonel’s Jordan D’Emilio is second in the conference with 5.2 pass receptions per game. FDU has the third ranked pass offense but will face Wilkes third ranked pass defense. FDU has not had much luck running the ball, and the Wilkes defense gives up more rushing yards than any other MAC team.

Lebanon Valley (1-2, 2-4) heads up I-81 to visit King’s (0-3, 0-6). The LVC offense counts on Ben Guiles (MAC 3rd leading rusher) to lead the ground game, and the Monarch defense is only 7th in stopping the run. The King’s pass defense is 2nd in the conference and the Dutchmen have been inconsistent in the passing game. If King’s is going to win, they need Corey Lavin to have a big day passing – his 192.3 a game is second to DVC’s Mark Hatty.

The last game features Albright (1-2, 3-3) at Widener (2-1, 3-3). The Lions can score and move the ball as they are 2nd in the conference in total yards (388) and 3rd in points scored (30.2). The Pride exhibits prowess on the other side of the ball as their “D” is ranked 3rd in points allowed (23.2) and yards allowed (291.3). The winner still has a shot at getting an ECAC Bowl bid.