Newberry College Eyes Division II Semifinals with National Title Ambitions
Newberry College is set to compete against Ferris State in the NCAA Division II football semifinals this Saturday. The Wolves, boasting a record of 12-1, are riding a remarkable ten-game winning streak.
Historic Season for Newberry College
This season marks a significant achievement for Newberry as they have surpassed their previous record of 11 wins. This milestone was reached on November 29, when they triumphed over West Florida with a score of 24-17 in the playoffs. Additionally, this surpassing of the all-time wins record occurred under the leadership of head coach Todd Knight, who previously served as the team’s defensive coordinator in 2006.
Ambition for the National Title
As the South Atlantic Conference champion and the No. 4 national seed, Newberry is striving to bring home their first-ever national championship trophy. However, Coach Knight emphasizes the team’s current focus: achieving a single win at a time. “Go 1-0 right now,” he remarked. The concentration remains firmly on their immediate challenge against Ferris State.
Challenge Against Ferris State
Newberry’s upcoming opponent, Ferris State, presents a formidable challenge. The Bulldogs, the defending national champions, are currently unbeaten at 14-0 and hold the top national seed. They have an impressive 28-game winning streak, having secured national titles in 2021 and 2022.
Wolves’ Resilience
Newberry has demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the season. They are 9-0 in one-score games and recently showcased their grit by rallying from an 18-point deficit to win against Albany State in the quarterfinals. Knight believes in his team’s unity and capability to overcome challenges, stating that no score is insurmountable.
Game Conditions and Viewing Information
The semifinal game will take place at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids, Michigan. Conditions are expected to be cold, with temperatures around 15 degrees and wind gusts reaching 29 miles per hour. The kickoff is scheduled for noon.
The winning team will advance to McKinney, Texas, to compete for the Division II national championship against either Kutztown University (PA) or Harding University (AR). Fans can view the game live on ESPN+.
