NAIAFOOTBALL.NET-The Nation's Home for NAIA Football

December 4th -Chips Semifinal Playoff Picks

Savannah, TN here we come! After two outstanding semifinal games, Carroll and USF have packed their bags and headed south for the winter. Both teams have the capability of putting up a lot of points with their potent offensive attacks, while their defenses are two of the best in the NAIA. Its hard to lean one way or the other in this game. Carroll has better capability of the big play, while St. Francis has a size advantage. This will be one of the best championship games in recent history.
Carroll 17 St. Francis 13

Playoffs Round Three: 2-0
Playoffs Round Two: 3-1
Playoffs Round One: 5-3
Season Totals Featured Games 61-24. Overall (366-131, 73.6%)

December 4th -Chips Semifinal Playoff Picks

It's game #2 of the season for these two Western US squads. In October Carroll defeated Azusa in a nail biter 12-0. It was the only game of the season were Carroll was held without a touchdown and was the only time that APU has been shut out. This weeks game will see two teams that have improved their offenses greatly and their defenses have gotten even tougher. The coaching cliches will win this ball game as "the team who doesn't turn it over" or "makes the least mistakes" will win this game. However, Carroll is hitting on all cylinders and will be too tough at home.
Carroll 27 APU 14

Both teams are undefeated conference champions and should provide the biggest match up of the NAIA season to date. While the National Championship is still the biggest game of the year, this game will come in second as Cronin and Donley meet up again. The former head coach at GT will host his disciple in what will turn into one of the greatest games in the NAIA post season. Both teams are very sound on offense, defense, and special teams. On top of that, both teams are very healthy. This game is as even as they come.
St. Francis 24 Georgetown 21

Playoffs Round Two: 3-1
Playoffs Round One: 5-3
Season Totals Featured Games 59-24. Overall (364-131, 73.7%)

November 27th-Chips Playoff Picks

The two-time defending National Champions head on the road for round two of the playoffs and a pivotal match up with Dickinson State . Dickinson State owns a victory over Montana Tech in the first round which could prove to be a factor in this game. Tech was one of two teams to defeat the Saints in the regular season leaving Saturday's game comparisons up in the air. Carroll College 's experience deep into the playoffs the last two seasons should help, but the Blue Hawks have a veteran team that has played in several big DAC-10 games. Saturdays match up will give one of these two schools an upper hand towards a national championship.
Carroll 21 Dickinson State 17

The #1 team in the NAIA goes on the road to Azusa , California for perhaps the best game of the second round. Odds have been against APU this season, but after a powerful win in Alva , Oklahoma last Saturday this Cougar team has many people believing. Sioux Falls will bring a more complete offense to the table this Saturday, which could prove to be a problem for APU's defense. While APU's "D" is strong, it's very unconventional. This could prove to be a problem against an offense like USF's. Travel may affect Sioux Falls , but USF is the real deal and should be victorious.
Sioux Falls 24 APU 14

Hastings goes on the road again to face yet another undefeated team. The Broncos took the role of Lion tamer last week and this week will try to do the same to their feline friends in Fort Wayne . St. Francis is a complete ball club and the Cougar offense might be too much for Hastings to handle. The Broncos have had a great season and have already shocked the NAIA once, so no one is ruling them out this week. However, St. Francis will remind Hastings of Sioux Falls, a conference foe, on the field. The dream season could end this weekend for the Broncos.
St. Francis 35 Hastings 14

The Pioneers travel to Georgetown for their first ever meeting. This will also be the first time MNU has played a team from Kentucky since 1988. Both teams have proven they can put a lot of points onto the scoreboard as well as keep them off with their stellar defenses. People may have underestimated MidAmerica Nazarene in the first round against McKendree, but no one will be fooled when they roll into Rawlings Stadium on Saturday. Georgetown continues to be one of the hottest teams in the country and the game this Saturday should be proof of it.
Georgetown 31 MNU 17

Playoffs Round One: 5-3
Season Totals Featured Games 56-23. Overall (361-130, 73.7%)

November 20th-Chips Playoff Picks

Last season these two teams met up to see Carroll hang one on the Marauders. This years match up will be closer as Mary will get the home field. The turf in Bismarck might help Mary stay close in this game, even though Carroll is looking to defend their national championship. It'll be tight, but Carroll will get the W.
Carroll 24 U-Mary 21

Montana Tech has to travel to Dickinson for this great match up of two of the best teams in the north. Tech has a good squad, but their youth will hurt them against this veteran Blue Hawk squad. This is also a match up of two coaches who have coached in the NAIA for a total of 47 years.
Dickinson State 21 Tech 10

A rematch of the first round from 2002. MNU just about had the Bearcats beat but ran out of clock as John Booth was tackled at the 3yd line as time expired. McKendree's names have changed, but they are still the same ball team that Carl Poelker wants to have. MNU is much different from their last trip to the playoffs having a much larger passing attack. Close game, but the home team prevails.
McKendree 21 MNU 17

TIU returns to the playoffs for the first time since 1994 only to drawn one of the best in the NAIA. I'd love to see this game because it will be a true depiction of what classy teams are. TIU and Georgetown might not be the flashy teams in the post season, but they are two of the most respected.
Georgetown 27 TIU 13

Trinity International

This is the best match up of the post season. APU has a powerful defensive attack, much like the "Black Cloud" of NWOSU. Both offenses can strike at a moments notice because of their great athletes. Some think APU is at a disadvantage due to the travel to Alva, but that's nothing new to Cougars who have now flown 4 times this season and taken two 10hr bus trips. The home team prevails in this game, but not by much.
NW Oklahoma State 23 APU 21

Tabor has won their first ever conference title and now get the privilege of traveling to the #1 team in the country. Sioux Falls is bigger, faster, stronger, and has more experience than Tabor in the post season. Tabor has done a great job this season after losing 24 seniors, but their season ends here.
Sioux Falls 42 Tabor 10

Morningside has made it to the post season for the first time in the history of their program. This is a great feat for a program who was left dead in the water after their switch from D2. Steve Ryan has done a great job of building something that never existed. However St. Francis is just too good of a team to lose in the first round to a new playoff team.
USF 31 Morningside 14

The ghost of Dan Kratzer should be lurking somewhere at this game (even though the former coach is alive and well at Kent State). Kratzer coached at Hastings and took the Broncos to the playoffs in the early 90's before taking the head coaching job at Lindenwood in '95. He then took LU to the playoffs in '98. What's this mean towards the outcome of the game? Nothing. This should be two great rushing teams pounding it out with one another until the end. LU gets the advantage with a better defense and home field.
LU 21 Hastings 14

Last Week 7-0 Featured (51-20). 34-8 Overall (356-127, 73.7%)

Overall thoughts for the playoffs.
Champion: Georgetown
Others to watch: Caroll, Sioux Falls, and St. Francis depending on 2nd round draws.
Darkhorse: NW Oklahoma St.

November 13th-Chips Picks

Cumberland College can control their own destiny if they beat Georgetown on Saturday. A win over the NAIA's #3 team should be enough to push CC into the post season. However a loss could kill those chances unless the Patriots keep it very close. Cumberland's offense might be the most powerful that Georgetown has seen all season, but the Tiger D is the best in the NAIA for a reason.
Georgetown 24 Cumberland 17

The defending national champion runs the risk of not making the NAIA playoffs if they allow Tech to come into their house and defeat them. The Orediggers are up for a conference championship and trying to get to the post season for the first time since 1997. This game is probably the biggest game of the year since so much rides on the outcome.
Carroll 21 Tech 14

The most improved team in the NAIA from week one takes on the biggest turnaround in the NAIA this season. Coach Wilcox will have his boys gunning as they try to salvage what has been a sub par season by Raven standards. LU is coming off a closer than usual win and is banged up. Benedictine needs this win more than Lindenwood as the Lions will be in the postseason. Look for this game to be a dogfight as the Ravens play with pride.
LU 14 Benedictine 13

Finally the CSFL has a game for the conference championship. Since the beginning of the conference, NWOSU has dominated every team in their path and have yet to lose a conference game. But now the Rangers finally will have a test that could bear on the NAIA Playoff picture. Bacone at home is a scary team, but NWOSU is still the top dog.
NWOSU 28 Bacone 17

Trinity International

If TIU wins, they get a share of the conference championship, if they lose, they get nothing and could even be bounced from playoff contention. The Trojans will need everything they've got to put up points on this Bearcat defense. This will be a game of ball control and turnovers as both teams bring a blue collar approach to the field.
McKendree 21 TIU 17

Valley City makes an early spring break trip to Azusa for their final game of the season. But Valley City could play the role of spoiler in this game. A win by the Vikes might knock APU out of playoff contention, thus ruining the Cougars season. This will be a great test of just how APU will fair against NAIA competition on the other side of the country.
APU 13 Valley 7

If Walsh wins they could jump into the playoffs, but a loss could likely end the Cavs season and send them home for the fourth straight season with 8 wins and no postseason appearance. If there is one team on the USF schedule that could knock out St. Francis' perfect season, its Walsh. The Cavs will be playing with a win it all mentality that could be enough to push them over the top.
St. Francis 21 Walsh 17

Chips Stats: 4-1 in featured games (44-20), 39-10 overall (322-119) 73%.
Avila (Mo.) at Evangel (Mo.)
Baker (Kan.) at William Jewell (Mo.)
Belhaven (Miss.) at Kentucky Wesleyan
Bethel (Kan.) at Friends (Kan.)
Concordia (Neb.) at Morningside (Iowa)
Culver-Stockton (Mo.) at Graceland (Iowa)
Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) at Nebraska Wesleyan
Eastern Oregon at Montana-Western
Edward Waters (Fla.) at Lincoln (Mo.)
Geneva (Pa.) at Urbana (Ohio)
Georgetown (Ky.) at Cumberland (Ky.)
Hastings (Neb.) at Briar Cliff (Iowa)
Iowa Wesleyan at William Penn (Iowa)
Kansas Wesleyan at Bethany (Kan.)
Lambuth (Tenn.) at Cumberland (Tenn.)
Langston (Okla.) at Haskell (Kan.)
Lindenwood (Mo.) at Benedictine (Kan.)
McPherson (Kan.) at Ottawa (Kan.)
MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) at Central Methodist (Mo.)
Montana Tech at Carroll (Mont.)
North Greenville (S.C.) at Allen (S.C.)
Northwestern (Iowa) at Midland Lutheran (Neb.)
Northwestern Oklahoma State at Bacone (Okla.)
Ohio Dominican at Taylor (Ind.)
Peru State (Neb.) at Dana (Neb.)
Pikeville (Ky.) at Campbellsville (Ky.)
Quincy (Ill.) at Malone (Ohio)
Rocky Mountain (Mont.) at Montana State-Northern
Sioux Falls (S.D.) at Doane (Neb.)
Southwestern (Kan.) at Sterling (Kan.)
St. Ambrose (Iowa) at Olivet Nazarene (Ill.)
St. Paul's College (Va.) at Webber International (Fla.)
St. Xavier (Ill.) at St. Francis (Ill.)
SW Assemblies (Texas) at Southern Nazarene (Okla.)
Tabor (Kan.) at St. Mary (Kan.)
Trinity International (Ill.) at McKendree (Ill.)
Valley City State (N.D.) at Azusa Pacific (Calif.)
Virginia-Wise at Bethel (Tenn.)
Waldorf (Iowa) at Drake (Iowa)
Walsh (Ohio) at St. Francis (Ind.)

November 6th-Chips Picks

This game could determine the conference championship in the MSFA MW. SAU has one loss already this season and needs to win to keep a foothold in the playoffs. McKendree has had several close calls this season, but keeps coming out on top. Their only loss was to #1 St. Francis. Home field will play into SAU's favor this week.
SAU 17 McKendree 14

Morningside has to do one of two things if they want to make their first ever NAIA Playoffs. #1: A win would almost guarantee trip to the post season, or #2: They must give USF a strong showing if they are to convince voters they are the 2nd best in the GPAC. I think #2 is a closer reality than #1.
Sioux Falls 31 Morningside 21

This game might be overlooked by some, but TIU has to win this week to have a shot at the playoffs in their season finale with McKendree. Penn is a dangerous ball club who is very athletic and could give the Trojans problems. TIU needs their "A" game to win this week. Defense prevails.
TIU 16 Penn 10

Trinity International

The battle for the state of Oregon. SOU will be the host of this season's game of Oregon pride. Neither team has a chance at the post season, but a lot of pride is at stake in this game. SOU has played well this season, but EOU just looks like a better team at this point.
EOU 17 SOU 12

Quincy is a dangerous team who could sneak up on St. Francis this week. The MSFA has been burned quite a few times in the past years in these late-season big games as teams have lost late and been bumped from the playoffs. While USF will still win, I feel QU will give them a better battle than most think.
USF 28 QU 17

Chips Stats: 4-0 in featured games (40-19), 31-15 overall (283-109) 72.1%.

October 30th-Chips Picks

Cumberland stumbled last week and will need to get a big win this week over 4-4 Belhaven. The Blazers are looking to get back on track after losing their last three ball games. Cumberland's secondary should be able to shut down the Blazers passing game as this match up will show two totally different offensive styles.
Cumberland 24 Belhaven 17

If you would've told people that on Oct 30th Georgetown and Pikeville's game could be for a share of the conference title, people would have said you were crazy. But Pikeville is right in the mix of it this season as their only loss came at the hands of Lambuth on the road. This game will be a battle as Georgetown goes on the road to play the Bears.
Georgetown 20 Pikeville 10

Trinity International

Bethel and Tabor were looking to run away with the conference this season as they both started off undefeated. However Bethel has since lost two games and Tabor has continued to pull away from the pack. Bethel could really mess up the playoff picture with a win over Tabor this week. But the Blue Jays will prove to be too strong.
Tabor 24 Bethel 14

October 23rd -Chips Picks

Cumberland blew Union out of the water last week proving they are one of the best in the Mid South. Lambuth jumped out to a 17-0 lead before losing to Campbellsville. If there was one thing learned from last weeks game it was that Lambuth had some problems against the option. That opens the door for Chuck King to do exactly what he wants against Lambuth. Pat's win in a close road game.
Cumberland 21 Lambuth 14

Last week this game had playoff implications, but the Jimmies loss at BHSU will definitely hurt their chances at post season play. The most interesting match up is Coach Dosch vs. Coach Biesiot. Dosch played for Biesiot and is now coaching against him for the first time. Dickinson will be physical, and that might be something the Jimmies cannot handle.
Dickinson State 24 Jamestown 13

This game is for a possible second playoff team from the HAAC. Graceland's only loss is to conference leading Lindenwood, while MNU has two losses. A win by MNU will keep them higher in the ratings and improve their chances at being a 2nd HAAC team in the playoffs. Graceland can put up the numbers, but MNU's defense will prevail.
MNU 38 Graceland 31

Valley City could really screw things up in the DAC-10 with a victory over the Marauders. A win by VCSU would give Mary two losses and make them even with Valley City. A win will keep them in contention for a playoff berth. Mary is probably the better team, but I'm picking an upset special this week.
VCSU 21 U-Mary 20

Western and Tech . . .Who wants it more? This game definitely has playoff connotations as well as conference title dreams. Tech needs to win to at least get a split with Western and maybe Carroll, Western needs to win to at least have a split with Carroll if not an outright championship. Butte is a tough place to play and Western will find that out this week.
Tech 23 UM-Western 17

Ambrose has been going through the MSFA with relative ease, but this week their opponent will try to upset them at home and recreate a conference race. A Xavier win could put the MSFA into a tailspin like last season, but an Ambrose victory will keep the Bee's in the drivers seat.
St. Ambrose 31 St. Xavier 14

October 16th -Chips Picks

Last year's game was a battle and this season's game will be just as good. Lambuth is looking for redemption after last season while Campbellsville is looking to send a message. CU has home field in this game which will prove to be helpful as their entire team has started to pull together.
Campbellsville 21 Lambuth 17

Union may be the toughest 2-5 team in the NAIA. Their last four games have all resulted in losses, but the Bulldogs have also had the toughest four game stretch of any team in the nation. Cumberland's schedule has been the opposite as their last three opponents have had a total combined records of 3-16. Look for Union to get back on track.
Union 31 Cumberland 17

This game could be the turning point for both of these teams season. Geneva would be back at .500 and gaining momentum in the East while Quincy could be setting themselves up for a run in the second half of the season. Quincy wins in a close one.
QU 13 Geneva 7

Rivalry of the Week
Linfield and SOU have been a regional rivalry for many years, dating back to Linfield's days in the NAIA. This game has become even bigger in recent seasons as SOU has been able to defeat Linfield more often than in the early years of the rivalry. However there is a reason that Linfield's has a #2 ranking in DIII.
Linfield 35 SOU 7

Chips Stats from 10-9: 6-2 featured (30-14) 29-13 overall (187-74) (71.6%)

Avila at Lindenwood (Mo.)
Bacone at Southern Nazarene (Okla.)
Belhaven @ Pikeville (KY)
Bethel (KS) at St. Mary (KS)
Central Methodist (Mo.) at William Jewell (Mo.)
Concordia (Neb.) at Northwestern (Iowa)
Cumberland (Tenn.) at Bethel (Tenn.)
Dakota State (S.D.) at Mary (N.D.)
Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) at Midland Lutheran (Neb.)
Doane (Neb.) at Morningside (Iowa)
Edward Waters (Fla.) vs Allen (S.C.)
Geneva (Pa.) at Quincy (Ill.)
Haskell (Kan.) at Texas College
Jamestown (N.D.) at Black Hills State (S.D.)
Kansas Wesleyan at Friends (Kan.)
Lambuth (Tenn.) at Campbellsville (Ky.)
Langston (Okla.) vs Northwestern Oklahoma State
Malone (Ohio) at Ohio Dominican
McPherson (Kan.) at Southwestern (Kan.)
MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) at Benedictine (Kan.)
Minot State (N.D.) at Mayville State (N.D.)
Missouri Valley at Graceland (Iowa)
Montana State-Northern at Eastern Oregon
Montana Tech at Rocky Mountain (Mont.)
Montana-Western at Carroll (Mont.)
Nebraska Wesleyan at Briar Cliff (Iowa)
Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) at St. Xavier (Ill.)
Paul Quinn (Texas) at Mississippi Valley
Peru State (Neb.) at SW Assemblies (Texas)
Si Tanka (S.D.) at Dickinson State (N.D.)
Sioux Falls (S.D.) at Dana (Neb.)
Southern Oregon at Linfield (Ore.)
St. Ambrose (Iowa) at Iowa Wesleyan
St. Francis (Ill.) at Trinity International (Ill.)
Sterling (Kan.) at Bethany (Kan.)
Tabor (Kan.) at Ottawa (Kan.)
Taylor (Ind.) at Walsh (Ohio)
Union (Ky.) at Cumberland (Ky.)
Urbana (Ohio) at St. Francis (Ind.)
Valley City State (N.D.) at South Dakota Tech
Virginia-Wise at Georgetown (Ky.)
Waldorf (Iowa) at Buena Vista (Iowa)
William Penn (Iowa) at McKendree (Ill.)

October 9th -Chips Picks

#9 vs #11 and for control of the HAAC Title. This should be a great game in Olathe Saturday. Lindenwood has shocked many by how good they have come out of the gate, while MNU has gotten back onto the track after an early loss to MVC. LU has the athletes, while MNU has the scheme. Best game this week.
Lindenwood 17 MNU 16

Tech comes off a loss that could've wrecked their season, but its now rivalry time in Butte. Tech has the type of weapons to knock off Carroll in their own place, but the Saints have come too far to lose this game. Carroll wins in a close one.
Carroll 24 Tech 17

Its put up or shut up time for the Blazers. Last year this game was a track meet as the final score was 77-44 in favor of the Tigers. Belhaven is off to a roaring start again this season as they've jump to #18 in the ratings. With this game on the road, anything can happen. GT is still the favorite.
Georgetown 28 Belhaven 14

A loss by USF could shake up the conference, a win will solidify the Coo as the best team in the league. Just like last season, its up to Northwestern to knock off the the reigning GPAC champs. Northwestern is getting better week after week, but USF has too many weapons.
USF 28 Northwestern 14

Trinity International

Last season TIU started the chain reaction towards a 5-way tie by knocking off SAU. This season they could put themselves in the drivers seat if they can get past the Bee's. SAU is playing tough right now and gets this game at home on the Turf. SAU wins in a close one.
SAU 21 TIU 17

Another showdown in the MSFA. "X" started their season 0-2 and has slowly gotten better each week. McKendree has played well this season, but has shown a few chinks in their armour. "X" is gaining momentum and takes this one from the Bearcats.
SXU 17 McKendree 14

Homestake trophy round two. These two teams played just over a month ago in Spearfish as Tech claimed the homestake trophy over the Jackets. Since then Tech has put together a nice season, while BHSU started off 1-4. A lot of emotion has been spent by the Jackets this season, trying to turn their season around. This game will get them their second win of the season.
BHSU 17 Tech 14

Cumberland will win this game. Yeah it's the oldest joke in the book, but this weeks rivalry game will not be as close as previous years. Cumb TN is struggling this season while KY has been on a roll. Look for the Patriots to prevail.
Cumb. KY 35 Cumb. TN 10

Chips Results from Oct. 2nd: 4-1 in Featured Games (24-12), 31-10 Overall (158-61).

Bethel (Tenn.) at Kentucky Wesleyan (Ky.)
Black Hills State (S.D.) at South Dakota Tech
Briar Cliff (Iowa) at Doane (Neb.)
Butler (Ind.) at St. Francis (Ind.)
Campbellsville (Ky.) at Union (Ky.)
Carroll (Mont.) at Montana Tech
Culver-Stockton (Mo.) at Avila (Mo.)
Cumberland (Ky.) at Cumberland (Tenn.)
Dakota State (S.D.) at Si Tanka (S.D.)
Dana (Neb.) at Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.)
Dickinson State (N.D.) at Minot State (N.D.)
Eastern Oregon at Central Washington
Friends (Kan.) at Tabor (Kan.)
Geneva (Pa.) at Malone (Ohio)
Georgetown (Ky.) at Belhaven (Miss.)
Graceland (Iowa) at Central Methodist (Mo.)
Haskell (Kan.) at Peru State (Neb.)
Hastings (Neb.) at Concordia (Neb.)
Iowa Wesleyan at Olivet Nazarene (Ill.)
Kansas Wesleyan at Sterling (Kan.)
Lindenwood (Mo.) at MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.)
Mary (N.D.) at Jamestown (N.D.)
Mayville State (N.D.) at Valley City State (N.D.)
Midland Lutheran (Neb.) at Nebraska Wesleyan
North Greenville College (S.C.) at Webber International (Fla.)
Northwestern (Iowa) at Sioux Falls (S.D.)
Ohio Dominican at Tiffin (Ohio)
Ottawa (Kan.) at Southwestern (Kan.)
Panhandle State (Okla.) at Southern Nazarene (Okla.)
Pikeville (Ky.) at Lambuth (Tenn.)
Rocky Mountain (Mont.) at Montana-Western
Southern Oregon at Montana State-Northern
St. Francis (Ill.) at William Penn (Iowa)
St. Mary (Kan.) at McPherson (Kan.)
St. Xavier (Ill.) at McKendree (Ill.)
SW Assemblies (Texas) at Huntingdon (Ala.)
Taylor (Ind.) at Urbana (Ohio)
Texas College at Northwestern Oklahoma State
Trinity International (Ill.) at St. Ambrose (Iowa)
Waldorf (Iowa) at Upper Iowa
Walsh (Ohio) at Quincy (Ill.)
William Jewell (Mo.) at Evangel (Mo.)

October 2nd -Chips Picks

What else is there to say? Lambuth took the Mid South title from Georgetown last season and the Tigers weren't happy about it. Georgetown's "Take It Back" theme mostly deals with the national championship, but it also hits on their loss of the MSC title last season. Lambuth is a good team, but Georgetown is back in the saddle.
Georgetown 24 Lambuth 13

APU is the one team on Carroll's schedule that I think has a decent chance to knock them off. With that said, I don't think they will. Carroll will prepare for this game like its another trip to Savannah. I think APU's defense will be one of the best CC will see all season as APU's physical play might match that of Central Washington's from earlier this season.
Carroll 28 APU 14

Both teams are 3-1 and are looking to challenge for second place in the CSFL. SNU has a more complete team, while Langston is the more athletic of the bunch. I think the Crimson Storm sneak out a "W" in this one.
SNU 17 Langston 10

Who wants to be second in the Frontier? Tech is a surprise to many people this year, while Western has done as expected. Even though Western doesn't have a great record, they are still one of the top 3 teams in this conference. I think Tech has a lot of momentum for this game and will be able to put up the points needed to win.
Tech 24 Western 17

Could we have an upset in the making? I don't think so, but if there's one on the schedule for USF, this is the one to watch. Even though Northwestern is the rival, Hastings might be able to shock the Cougars on the road. Look for a packed house in Hastings for this one.
Sioux Falls 24 Hastings 17

September 25th-Chips Picks

Even with CMU losing last week, I still like this game. I think the Eagles defense will provide a true test for LU's offense. This game will come down to how LU's defense plays against Central Methodist. The Lions will be too much even though CMU will contain them.
Lindenwood 19 Central Methodist 6

Great cross-over game in the MSFA. Geneva needs to win a big game if they are to be taken seriously, and this is the game. SXU has had their ups and downs, but in the end are a good team. Home field will be huge in this game as Geneva has the advantage.
Geneva 21 SXU 17

Time to see who's making a run in the CSFL. Peru and SNU have been up and down this season. This game will be the one that will separate these teams from the lower half of the league if they win. Peru State will get on track this week with a home game.
PSC 17 SNU 12

This HAAC match up gets me wondering if someone will make a run at the conference title? MNU has played well as of late while Baker has been pretty much even from the beginning. I think this one will be one of the best HAAC games of the season as some great athletes will get matched up.
MNU 17 Baker 15

A bounce-back and a bounce-up game for these two teams. MLC lost a tough game to Briar Cliff last week while Morningside is quietly making a run at the conference title. Look for the Stangs to stay on top while MLC will prove to be a worthy foe.
Morningside 23 MLC 13

Georgetown is the favorite in this game, but don't be surprised if Union sneaks away from this game with a win. The Bulldogs have played well this season and I expect a great game between these two. Union's defense must get established early otherwise this game will get ugly.
Georgetown 23 Union 10

Trinity International

Both teams are on the rise in the rankings and this game could separate these two teams and divisions of the MSFA. Yep, it's another cross-over game that in the end could hurt the MSFA's chances at playoff qualifiers. As for the game, I feel Walsh is rolling and will continue with their winning ways.
Walsh 24 TIU 16

Webber International

Technically these teams are still Independents, but they have formed a three team conference called the South East Atlantic Conference. This game will be a great opportunity for Webber to gauge how far they have come in their short history, while giving Allen a measuring stick with another NAIA school.
Webber 24 Allen 7

Results for Chips Picks from 9-18: 4-3 featured games (14-8 season) 34-11 on the week (94-42 season)

September 25 Predictions
Azusa Pacific at Southern Oregon
Baker (Kan.) at MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.)
Millsaps (Miss.) at Belhaven (Miss.)
Black Hills State (S.D.) at Dickinson State (N.D.)
Campbellsville (Ky.) at Kentucky Wesleyan (Ky.)
Concordia (Neb.) at Sioux Falls (S.D.)
Culver-Stockton (Mo.) at Missouri Valley
Cumberland (Ky.) at Bethel (Tenn.)
Dakota State (S.D.) at Minot State (N.D.)
Dana (Neb.) at Doane (Neb.)
Friends (Kan.) at St. Mary (Kan.)
Georgetown (Ky.) at Union (Ky.)
Graceland (Iowa) at William Jewell (Mo.)
Hastings (Neb.) at Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.)
Iowa Wesleyan at St. Francis (Ind.)
Jamestown (N.D.) at Mayville State (N.D.)
Langston (Okla.) vs Lincoln (Mo.)
Lindenwood (Mo.) at Central Methodist (Mo.)
Mary (N.D.) at South Dakota Tech
McKendree (Ill.) at Ohio Dominican
McPherson (Kan.) at Bethel (Kan.)
Midland Lutheran (Neb.) at Morningside (Iowa)
Montana Tech at Eastern Oregon
Montana-Western at Montana State-Northern
Northwestern (Iowa) at Nebraska Wesleyan
Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) at Urbana (Ohio)
Ottawa (Kan.) at Bethany (Kan.)
Pikeville (Ky.) at Cumberland (Tenn.)
Quincy (Ill.) at Western Illinois (Ill.)
Rocky Mountain (Mont.) at Carroll (Mont.)
Southern Nazarene (Okla.) at Peru State (Neb.)
Southwestern (Kan.) at Kansas Wesleyan
St. Ambrose (Iowa) at Taylor (Ind.)
St. Francis (Ill.) at Malone (Ohio)
St. Xavier (Ill.) at Geneva (Pa.)
Sterling (Kan.) at Tabor (Kan.)
SW Assemblies (Texas) at Texas College
Trinity International (Ill.) at Walsh (Ohio)
Valley City State (N.D.) at Si Tanka (S.D.)
Virginia-Wise at Lambuth (Tenn.)
Wisconsin-Stevens Point at Waldorf (Iowa)
Webber International (Fla.) at Allen (S.C.)

September 18th-Chips Picks

You hate to say it this early in the season, but this game could be for the conference championship. U-Mary and Dickey have battled for the title year after year, with this season being no exception. Expect a low scoring, bone crunching, edge of your seat ball game. Home field will come into play on Saturday as the Blue Hawks are host.
Dickinson State 21 U-Mary 17

This is one of the most interesting cross over games in the MSFA for the entire season. Both teams have consistantly been in the playoffs in recent years and made it into the deeper rounds. USF has more talent than McKendree, but the Bearcats "D" and home field might be a little different than what USF is used to. Same story, different game, look for a dog fight.
St. Francis Ind. 24 McKendree 17

Carroll is the most dominating team in the NAIA and this week they will play their biggest challenger in their conference. Western is talented, but Carroll is the complete package. Watch for the Saints to keep on rolling.
Carroll 35 Montana-Western 10

Another cross over game in the MSFA with league championship implications. ONU has to bounce back after a physical loss to Azusa, while Walsh is riding high after a big win over West Liberty. Over 4000 fans at ONU will have a great seat for this one as they'll see some great MSFA football.
Walsh 21 ONU 14

This might be a last chance scenario for Belhaven. If they beat Lambuth they can stay in the hunt for a conference title, if they don't they are left to play the role of spoiler. The Mid South will not be won by a team with two losses this season, so Belhaven better be ready to play. In the end, Lambuth is just too physical up front to lose this game.
Lambuth 34 Belhaven 31

Get out the 'ol Paint Bucket! Its rivalry time in the DAC-10. Even though Jamestown is 0-2, this will still be a great game. VCSU and Jamestown will be very evenly matched this season. If you have to give someone the edge, it has to be VCSU because of their experience.
VCSU 28 Jamestown 17

This game could have conference championship or playoff implications. Even though both teams lost last weekend, the winner could be in the hunt for a conference title. Fans will also get to see two of the best QBs in the conference match up against one another. Baker gets the edge because of home field. Fans beware, we might have the first even Orange Out!
Baker 23 Mo. Valley 18

September 11th-Chips Picks

Independent vs. MSFA, not a bad little match up. APU can use this game as a measuring stick to see where they rank nationally even though ONU is not a nationally ranked team. ONU is a very good MSFA team with bigger aspirations this season. On a side note, this is a rematch of the 1998 National Championship
APU 28 ONU 17

This game could be a make or break for Cumberland Ky. With a season opening loss to Pikeville, they need to play well in this game to stay in the hunt for a Mid South crown. Campbellsville had a huge win over Austin Peay last weekend, which could prove to be the momentum they need for a run at the conference title. I think Cambellsville is a little farther along than Cumberland right now, so I'll go with the Tigers.
Campbellsville 27 Cumberland 19

How far has RMC come? We might find out this week. After a season opening loss to top ranked U-Mary, the Bears could use this week to gain momentum in the Frontier Conference. Western has a lot of skill, but is still inexperience at the QB position. This should be a great game for all fans to see.
Western 21 RMC 17

Is Morningside an aberration or are they for real? After a season opening victory over Hastings, the Mustangs have a lot of momentum and a lot to prove. However Northwestern is one of the top tier teams in the NAIA and could blow the doors off the Mustangs. This game could either be a dog fight, or a blowout by the Red Raiders.
Northwestern 29 Morningside 10

MNU struggled against a very good Mo Valley team last week while Ottawa did not play. This game could be a breaking point for the Pioneers season. Ottawa lost a lot of talent from last season, but gained confidence with their playoff berth. MNU could lay one on the Braves, but will have to establish some type of rushing attack to be successful. MNU wins on talent.
MNU 17 Ottawa 10

A renewed rivalry between these two great Iowa schools. Loras and SAU have not played since 1983 and are ready to fire up this great college football rivalry. The "Victory Bell" will ring loud this week for someone. To read more, click here.
SAU 21 Loras 17

Chips Picks from 9-4: 4-3 featured games (6-3 season) 31-12 on the week (38-16 season)

September 11
Allen (S.C.) at West Virginia State
Avila (Mo.) at Missouri Valley
Azusa Pacific (Calif.) at Olivet Nazarene (Ill.)
Bacone (Okla.) at Kansas Wesleyan
Baker (Kan.) at Central Methodist (Mo.)
Belhaven (Miss.) at Union (Ky.)
Benedictine (Kan.) at Graceland (Iowa)
Black Hills State (S.D.) at Valley City State (N.D.)
Campbellsville (Ky.) at Cumberland (Ky.)
Carroll (Mont.) at Montana State-Northern
Concordia (Neb.) at Nebraska Wesleyan
Culver-Stockton (Mo.) at Evangel (Mo.)
Dana (Neb.) at Briar Cliff (Iowa)
Dickinson State (N.D.) at Dakota State (S.D.)
Eastern Oregon at Menlo (Calif.) 7-8
Georgetown (Ky.) at Kentucky Wesleyan (Ky.)
Hastings (Neb.) at Doane (Neb.)
Cornell (Iowa) at Iowa Wesleyan
Jamestown (N.D.) at Minot State (N.D.)
Langston (Okla.) at Texas College
Lincoln University (Mo.) at Northwestern Oklahoma State
Lindenwood (Mo.) at William Jewell (Mo.)
Charleston (W.Va.) at Malone (Ohio)
Mayville State (N.D.) at Mary (N.D.)
McPherson (Kan.) at Haskell (Kan.)
Montana Tech at North Dakota State
Montana-Western at Rocky Mountain (Mont.)
Northwestern (Iowa) at Morningside (Iowa)
Ohio Dominican at St. Francis (Ind.)
Oklahoma Panhandle State at Southwestern (Kan.)
Ottawa (Kan.) at MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.)
Prarie View A&M (Texas) at Paul Quinn (Texas)
Peru State (Neb.) at Wayne State College (Neb.)
Pikeville (Ky.) at Bethel (Tenn.) 20-14
Si Tanka (S.D.) at South Dakota Tech
Sioux Falls (S.D.) at Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.)
Southern Nazarene (Okla.) at Sterling (Kan.)
Southern Oregon at Humboldt State (Calif.)
St. Ambrose (Iowa) at Loras College (Iowa)
St. Francis (Ill.) at Urbana (Ohio)
Wisconsin-Whitewater (Wis.) at St. Xavier (Ill.)
SW Assemblies (Texas) at Tabor (Kan.)
Taylor (Ind.) at Anderson (Ind.)
Trinity International (Ill.) at Greenville (Ill.)
Virginia-Wise at Cumberland (Tenn.)
Martin Luther (Minn.) at Waldorf (Iowa)
West Liberty State (W.Va.) at Walsh (Ohio)
William Penn (Iowa) at Drake (Iowa)

This is the first game we will be at this weekend as we begin our second week of travel. These two teams have met over 100 times are one of the best rivalries in the NAIA. BHSU probably has better talent, but never underestimate a rival game. Tech could have a trick or two up their sleeve.
BHSU 26 SD Tech 14

Last season this was a game to break losing streaks, this season its a game to see who could be in the running for a conference title. Graceland was a pleasant surprise last season and continues to bring in talent. Lindenwood has plenty of horses to win this ball game, but has had less time to gel under first year head coach Patrick Ross. Pivotal game to say the least.
Lindenwood 24 Graceland 21

Much like Graceland and LU, this game could give the winner a jump on the conference title. Mo Valley has a lot of talent back after going 5-5 last season as MNU has rebuilt on both sides of the ball. Home field is a key in this game.
MNU 31 Mo Valley 21

SOU is making headway as to proving just how good of a football team they really are by playing a team from the DAC-10. SiTanka has a lot of talent, but SOU is more of a complete package. The Raiders should get this one.
SOU 21 SiTanka 14

Benedictine takes on this D2 foe from across the Missouri River. 20 Minutes separate these two squads and not a lot else. This years match up should be a lot closer than last season's. I think Fran Johnson could prove to be the difference in this game for Benedictine.
Benedictine 14 Mo Western 10

Chips Picks from 8-28: 2-0 Featured Games, 7-3 overall

September 2
Benedictine (Kan.) at Missouri Western (Mo.)
Bethel (Tenn.) at Georgetown (Ky.)
Northwestern Oklahoma State at New Mexico Highlands (N.M.)
Peru State (Neb.) at University of South Dakota (S.D.)
St. Xavier (Ill.) at Illinois State University (Ill.)
South Dakota Tech at Black Hills State (S.D.)

September 3
Montana-Western at Central Washington

September 4
San Diego (Calif.) at Azusa Pacific (Calif.)
Briar Cliff (Iowa) at Northwestern (Iowa)
Austin Peay State (Tenn.) at Campbellsville (Ky.)
Central Methodist (Mo.) at Avila (Mo.)
Cumberland (Ky.) at Pikeville (Ky.)
Cumberland (Tenn.) at Belhaven (Miss.)
Dakota State (S.D.) at Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.)
Doane (Neb.) at Concordia (Neb.)
Edward Waters (Fla.) at Morehouse (Ga.)
Evangel (Mo.) at Baker (Kan.)
Geneva (Pa.) at West Liberty State (W.Va.)
Graceland (Iowa) at Lindenwood (Mo.)
Trinity Bible College (N.D.) at Haskell (Kan.)
Iowa Wesleyan at Central Arkansas (Ark.)
Jamestown (N.D.) at Montana Tech
Kentucky Wesleyan at Virginia-Wise
Langston (Okla.) at Washburn (Kan.)
Mary (N.D.) at Rocky Mountain (Mont.)
Mayville State (N.D.) at University of Minnesota-Morris (Minn.)
Midland Lutheran (Neb.) at Dana (Neb.)
Minot State (N.D.) at Bemidji (Minn.)
Missouri Valley at MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.)
Montana State-Northern at Dickinson State (N.D.)
Morningside (Iowa) at Hastings (Neb.)
Nebraska Wesleyan at Sioux Falls (S.D.)
Ohio Dominican at Walsh (Ohio)
Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) at Anderson (Ind.)
Principia (Ill.) at SW Assemblies (Texas)
Quincy (Ill.) at McKendree (Ill.)
Rocky Mountain (Mont.) vs Mary (N.D.)
Si Tanka (S.D.) at Southern Oregon
Southern Nazarene (Okla.) at Howard Payne (Texas)
St. Francis (Ill.) at Saint Joseph's (Ind.)
Taylor (Ind.) at William Penn (Iowa)
Union (Ky.) at Lambuth (Tenn.)
Southwest State at Waldorf (Iowa)
Webber International (Fla.) at Wingate University (N.C.)
William Jewell (Mo.) at Culver-Stockton (Mo.)

August 28th The Opening Weekend!

This game has quickly become a rivalry that bears national meaning. Two years ago CWU knocked off Carroll giving them one of two losses during their first national championship run. Last year, the Saints defeated CWU in dramatic fashion. I'll be at this game thanks to the Carroll Boosters and I like the Saints chances,
Carroll 34 CWU 23