After missing the postseason in 2022 for the first time in four seasons, Kutztown University dropped its first two games of the 2023 season.
While the Golden Bears had not started conference play yet, they recognized a berth in the NCAA Division II football playoffs was highly unlikely unless they could win their final nine games.
“We knew we were better than what we put out there,” running back Darryl Davis-McNeil said. “We just needed to tighten up on the little things.”
A confident group, Kutztown turned things around, winning eight straight games before defeating No. 4 Slippery Rock 31-7 in the PSAC Championship Game last Saturday to capture its second conference title in three years.
“Even going 0-2, they still believed,” Golden Bears coach Jim Clements said. “They want to play in these big games. We were never out going 0-2.”
Fresh off its title game victory, Kutztown is set for another “big game” this week in the opening round of the NCAA playoffs. Looking for their first national postseason win since 2021, the third-seeded Golden Bears (9-2) will host sixth-seeded Virginia Union (10-1) in a Super Region One game on Saturday at noon at Andre Reed Stadium.
“We’re very excited,” Davis-McNeil said. “We’re going to make the most out of our opportunity.”
In what Clements said was the team’s most complete performance of the season, Kutztown stifled The Rock’s offense last week, which entered the championship game averaging a conference-leading 46 points per game. Slippery Rock had 229 yards — including just 47 on the ground — and committed three turnovers.
“Our defense played lights out,” Clements said. “Another piece of why we played so well is because our offense was on the field (a lot).”
The unranked Golden Bears ran for a season-high 275 yards in the victory, which was their first over a top-five opponent in program history. Davis-McNeil finished with 146 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries and was named the game’s MVP.
“It meant a lot,” Davis-McNeil said. “I knew I had to perform. I knew I had to give it my all.”
Kutztown will lean on its trademark defense and running game against the 13th-ranked Panthers, who won the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association title. Allowing just 14 points and 254.5 yards per game, the Golden Bears rank 10th in Division II in both categories.
“We’ve had a great group of leaders that have instilled a good motto within our defense,” said linebacker Tyler Whary, who was named the PSAC Defensive Player of the Year. “We’ve just really grown together and played as a unit.”
Virginia Union running back Jada Byers ranks 10th in Division II with 120.6 rushing yards per game. After he was named a first-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association last year, the junior has 15 rushing touchdowns this season, which ranks 10th in the nation and is the most among running backs who have played 10 or fewer games.
“Stopping the run (is key),” Kutztown defensive back C.J. Brown said. “They’ve got a good running back, a good running game.”
Led by quarterback Judd Novak, the PSAC Freshman of the Year, the Golden Bears’ offense will face a Virginia Union defense that has allowed just 220.5 yards per game, the third fewest in Division II, and 11.64 points per game, the fifth fewest.
“We’re going to need to do really good on first and second down so we get manageable third down situations,” Clements said. “They’re very good on defense.”
Novak ran for a season-high 80 yards and threw for 137 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Slippery Rock. The redshirt freshman is 9-1 since taking over as the starter in Week 2.
“He’s getting more comfortable with his receivers,” Clements said. “He’s a competitive guy. He’s a confident kid.”
The Panthers are also strong on special teams, as they have blocked six punts this season, which is tied for the most in Division II. They also have blocked nine kicks this year, which is tied for third in Division II.
“Special teams have been a huge catalyst for them,” Clements said. “They’ve been really good.”
Facing their second top-15 opponent in as many weeks, the Golden Bears are eager for the opportunity.
“Just excited to play again, play at home,” Clements said. “Hopefully, we get a good crowd.”
Source: Berkshire mont
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