Now that we know who is playing for college championships on Saturday, it's time to share our picks.
There's no contest. Davenport, which recognizes that this program needs to find a way to play DI next season, is dominant. The Panthers have size, power, good ball handling, speed, goalkicking, and they like to play defense even though they don't usually have to against opponents. Davenport to win.
This is basically the consolation bracket, but it makes sense to divide the really good club teams and smaller varsity schools from the big elevated clubs and varsity teams. It will be close and very entertaining. And even though Notre Dame College had to play an overtime game on Friday, we like the Falcons' ability to close out a game. Notre Dame College to win.
Anyone want to bet against Penn State? In the last 23 years, the Nittany Lions have been in -- get this -- 22 national finals. This year it's now 23 out of 24. So they're basically a lock to get to the final game. To win? They're a 50-50 pick, having won 11 and lost 11. Lindenwood's brilliant defense was on showcase on Friday. The Lions tackle and poach and control the game. Penn State? It has some superb talent... maybe a shade too much. PSU to win.
This is a rematch of last year's final, and once again it is a difficult game to pick this time around. So we're basing this pick on the fact that UC Davis was tested a few times and lost a game this year, while NDC looked really strong, albeit in the fall, winning the fall DIAA. The Falcons showed patience as well as talent. Notre Dame College to win.
Cal is a bit patched up thanks to the odd injury, and Arkansas State is big and brutal. So what. Don't care. Cal to win.
It's worth pointing out that the scores in the DIA finals have been 21-14, 49-42, 16-14, 21-6, 30-24, and 24-20. So all but one scoreline was within a try. There's no reason to think this will be any less close. The Gaels and Running Eagles have played four times in this final. They are 2-2. Both Life and Saint Mary's have played and beaten BYU -- that's their only common opponent, and it tells us little. But overall what we've seen is that Saint Mary's has an offense and a work rate that is hard to beat. The Gaels have one of the best goalkickers in the nation in Dylan Audsley. And they have the best back row in the country. Life can win -- there's no doubt about that. But... we pick Saint Mary's to win.
Women DII
Kennesaw State vs. DavenportThere's no contest. Davenport, which recognizes that this program needs to find a way to play DI next season, is dominant. The Panthers have size, power, good ball handling, speed, goalkicking, and they like to play defense even though they don't usually have to against opponents. Davenport to win.
Women DI
UC Davis vs. Notre Dame CollegeThis is basically the consolation bracket, but it makes sense to divide the really good club teams and smaller varsity schools from the big elevated clubs and varsity teams. It will be close and very entertaining. And even though Notre Dame College had to play an overtime game on Friday, we like the Falcons' ability to close out a game. Notre Dame College to win.
Women DI Elite
Penn State vs. LindenwoodAnyone want to bet against Penn State? In the last 23 years, the Nittany Lions have been in -- get this -- 22 national finals. This year it's now 23 out of 24. So they're basically a lock to get to the final game. To win? They're a 50-50 pick, having won 11 and lost 11. Lindenwood's brilliant defense was on showcase on Friday. The Lions tackle and poach and control the game. Penn State? It has some superb talent... maybe a shade too much. PSU to win.
Men DIAA
Notre Dame College vs. UC DavisThis is a rematch of last year's final, and once again it is a difficult game to pick this time around. So we're basing this pick on the fact that UC Davis was tested a few times and lost a game this year, while NDC looked really strong, albeit in the fall, winning the fall DIAA. The Falcons showed patience as well as talent. Notre Dame College to win.
Varsity Cup
Cal vs. Arkansas StateCal is a bit patched up thanks to the odd injury, and Arkansas State is big and brutal. So what. Don't care. Cal to win.
Men DIA
Saint Mary's vs. LifeIt's worth pointing out that the scores in the DIA finals have been 21-14, 49-42, 16-14, 21-6, 30-24, and 24-20. So all but one scoreline was within a try. There's no reason to think this will be any less close. The Gaels and Running Eagles have played four times in this final. They are 2-2. Both Life and Saint Mary's have played and beaten BYU -- that's their only common opponent, and it tells us little. But overall what we've seen is that Saint Mary's has an offense and a work rate that is hard to beat. The Gaels have one of the best goalkickers in the nation in Dylan Audsley. And they have the best back row in the country. Life can win -- there's no doubt about that. But... we pick Saint Mary's to win.