PLAYOFFS!!!
Hillsdale football heads to first D-II playoff game ever
Nathan McClallen
Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: Sports
Otterbein said the one aspect that stood out on tape was Mankato's physicality, on both sides of the ball.
"We have got to crank ourselves back up to be ready mentally for that kind of physical, tough, football game," he said, adding that the Chargers have dominated the line of scrimmage in the last two games but that it would not be easy this week.
The team will be working all week to identify weaknesses and find ways to take advantage of them.
Sophomore linebacker David Bakker said Mankato runs a pretty straightforward offense, and there wouldn't be many surprises.
"They use zone runs a lot of the time, and their running game is more prevalent than their passing game," he said.
Minnesota State has four different wide receivers who have five touchdown receptions, and three running backs with six or more touchdowns. Their offense averages 39.5 points per game (compared to Hillsdale's 37), and their defense is also noteworthy after setting a school record with 28 interceptions this season.
Although MSM started out 10-0, they needed overtime to complete two of their wins, and lost 26-21 in their last game against 7-4 St. Cloud State University.
This year is the fifth time Mankato has made the playoffs but their first time hosting a game. Last year they lost to GLIAC member Ashland University in the first round.
The Chargers will be taking a charter flight to Minnesota Friday morning, paid for by the NCAA. Although the bigger stage means more administrative paperwork and duties for the coaches, Otterbein said it's important for the players to keep a normal routine.
"From a players' standpoint, there's the guys on the tape," he said. "You watch them, you study them, and you get ready to go beat those guys."
"We have got to crank ourselves back up to be ready mentally for that kind of physical, tough, football game," he said, adding that the Chargers have dominated the line of scrimmage in the last two games but that it would not be easy this week.
The team will be working all week to identify weaknesses and find ways to take advantage of them.
Sophomore linebacker David Bakker said Mankato runs a pretty straightforward offense, and there wouldn't be many surprises.
"They use zone runs a lot of the time, and their running game is more prevalent than their passing game," he said.
Minnesota State has four different wide receivers who have five touchdown receptions, and three running backs with six or more touchdowns. Their offense averages 39.5 points per game (compared to Hillsdale's 37), and their defense is also noteworthy after setting a school record with 28 interceptions this season.
Although MSM started out 10-0, they needed overtime to complete two of their wins, and lost 26-21 in their last game against 7-4 St. Cloud State University.
This year is the fifth time Mankato has made the playoffs but their first time hosting a game. Last year they lost to GLIAC member Ashland University in the first round.
The Chargers will be taking a charter flight to Minnesota Friday morning, paid for by the NCAA. Although the bigger stage means more administrative paperwork and duties for the coaches, Otterbein said it's important for the players to keep a normal routine.
"From a players' standpoint, there's the guys on the tape," he said. "You watch them, you study them, and you get ready to go beat those guys."
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