The Blue Raiders (8-0, 7-0 MSC Bluegrass Division), advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Bethel (Kan.) 42-10. Quarterback Cameron Dukes, who threw for 144 yards in the victory over the Threshers, leads the team in total offense this season, averaging 261.4 yards per game and currently ranks fifth in the country in pass efficiency. Jaylen Boyd, who became the all-time leading rusher for the Blue Raiders over the weekend, leads the team in rushing yards this season, averaging 61 yards per game. Offensively, the Blue Raiders are averaging 47 points per game, the fourth-best scoring offense in the country while defensively, the Blue Raiders have held opponents to just 85.5 rushing yards per game, the 10th best rush defense in the NAIA.
The Cardinals (6-0, 4-0 MSFA Mideast League) advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating No. 14 Georgetown (Ky.) 21-7. Quarterback Peter Morrison, who threw for 221 yards and three touchdowns in the victory over the Tigers, leads the Cardinal offense with 132.2 total yards and nine touchdowns. Keviontae Brown leads the ground game for the Cardinals, rushing for 357 total yards and one touchdown. Defensively, defensive back Ryan Fish ranks sixth in the NAIA in passes defended this season with eight breakups and one interception in six games while defensive-end Andrew Foerster ranks sixth in the country in sacks per game this season with one in the last six games played. Foerster is the reason why the team ranks eighth in the country in sacks per game this season and part of why the Cardinal defense is the seventh-best in the nation, limiting opponents to 260.3 yards per game.
This will be the first time the two teams have faced each other in program history.
Live video and live stats will be available for the game. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. CT.
Kyle Jackson