Morningside coach Steve Ryan
Two of the top small college football programs in the country collide Saturday when Morningside visits Wisconsin-Whitewater. Ranked second in the latest NAIA poll, Morningside is 2-0 and has averaged nearly 75 points in two lopsided wins. Wisconsin-Whitewater is ranked second in the latest NCAA Division III poll and the Warhawks have won six national titles in the last nine years.
“Both teams made it to the semifinals last year and both are currently ranked number two”, said Morningside coach Steve Ryan. “It is two programs that have had a lot of success recently and just the curiosity of us being in different leagues makes it an exciting football game.”
The faces change but the level of play does not. Sophomore Trent Solsma took over for NAIA player of the year Ryan Kasdorf at quarterback and has connected on nearly 70 percent of his passes and four touchdowns in two games.
Ryan says if the Mustangs have any weaknesses the game against Wisconsin-Whitewater will expose them.
“With that you also find out what your strengths are”, added Ryan. “We are going to find out what we are really good at and what we need to work on.”
These teams met a year ago in Sioux City in a steady rain and Wisconsin-Whitewater put together a late touchdown drive in a 33-30 victory.