Much like how the FBS plays FCS teams, it's hard to get up to play down a level. And conversely, the "lesser" team is playing their super bowl against you.
You can't read anything into these inter divisional games.
"Elaine, you're from Baltimore, right?"
"Yes, well, Towson actually."
Some of these "lesser" opponents seem to have worked out the art of splitting scholarships, running tight budgets, and building very competent coaching staffs. Danger of playing down is running into somebody who is actually better.
As I said in the Game Night thread - St. Cloud was that team in the North Central Conference who was always game... they weren't the best team in D-II, but if you slept on them... they'd get you.
North Dakota State University Bison 2011 and 2012 National Champions