This is the biggest mismatch of the first round, IMO. Colgate is on a offensive roll, having won 7 in a row with an unstoppable offense, and is outscoring their opponents by 16 ppg despite giving up 33 ppg during the streak. The Seahawks did pound NEC favorite Albany, but haven't looked even vaguely like a playoff team otherwise. That being said, Wagner does have a chance simply because they can run the ball & Colgate's run defense is awful. Wagner's own run defense is mediocre compared to their other solid defensive stats, though, so I don't think they'll be able to slow Colgate's dual-pronged rushing attack well enough to win. The Seahawks haven't scored more than 31 points in a game this season, and I doubt 31 points will be enough to win this one.
The numbers Gavin McCarney has put up this season for Colgate are insane, particularly during the win streak. He's averaging 158.9 ypg on the ground (slightly more than his RB, Jordan McCord) over the past 7 games, and is also averaging 228.1 ypg through the air for a total of 387 ypg of total offense. That's a frightening total for a running QB.
Here's my assessment of the matchups & my pick for the game:
- Quarterbacks -- Colgate
Running Backs - Colgate
Receivers/TEs - Colgate
Offensive Line - Colgate
Defensive Line - (push)
Linebackers --- Wagner
Secondary ---- Wagner
Kicking ------ Wagner
Punting ------ Wagner
Return Teams - Wagner
Kickoffs ------ Wagner