Delaware Valley vs Norwich Preview

The NCAA Division 3 Football tournament gets underway this Saturday when the Norwich Cadets (7-3) visit the Delaware Valley Aggies (10-0).

This is the most lopsided match up of the first round involving east teams. The Aggies are probably one of the ten best teams in all of Division 3 football, and undefeated champions of the rugged MAC. The Cadets are champions of the recently formed ECFC, whose previous champion SUNY Maritime fell behind Alfred by 50 points before half time in last season's first round of the tournament.

If you are hoping the ECFC has raised its level heading into the 2011 tournament, think again. Norwich was undefeated (7-0) in the ECFC, but 0-3 outside of the conference. The Cadets were soundly beaten by St Lawrence (3-6) and Hartwick (2-8). While we respect Norwich's run to its conference championship, it is safe to say Norwich would not have won more than two or three games in any other east region conference.

We aren't predicting any miracles here.

The Delaware Valley Aggies are on a mission in 2011. The Aggies have outscored its opponents by an average margin of 21 points per game, and average an amazing 8.6 yards per pass attempt. Opponents average only 4.7 yards per pass attempt.

Quarterback Aaron Wilmer has 21 touchdowns to only six interceptions, good for a 156 efficiency rating. Running back Kyle Schuberth averages nearly 100 yards per game on the ground. Defensive back Terrance Osborne has 5 interceptions and 18 pass deflections.

Norwich's best chance is to keep the ball on the ground, and control the clock. If they can keep the Aggies off the field, they might keep the game close. The Cadets run an option style attack led by quarterback Kris Sabourin, and running back Andrew Fulford. Sabourin and Fulford combined for over 2000 yards rushing in 2011.

Our prediction? The Aggies will eventually shut down the one dimensional option, and at that point the game will get ugly. Sabourin is completing only 47% of his passes, with 9 interceptions against only 4 touchdowns. And that is against competition much weaker than the MAC. I can't see Norwich playing catchup with the Aggies. Delaware Valley in a rout.