Playoff's Nearing

The Pioneers are 8-0 after defeating Evangel University at Homecomine, 45-10.  Jake Duren had two second-half interceptions to lead the way.

The Pioneers have two remaining games on their schedule.  They play at Central Methodist and Senior Day against #9 Missouri Valley College.

In all honestly the Pioneers should have no problem handling Central Methodist another loss.  Should that happen, MNU will have guaranteed a share of the HAAC Championship and a spot in the playoffs.  Here are the two scenarios for the playoffs, should they win or lose against MVC.

If the Pioneers WIN vs. MVC:  They will be outright sole champions of the HAAC and remain number 4 in the nation likely.  This would allow them to host two playoff games.  Based on geography, we can already get an idea of some teams that MNU could play.  The highest possiblity seems to be Ottawa University, just down the street from MNU.  Ottawa is currently ranked 10th in the nation and are second place in the KCAC.

If the Pioneers LOSE vs. MVC:  They would share the HAAC title with Missouri Valley and Lindenwood, and fall likely somewhere out of the top 8.  They would have to travel for the whole playoffs.  They would likely travel to Ottawa, or to Morningside (IA), whose only loss is to the number 1 team in the nation Sioux Falls (SD).

Who would you like to see the Pioneers play in the first round of the playoffs?

Pioneers Jump to #4 in the Nation

With a 29-7 victory over William Jewell College and a loss from #4 Morningside, MidAmerica was able to jump into the nation's top 4 in this weeks polls.  MNU was previously ranked 5th.  Being in the top 4 is essential in playoff style championships (which is what the NAIA uses).  If the Pioneers maintain this ranking, they will be able to host two playoff games should they win out, and wouldn't have to travel until the national semi-finals.  MNU only has 3 more games remaining in the regular season, and will get a bye week before the playoffs start. 

Jake Duren has three-peated as HAAC Defensive Player of the Week.

MNU V. Graceland

The Pioneers defeated the Graceland University Yellowjackets this last Saturday 54-22.  The score really didn't reflect how well the Pioneers played, as the score was 51-2 when the starters left the game early in the fourth quarter.  Jake Duren made HAAC defensive player of the week again after recording ten tackles (two for loss) and forcing, recovering, and returning a fumble for a touchdown.  Sean Ransburg had 157 yards rushing on 9 carries.

Next week, MNU will play their biggest rival historically, William Jewell.  Although there are some more competitive rivalries for the Pioneers in football (Lindenwood and Missouri Valley), William Jewell is widely considered the schools all around rivals.  William Jewell was beating the #11 Missouri Valley at halftime last week before finally falling in the second half.  This game is WJC, and should be a great challenge for the Pioneers.

Which teams in the HAAC do fans consider big rivals for the Pioneers?

Pioneers 5-0

The MidAmerica Nazarene University Football team is 5-0.  They are currently ranked 5th in the nation and have already made it through a very difficult stretch of games unscathed.  Here is an update on the first five games:

@ Avila:
The Pioneers got scored on their first six possessions and easily won 42-7.  The Pioneers racked up 509 yards of total offense and held Avila to just 175.

#24 Baker:
The game remained close throughout in the season opener for the Pioneers, but they prevailed in a 24-16 game.  Jake Duren was named HAAC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the game.

@ Culver-Stockton:
After a very sluggish start to the game, MNU got hot and beat the Wildcats 46-13.  Dantren Anderson's 11 tackles and two sacks earned him the HAAC Defensive Player of the Week.

#2 Lindenwood:
In one of the best regular season games on the schedule for the entire NAIA, the Pioneers held on to defeat the reigning HAAC champs and National runner-up the Lindenwood Lions.  The Lion offense averaged over 60 points a game and over 650 of yards of offense, but were held scoreless in the second half.  The Pioneers used two field goals from Junior Cody Morrow in the second half to break a 20-20 tie at halftime. 

@ #20 Benedictine:
MNU fought off a "game hangover" from an emotional win the week before to beat the Ravens 23-7.  The Pioneers trailed at halftime, but overcame adversity to put BC away late in the game.

The Pioneers next game is this Saturday at home agains Graceland Universtiy.  The are currently in sole possession of first place in the conference.