By Sunday we will have our last four D1A teams in what has been the most competitive D1A season of the last several years, likely ever.
As we mapped out in this article: What the First Round of D1A Playoffs Told Us the games among these eight quarterfinalists have been very close. You really can't point to any game that was especially one-sided.
Here's out look at the quarterfinals in video and in print:
Cal at Saint Mary's
In many ways this is the toughest game to make a prediction on. The last several games between these two teams have involved things like last-second tries, key momentum shifts, and close, close games. Overall will the tough opposition Saint Mary's has tested itself against seem them about to tough it out now that the weather is someone better in California?
Or will Cal's growth and tenacity in the face of a couple of program losses mean they have something else to give?
Both teams put players who had star power at other positions into the their halfback hinge. Both teams have power in tight. Both teams can turn the field in an instant.
Live on The Rugby Network at 4PM ET
BYU at Central Washington
Every quarterfinal matchup has happened at least once before during this season, and Central Washington is the only team to be hosting despite losing that matchup (Lindenwood lost to Life but split the series and won the conference). That's because CWU's other results have been quite impressive, and BYU's win over Central was by a single point.
GRR's take is that CWU might have been a bit unlucky to lose to Brigham Young, but the Cougars garnered so much confidence from that victory that they have opened up their approach and their attack, and are really almost a different team since then.
"After a few weeks of training hard, we are excited that the playoffs are here and the new challenges they will present," said CWU Head Coach Todd Thornley. "BYU are a very impressive side that will require us to be at our best on Saturday. If we can focus on doing the little things really well and working hard for each other then we will have a chance. We cannot wait to play this massive clash at home in front of our friends, family, and fans."
We are picking Central Washington, but we won't be surprised if it's close. We will also say that if this is a higher-scoring game, that favors BYU.
