And just like that we’re at the D1A semifinals.
In a way it seemed like it was going to be this way. the only strong doubt was whether it would be Life or Lindenwood. Those two of course had the tightest game of the quarterfinals.
For Cal, this has looked like a for-sure appearance all season. They have had a close game or two, but have produced an attack that no one has even come close to stopping.
And, as we mentioned earlier in the season, it comes down to the platform, the turnovers, and the support work from the forward pack.
They don’t score a ton of tries, mostly because the backs finish so well, but they are the reason Cal is where they are.
Cal is a massive challenge for a very good Saint Mary’s team.
“Cal probably has the finest 9-10 combo since the days of the brilliant Ken Meyersieck and Don Hooper,” said Saint Mary’s Head Coach Tim O’Brien, naming Cal’s halfback combo from the 1980 and 1981 season. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to play the best this Saturday.”
And yes, that’s what it’s all about.
In the East, Navy wasn’t too worried about whether they would face Life or Lindenwood.
“We are focused on ourselves and areas of the game we need to get right to hopefully impose our will on them,” said Navy DOR Gavin Hickie. “Our discipline has been very good in our last few games. We conceded only five penalties against Army, so that’s an area we expect to continue. Our set piece has been an area of strength for us over the season and we are aiming for continued success in that area too. We are expecting a physical and confrontational game and we know we need another very good performance to beat Life again this season.”
