CALDWELL, Idaho - The College of Idaho will host the second round of the NAIA Football Championship Series on Saturday, Nov. 29, when the No. 8 Yotes (9-1) welcome No. 9 Morningside (9-2) to Simplot Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m., with the postseason matchup presented by Del Taco.
College of Idaho enters the second round riding a six game winning streak and boasting one of the nation's top defensive units. The Yotes allow just 14.9 points and 248.9 yards per game, ranking among the NAIA's best in total defense, rush defense and scoring defense. C of I has held opponents under 300 yards in eight of 10 contests and generated 16 turnovers, including 13 interceptions.
Offensively, the Yotes produce 397 yards per game with a balanced attack built on a 204 yard rushing average and 19 ground touchdowns. Quarterback Caden Young and running backs Rylie Byington and Trey Gibson lead a unit that controls possession for more than 35 minutes per game, one of the top marks in the country. C of I has scored 29.1 points per game while converting red zone opportunities at a 63 percent touchdown rate.
Morningside arrives in Caldwell as one of the most prolific offenses in the NAIA, averaging 550.3 yards and 47 points per game behind a high powered passing game and a 211 yard rushing attack. The Mustangs have recorded 41 passing touchdowns and 29 rushing scores, with an 86 percent red zone touchdown rate fueling their production. Defensively, Morningside allows 20.8 points per game and has forced 21 turnovers, including 11 fumble recoveries.
Saturday's matchup brings together two perennial national contenders with contrasting strengths, College of Idaho's disciplined, physical defense against Morningside's explosive, big play offense, setting the stage for one of the premier games of the championship weekend.
Tickets and full game day information are available through the College of Idaho Athletic Department. The game will be live streamed on the Urban Edge Network for fans who are unable to attend.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
