Stony Brook at Southeast Missouri State
The Seawolves don’t wow you on offense, as they average a very pedestrian 28 points per game. Though quarterback Joe Carbone and running back Donald Liotine are the engine that makes it run, the strategy is geared much more towards the run than the pass. Even with that fact, they don’t hold a time of possession advantage over the course of the season. That is crazy because the defense is stout, allowing less than 30% conversions on 3rd down and a paltry 60% scoring in the red zone, which ranks 4th in FCS. Sam Kamara and Noah McGinty lead this group.
Southeast Missouri State came from off the radar at the beginning of the season to ending Jacksonville State’s undefeated run in the Ohio Valley Conference. The Redhawks quarterback, Daniel Santacaterina, not only is a nightmare for jersey makers getting his last name across the back, but also for opposing defensive backs. This offense hasn’t scored less than 31 points since the calendar turned to October. This is a huge part of the success because the defense has not held up their end of the deal, except in one factor. Nobody in FCS is better at turnover margin, doing better than their opponents by more than two per game.
Seawolves defense against Redhawks offense - something has to give. Really, it’s the opposite time on the field where this game might be decided. If Stony Brook can exploit the Redhawk defense, without turning the ball over, it should be a win for them. If SEMO can impose their will and make this game a shootout, it’s definitely to their advantage. A tough game to call.
Prediction: Stony Brook 28, Southeast Missouri State 24
