Homecoming Win Leads To Climb In Rankings
MOORHEAD, Minn. (10/13/14)—Concordia's 34-7 win over Carleton in the annual Homecoming game helped the Cobbers move up in both national polls this week. Concordia is now ranked 21st in the latest D3football.com poll and climbed to the No.23 spot in the weekly American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) rankings.
- Complete D3football.com National Rankings
- Complete AFCA Division III National Rankings
It marks the fourth straight week that Concordia has been ranked in the top 25 of both the major polls for NCAA Division III. The Cobbers were ranked as high as 15th in the AFCA poll and 22nd in the D3football.com rankings.
The win over Carleton was the fifth of the season for Concordia and improved their overall record to 5-1 on the season. It is the third straight season that the Cobbers have won five of their first six games of the year. CC is now 21-5 since the 2012 season.
Concordia is also in the top 10 of the nation in six different statistical categories. The Cobbers continue to be in the top 5 of Division III in time of possession. CC is holding the ball for an average of 36:00 per game and is ranked fourth in that category.
In addition to time of possession, Concordia is also ranked in the top 10 in the nation in third down conversion percentage, fewest penalties per game, first downs, fewest sacks allowed per game and fewest tackles for a loss allowed. The Cobbers are sixth in DIII in converting third downs (52.5%), seventh in fewest penalties per game (3.83), seventh in total first downs (150), sixth in sacks allowed per game (0.50/game) and fourth in tackles for a loss allowed per game (3.33).
Offensive stars Jon Baune and Griffin Neal are ranked in the top 50 of the country in several different stat categories. Baune is 27th in receiving TD's (6) and 39th in receiving yards (500) while Neal is 45th in points responsible for (84) and 47th in rushing TD's 6).
Concordia will play at Augsburg on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 1 p.m. The Auggies are 2-3 on the season and have lost two straight. They are averaging 31.6 points per game and are 23rd in all of Division III in red zone offense efficiency.