As the NCAA Division III football championship enters its second round, all eyes are on Maxwell Field in McMinnville, Oregon, where two powerhouse teams with identical 9-1 records, the Texas Lutheran Bulldogs and the Linfield Wildcats, will face off. This much-anticipated clash, set for 2:00 AM on December 1, 2024, promises to be a thrilling display of grit and strategy, broadcast live on ESPN+.

Texas Lutheran vs Linfield Football Game Info:

What: NCAA DIII Football Championship
Who: Texas Lutheran vs Linfield
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 1 PM
Live stream: Watch here

Team Overviews

Texas Lutheran Bulldogs
The Bulldogs have had a stellar season, entering the second round on the heels of a dramatic 17-10 overtime victory against SU on November 17. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, posting significant victories such as a 55-17 blowout against AUS on October 20 and a commanding 46-23 win against CEN on November 10.

Last Five Games:

• 11/17: vs SU – W 17-10 (OT)
• 11/10: @ CEN – W 46-23
• 11/3: vs LYON – W 45-10
• 10/27: vs MMR – W 28-6
• 10/20: @ AUS – W 55-17

Led by a well-rounded roster, Texas Lutheran combines an explosive offensive line with a tenacious defense capable of handling high-pressure situations.

Linfield Wildcats
Linfield, known for their offensive dominance, have also had a spectacular season. They come into this matchup after a resounding 34-7 win against Whitworth on November 17. The Wildcats’ offense has been relentless, with standout performances including a 68-28 victory against PACO on November 3 and a 62-13 triumph over PUG on October 27.

Last Five Games:

• 11/17: @ WHIT – W 34-7
• 11/10: vs PL – W 38-10
• 11/3: @ PACO – W 68-28
• 10/27: vs PUG – W 62-13
• 10/20: @ GFX – W 47-7

Linfield’s high-powered offense, paired with a rock-solid defense, has made them a formidable opponent, especially on home turf at Maxwell Field.

Key Matchup Factors

• Offensive Firepower: Both teams boast potent offenses, with Linfield slightly edging out Texas Lutheran in scoring across their last five games. Expect a high-octane duel with big plays on both sides.
• Defense Under Pressure: While Linfield’s defense has been dominant, holding opponents to an average of just over 13 points in their last five games, Texas Lutheran has also shown resilience, especially in their overtime victory against SU.
• Home-Field Advantage: Maxwell Field in McMinnville is a fortress for Linfield. Playing in familiar territory with enthusiastic support from the Wildcats’ fans could give Linfield a critical edge.

Gametime Conditions

The weather in McMinnville, Oregon, is expected to be a brisk 44°F at kickoff. While not extreme, the cooler conditions might slightly favor Linfield, who are more accustomed to playing in the Pacific Northwest climate.

Prediction

This game is poised to be a classic clash between two evenly matched teams. While Texas Lutheran’s determination and recent overtime win demonstrate their resilience, Linfield’s dominant home record and explosive offense give them the upper hand.

Final Prediction: Linfield Wildcats edge out the Texas Lutheran Bulldogs in a close battle, securing a place in the NCAA Division III quarterfinals.

Don’t miss the action – tune in live on ESPN+ at 2:00 AM on December 1, 2024!