Not only will this Saturday be the first time for Otterbein College's football team to host a home game in the NCAA Division 3 playoffs, but it will be their first playoff appearance in Otterbein football history after finishing 10th in the playoff rankings. Kickoff will be at noon at Otterbein's Memorial Stadium. The 9-1 Cardinals will host the 9-1 Grizzlies from Franklin College, of Franklin IN. Otterbein is one of the three schools from Ohio in the NCAA Division 3 playoffs. The other schools include Case Reserve and the favored Mount Union. Otterbein broke onto the NCAA Division 3 rankings after their 52-14 victory over Heidelberg week four. The Cardinals continued to climb the rankings every week, with their only set-back after the loss to Mount Union week nine. Both Franklin College and Otterbein were matched up with Baldwin Wallace during the regular season, the only similar opponent between the two schools, they had similar results. Otterbein defeated B.W. 42-28 week five of their season. Franklin opened their season with a victory over B.W. 42-35. Sunday, the seniors of the team learned of their official place in the playoffs and Otterbein history, while they were having a senior dinner with their parents in the Rike Center, coaches left the dinner and returned shortly to announce the fate of the Cardinals. Senior Co-Captain Andy Fries was there and is sure to remember the moment for a long time. "We were excited but not sure what to expect," Fries said. "We knew the selection would be on ESPN News around 3 PM," added senior full back and co-captain Brady Collins. "When the coaches made the announcement...that we had home field advantage, we were pumped." The Cardinals didn't have much time to celebrate. They knew they needed to focus their attention on the job at hand. Collins commented not only on the winning of games this season but the winning over of past and present fans. "We have been opening people's eyes, and gaining more respect throughout the season," Collins added. As far as the atmosphere for the Cardinals first playoff appearance, the players are hoping for a large turnout. "We need a packed stadium, we are expecting a lot of fans, we need that to win," Fries said. Is victory on the minds of the Cardinals? Of Course it is. To have the best chances in defeating Franklin College Saturday, "We need to get back to where we were during our first eight games," Fries added. Some attention has been on Franklin's starting quarterback, senior Chad Rupp. "I believe Otterbein has better athletes at every position," said Collins. Regarding Franklin's quarterback, "I'd take Jack [Rafferty] any day." This Saturday, the Cardinals will attempt a feat never before attempted by any other Otterbein football player before. Focus and keeping their heads straight is important, to say the least. "We will have to take care of business, but to us it is just another game," Collins added. t&c;
Playoffs? Playoffs?!?!?!?
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