ANGOLA, Ind. - Trine University sent its 26 seniors out in style with its second undefeated regular season in three years with a 58-16 win over Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association rival Albion.
The win marks Trine's third consecutive conference title and third-straight NCAA playoff appearance.
Trine (10-0, 6-0 MIAA) rolled up 630 yards of total offense on the Albion (5-5, 4-2) defense, including 357 on the ground. Trine used a gashing running game to set up Galigardi candidate Eric Watt's (Kentland, Ind./South Newton) passing attack.
Watt finished 19-for-26 for 273 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. The receiving corps was led by senior Paul Curtis (Cassopolis, Mich./Ross Beatty) who surpassed the 1,000 yard mark receiving on the season, finishing with 7 catches for 174 yards and a touchdown. Senior Aaron Selking (Decatur, Ind./Adams Central) had 8 total tackles and 3 interceptions to lead the defense, which forced six turnovers overall.
Trine opened up with a quick touchdown drive, scoring just 73 seconds into the opening stanza to take a 7-0 lead, never trailing throughout the rest of the game. Trine followed this up with two more touchdowns to take a 21-0 lead. Trine dispatched the Britons with twenty one point fourth quarter.
The Thunder will learn its playoff opponent Sunday afternoon. The NCAA Division III football pairings are revealed on ESPN News at 3 p.m. Regardless of the playoff destination, the Thunder do know they will play next Saturday at Noon. -- Zach Bigger, Trine Sports Information