COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAMES FOR AUGUST 23rd

The most wonderful time of the year is nearly upon us! If you’re ready for some gridiron clashes THAT COUNT for this year’s record, the divisions of college football covered here at Balladeer’s Blog kick off TOMORROW! The NAIA’s ARIZONA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY FIRESTORM (helmets at left) will be playing their very FIRST year of intercollegiate football in 2014. For their inaugural game they will host the EVANGEL UNIVERSITY CRUSADERS tomorrow.

Some of the other terrific games lined up for tomorrow:

* NAIA *

The MAYVILLE STATE COMETS will host the WALDORF UNIVERSITY WARRIORS in a game that would normally pit the NORTH STAR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION against the MID-STATES LEAGUE. Waldorf has joined the NSAA, making it a conference clash for both teams.  

The MONTANA TECH OREDIGGERS are going to take it on the road for Week One and do battle with their arch-rivals the UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA-WESTERN BULLDOGS. These two teams always play some of the most memorable games in the FRONTIER CONFERENCE each year.

Meanwhile the MENLO COLLEGE OAKS will welcome the EASTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY MOUNTAINEERS to open the season. The Oaks are independent when it comes to football while the Mountaineers hail from the FRONTIER CONFERENCE.

And down at the two-year college level the NJCAA kicks off tomorrow as well. Some of the noteworthy clashes on the menu:

* NJCAA *

The EASTERN ARIZONA COLLEGE GILA MONSTERS (love that name) are going to welcome the GLENDALE (AZ) COLLEGE GAUCHOS. Kickoff in this wild west clash is scheduled for 5pm EST. 

The VERMILION COLLEGE IRONMEN, who saw a huge resurgence in their football program last year, will play host to their Minnesota rivals the ROCHESTER TECH YELLOWJACKETS. Kickoff will be at 2:30pm EST. 

Meanwhile back out west the (12) ARIZONA WESTERN COLLEGE MATADORS are going to welcome the NEW MEXICO MILITARY INSTITUTE BRONCOS (whom I still say should change their name to the Cavalry). Look for kickoff at 5pm EST. 

The DAKOTA COLLEGE AT BOTTINEAU LUMBERJACKS are getting a visit from the MINNESOTA WEST TECHNICAL COLLEGE BLUE JAYS. Kickoff in this gridiron Armageddon will be at 1:30pm EST.  

In the weekend’s only clash between Top 10 teams the 8th ranked NAVARRO COLLEGE BULLDOGS will be hosting the number 5 GEORGIA MILITARY COLLEGE BULLDOGS (2014 runners-up) in what promises to be a – dare we say it – dogfight. Sorry. I know it’s a cliche but what do you expect when its Bulldog on Bulldog violence?  

On Sunday Balladeer’s Blog will feature my usual recap of ALL of Saturday’s games so be sure to check back then.