Grambling, Louisiana — This is the first of a five-part preview for the upcoming NAIA Football Championship game between No.6 Northwestern vs No.3 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.). This is the first match-up between the two teams.
The Blue Raiders of Lindsey Wilson, who started their program in 2010, are 10-0 on the season and are the only unbeaten team remaining in the NAIA. The three time Mid-South Blue Grass Division champions have four wins against ranked teams this spring season. Lindsey Wilson began the season ranked 4th, and ended the regular season ranked #3.
This is the Blue Raiders’ 6th appearance in the last seven years in the NAIA playoffs, with their deepest run in 2019, where they fell in the semifinals.
The Northwestern Red Raiders date back to 1960 (as four-year college); also had football from 1950-54 as 2-year college). The Raiders are 11-1, and have won 11 straight, the most wins among NAIA teams this season. Northwestern is 4-1 against ranked teams this season and finished second in the GPAC behind Morningside. The Red Raiders have qualified for the playoffs for four straight years .
Northwestern was ranked 7th in the first four polls of the season and finished the season ranked 6th. The Red Raiders are 2-3 in championship games. In 1972 they lost to Missouri Southern, won in 1973 against Glenville State, fell in 1979 to Findlay, won in 1983 against Pacific Lutheran, and fell in 1984 to Linfield.
