The wait is over: the 2022 DII football season is finally upon us. Edward Waters got the ball rolling last week, but the rest of the DII world kicks off with a slew of games beginning Thursday, Sept. 1.
The defending champion Ferris State Bulldogs look to be the first repeat champions since the 2015-16 Northwest Missouri State Bearcats. Shepherd’s Tyson Bagent will try to become the first back-to-back Harlon Hill Trophy winner since Ferris State’s Jason Vander Laan.
RANKINGS: Way-too early Power 10 | D2Football preseason | AFCA preseason
These are just two of the storylines I’m watching as Week 1 opens.
5 games to watch in Week 1 of the 2022 DII football season
Colorado School of Mines at Grand Valley State, 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, Sept. 1
What a way to get the season started. Lubbers Stadium is already one of the most-rocking venues in DII football, and it opens the 2022 season by welcoming a 2021 national semifinalist. Both the Mines (No. 4) and Lakers (No. 5) were top 5 in the “way-too early” DII Power 10, so we are looking at a top-five battle on opening night. Mines’ quarterback John Matocha and running back Michael Zeman are two of the best at their respective positions in all of DII and power a high-scoring offense. Senior Bowl-watchlist offensive lineman Quinton Barrow will lead the way in the trenches for a balanced offense while linebacker Abe Swanson charges what could be one of the best front sevens in the land. Grab the popcorn, this should be the game of the weekend.
Central Washington at Ferris State, 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Sept. 1
The Bulldogs are putting themselves to the test early, but more on that later. The focus here is Ferris State hosting Central Washington, a 2021 playoff team and new member of the powerful Lone Star Conference. While the Wildcats, led by quarterback Quincy Glasper, are looking to make quite the impression on their new conference, all eyes will be on Tony Annese’s Bulldogs. Mylik Mitchell takes…
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