THE GAME: The Southwest Minnesota State University (7-4) football team will play No. 17 Pittsburg State University (Kan.) (9-2) in the 48th Mineral Water Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 7, in Excelsior Springs, Mo., with kickoff set for 12 p.m. at Tiger Stadium. SMSU will be making its first-ever appearance in the bowl game and will be making just its third postseason appearance in the 46-year history of the program. SMSU lost in the opening round of the NAIA playoffs in both 1987 and 1990. The Mustangs are riding a four-game winning streak into Saturday's game - the longest streak since 1999 - and tied for the third longest in program history. Pittsburg State will be making its third appearance in the bowl game - beating Bemidji State in 2006 and Concordia-St. Paul in 2010. PSU is the winningest program in Division II football history, recording a 672-331-48 record and two national championships. A preview on Pittsburg State can be found on page 4.
TWO OF THE TOP OFFENSES HOOK UP: This year's bowl game features two of the top offensive teams in Division II this season. Southwest Minnesota State ranks fifth in total offense, 10th in scoring, 16th in rushing and 29th in passing. Pittsburg State is ninth in scoring, 18th in total offense, 18th in rushing offense and 68th in passing. PSU not only has a top offensive team, but also features one of the top defensive units in the country. The Gorillas ranks 15th in scoring defense, 23rd in passing yards allowed, 27th in total defense and 60th in rushing defense.
