It was announced earlier today by the NCAA that the No. 18/23 University of Redlands football team has drawn the No. 2/1 University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (TX) Crusaders in the first round of the NCAA Division III Championships on Saturday, November 23, at noon Central Time in Belton, TX. Amidst a record-breaking campaign, the Bulldogs earned an at-large berth to the postseason after completing their first nine-win season under Head Coach Mike Maynard. Redlands makes its ninth trip to the Division III Tournament and its first since 2016.
The Bulldogs capped off a 6-1 record against conference competition by defeating the Occidental College Tigers in Saturday's regular-season finale by a score of 67-12. The Bulldogs hold a 9-1 overall record and a 33.55 point-scoring margin over opponents.
Next Saturday's game marks the sixth meeting between Redlands and Mary Hardin-Baylor since 2011, with the Crusaders holding the advantage thus far.
The UMHB Crusaders enter the NCAA Championships with a 10-0 record after capturing the American Southwest Conference title for the 15th consecutive time and 17th overall in the 19-year history of the football program. The Crusaders also completed their ninth-straight, undefeated, regular season in the last 10 years. By gaining an automatic bid to the postseason, UMHB makes its 16th-straight appearance.
UMHB will provide live video and live statistics for the contest with links to all of the coverage available at www.goredlands.com. Audio coverage will be provided through KMET 1490 am radio, with online access also available through the Bulldogs' website.
Online ticket sales for Saturday's game will go live on Wednesday evening. Advance tickets are $10 for reserved seats, $8 for general admission, and $4 for students. On Saturday, reserved seats will cost $12, general admission will be $10, and student tickets are $4. The ticket windows at Cru Stadium will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday.