Division II Football Championship 2014: Date, Start Time, TV Schedule and More

History will be made in the 2014 Division II Football Championship game Saturday, as both Colorado State-Pueblo and Minnesota State-Mankato have never won a national title.

The Thunderwolves reached the game by barely escaping against West Georgia 10-7 in the semifinals. The Mavericks, on the other hand, defeated Concord with ease, 47-13.

Both second-seeded teams have faced tough competition en route to Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas, and the competition only gets stiffer. Two teams that have never won the big game are sure to put on a show.

You won't want to miss out on the action.

When: Saturday, Dec. 20

Where: Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas

Time: 4 p.m. ET

TV Broadcast: ESPN2

Potent Offense vs. Powerhouse Defense

The Thunderwolves defense has been superb, allowing just 49 points in the three games of this tournament. Defensive end Darius Allen is a huge reason for that success, recording six sacks.

The pressure Allen puts on opposing quarterbacks also rushes them in the pocket and forces errant throws, therefore making the job of his secondary much easier.

Colorado State-Pueblo is a gritty team capable of playing in close games, something that is imperative on such a big stage. Head coach John Wristen knows the game his team played against West Georgia wasn't necessarily pretty, but it was more than enough to get the job done, as he told Skylar Rolstad of NCAA.com:

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Every playoff game is a game where you’ve just got to find a way to survive and advance. Our guys found a way on Saturday [against West Georgia]. Statistics weren’t always in our favor but you’re not judged by statistics, you’re judged by you wins and losses, so I think when you can win a ball game like that it’s a good step because you gain a little confidence when you go through.

"

This type of mentality is what should help the defense hound the Mavericks' potent offensive weapons.

To illustrate MSU's strong unit, it's best to turn to their semifinal game against Concord. Per the Associated Press:

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The Mavericks gained 498 yards of offense, with 268 yards rushing on 47 carries. Minnesota State Mankato had nearly 18 minutes more in possession time.

Mavericks quarterback Ricky Lloyd completed 14 of 18 passes for 177 yards and four touchdowns. Connor Thomas rushed for 123 yards and scored twice, becoming the school's career touchdown leader with 33.

"

MSU's game plan revolves heavily around Thomas, who is the career touchdown leader at the school. If the Thunderwolves can manage to clog up running lanes and pressure Lloyd to throw, the defense could find a ton of success.

Against a defense that allowed just 13.7 points per game this season, MSU won't find it easy to gain yards. It's going to be the ultimate battle of offense versus defense, with the more dominant unit leading its team to victory.

Prediction

It's evident the defense of both teams is going to be the focal point of this game, and Chad Courrier of the Mankato Free Press tweeted that he's expecting the same:

MSU was really only challenged once this season, a 24-21 overtime victory over Pittsburgh State. That was its lowest-scoring game of season, and the team only scored in the 20s one other time. Every other contest was 31 or higher.

The Mavericks also have played strong defense, allowing opponents to score just 12.9 points per game.

Rest assured this won't be a blowout, however. Expect Colorado State to put up a fight similar to the one Pittsburgh State did against MSU in late November.

When analyzing two teams playing in a title game, it's best to look at the teams who have proven themselves in close contests. Sure, MSU outlasted Pittsburgh State and went undefeated this year, but Colorado State's last two wins have come by a combined six points.

The Thunderwolves' only loss of the season came against Fort Lewis by one point, but they quickly responded with a 41-13 drubbing of Chadron State.

All signs point to this being a defensive struggle, but Colorado State's resilience is hard to ignore.

Look for the Thunderwolves to lock up this game early in the fourth quarter. Their defense will shut down the Mavericks the rest of the way.

Colorado State-Pueblo 23, Minnesota State-Mankato 17.

Follow Kenny DeJohn on Twitter at @kennydejohn.