The Buckeyes are set to return to the NCFA National Championship Bowl Game for the second time in as many seasons, this time in a regular-season rematch against George Mason.
Ohio State defeated the Patriots 29-28 on October 10 in Columbus thanks to a game-winning field goal from David Rive with less than 90 seconds remaining in the contest. Since then, both teams are undefeated and boast identical 6-2 (4-0) records.
The championship game is set to feature the two most explosive offenses in the NCFA. Since losing to Ohio State, the Patriots have outscored their opponents by a whopping 254-6 margin, scoring 70 or more points on two separate occasions. George Mason and former James Madison quarterback Chase Soper is the unquestioned leader of the Patriot offense, as he leads the league in both passing yards (1,703), rushing yards (802) and touchdowns accounted for (36). He has received offers from Div. I schools for the 2022 season, including Davidson University.
The Buckeye offense has also put up big numbers in 2021. Ohio State has outscored its NCFA opponents by a margin of 265-61, with 28 of its 61 points allowed coming against George Mason in the first matchup. Quarterback Kellyn Gerenstein once again leads the Ohio State attack, accounting for 2,022 total yards of offense and 23 total touchdowns in just eight games. His favorite target through the air, Casey Scroggins, leads the NCFA in receiving yards with 816 on 40 receptions.
While Scroggins and Gerenstein have set program records through the air, Ohio State’s run game has also been stellar this season. The Buckeyes have rushed for 1,695 yards in eight games this season and have two players in the top-5 of the NCFA in rushing yards. Running back Jalen Haley ranks second in the NCFA with 783 rushing yards while Gerenstein ranks fifth with 569. Both are tied for second in the league in rushing touchdowns with 11. Sophomore running back Johnathan Thiele has also impressed of late, rushing for 256 yards on 32 carries in just more than three games of action. The Buckeye offensive line has led the way for a historic season in the run game, led by the starting five of Jordan Griffith-Simmon, Jackson Rittman, Sam Backenstoe, Dierre Blash and Samuel Dominguez.
On the other side of the ball, both teams feature stifling defenses that are playing their best football late in the season.
For George Mason, defensive end Gabriel Gibson stands out as arguably the best defensive player in the league. He has posted a whopping 21.5 sacks this season and figures to be a candidate to transfer to a Division I program next season, along with Soper.
Just like he does on offense, Scroggins stands out on defense for the Buckeyes. He ranks second in the NCFA in interceptions with five, one of which sealed Ohio State’s first win against George Mason. Linebackers Colby Stahl and Hunter St. Andre lead the Buckeyes in tackles with 59 and 49 respectively and Blash leads Ohio State in sacks with 8.5.
Fan Information
Fans planning on attending the game should take note of the following:
- Address: Wiley Stadium – Waynesburg University – 273 S East St, Waynesburg, PA 15370
- Tickets: Available only at the Wiley Stadium Ticket Office the day of the game. NO PRESALE. Prices are $10 for Adults, $7 for Students, and $5 for children 12 and under. Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are accepted.
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