ASHLAND, Ohio — Ashland University’s playoff hopes may be on life support, but the Eagles are far from flatlining.
AU suffered its second loss of the season last week, turning the ball over four times in a 24-21 setback at Michigan Tech. The Huskies scored the game-winning touchdown with 36 seconds remaining.
While a home playoff game is out the window, the Eagles can still play their way into the 28-team Division II tournament. AU is seventh in this week’s Super Region 4 rankings. The top seven teams in each region qualify for the postseason.
Traditionally, two Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference teams advance to the playoffs. Division II heavyweight Grand Valley State is the top GLIAC team and is first in the Super Region 4 rankings. In addition to Ashland (7-2, 5-2), other GLIAC contenders include Wayne State and Ferris State. The Eagles beat both teams earlier in the season.
Last year, 11 of the 28 Division II playoff-qualifying teams had two losses. One team, Newberry (S.C.) College, had three losses.
“We basically know where we are at in the season and realize we can’t stumble again to have any hope of being champions of the (GLIAC) South and getting an opportunity to play in the postseason,” AU coach Lee Owens said. “So every game become more significant than ever before.”
The good news for Owens is the Eagles will be back at home Saturday. AU hosts Walsh (1-8, 0-8) on Senior Day at Jack Miller Stadium.
“It’s all about our seniors having their last home game,” Owens said. “They’ve had a great run here, great career here and they’re having a real good season.”
Quarterback Travis Tarnowski will look to bounce back after throwing three interceptions last week at Michigan Tech. Tight end Adam Shaheen broke AU’s single-season record when he caught his 13th touchdown pass last week. The All-American needs two TD receptions to match the Division II single-season record for touchdown catches by a tight end.
“I’ve never seen a tight end impact the game, at any level, the way he does,” Owens said. “There’s no question that every team has to tweak their coverage, they have to change their philosophy. They have to approach us differently than any other team simply because of what he can do to you.”
Ashland is 4-0 all-time against Walsh, but needed overtime to secure a 31-24 win last fall.
“We’ve been on the road five of the last six weeks, so it’s really nice to get home,” Owens said. “Walsh is our opponent. They happen to be our last home game and last opportunity for these seniors to play in this stadium.”
Coverage of Ashland University Eagles athletics is produced in partnership with OhioHealth, the official sports medicine provider for Ashland University and dozens of high schools and universities throughout Ohio.
