Occidental Is Back in Postseason Play

Though they’ll be playing today at home, the Tigers of Occidental College will be in unfamiliar territory -- the NCAA Division III football playoffs -- when they take on the Bearcats of Willamette.

The first-round game, with a noon kickoff at the Eagle Rock campus, marks only the fifth time the school has advanced to postseason play, and the first since 1985. The Tigers qualified by finishing the regular season 8-1 and winning the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title with a 6-0 record. Occidental’s only loss was to Chapman, 31-28 in its season opener.

Willamette (7-3, 4-1 Northwest Conference), is located in Salem, Ore., and is making only its second postseason appearance, although it ranks as the oldest university in the West. It was founded in 1842, before the establishment of the cities of Portland, Seattle and Tacoma. Occidental has been around since 1887.

The Tigers are led by freshman quarterback Andy Collins, who has completed 122 of 187 passes and 15 touchdowns. He ranks 11th nationally in passing efficiency.

The Bearcats, who received one of seven at-large bids based on strength of schedule, have five players who have rushed for 300 yards or more.

-- Pete Thomas