Dordt's grades outweigh its record in projected upset of Midland U.

Versus likes Dordt to win this one even though the Defenders sit 22nd in NAIA compared to Midland U.'s 11th, and the grades explain why. Dordt carries A+ marks in power, offense and defense, a profile built against the 6th toughest schedule in the division, while Midland U. grades out at A across the board but has done it against the 78th ranked schedule in NAIA. That schedule gap is the whole story behind a projected 28-25 road win and a 57 percent chance for Dordt.

Midland U. arrives unbeaten at 5-0, tied for the best record in the country, and has climbed from No. 35 to No. 11 in the Versus NAIA rankings this season. But an 8th ranked defense and 12th ranked offense have not been tested the way Dordt's have. The Defenders have slid from No. 10 to No. 22 despite going 2-2, yet they have outscored their last four opponents on average, a sign the record understates where this team is playing right now.

Both programs sit in the Great Plains Athletic Conference and this game counts in those standings. Versus projects a tight finish, with Dordt's offensive and defensive grades enough to edge a team that has yet to face a schedule of comparable strength.