Central Oklahoma's brutal schedule shadows Emporia State's perfect mark

The gap that matters most here is not in the records, it is in the schedules. Central Oklahoma carries a strength of schedule rank of 7 in Division II, while Emporia State sits at 88, a swing of 81 spots that explains why Versus views this projected one-point game as closer than the 6-0 Hornets' unbeaten record would suggest.

Emporia State has climbed from No. 37 to No. 7 in Division II this season and owns the best record in college football at 6-0, graded A+ overall with an A in power rating. But its offensive rank of 29 and defensive rank of 17, both solid but not elite, have come against lighter competition. Central Oklahoma, at 3-3 and No. 38 in Division II, is graded A in power, offense and defense alike, with an offensive rank of 16 and a defensive rank of 13, built against the tougher schedule its rank reflects. The Bronchos already own a win this season over a team 29 spots ahead of them in the rankings.

The two have split a long series, with Emporia State ahead 9-5 since 2007, and Central Oklahoma took the most recent meeting in blowout fashion. Versus gives Central Oklahoma a slight 51 percent edge here, projecting a 25-24 final. Both teams play in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association, and this game counts fully in those standings.