McPherson favored over higher-ranked Southwestern KS in KCAC test

Versus likes McPherson to win this one even though Southwestern KS sits higher in the NAIA divisional rankings, seventh compared to the Bulldogs' ninth. The gap closes once the deeper numbers are weighed: McPherson carries a power rank of 16 against Southwestern KS's 21, and an offensive rank of 17 that outpaces the Moundbuilders' 28. Both programs grade out as elite overall, an A for McPherson and an A+ for Southwestern KS, but the projection points to a 31-21 McPherson win and gives the Bulldogs a 71 percent chance to come away with it.

Both teams arrive at 7-1, and both have surged up the national picture this season. McPherson has climbed 24 spots in the Versus NAIA rankings, while Southwestern KS has climbed 22. McPherson's defense, graded A-, matches up with a Southwestern KS defense of the same letter grade, so this is likely to come down to which offense finds more room against a capable defensive line.

The game counts in the KCAC standings, with both teams carrying one loss into the matchup. McPherson has won the all-time series, but Southwestern KS has taken the majority of their recent meetings, a detail that adds some tension to a projection that otherwise favors the visiting Bulldogs.