College football: Kutztown cruises in opening round of Division II playoffs

Third-ranked Kutztown set new postseason records for points in a game and margin of victory while registering its first-ever postseason shutout in a 52-0 opening round victory over Northeast 10 champion Bentley Saturday afternoon at Andre Reed Stadium.

Quarterback Judd Novak threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns, Craig Miller rushed for a pair of scores and Lee Coleman returned a fumble for a touchdown as the Golden Bears pitched their third shutout of the season.

For the second week in a row, Kutztown (12-0) scored in all four quarters, erupting for 17 in the second, 14 in the third and 14 in the fourth.

The Maroon and Gold outgained Bentley (7-4), 502-171, by throwing for 301 yards and rushing for 201. It marked the fourth time this season Kutztown has topped 500 yards of total offense and the Bears’ eighth 200-plus yard rushing game.

With Saturday’s win, Kutztown, the top seed in Super Region One, advances to the second round of the NCAA Division II championship for the third consecutive season and sixth time in program history. The Golden Bears improved to 7-7 all-time in NCAA playoff games.

Kutztown will face another Northeast 10 opponent in round two after unseeded Assumption knocked off fourth-seeded IUP, 23-20. The Golden Bears and Greyhounds are well acquainted as they’ve squared off in season openers for the last several seasons. Kutztown defeated Assumption, 51-14, at Andre Reed Stadium on Sept. 4.

The Golden Bears will host Assumption next Saturday, Nov. 29. The game will air live on ESPN+. Kickoff time and ticket information will be announced next week at KUBears.com.

This story came from the Kutztown University Athletic Department.

https://www.mcall.com/2025/11/22/college-football-kutztown-cruises-in-opening-round-of-division-ii-playoffs/