ALLIANCE, Ohio — For the 22nd time in its football program’s history, the University of Mount Union will play in the NCAA Division III National Championship.

What You Need To Know

  • Mount Union will appear in the Stagg Bowl for the 22nd time

  • The Purple Raiders have won 13 football national titles

  • The Stagg Bowl is Friday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.

The Purple Raiders secured their spot in the Stagg Bowl with a 34-31 semifinal win versus Wartburg in a semifinal game Dec. 10.

With 31 seconds remaining in the game, Tyler Echeverry used a 3-yard run to cap off a 69-yard drive to put Mount Union in the lead for good.

Mount Union returns to the Stagg Bowl for the first time since 2018, when the Purple Raiders lost to Mary Hardin-Baylor, 24-16. Mount Union last won the national title in 2017, defeating Mary Hardin-Baylor, 12-0.

The Purple Raiders have won an NCAA-leading 13 national titles.

Mount Union will play North Central College at the Navy Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis, MD. It is the first time the game will be played at the location.

North Central College finished as runners-up in the 2021 Stagg Bowl, and won the title in 2019, with the 2020 Stagg Bowl being canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mount Union and North Central College are two of just six teams to win the D-III national title in the past 20 seasons.

The Stagg Bowl is Friday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. EST and will br broadcasted nationally on ESPNU.

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