Wartburg hopes to make a run at a national title when the third ranked Knights open the NCAA Division III playoffs at home on Saturday against Illinois College. Wartburg made it to the national semifinals last season.

That’s Wartburg coach Chris Winter. The Knights could spend much of their playoff run at home.

Illinois College enters the playoffs with a record of 9-1.

Wartburg linebacker and former Dyersville Beckman standout Owen Grover is part of a defense that gives up less than nine points per game. He says that unit will be tested by the Blueboys.