Winston-Salem returns to D-II, rolls to title game

"These are not your average CIAA guys, your average D-II guys," said running back Bryce Sherman, one of two transfers from South Carolina.

The school's roster includes seven transfers from Bowl Subdivision teams — including one from each of the state's four Atlantic Coast Conference programs. Defensive back Dominique Tate, a Wake Forest transfer, shares a Winston-Salem apartment with current Demon Deacons running back Josh Harris.

Seven more Rams came from FCS schools.

"Did we break a rule? We didn't? Oh, so we're smarter than you," Maynor said, directing his comments toward those critical of the high number of transfers.

"You've got to get the game plan and get out there and do the same thing we're doing," Maynor said. "Get your program on the same level we are and quit complaining about the transfers we've got. That's how you win games."

Nobody can argue with the results.

As a team, the Rams rank in the top 10 in eight major statistical categories. They're fifth in the division with an average of 42.5 points per game; are sixth against the run, allowing an average of 87.7 yards; and are fourth in turnover margin at plus-1.36.

Only three games have been decided by fewer than 10 points — and two of those came in the first two weeks. The third was a 21-17 win over Indiana (Pa.) in the Division II quarterfinals.

Now it's on to the title game and a chance to deliver the school's first championship become the first HBCU to win the Division II crown.

"We're still kind of in shock, but we're ready, though," Sherman said. "We've been thinking about it since the summertime. Coach has been telling us about wanting to win a national championship. We all believe. It's here now. We've got to play hard. We're ready, though."