We’ve got a final four confirmed in the Men’s D2 college bracket after Iowa Central CC, Queens, UW-Whitewater, and NC State all won Sunday.

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Two relatively new varsity programs in Queens and Iowa Central showed what school support can do at this level, while perennial title contenders Whitewater put another varsity program, Bethel College, to the sword in the quarterfinals. NC State, long a power in the Cardinals Conference, also showed the program's strength and depth this weekend.

The Iowa Central Tritons beat Vermont 25-7 Sunday in the quarterfinals. Kyle Howlett scored two tries while Mitch Coleman-Hardy and Isaiah Faleuka both touched down. Coleman-Hardy added a penalty and Ezra Ulberg a conversion. 

For the Tritons, this was the first foray into D2 competition. Iowa Central played an independent schedule and faced mostly D1 competition. The Tritons’ performances were good enough to earn an at-large playoff spot, and then this weekend wins over North Dakota State and Vermont proved their worth. Fakeuka left the field Saturday with an injury but was able to suit up on Sunday.

Wisconsin-Whitewater, who won the national title the last two years and made the final the last four, will be back in the finals weekend once more. The Warhawks smashed Bethel 72-6. Fullback Alec Treuthardt scored three tries and converted three for 21 points on his own. Center Levi Van Lanen was solid as always and flanker Shay Haase scored two tries in the effort.

“Hats off to Whitewater,” said Bethel assistant coach Darrell Knowlton. “They are a class act and we wish them well. They are a skilled and dynamic team and are the defending national champions for a reason.”

Bethel struggled through the two-game weekend, picking up injuries and having to suit up several underclassmen. That experience will help them in years to come.

NC State defeated UNC-Charlotte in a clash of two North Carolina teams from two different conferences. Tries from lock Brandon Corkery and center Charles Harrocks staked NC State to a 12-0 lead, and while Charlotte closed the gap, NC State pulled away late. Nahusha Rao scored two tries in the second half, and Corkery added his second as the Wolfpack won out 37-14. 

And Queens won a close one 39-34 over Villanova. This after both teams won squeakers the day before. 

December 1 Whitewater takes on Queens and NC State faces Iowa Central for a place in the final.