Mount Union won its ninth National Championship in the last 14 years in 2006 with a 35-16 win over Wisconsin-Whitewater.
The Purple Raiders defense was dominant from start to finish as they finished second in the country in team defense (186.0 ypg), fewest points allowed (8.5 ppg) and rushing defense (30.0 ypg). Â Mount Union did not allow more than 17 points in a game all season long.
Offensively, the Raiders led the nation in total offense (489.3 ypg) and scoring (43.9 ppg).
Individually in 2006, the Raiders were paced by running back Nate Kmic's Mount Union record 2,365 yards rushing while also posting a school-record 371 yard single-game rushing mark.
Pierre Garcon paced the receiving corps with a 67 catch, 1,212 yard receiving, 17 TD campaign.
On defense, safety Matt Kostelnik led the squad in big plays with five interceptions, three blocked punts and four touchdowns scored on defense and special teams combined. Justen Stickley led the squad in tackles for loss (20.5) and sacks (11.0).
Overall in 2006, the Purple Raiders trailed for only 3:14 in the 900 minutes of football played. Mount Union also set a new collegiate record in winning 15 games in a season – tying '06 Division II National Champion Grand Valley State (Mich.) for that distinction.
