The Playoffs: Team by team
Here's the scoop on all 28 teams in the playoffs, including some insiders' tips to help you decide who's a contender and who's a pretender.
| North Region |
 Mount Union Purple Raiders (10-0) Location: Alliance, Ohio Stadium (capacity): Mount Union (5,529) Conference: Ohio Athletic Conference Head Coach: Larry Kehres Career Record: 188-17-3, 17th season Basic Offense: Pro set Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 33-7 (1985-86, 1990, 1992-2001) How they got here: Pool A, OAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: No deep routes are open and the opposition is forced to throw dump-off passes. You'll know they're playing poorly if: A quarterback change comes from necessity rather than choice. This season's turning point: Defense stopped a last-second scoring drive attempt by archrival Baldwin-Wallace to win 28-21 in its first game without starting quarterback Rob Adamson. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 273.3/237.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 115.0/98.4 How far can they go? Same as always Schedule and results |
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 Wabash Little Giants (10-0)Location: Crawfordsville, Ind. Stadium (capacity): Byron P. Hollett Little Giant Stadium (8,200) Conference: North Coast Athletic Conference Head Coach: Chris Creighton Career Record: 50-9 Basic Offense: Single back Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 2-1 (1977) How they got here: Pool A, NCAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: The rushing and passing game are balanced and Jake Knott is throwing to several different receivers. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The opponent is able to rush the ball This season's turning point: The game-winning overtime field goal at Wittenberg proved that Wabash was truly in the hunt for the NCAC title. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 179.2/244.2 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 65.6/161.4 How far can they go? They might not be playoff tested, but they've certainly seen their share of intense crowds this year. We feel that negates the usual playoff inexperience factor and that they can get to Alliance. Schedule and results |
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 Hanover Panthers (10-0)Location: Hanover, Ind. Stadium (capacity): L.S. Ayres (4,000) Conference: Heartland Head Coach: Wayne Perry Career Record: 150-61-2, 22nd season Basic Offense: Spread Basic Defense: 50 Record in NCAA playoffs: 1-4 (1995, 1997, 1999-00) How they got here: Pool A, HCAC champs You'll know they're playing well if: Team lets poise carry them instead of getting rattled when things don't go their way and defense holds opposition in check to allow offense to get rolling. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The squad is losing the field position battle and turning the ball over. This season's turning point: The return of quarterbacks Justin Pelley and Brett Dietz to health after each missed time in a disappointing 2001. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 131.1/340.1 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 121.4/237.9 How far can they go? This is a tough draw and a difficult decision. We don't really know how good Hanover is. They have two common opponents with Wittenberg and had similar results against each. They face a dogfight in the first round and then another in the second in what is probably the toughest bracket top to bottom. Schedule and results |
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 Alma Scots (9-1)Location: Alma, Mich Stadium (capacity): Bahlke Field (5,000) Conference: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Head Coach: Jim Cole Career Record: 67-44 (12th season) Basic Offense: Spread Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-1 (1999) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: Offense is moving the ball and scoring You'll know they're playing poorly if: Offense is struggling and defense is giving up a lot of points This season's turning point: Starting quarterback Steve Slowke was injured in the first game of the season. He played sparingly in the next game and sat out the third game of the season. Alma rebounded from an opening-game loss and has since won nine straight games. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 184.0/271.6 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 100.9/237.1 How far can they go? Both Alma and Wheaton are better than they were when they met in Week 2 (a 23-16 Alma win). But whoever wins is going to be a Mount Union victim in the second round. Schedule and results |
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 Wheaton Thunder (9-1)Location: Wheaton, Ill. Stadium (capacity): McCully Field (5,000) Conference: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Head Coach: Mike Swider Career Record: 48-18 Basic Offense: Twin open-I Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 1-1 (1995) How they got here: Pool A, CCIW champ You'll know they're playing well if: The ball is moving on the ground and through the air and the Thunder is using its balanced offense (No. 2 in D-III in total offense, No. 15 in rushing yards and No. 18 in passing yards). You'll know they're playing poorly if: They are turning the ball over or the defense is giving up the big play. This season's turning point: Wheaton was trailing 17-0 on then-No. 18 Millikin with 8:03 to play in the first quarter when Chad Bradley found receiver Brad Musso on a 66-yard TD to begin a string of 26 unanswered points to top the Big Blue. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 236.3/264.5 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 83.0/146.6 How far can they go? Both Wheaton and Alma are better than they were when they met in Week 2 (a 23-16 Alma win). But whoever wins is going to be a Mount Union victim in the second round. Schedule and results |
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 Wittenberg Tigers (9-1)Location: Sprngfield, Ohio Stadium (capacity): Edwards-Maurer Field (3,000) Conference: North Coast Head Coach: Joe Fincham Career Record: 72-8 Basic Offense: Multiple I Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 16-8 (1973, 1975, 1978-79, 1988, 1995, 1998-99, 2000-01) How they got here: Pool C You'll know they're playing well if: Daniel Grove is averaging more than six yards per carry and the defense is forcing opponents to take to the air for first downs. Grove returned from a broken foot to rush for 212 yards in the regular season finale against Wooster, and Wittenberg's defense led the NCAC for the 10th time in the last 11 years. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Grove is having a hard time finding holes, forcing the Tigers to take to the air to win. Greg Cornett is a very capable quarterback and he has terrific receivers, but Wittenberg must have balance to be most effective. This season's turning point: A 46-43 overtime loss to Wabash on Oct. 12. It ended a conference-record 30-game NCAC win streak and showed some chinks in the Tigers' armor. Since then, Wittenberg has won five games by a cumulative margin of 277-29. The 23-man senior class has not allowed any more letdowns. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 242.3/219.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 84.5/140.9 How far can they go? This first-round game is a big challenge, but this team has faced big playoff challenges before. If they win, the revenge factor could carry them past Wabash. But the road will end at Alliance, if it gets there. Schedule and results |
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| MacMurray Highlanders (10-0) Location: Jacksonville, Ill. Stadium (capacity): MacMurray Field (3000) Conference: Illini-Badger Head Coach: Bob Frey Career Record: 57-24 Basic Offense: Pro I Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-1 (2001) How they got here: Pool A, IBC champ You'll know they're playing well if: They're running the ball. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The defense breaks instead of bends. This season's turning point: Last year's playoff loss at Thomas More Rushing/receiving yards per game: 204.1/143.5 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 124.0/112.4 How far can they go? From Jacksonville to Crawfordsville and back. Schedule and results |
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| East Region |
 Rowan Profs (10-0)Location: Glassboro, N.J. Stadium (capacity): John Page (5,000) Conference: New Jersey Head Coach: Jay Accorsi Career Record: 10-0, first season Basic Offense: Spread, no-huddle Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 24-8 (1991-93, 1995-99, 2001) How they got here: Pool A, NJAC champs You'll know they're playing well if: Their receivers hang onto the ball. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They leave gaping holes up the middle This season's turning point: Rallying from a 19-0 deficit to beat archrival College of New Jersey in Week 5. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 160.0/286.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 135.8/188.2 How far can they go? This is an unusually tough East bracket and not a K.C. Keeler Rowan team. They should reach the regional finals, but if they find John Carroll there, expect a battle. Schedule and results |
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Mass-Dartmouth Corsairs (11-0) |
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 Hobart Statesmen (8-1)Location: Geneva, N.Y. Stadium (capacity): Boswell Field (4,500) Conference: UCAA Head Coach: Mike Cragg Career Record: 48-28, eighth season Basic Offense: Multiple Pro Basic Defense: 4-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: 1-1 (2000) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: The offense is able to complete 60% or more of its passes in the first half You'll know they're playing poorly if: They trail in time of possession This season's turning point: Oct. 26, vs. Alfred. The Statesmen played one of their poorest games of the season, but emerged with a 25-19 double overtime victory. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 137.7/233.2 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 117.6/207.9 How far can they go? Tough first-round draw for a team that struggled with Alfred and lost to St. John Fisher. Schedule and results |
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 Brockport State Eagles (8-2)Location: Brockport, N.Y. Stadium (capacity): Special Olympics Stadium (10,000) Conference: Independent Head Coach: Rocco Salomone Career Record: 50-28-1, eighth year Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-2 (2000-01) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: The team has a lead in the fourth quarter and Adam Webster is over 100 yards You'll know they're playing poorly if: The team is trailing in the fourth quarter This season's turning point: An overtime win at Frostburg State Rushing/receiving yards per game: 187.0/147.0 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 108.9/120.7 How far can they go? Neither team is as good as the ones that met in the 2000 postseason. Schedule and Results |
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 Springfield Pride (9-1)Location: Springfield, Mass. Stadium (capacity): Benedum Field (2,500) Conference: Freedom Football Conference Head Coach: Mike DeLong Career Record: 114-90-2 Basic Offense: Multiple Option Basic Defense: 3-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: 2-2 (1998, 2000) How they got here: Pool A, FFC You'll know they're playing well if: They run for more than 300 yards. They're 18-2 when that happens over the past three seasons. You'll know they're playing poorly if: SC turns the ball early and gets behind This season's turning point: Mounting a scoring drive in the closing minutes of an 18-15 win against Western Connecticut and watching a potential game-winning field goal go wide right. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 381.4/61.3 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 114.0/135.1 How far can they go? One win is the most they'll get this time through. Schedule and results |
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 Muhlenberg Mules (9-1)Location: Allentown, Pa. Stadium (capacity): Scotty Wood Stadium (3,000) Conference: Centennial Head Coach: Mike Donnelly Career Record: 37-25 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: First appearance How they got here: Pool A, Centennial champ You'll know they're playing well if: The only time the ball is inside the Muhlenberg 40-yard line is when the Mules kick off. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Matt Bernardo doesn't get 25 carries. This season's turning point: A 35-14 loss to McDaniel and subsequent bye week. Since then, Muhlenberg has outscored its five opponents 159-23. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 163.8/191.7 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 112.0/153.3 How far can they go? They probably would have been favored against Mass-Dartmouth even on the road. But John Carroll in a second-round game will be too great a challenge. Schedule and results |
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 John Carroll Blue Streaks (9-1)Location: University Heights, Ohio Stadium (capacity): Don Shula Stadium (1,400) Conference: Ohio Head Coach: Regis Scafe Career Record: 46-44, nine seasons (30-10, four seasons at JCU) Basic Offense: Pro-I/Mutiple Set Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 1-2 (1989, 1997) How they got here: Pool C You'll know they're playing well if: Tom Arth is completing mid-range passes early, defense is stopping the run. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Ryan DeGeorge has not touched the ball ten times by halftime, losing field position battle. This season's turning point: Going 3-0 with Tony Beiting playing quarterback after Arth got hurt at Mount Union on Oct. 19. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 152.6/254.5 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 112.7/265.5 How far can they go? If Tom Arth is all the way back, then it's to Glassboro and beyond. Schedule and results |
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| West Region |
 Linfield Wildcats (9-0)Location: McMinnville, Ore. Stadium (capacity): Maxwell Field (2,250) Conference: Northwest Head Coach: Jay Locey Career Record: 49-15 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-2 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-1 (2000) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: The offensive line is taking control of the line of scrimmage. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Team turns the ball over (plus-19 for the year) This season's turning point: Being left out of last year's playoffs Rushing/receiving yards per game: 243.7/227.3 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 116.2/135.9 How far can they go? This is a team on a mission that can carry them to Salem, or at least the semifinals. Schedule and results |
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 St. John's Johnnies (9-1)Location: Collegeville, Minn. Stadium (capacity): Clemens (5,500) Conference: Minnesota Head Coach: John Gagliardi Career Record: 397-113-11 in 54 seasons Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: Varied Record in NCAA playoffs: 23-12 (1976-77, 85, 87, 89, 91, 1993-94, 96, 1998-2001) How they got here: Pool A, MIAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: They consistently run the ball for positive yardage You'll know they're playing poorly if: They allow big plays or turnovers, especially early in the game This season's turning point: Rebounding from the opening season overtime loss at UW-Eau Claire to win nine straight games Rushing/receiving yards per game: 159.1/302.3 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 115.9/154.8 How far can they go? Health questions make one wonder if this is still the Johnnies' year. Schedule and results |
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 Wartburg Knights (9-1)Location: Waverly, Iowa Stadium (capacity): Walston-Hoover (4,800) Conference: Iowa Head Coach: Rick Willis Career Record: 52-9, sixth season Basic Offense: Pro style Basic Defense: Multiple 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 1-4 (1982, 1993-94, 1999) How they got here: Pool C You'll know they're playing well if: Score 20 points or more. The Knights were above the mark eight times, in the 30s and 40s three times each and over 50 in their regular season finale. Average margin of victory was 33-5 in the eight contests where they scored 20 or more. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Allow 14 points or more. In three wins where opposition went over 14 points, the average margin of victory was 29-18, including lone loss. This season's turning point: A 14-0 win at Central in Week 8. It was the first shutout of Dutch in Pella by anyone since the 1987 playoffs and first Knights' regular season win in Pella since 1975. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 253.5/161.8 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 60.5/134.8 How far can they go? They have home-field advantage and can win their first-round game. And then don't forget what happened the last time an IIAC team went to Linfield... Schedule and results |
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 Lake Forest Foresters (9-1)Location: Lake Forest, Ill. Stadium (capacity): Farwell Field (1,500 seated) Conference: Midwest Head Coach: Chad Eisele Career Record: 16-14 (third season) Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 3-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: First visit How they got here: Pool A, MWC champion You'll know they're playing well if: They have a positive turnover margin (+14 overall, -1 in only loss) You'll know they're playing poorly if: They're losing the field position battle This season's turning point: A 20-18 homecoming victory over Ripon on Sept. 28. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 105.9/207.0 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 67.6/186.2 How far can they go? Again, the MWC champ draws an opponent it can beat, but on the road. It doesn't bode well. Schedule and results |
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 UW-La Crosse Eagles (7-3)Location: La Crosse, Wis. Stadium (capacity): Roger Harring Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium (4,349) Conference: Wisconsin Head Coach: Larry Terry Career Record: 43-41-1 (9 years) Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 13-5 (1983, 1991, 1992 (champs), 1993, 1995 (champs), 1996, 1999) How they got here: Pool A, WIAC champion You'll know they're playing well if: They're motivated by being selected No. 6 in the conference preseason poll. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Their missing five linebackers to injury hurts them. This season's turning point: Following a questionable overtime loss at Whitewater they won last three games to win the conference. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 146.8/240.6 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 175.1/199.0 How far can they go? They are better than their seed, and could win one or two games. Schedule and results |
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 Redlands Bulldogs (7-2)Location: Redlands, Calif. Stadium (capacity): Ted Runner Stadium (6,750) Conference: Southern California Head Coach: Mike Maynard Career Record: 94-41-1 Basic Offense: 4-wide Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-2 (1990, 1992) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: The offense is balanced. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They look like they did in their two losses to NWC teams this year. This season's turning point: Beating the 2001 SCIAC champ in the conference opener in two overtimes. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 126.4/234.3 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 221.2/161.2 How far can they go? Tough draw means likely first-round exit. Schedule and results |
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| South Region |
 Bridgewater Eagles (10-0)Location: Bridgewater, Va. Stadium (capacity): Jopson Field (3,500) Conference: Old Dominion Head Coach: Mike Clark Career Record: 44-40-1, eighth season Basic Offense: Multiple I Basic Defense: Multiple Record in NCAA playoffs: 4-2 (2000-01) How they got here: Pool A, ODAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: They're getting eight or nine yards a play. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They don't get pressure on the opposing quarterback and give him time to throw. This season's turning point: Robbie Jenkins hit Andre Jones for the game-winning touchdown on fourth down in the final minute in the opener at McDaniel. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 243.8/219.6 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 93.7/195.1 How far can they go? They don't have to leave Virginia to win the national title. But they'll likely have to beat the surviving Texas team to get out of their own bracket. Schedule and results |
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 Trinity Tigers (10-0)Location: San Antonio, Texas Stadium (capacity): E.M. Stevens Stadium (3,000) Conference: Southern Collegiate Head Coach: Steve Mohr Career Record: 98-43 (13th season) Basic Offense: 4-wide Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 8-6 (1994, 1997-2001) How they got here: Pool A, SCAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: Their offense is balanced You'll know they're playing poorly if: They're turning the ball over This season's turning point: Came out of the bye week with a romp at Centre, avenging a road loss from 2000. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 222.9/327.1 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 119.1/161.6 How far can they go? Incredible first-round matchup could be the end, otherwise they could win the bracket. Playoff experience could be the difference. Schedule and results |
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| Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders (10-0) Location: Belton, Texas Stadium (capacity): Tiger Field (6,500) Conference: American Southwest Head Coach: Pete Fredenburg Career Record: 34-16 Basic Offense: Multiple I Basic Defense: Multiple 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-1 (2001) How they got here: Pool A, ASC champ You'll know they're playing well if: The Crusaders are running the ball well, controlling the clock and Shaun Rochon is getting his hands on the ball. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They are having to throw the ball 30 or more times in the game and the opponent is running the ball effectively This season's turning point: The third quarter against Howard Payne when UMHB exploded for 28 unanswered points to bounce back from a 10-7 halftime deficit on the way to a 42-17 victory. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 232.7/171.4 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 71/182.4 How far can they go? Incredible first-round matchup could be the end, otherwise they could win the bracket. Schedule and results |
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 King's Monarchs (8-2)Location: Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Stadium (capacity): Robert L. Betzler Fields (3,000) Conference: Middle Atlantic Head Coach: Rich Mannello Career Record: 40-60-1, 10th season Basic Offense: I-Formation Basic Defense: Multiple 50 Record in NCAA playoffs: First appearance How they got here: Pool A, MAC champion You'll know they're playing well if: They are able to run the football effectively to set up the play-action pass. Also if the defensive front contains the run and can apply pressure. You'll know they're playing poorly if: King's is forced to throw and opposing quarterback has too much time. This season's turning point: Trailing Juniata 20-6, King's took the second half kickoff and marched 75 yards to score. The momemtum carried over into a 26-20 victory and a 24-6 win against Widener the following week, allowing the Monarchs to control their own destiny in the MAC title hunt. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 210.1/119.1 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 75.9/160.3 How far can they go? Their defense can shut down most good offenses, and they should score enough to beat Salisbury. But after that the ride is probably over. Schedule and results |
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 Salisbury Sea Gulls (9-1)Location: Salisbury, Md. Stadium (capacity): Sea Gull (2,500) Conference: Atlantic Central football Conference Head Coach: Sherman Wood Career Record: 43-56-1 Basic Offense: Option Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 5-3 (1983, 1985-86) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: A dozen players carry the ball You'll know they're playing poorly if: Fans leave by halftime This season's turning point: After coughing up the ball seven times in Week 11 against Frostburg, they'll need a turning point to be a competitive playoff team. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 326.2/77.3 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 89.7/164.2 How far can they go? Their schedule hasn't exactly prepared them for the playoffs. Schedule and results |
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 Washington & Jefferson Presidents (8-2) Location: Washington, Pa. Stadium (capacity): Cameron Stadium (4,500) Conference: Presidents' Head Coach: John Banaszak Career Record: 37-8, fourth season Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: Multiple Record in NCAA playoffs: 15-14 (1984, 1986, 1987, 1989-96, 1999, 2000-01) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: Senior running back Joey Nichols rushes for 100 or more yards, W&J is 17-2 when he does. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The offensive line isn't protecting senior quarterback Brian Dawson. Dawson and the offense struggled in the regular-season finale against Buffalo State as the unit gave up eight sacks. This season's turning point: Trailing Thiel 17-7 at halftime the week after an upset loss at Allegheny, W&J stormed back to win 21-17 behind two touchdown passes from senior quarterback Brian Dawson. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 164.8/228.7 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 118.4/143.7 How far can they go? To the second round for sure, but too inconsistent to go much further. Schedule and results |
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 Christopher Newport Captains (6-4) Location: Newport News, Va. Stadium (capacity): Pomoco (4,500) Conference: Dixie Head Coach: Matt Kelchner Career Record: 11-8, second season Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-1 (2001) How they got here: Pool A, Dixie champ You'll know they're playing well if: The kicking game doesn't matter and the defensive line gets its hands on the quarterback. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The opposing offense scores so quickly it doesn't need a time of possession advantage. This season's turning point: Captains rallied from an early deficit to beat Greensboro in Week 6 and avoid losing their fourth consecutive game. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 207.3/75.4 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 133.5/130.3 How far can they go? They're probably one more year away from being able to compete against a true playoff team. Schedule and results |
Coe Kohawks (9-1)