Erik Peterson runs because he wants to, rather than needs to, and uses multiple targets, while the defense stuffs the run and forces turnovers.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The passing offense is focused around Mitch Hallstrom to the exclusion of Jay Hilbrands and Jared Schultz, an opposing quarterback breaks containment and the kicking game is tested.
This season's turning point:
Battling back after St. Thomas scored 21 points in the third quarter and scoring twice to beat the Tommies.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
199.1/259.8
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
131.9/173.5
How far can they go?
At least to the semifinals, and if so, expect a better result than previous trips to Alliance.
Spencer Stanek picks the opposing defense apart, especially with big target Peter Sorenson.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
A defense that doesn't allow long drives suddenly can't get off the field.
This season's turning point:
After UW-La Crosse returned a fumble 53 yards for a touchdown to cut the Cardinals' lead to 21-17, North Central went right back down the field and scored to go back up by 10 on the next drive, then forced a three-and-out and went back down the field for another score.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
237.7/265.1
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
117.1/136.9
How far can they go?
They haven't been challenged much this year, so the question will be what happens when they face some adversity. Might take a couple rounds before they do get tested.
The run game is an afterthought and nobody really misses it, while the opponents are throwing too, with less success.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They can't stop the run and the unnecessary points they give up keep an opponent in the game longer than necessary and something comes of it.
This season's turning point:
Zach Litchfield's field goal splitting the uprights as time expired to lift the Pioneers to a 17-16 win at UW-Oshkosh and all but securing the playoff bert.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
149.7/338.3
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
142.7/206.6
How far can they go?
First D-III playoff trip should yield first win, though probably not a second.
Both quarterbacks are healthy. Logan Schrader and Taylor Jacobsmeier give Wartburg's offense a new dynamic when they can be used interchangeably or put on the field at the same time.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They feel they have no option but to throw or run Schrader for yards they must have. The defense can't get off the field. Bethel threw for 301 yards in a Week 2 Wartburg loss and Coe ran for 286 in a Week 8 loss.
This season's turning point:
Persevering after spending the entire second half trailing Central before coming back to win 16-14, avoiding what would have been a second consecutive loss.
Austin Damaschke is making all the throws and using his legs because he wants to, rather than needs to.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The opponent can shorten the game by pounding the ball on the ground.
This season's turning point:
Getting into conference play after going 1-2 to open the season outside the league. CUW played a lot of close games and gave up a lot of yards but mostly bent rather than breaking.
The offense is crisp and throws short- and medium-length passes without issue.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They can never establish the run, while the opponent can do so with runs from either team.
This season's turning point:
Getting an 8-yard touchdown run from Tyler Harper as time expired in the first half at Greenville, putting the Saints up 21-7 and into a position to weather than eventual comeback attempt as CSS won the UMAC title from Greenville, 21-7.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
245.7/186.8
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
121.1/163.5
How far can they go?
Out and back. Not their time yet, though that can still be coming.
Bethel Royals
North Central (Ill.) Cardinals
UW-Platteville Pioneers
Illinois Wesleyan Titans
Wartburg Knights
Albion Britons
Concordia (Wis.) Falcons
St. Scholastica Saints