The defensive line gives all the pressure they need and they don't give away points in the red zone. Or even need the red zone.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The opposing offensive line gives its quarterback time to throw and a slow start to the game persists into the second half.
This season's turning point:
Replacing Jake Sims with Zach Anderson in the second quarter of the second game, at Kean. UMHB came out and put three TDs on the board in the third quarter, after which the Cru never looked back.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
281.3/212.6
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
52.6/206.8
How far can they go?
Certainly at least as far as the home field will carry them.
The offense can balance its run/pass split efficiently. At times, Hobart was one-dimensional, relying on the running capabilities of Steven Webb when they needed yards and points. Their passing game was inconsistent as first-year starter Patrick Conlon has had good and bad games. As competition escalates, the offense will need to be consistent in both areas to rest the defense.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The secondary is giving up medium or long passes. In two of Hobart's three closest games, the Statesmen gave up 235 (Utica) and 325 (Rochester) passing yards. While the secondary is considered to be improved in 2013, it will be necessary for the unit to play consistently in closer games, especially for a long playoff run to occur.
This season's turning point:
Being able to hit the ground running this year with a new quarterback following last year's quarterfinal run.
The defense is getting off the field on third downs and quarterback Mark Myers is sharp on more than just short passes. The Blue Streaks only allowed 23.9 percent of third downs to go for firsts this season. Myers, prior to the Mount Union game, had three games with a completion percentage of 70 or higher while averaging about 12 yards per completion or more.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The offense is forced to rely on the running game, and the defense's blitzes aren't hitting home. JCU plays primarily man-to-man from its 3-4, allowing it to dial up exotic pressure packages.
This season's turning point:
Outscoring Heidelberg 31-7 in the first half showed that the Blue Streaks weren't just dominant against below-average teams.
The offense is taking care of the football instead of taking risks, and leaning on the defense to slug out a low-scoring victory.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They're forced to pass to keep up in a shootout; The Profs have the nation's 214th-ranked passing offense, averaging 10.5 yards per completion and completing just 52.8 percent of their passes..
This season's turning point:
Frankie Goris caught a 71-yard touchdown pass from Bill McCarty with three minutes left to beat nationally ranked Wesley, helping the Profs bounce back from a 20-point loss to Morrisville State the week before.
They're doing what they've done all season, running and smothering the opponent's run game, and controlling the tempo (they're the nation's leader in time of possession, with more than 35 minutes a game).
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They appear outclassed by Hobart, who is the best team the Bison have faced all season. If the Statesmen aren't missing assignments against the option, and the Bison are forced to pass.
This season's turning point:
When Chris Papacek blocked Becker's attempt at a game-winning field goal, and Ryan Bonyeho scooped it up for a 79-yard touchdown as time expired to send the Bison to their eighth win.
Quarterback Tyler Fenti is finding leading receiver Kevin Francis to move the chains, allowing the Cardinals to loosen up the defense and mix in the run. Also, if they're generating turnovers on defense -- FS Mike Guinta has four picks in the past five games.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They're giving up big returns on special teams. In a three-point loss to Ithaca, they gave up returns of 53 and 88 yards.
This season's turning point:
A 41-point second quarter -- including two defensive touchdowns -- in the season's final game against a seven-win Alfred team helped the Cardinals squeeze their way into the postseason.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
150.6/276.1
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
119.5/203.8
How far can they go?
Perhaps to Round 2 for an all-upstate clash with Hobart.
The offense is getting the ball to a variety of targets and ballcarriers -- 12 offensive players have scored touchdowns this season. The defense tightens up in key situations -- the Bulldogs have come up big on third downs and in the red zone, where only John Carroll was more successful at not giving up points.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
Mary Hardin-Baylor is controlling the clock, gaining big chunks with its runs, while not allowing Redlands to run. In the Week 1 meeting, the Cru outrushed the Bulldogs, 395-35.
This season's turning point:
A six-play, 80-yard touchdown drive late in the Chapman game essentially secured the SCIAC title for a team that opened the season with three-score losses to fellow playoff participants Mary Hardin-Baylor and Pacific Lutheran.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
199.6/200.1
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
156.7/196.6
How far can they go?
To the airport for Round 1's only flight, plus wherever those 1,350 frequent flier miles take them.
QB Drew Frenette hits his stride. Frenette has a 22 to 1 touchdown-to-interception ratio in his past seven games and likes to spread the ball around when he's in the groove. He didn't play in the Week 1 loss to Framingham State.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The defense can't get off the field. A 32 percent third-down defense is okay, but 41 percent on fourth-down isn't. When its defense isn't playing well, Endicott is prone to multi-play, time consuming drives by opposing offenses that end in scores.
This season's turning point:
A five-point lead late in a Week 5 game against Maine Maritime on Homecoming became a 12-point advantage after freshman Jake Pelletier's 72-yard punt return for a touchdown. Since then, Endicott has scored nearly 40 points a game and allowed only 11.2.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
156.8/270.5
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
156.3/180.5
How far can they go?
At least to New Jersey and back, possibly to Texas.
Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders
Hobart Statesmen
John Carroll Blue Streaks
Rowan Profs
Gallaudet Bison
St. John Fisher Cardinals
Redlands Bulldogs
Endicott Gulls