They're on the field. Honestly, there hasn't been any evidence of them not playing well. The defense, especially, has been untouchable.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
If you're looking for leading indicators that suggest perhaps they won't continue to play well, keep an eye on how well Taurice Scott throws under pressure, since he hasn't had to yet.
This season's turning point:
When the new offense took the field in a real game and clicked, getting past the biggest offseason question.
They're on the field. The Blue Jays haven't played poorly since a loss at Mount Union ended their 2012 playoff run. The last two seasons featured perfect regular seasons that ended in narrow playoff losses to Wesley and Hobart. The defense has been dominant once again this season, especially against the pass and on third down.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
An opponent can make the offense one-dimensional. The Blue Jays have one of the nation's most balanced attacks, averaging 242 yards rushing and 264 yards passing per game. Brandon Cherry and Stuart Walters can do it all out of the backfield, and quarterback Jonathan Germano has been outstanding in his first season starting, connecting often with Bradley Munday.
This season's turning point:
When Germano completed 18 of 23 passes for 320 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions in his starting debut. The junior has been lights out all season, completing nearly 72 percent of his passes.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.517 (78)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
238.3/267.9
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
122.2/190.7
How far can they go?
A potential Wesley game would be a toss-up, but a return to the quarterfinals is possible.
Wesley Wolverines
Seed:
Likely No. 3, Mount Union bracket
Last Top 25 ranking:
No. 11, Week 11 2015
Location:
Dover, Del.
Enrollment (FT undergrads):
1407
Stadium:
Mike Drass Field at Scott D. Miller Stadium (2500)
The offense finds rhythm and mixes the run and pass, with Callahan getting the ball to a variety of players with enough space to make plays. The defense stops the run and gets pressure on the opposing quarterback with just its front four.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They leave points on the board in the red zone, turn the ball over, or get called for holding on offense. On defense, they bust a coverage and give up big plays.
This season's turning point:
They're looking for it to come soon. Wesley gave up a lot of points in the latter half of the season, William Paterson game aside, and comes in a little bit on its heels after losing to Salisbury.
They are distributing the ball among their weapons on offense and the play-action is effective. Albright uses multiple running backs and wide receivers and their strength is in their depth. They're winning the battle on special teams and the defense is allowing underneath routes but nothing over the top.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
Quarterback Mike Knight makes bad decisions and throws interceptions. Albright's weakest moments -- the early deficit against Salisbury and the loss to Delaware Valley -- have the common thread of multiple Knight interceptions. On defense, they'll have trouble if they can't keep the opposing quarterback off balance.
This season's turning point:
Having already lost a game, and in trouble two weeks later, JaVaughn Patterson intercepts a deflected Stevenson pass at the 22-yard line for his second pick of the game, sealing Albright's win.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.511 (96)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
148.4/198.7
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
112.2/193.0
How far can they go?
Definitely to Alliance, but not sure the Lions are ready to take on the Machine.
Matthew Silva continues to play like a senior quarterback, as he enters the playoffs with 39 passing touchdowns and just six interceptions in 359 attempts, and the defense, which gave up 400-plus yards on three separate occasions, manages to slow the opponent down.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The defense can't pressure the opposing quarterback and he can take his pick of targets.
This season's turning point:
Driving 82 yards in 76 seconds to score and take the lead with 34 seconds left and defeat Western Connecticut 39-34 in Week 4. The win came two weeks after the Rams lost a shootout at home to Cortland.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.526 (64)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
137.7/295.5
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
114.7/224.5
How far can they go?
Tough opening round draw. Framingham acquitted itself well in its previous playoff appearances, but this is a different type of draw.
Mike Lefflbine maintains an efficiency in the St. Lawrence passing a game. In 2015, 72% of the Saints' offensive yards came in the air, and Lefflbine completed 64% of his passes in the process. There's no secret where the team's bread and butter is offensively.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
If the opponent is mounting a solid passing attack, the Saints could have a long day. The Saints have a powerful one-two punch in their defensive backfield with James Holley-Grisham and two-way threat Leondre Simmon. Each had six interceptions at the end of the regular season, accounting for 12 of the team's 22 INTs. However, the team totaled just one interception in their two losses this season.
This season's turning point:
Surviving an onside kick attempt with just over a minute left, holding on for a 24-21 victory vs. RPI after having led 24-0 at the half. Although SLU lost to Hobart at the final gun later in the season, it didn't cost the Saints the LL title.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.544 (35)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
88.5/231.3
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
151.0/162.9
How far can they go?
Same place they went last time, which won't allow St. Lawrence to demonstrate or even measure well how far the program has come since 2010.
They still run for more yards than they pass for, despite their recent conversion to running the spread.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The offensive line can't protect Philippe Bazinet. He's been sacked at least twice in each of the Cadets' last nine games, but that includes 17 sacks in the last three losses.
This season's turning point:
Coming back off the bye week after an 0-3 start against some of the better competition in the area and beating Becker 31-14 to start a run to the ECFC title.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.504 (116)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
171.0/179.2
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
140.8/181.1
How far can they go?
Not far. But that Norwich team that played St. Lawrence competitively might have a chance vs. Albright.
Mount Union Purple Raiders
Johns Hopkins Blue Jays
Wesley Wolverines
Albright Lions
Framingham State Rams
St. Lawrence Saints
Western New England Golden Bears
Norwich Cadets