Ryan Breton, who took over for the injured Weston Garner, is moving the offense with both his arms and feet, and the defense is getting all of its pressure up front.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
There's a defender (and a game plan) that can take wide receiver/return man Jessie Ramos away and the offense can't adjust, and the defense gives up multiple drives of 10 or more plays and can't get off the field.
This season's turning point:
Ramos' 57-yard touchdown catch with 3:12 left vs. Mary Hardin-Baylor, which came just 48 seconds after the Cru took the lead. HSU did lose a sloppy game in the mud the following week but there's not much grass among playoff teams.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.543 (37)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
164.9/310.8
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
142.0/177.9
How far can they go?
Either Texas team has the potential to get to Oregon.
They get off to a fast start. And that's been a sore spot for UMHB this season. Teidrick Smith and co. are dominating up front and the opponent is on the run.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
Whichever quarterback is playing can't stay off his back and they never find the hot hand among their running back options.
This season's turning point:
Not missing a beat when East Texas Baptist came to town in Week 11. UMHB couldn't afford to lose a second game.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.502 (119)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
235.8/264.7
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
61.6/225.7
How far can they go?
Also to Oregon. Could UMHB return the favor to Linfield for its second-round home loss last season? Probably not. Linfield is loaded.
The offense strikes for big plays. The Red Dragons have gained 30 or more yards from the line of scrimmage 29 times, including 12 touchdowns
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The defense struggles to get off the field. Opponents have converted on 48 percent of third-down opportunities and 36 percent on fourth down.
This season's turning point:
Jon Mannix's 29-yard Hail Mary touchdown catch on the final play of the season opener to give Cortland a 26-24 win vs. Heidelberg. It wiped the slate clean from 2014, when Cortland lost several close games, some in devastating fashion.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.589 (7)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
131.5/283.0
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
123.0/290.8
How far can they go?
It should be a great first-round game between teams who have exhibited a propensity for late-game heroics. And you'll notice we didn't say anything about the second-round game.
Salisbury Sea Gulls
Seed:
Likely No. 5, Linfield bracket
Last Top 25 ranking:
No. 21, Week 11 2015
Location:
Salisbury, Md.
Enrollment (FT undergrads):
7334
Stadium:
Sea Gull Stadium (2500)
Playing surface:
Turf
Conference:
NJAC
Preseason ranking from Kickoff:
29
Head coach:
Sherman Wood (Salisbury State '84)
Career record:
143-97-1 (.595) overall; 122-59 (.674) at Salisbury
When they hit their deep shots in the pass game in addition to the run game. The defense is limiting the big play and getting turnovers. Salisbury's special teams are a plus as well, punter, kicker and return game.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
Their passing attempts result in drops, or missing open receivers. Or turnovers. The defense can't get off the field on third down -- opponents converted 28 of 44 third-down conversion opportunities in the last three weeks.
This season's turning point:
When they flipped the switch and fully made use of the "spread" portion of the spread option, down 27-7 in the fourth quarter vs. Frostburg State. Salisbury was 8-for-12 passing in the fourth quarter for 139 yards and all three touchdowns in the comeback.
The offense is playing in rhythm, converting first downs and moving quickly and quarterback Ian Kolste doesn't show any ill effects from the broken ring finger on his throwing hand. The defense is forcing turnovers and getting tackles for loss.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The offense can't get first downs and dictate tempo, while the defense can't get off of the field and wears down.
This season's turning point:
Getting into the field with no wins vs. regionally ranked opponents and a sub-.500 strength of schedule.
They can just sit back and run the ball on offense and let the chips fall where they may. They've run for 300 yards or more in three games so far this season. The defense is generating turnovers, especially interceptions.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
Opposing receivers create matchup problems and special teams breakdowns and penalties give up valuable field position.
This season's turning point:
Willie Coleman returned a kickoff for a touchdown vs. N.C. Wesleyan and the Hawks followed with a 95-yard drive to take a two touchdown lead on the Battling Bishops in Week 5. And the Hawks have not seriously been challenged since.
The offense is scoring at will. Behind standout rusher Dayton Winn and potent passer Seth Peters, the Warriors churn out one of the best offenses in the nation. Getting the ball to the second and third level of defenders is a key part of that success. Hendrix has topped 40 points six times this season and brings balance to the table in order to move the ball and find the end zone.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The team is unable to win crucial situations on defense. Blown coverage leading to big plays can halt this team in its tracks -- we?ve seen it happen before.
This season's turning point:
The win against Centre on Oct. 3. This shootout victory, which included a 283-yard performance from Winn, against the defending SAA champ was key to the young team's confidence. And it demonstrated Hendrix's ability to bounce back from an early-season loss, a mindset that they needed to channel again after losing to Berry later that same month.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.524 (70)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
221.0/256.9
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
165.0/230.5
How far can they go?
Second round is definitely possible, but playing in Texas will be on another level altogether.
Linfield Wildcats
Hardin-Simmons Cowboys
Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders
Cortland Red Dragons
Salisbury Sea Gulls
Whitworth Pirates
Huntingdon Hawks
Hendrix Warriors