Levell Coppage and Matt Blanchard's ability to run the ball
occupies defenses enough that the Warhawks don't need to throw for
300 yards.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The secondary needs Noah Timm to save it with an interception
(three of his five came in Weeks 9-11).
This season's turning point:
Surviving the fourth-quarter scare at UW-Oshkosh. It hasn't
been an overly dominant season for the Warhawks, but the key pieces
on offense are healthy, at least.
The defense and special teams sets the offense up with a short
field or scores on their own. The Cougars blocked nine kicks this
year, including two punts against Wesley. Will Evans’ kick
return for a score was the difference in Kean’s win over
Cortland State.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The Cougars can’t establish the run and rely too much on
quarterback Tom D’Ambrisi. Kean’s worst offensive
performances have been those in which it ran for less than 100
yards. D’Ambrisi is a solid quarterback, but the key to the
Cougars’ offense is balance. No individual ball carrier or
receiver has eye popping numbers. And you aren’t balanced if
you can’t run the ball.
This season's turning point:
A five minute span in the second quarter of Kean’s win
over Montclair State in which the Cougars turned two interceptions
into 10 points. Kean forced seven turnovers and held off the
Red Hawks 27-14 in the regular season finale to clinch the NJAC
title and the automatic bid.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
144.1/173.0
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
140.1/196.1
How far can they go?
The Cougars’ close wins over Wesley, Montclair State and
Cortland State show that this team thrives in tight games. They can
reach the national quarterfinals if they can slow down Salisbury in
the second round.
They score but also take some time off the clock to get the
defense some rest. Franklin can string a bunch of plays together in
a drive but doesn't always run a lot of clock in the process.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They can't stop the run and therefore can't get the defense off
the field.
This season's turning point:
Stopping Manchester on fourth down in Franklin territory in the
fourth quarter of a six-point game in Week 7, then going 69 yards
in 12 plays over five minutes to put the game away.
Rushing/receiving yards per game:
163.2/322.9
Rushing/receiving yards allowed:
142.8/216.5
How far can they go?
Well, they know what the road looks like. And UW-Whitewater
gets a return game.
They can run the ball consistently and get a spark out of their
passing game, which stagnated over the last half of the regular
season.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The defense can't shut drives down on third down. During a
five-game stretch late in the season, Thomas More's opponents held
the ball for an average of nearly 35 minutes.
This season's turning point:
The change at quarterback against Mount St. Joseph. Freshman
Luke Magness came in to start the second quarter and looked like a
classic Thomas More quarterback the rest of the way, running for
124 yards and passing for 118. Franklin will be a step up, however,
and after that ...
Rushing/passing yards per game:
206.1/185.7
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
113.5/215.1
How far can they go?
Second round is the limit, of course, but two weeks ago we
might have said one and out.
Evan Moog is getting a lot of carries. The
backup-turned-starter had three touchdowns against N.C. Wesleyan
and netted 140 yards against Ferrum. Good things happen when he
touches the rock.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The team comes out flat in the fourth quarter. The Captains
have been outscored nearly 2-1 in the final period, and that cost
them the game against Salisbury and gave them a scare against teams
like Shenandoah and Greensboro.
This season's turning point:
The games against Methodist and Greensboro, during which CNU
had to replace an injured quarterback. The team may not have any
All-Americans, but it does have depth. Aaron Edwards began the
season at third-string under center but has shown capable of
leading the team in wins these final two weeks of the season while
throwing for 537 yards and seven touchdowns.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
213.5/196.5
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
143.9/186.3
How far can they go?
Likely one and out. CNU might be playing its best ball of the
season right now, but Kean is riding high off a win against ranked
Montclair State and has a victory earlier in the season against
Wesley.
Throwing is a choice, rather than a necessity. Western New
England proved it could throw in any weather, and has thrown more
of late, but would seem to prefer to run.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
Return specialist Mike Graham is the only bright spot when they
have the ball. Bryce Brown is unavailable to run the offense.
This season's turning point:
Coming back from a 13-0 deficit with under four minutes
remaining to force overtime and go on to defeat Framingham State in
the NEFC title game.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
205.4/135.7
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
102.0/145.0
How far can they go?
It's going to be a long drive to learn that Salisbury's triple
option is not really like Springfield's.
Clinton Orr is the man on the ground and everything else on
offense is just gravy. On defense, they allow the underneath routes
but cover well on medium and long pass plays.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They move the ball but settle for field goals, or missed field
goals.
This season's turning point:
It needs to be yet to come if the Britons are to be successful
in this year's playoffs.
UW-Whitewater Warhawks
Salisbury Sea Gulls
Kean Cougars
Franklin Grizzlies
Thomas More Saints
Christopher Newport Captains
Western New England Golden Bears
Albion Britons