The defensive front led by Payton Rose and Aamir Petrose is disrupting the opposing offense and Joe Callahan does it all with good pocket presence and unexpected running ability.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The struggle or settle for three points in the red zone. They left points on the field against Salisbury and in other early-season games, but also in the third quarter at D-I FCS Charlotte. Wesley could have won if not having to kick a couple of field goals in the final regular-season game.
This season's turning point:
Surviving a tough challenge from Thomas More to open the season, yet still putting the Saints away handily, leading by two scores or more for three quarters.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
184.0/296.9
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
72.3/165.1
How far can they go?
To Salem. Some think this could be the best Wesley team ever.
Hobart is running the ball well and simultaneously shutting down the opponents' run game.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
If Hobart is turning the ball over and/or having to rely on the passing game to win. QB Patrick Conlan struggled against two of the best passing defenses in the league (RPI and St. Lawrence), completing only 51% of his passes with four interceptions in those games. The Statesmen's best receiving threat is 6-foot-5, 240-pound tight end Mike Berkowitz, who has five of his 13 catches this season for TDs, and is primarily used as a blocker.
This season's turning point:
Overcoming five turnovers to outlast St. Lawrence, 29-27, in Week 10, in what was otherwise a relatively easy regular season. Prior to playing the Saints, Hobart averaged 25-point leads going into the fourth quarter.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
224.6/170.4
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
85.0/162.1
How far can they go?
Hobart hasn't been tested by playoff-caliber competition this season so it's hard to tell what the ceiling is for the Statesmen.
They effectively mix the run and the pass on offense and are successful at pressuring the quarterback and forcing turnovers on defense. The Blue Jays have created 27 turnovers and registered 27 sacks this season.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The Blue Jays are struggling to run the ball. Hopkins? effective passing game is set up by the running game, which has accounted for 33 touchdowns.
This season's turning point:
The win against Muhlenberg. This was, in many ways, supposed to be a rebuilding year of sorts for Johns Hopkins, which lost 21 seniors, including eight starters on offense, from its 2013 team. Heading to play a senior-laden Muhlenberg team on the road, it appeared the Mules were ready to take the Centennial crown from the Blue Jays. Hopkins jumped to a 21-0 lead, held off a Muhlenberg rally and put the game away late.
The offensive line is controlling the line of scrimmage. MIT is undersized up front against almost everyone. They rely on a power, between-the-tackles running game with Justin Wallace. If he finds room to run on early downs, that sets up the passing game. If Wallace struggles and they have run outside the tackles or throw, the Engineers struggle to move the chains.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They can't stop the run. MIT loves to control the clock. If opposing teams can move the ball on them, the defensive line gets gassed. If the other team is controlling the clock, that means MIT isn't, or has fallen behind. Forcing the Engineers to be a pass-first team is the way to beat them. If they have the lead, they prefer to grind teams to death.
This season's turning point:
When Anthony Emberley blocked an extra point attempt with 42 seconds left to secure a 35-34 win over Western New England.
John Smith and the running game have enough success to set up longer-range passing plays and the defensive front can force the quarterback to get rid of the ball early.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They struggle forcing the ball in the red zone on offense and the shorter secondary has to defend for longer periods of time against taller receivers.
This season's turning point:
Beating Gallaudet 12-6 midseason, forcing 10 punts and bottling up the Bison option offense.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
215.6/150.6
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
84.4/183.8
How far can they go?
Possible to go to the second round, thanks to the first-round pairing and site selection.
Wesley Wolverines
Hobart Statesmen
Johns Hopkins Blue Jays
MIT Engineers
Rowan Profs
Ithaca Bombers
Hampden-Sydney Tigers
Husson Eagles