You can't run on them, and even if you manage to get to the red zone, you come away empty against the best red zone defense in Division III.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They don't know who their quarterback is. After a couple of weeks with Carl Robinson in the lineup, the freshman threw two interceptions, one on the first pass of the second half of the regular-season finale, and Kyle Jones came back in. Robinson had gone 36-for-44 entering the game.
This season's turning point:
Bryce Wilkerson opened the second half at Linfield with a kickoff return for a touchdown, providing shades of 2016, and UMHB hasn't been in much danger since.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.532 (41)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
177.4/221.8
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
49.2/167.6
Yards per play/allowed per play:
6.2/3.4
How far can they go?
A repeat is certainly possible, but settling on a quarterback could also be slightly important.
The offense clicks along and doesn't make mistakes, especially with the defense and special teams setting them up with good field position. And that is likely what the special teams and defense will do, if not score themselves.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They commit too many penalties and can't find the right puzzle piece to plug in in their mix-and-match backfield, where five players plus the retired Jordan Roberts have between 150 and 664 yards, and between three and 10 TDs.
This season's turning point:
Jacques Perra hit Gabe Green for a 61-yard touchdown pass on the first play after a short punt and St. Thomas took a commanding 14-3 lead on St. John's in the game at Target Field.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.484 (172)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
220.1/273.1
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
24.1/123.0
Yards per play/allowed per play:
6.4/2.6
How far can they go?
As far as a stellar defense and an above-average offense can take them.
The offense is limiting negative plays (the Wildcats are 203rd in sacks allowed per game). UMHB had 10 tackles for loss and three sacks against Linfield in September but the offensive line is finally healthy.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They're going backwards on first down, not converting in the red zone, and giving up big yardage on kickoff team.
This season's turning point:
The insertion of freshman quarterback Wyatt Smith, coach Joe Smith's son, into the lineup for the final two-plus games. Prior to that, the Wildcats had a championship-level defense but an offense that was bordering on incompetent.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.568 (8)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
149.2/182.1
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
81.2/154.0
Yards per play/allowed per play:
5.1/3.7
How far can they go?
If they can get out of the first weekend, they could get to Salem.
Their opponent is unable to run effectively, making their offense one-dimensional. And if Berry's offense is able to move the chains on early downs and score in the red zone.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
A quarterback change is forced rather than used strategically.
This season's turning point:
The 28-14 win over Centre on Sept. 23. In the three games after beating the Colonels, Berry outscored opponents 126-30.
Quarterback Landry Turner, who was held out of four games, including the UMHB game, remains upright and mobile enough to keep the offense moving.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
Jaquan Hemphill doesn't have room to run and the defense can't prevent the big pass play.
This season's turning point:
Not rolling over and dying when UMHB's Kris Brown had a pick-six on the Cowboys' first drive of their Oct. 7 game.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.503 (120)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
256.9/265.7
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
119.4/182.0
Yards per play/allowed per play:
7.3/4.4
How far can they go?
Who knows what to expect out of HSU, really? They could certainly be the ones to come out of that four-team group in the upper right-hand corner, or they could find themselves completely shut down in the first round.
The offense is clicking, scoring early and consistently. The Hawks have 341 points this season with 104 points coming in the first quarter of games.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The team is making mental mistakes such as dropped passes, unforced turnovers or penalties.
This season's turning point:
The 45-38 win at Birmingham-Southern in Week 2. Huntingdon lost 28 seniors from 2016, including nine starters on offense and three starters on defense. The team was defeated in its opener but found itself against B-S during a second-half that was the start of a stretch of nine straight wins.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.472 (196)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
233.1/253.9
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
142.9/208.7
Yards per play/allowed per play:
6.9/5.6
How far can they go?
The fact that this program has a little more experience in the playoffs could give it enough of an edge to get through the first weekend.
A steady diet of LeAnthony Reasnover is enough on offense and the defense stays home and does the basics. Reasnover isn't a lightning-quick back and while he can run through defenders, his skill is his patience in watching the holes develop, then hitting them.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
Reasnover can't turn the corner and the offensive line can't get a push. When the Eureka defense gets in trouble, it's by not following its assignments or missing on basic reads.
This season's turning point:
Retooling on offense after a slow start helped lead the Red Devils to rip off eight consecutive victories to close the regular season.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.465 (200)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
133.5/298.7
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
170.0/87.1
Yards per play/allowed per play:
6.2/4.6
How far can they go?
Into the NACC next year with a taste of the playoffs.
Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders
St. Thomas Tommies
Linfield Wildcats
Berry Vikings
Hardin-Simmons Cowboys
Huntingdon Hawks
Chapman Panthers
Eureka Red Devils