They are converting their red-zone opportunities. In games they won by less than 17 points, they scored 8 times in 15 opportunities (53.3%). In the other seven games, they were 39 for 49 (79.6%).
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The other team breaks triple digits in rushing yardage. In fact, NOBODY did so this season, as the Golden Eagles gave up a season-high 66 yards to Cortland in the Empire 8 championship game.
This season's turning point:
Oddly enough, Week 11 at Morrisville State. After having two consecutive games that were head-scratching affairs for many observers (22-6 at Utica, 21-16 vs. Cortland), and with a somewhat slow start at Morrisville, the Brockport offense got it together with a 42-point win as junior quarterback Joe Germinerio threw for four touchdowns and ran for two more. That momentum was a needed boost heading into the NCAA playoffs
Strength of schedule (rank):
.527 (67)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
233.1/281.0
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
-2.8/183.5
Yards per play/allowed per play:
6.6/3.1
How far can they go?
Now will be a disappointment if they don't make the semifinals.
The Bobcats come out of the gate strong and are balanced both on offense and defense, while keeping the opposing offense off-balance.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The offensive line is giving up sacks and senior quarterback Connor Cox isn't able to get into a groove in the passing game.
This season's turning point:
After overcoming long delays between games because of a hurricane, Frostburg's 35-34 win over then-No. 6 Wesley, their first over the Wolverines in 12 tries, put the Bobcats into the driver's seat in the NJAC title race. They've been steady ever since.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.525 (77)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
195.0/219.8
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
113.4/115.8
Yards per play/allowed per play:
5.7/4.0
How far can they go?
Anywhere from the second round to the semifinals, depending on how well they start games.
The offense is on the field. Opponents are going to try to control the tempo of the game and keep David Tammaro and company on the sideline. The Blue Jays ranked third in the nation in total offense, with 542.9 yards per game.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The defense is not putting pressure on the opposing quarterback. The Blue Jays racked up 34 sacks and picked off 11 passes this season. In their only loss, they notched just two sacks and didn't pick off a pass.
This season's turning point:
A 37-35 loss to Susquehanna in the conference opener on September 8. It was just the Blue Jays' second Centennial Conference loss since 2012 and made the rest of the slate must-win. Johns Hopkins dominated the next eight games, outscoring opponents 379-82.
Sophomore quarterback George Marinopoulos is distributing the ball well and the defense is forcing three and outs (and getting interceptions).
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The offense turns the ball over (they did that four times in the loss to Union) and having to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns in the red zone.
This season's turning point:
A defensive stand on a two-point conversion with no time left to seal a hard-fought, 10-9 win over Ithaca back in Week 6.
They're winning the time-of-possession game. In their 7-0 start to the season, they led this stat in every game, averaging 35.6 minutes of possession time per game. Their defense is a key part of that equation, limiting teams to under 100 rushing yards per game on average this season.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
Quarterback Udgam Goyal is struggling. In their 13-6 loss to WPI, Goyal went 5-for-23 for 48 yards while rushing for 62. While that was in bad weather, the prior week in a 13-0 win vs. Coast Guard, Goyal went 13-for-25 for just 108 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 INT
This season's turning point:
Week 9 in their WPI loss. Coming out of that loss, the Engineers knew there was no margin for error despite two tough opponents remaining on their schedule -- Norwich and defending NEWMAC champ, Springfield. They won the games by an impressive combined margin of 42-7, bringing some momentum into the NCAA playoffs.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.483 (164)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
137.4/163.6
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
85.3/156.4
Yards per play/allowed per play:
4.6/3.5
How far can they go?
This is a less-favorable matchup than MIT's last playoff trip.
Senior running back Quron Wright is rushing for over 100 yards and the defense is causing turnovers.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The secondary is giving up big plays and the front four isn't stopping the run.
This season's turning point:
A crushing 29-28 loss to MASCAC-rival Plymouth State could have taken the team down another direction, but the Rams pulled together and won four straight games to clinch another conference title and NCAA playoff berth.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.529 (63)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
183.7/208.6
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
110.3/166.7
Yards per play/allowed per play:
5.8/5.4
How far can they go?
They will provide a much better first-round opponent for Brockport than last year's MASCAC champ did.
Junior quarterback Alec Coleman is running the ball well (he's ranked sixth in the nation for rushing touchdowns with 18) and making big plays on special teams.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The Golden Bears' defense is getting beat deep because of lack of a pass rush (they had zero sacks in their loss to Endicott).
This season's turning point:
After a 21-point loss to crosstown rival Springfield, WNE rebounded with a 31-23 win over Westfield State, and went on to win eight of nine.
Brockport Golden Eagles
Frostburg State Bobcats
Johns Hopkins Blue Jays
RPI Engineers
MIT Engineers
Framingham State Rams
Western New England Golden Bears
Husson Eagles