The defense does what the defense does, while they pound the rock on offense, of course, specifically in about a 2-to-1 ratio of run-to-pass.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They break a big play or two but can't put together any sustained drives and none of the 20 players who have caught passes this season steps up in a tough spot.
This season's turning point:
Starting the season without the consecutive losses that began the 2017 campaign.
The Cardinals are converting a high percentage of third downs. Nobody in the division has a higher percentage, and when quarterback Broc Rutter is on the field, good things often happen.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
Opposing quarterbacks have the time to get the ball downfield. North Central has given up some big games to playoff-caliber quarterbacks this year.
This season's turning point:
Jake Beesley forcing an Illinois Wesleyan fumble at the goal line at the end of the third quarter in Week 10's CCIW championship clash. Rutter tossed an 86-yard touchdown just four plays later and what looked like a one-score game, quickly turned into a 21-point lead that would be insurmountable.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.542 (46)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
202.5/314.2
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
77.8/215.2
Yards per play/allowed per play:
6.90/4.55
How far can they go?
The Cardinals should get out of their second-round game, but it should be an interesting Thanksgiving weekend matchup.
Jaran Roste passes well enough to stay in the game at quarterback, where his running skills will drive the Royals' offense. On defense, all the assisted tackles are made by players swarming to the ball rather than individuals needing help to make stops.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
Opponents get two hands on passes, rather than one, and turn breakups into interceptions. The run defense misses tackles and opponents otherwise break away.
This season's turning point:
The Royals break off two long runs on the first two possessions of the game to go up 14-0 on St. Thomas, in a game the Royals won 21-15.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.544 (40)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
232.5/181.3
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
70.1/159.3
Yards per play/allowed per play:
5.8/3.7
How far can they go?
They have an offense that can succeed in poor weather, so that bodes well for advancing in the bracket.
Running back Lamar Carswell rips off yardage in big chunks, and if necessary, Jeffery Barnett does the same in the return game.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They're required to throw the ball more than, say, 12 times per game, and the defense can't get off the field to give Carswell a chance to carry the ball again.
This season's turning point:
Stopping Olivet's two-point conversion attempt with 37 seconds left, securing a 50-49 win.
They take a potent passing offense and throw the triple option into the mix, and it works. Drew Rhodes still generally passes anywhere from 10 to 25 times per game, which makes this a slightly unorthodox version of the offense.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They throw the ball as often as they run with it, or close to it, and the defense isn't able to generate turnovers.
This season's turning point:
Recovering from a two-overtime loss at UW-Eau Claire to run the table the rest of the way and secure the conference's automatic bid.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.468 (197)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
222.5/148.3
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
57.0/146.3
Yards per play/allowed per play:
5.6/3.1
How far can they go?
Wouldn't rule out a first-round upset, but it's unlikely.
Matt Sacia has the time he needs to throw, and for his receivers to run medium and deep routes.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
JoJo McNair is needed to make spectacular plays on both offense and defense and the Knights can't mount a running attack.
This season's turning point:
Entering the game at just 3-2 overall, Wartburg scored 41 unanswered points in the second and third quarter and rolled past Central 47-20, handing the Dutch their first loss of the season.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.515 (97)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
161.2/303.7
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
80.9/180.9
Yards per play/allowed per play:
6.9/3.9
How far can they go?
At their best, the Knights could play their way into the second round, or beyond it. At their worst, they could look bad in the opener.
Their defense is in control. The only opponent that the Panthers didn't hold below its season scoring average was Earlham, which put up 17 in an 83-17 loss. Even in its defeats, Hanover held Centre to 28, Thomas More to 27, and Mount St. Joseph to 19. Holding Rose-Hulman to 14 and Franklin to 20 in Weeks 10 and 11 ultimately clinched the HCAC title, Hanover's first since 2003.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The offense doesn't do its part. In those three losses, the Panthers were held to 18, 18, and 15 points. Sophomore Noah Wezensky started the first four games and threw six interceptions. Junior A.J. Breit started the final six games, and also threw six picks, including four in the loss to the Lions. Maximizing every offensive possession will be key in the postseason.
This season's turning point:
This past Saturday when the Panthers won the Victory Bell for the first time since 2004. The win over rival Franklin created a three-way tie atop the HCAC standings, and Hanover earned the Pool A berth via tiebreaker with the Grizzlies and Mount St. Joseph.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.486 (158)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
183.1/246.6
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
118.5/163.3
Yards per play/allowed per play:
5.8/4.0
How far can they go?
Even without facing Mount Union, it's still a tough first-round draw.
Senior running back LeAnthony Reasnover rushes for at least 180 yards and at least four touchdowns. He averaged 252.5 yards per game in October and 241.5 per game in November.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
It doesn't matter how much time Eureka is able to dominate the time of possession because the opponent scores quickly.
This season's turning point:
Bouncing back after a last-second loss to Lakeland to handle Rockford with ease in Week 11 and secure the NACC automatic bid.
Strength of schedule (rank):
.371 (235 of 238)
Rushing/passing yards per game:
335.8/149.2
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
102.3/241.3
Yards per play/allowed per play:
6.9/5.
How far can they go?
This first-round game is unlikely to be any better of a matchup than last year's.
UW-Whitewater Warhawks
North Central (Ill.) Cardinals
Bethel Royals
Trine Thunder
St. Norbert Green Knights
Wartburg Knights
Hanover Panthers
Eureka Red Devils