Nov 15, 2001
Here's the scoop on all 28 teams in the playoffs, including some insiders' tips to help you decide who's a contender and who's a pretender.
| Final Four |
Rowan Profs (8-1)Location: Glassboro, N.J. Stadium (capacity): John Page (5,000) Conference: New Jersey Head Coach: K.C. Keeler Career Record: 85-20-1 Basic Offense: Spread, no-huddle Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 20-8 (1991-93, 1995-99) How they got here: Pool A, NJAC champs You'll know they're playing well if: The new-look offense keeps opponents off balance and doesn't slack off with a fourth-quarter lead. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Undisciplined play leads to penalties. This season's turning point: Wake-up call against Cortland State forced some juggling on the defensive side of the ball. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 219.7/307.1 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 70.3/264.4 How far can they go? They've proven they can get to Salem. Can they win one? |
Bridgewater Eagles (9-0)Location: Bridgewater, Va. Stadium (capacity): Jopson Field (3,500) Conference: Old Dominion Head Coach: Mike Clark Career Record: 31-39-1 Basic Offense: Multiple I Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 1-1 (2000) How they got here: Pool A, ODAC champs You'll know they're playing well if: BC rushes the ball at least 50 times in a game. In the three games they have rushed at least 50 times, they are averaging 381 yards per game on the ground. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The defense doesn't put pressure on the opposing QB. In their two closest calls (road games vs. Hampden-Sydney and Washington & Lee) the defense recorded a total of four sacks, two in each game, and allowed 70 points. This season's turning point: Rallied from a 35-3 halftime deficit in last year's playoffs against Washington & Jefferson to score 56 of the final 63 points and win 59-42, proving the season-opening upset of Western Maryland was no fluke. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 296.6/200.6 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 130.8/174.3 How far can they go? Home field, since they've filed for it this year, will be a big advantage. But all three top seeds in the South bracket are national semifinalist contenders. |
Mount Union Purple Raiders
(10-0)Location: Alliance, Ohio Stadium (capacity): Mount Union (5,700) Conference: Ohio Athletic Conference Head Coach: Larry Kehres Career Record: 184-17-3 Basic Offense: Pro set Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 29-7 (1985-86, 1990, 1992-2000) How they got here: Pool A, OAC Champion You'll know they're playing well if: The Raiders are chewing up big chunks of yardage on first down with their backfield tandem of Chuck Moore and Dan Pugh. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They're facing third and long consistently. This season's turning point: Rob Adamson proved he could live up to the long line of quarterbacks by leading the game-winning drive against John Carroll. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 261.2/260.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 109.3/106.9 How far can they go? Same as always |
St. John's Johnnies
(8-2)Location: Collegeville, Minn. Stadium (capacity): Clemens (5,500) Conference: Minnesota Head Coach: John Gagliardi Career Record: 385-111-11 Basic Offense: Multiple pro set Basic Defense: Varied Record in NCAA playoffs: 20-11 (1976-77, 85, 87, 89, 91, 1993-94, 96, 1998-2000) How they got here: Pool A, MIAC champs You'll know they're playing well if: They are ahead on the scoreboard You'll know they're playing poorly if: They allow multiple turnovers and sacks This season's turning point: Winning eight straight games after starting 0-2, including the 100th annual Johnnie/Tommie game. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 113.4/281.4 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 132.5/207.6 How far can they go? Well, nobody thought they could even hang with Mount Union in the Stagg Bowl last year, so we won't underestimate them this time around. Salem is always possible. |
| East Region |
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Westfield State Owls (10-0)Location: Westfield, Mass. Stadium (capacity): Alumni Field; capacity: 4,800 Conference: New England Head Coach: Steve Marino (12th season) Career Record: 58-58-1 Basic Offense: I formation Basic Defense: 50 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool A, NEFC champs You'll know they're playing well if: The defense is on, and it has been most of the season. The defense is led by Tim Corr, defensive end; and Josue Zamora, a middle linebacker. Offensively, Shawn Lyman ranks fourth nationally in rushing yards per game. The Owls also have a standout wide receiver in sophomore Matt Yvon, and a quality quarterback in sophomore Chris Lapointe. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Teams can bottle up Zamora and Corr and run on the Owls' D. This season's turning point: Trailed Fitchburg State 15-0 in the fourth quarter of the second game of the season. Proceeded to score 28 straight points in the final stanza for a 28-15 victory. It was one of two games without Lapointe. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 209.0/166.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 74.4/113.6 How far can they go? While the NEFC has never won an NCAA playoff game, this year could see one. |
Montclair State Red Hawks
(9-1)Location: Upper Montclair, N.J. Stadium (capacity): Sprague (6,000) Conference: New Jersey Athletic Conference Head Coach: Rick Giancola (Glassboro State '68) Career Record: 134-59-2 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: 7-6 (1981, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1999, 2000) How they got here: Pool C You'll know they're playing well if: The offense is balanced in its attack. Defensively, if there is pressure from the front line. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The offense becomes one-dimensional and the defense is getting little or no pressure. This season's turning point: A 28-0 win over Wilkes on opening day. The defense allowed just 73 total yards, including minus-2 rushing, while the offense scored on its second play from scrimmage. The win set the tone for a 9-0 start, the best ever by a Montclair State squad. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 116.3/305.5 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 82.5/181.8 How far can they go? Depends on how those defensive backs do. |
Brockport State Golden Eagles
(9-1)Location: Brockport, N.Y. Stadium (capacity): Special Olympics (10,000) Conference: Independent Head Coach: Rocco Salomone Career Record: 42-25-1 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-1 (2000) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: QB Bob Darnley has control of game, with his poise, his running game, and the backs' running production. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Other team is running the ball in the fourth quarter. This season's turning point: Last second 24-22 comeback victory at Ithaca, which propelled the 4-1 Golden Eagles to five consecutive wins and the playoff bid. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 218.3/127.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 107.8/200.3 How far can they go? It's a tough first-round draw, but hopefully last year's playoff experience will be of help. |
Ithaca Bombers (9-1)Location: Ithaca, N.Y. Stadium (capacity): Butterfield Stadium (5,000) Conference: Independent Head Coach: Mike Welch (Ithaca '73) Career Record: 61-23 Basic Offense: Pro-style split-back Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 23-9 (1974-75, 1978-80, 1985-86, 1988, 1990-92, 1994, 2000) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: They're gaining yards on the ground. Ithaca's 13th-ranked rushing offense (251.0 ypg) includes four runners who've picked up at least 250 yards. Dave Maddi (743 yards, seven TDs) and Tommy Giorgio (530 yards, 10 TDs) lead the way; quarterback Brian Young has run for five scores. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Quarterback Brian Young is throwing because he has to and not because he wants to. Young has thrown for 1562 yards and 19 touchdowns, but has struggled with interceptions (his 43 career interceptions are a school record). This season's turning point: Ithaca scored 21 first-quarter points against 5-1 Hobart en route to a 52-13 win; the Bombers had beaten winless St. Lawrence and Utica 122-17 in the two previous weeks before establishing themselves against the Statesmen — a 2000 NCAA playoff team. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 223.1/181.1 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 102.8/119.2 How far can they go? They at least could get to Rowan. |
Western ConnecticutState Colonials (7-1) Location: Danbury, Conn. Stadium (capacity): Midtown Campus Field (2,800) Conference: Freedom Football Conference Head Coach: Bob Surace Career Record: 17-2 Basic Offense: Pro Set Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-2 (1985, 1999) How they got here: Pool A, FFC You'll know they're playing well if: If the running and passing numbers are equal. You'll know they're playing poorly if: If the defense is always on the field. This season's turning point: Following a loss to Worcester Polytech and an unscheduled open date, shut down Norwich in the second half of a 16-7 win. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 153.8/139.6 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 116.6/130.4 How far can they go? If defense wins championships, then they have a chance. But the offense has struggled. |
| South Region |
Widener Pioneers (10-0)Location: Chester, Pa. Stadium (capacity): Leslie C. Quick, Jr. (4,000) Conference: Middle Atlantic Head Coach: Bill Zwaan Career Record: 43-12 Basic Offense: Pro I Basic Defense: Multiple 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 13-8 (1975, 1977, 1979-82, 1988, 1994-95, 2000) How they got here: Pool A, MAC champs You'll know they're playing well if: Offense fires on all cylinders and defense is passable. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They have to use All-American wideouts Michael Coleman and Jim Jones at cornerback more than a handful of times a game. This season's turning point: When Mike Warker arrived for preseason camp after transferring from Rowan, settling quarterback situation. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 219.1/282.5 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 65.9/229.8 How far can they go? This is a distinctly tougher bracket than the one they ran through last year. |
Washington & Jefferson
Presidents (10-0)Location: Washington, Pa. Stadium (capacity): Cameron (4,500) Conference: Presidents Athletic Conference Head Coach: John Banaszak Career Record: 28-5 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: Multiple Record in NCAA playoffs: 14-13 (1984, 1986, 1987, 1989-96, 1999, 2000) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: Junior running back Joey Nichols is running the ball well. Nichols has rushed for 100 or more yards in seven games this season for the Presidents taking pressure away from junior quarterback Brian Dawson. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The opponent can run the ball on the W&J defense. In wins over Ursinus and Bethany, both teams were able to run the football with success which led to a tie score after the first half in each contest. This season's turning point: Tied 7-7 at halftime against Bethany, W&J scored 28 unanswered points to run away with the 35-7 victory. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 159.7/280.3 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 143.9/159.0 How far can they go? All three top seeds in the South bracket are national semifinalist contenders. |
Trinity Tigers (8-1)Location: San Antonio, Texas Stadium (capacity): E.M. Stevens (3,500) Conference: Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Head Coach: Steve Mohr Career Record: 87-42 Basic Offense: Spread Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 7-5 (1994, 1997-2000) How they got here: Pool A, SCAC champs You'll know they're playing well if: Trinity's offense has led the way all season - if they are clicking, it will be evident fairly quickly. On defense, the more inspired and fired up emotionally we are, the better we are playing. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Both sides of the ball are accustomed to leads. Also, if we turn the ball over (something we have been doing well lately), then we're not on our game. This year's team success is often dictated by the offense. This season's turning point: Weeks 4 and 5: beating DePauw handily at home (52-18) after a narrow win last year, then breaking a four-game losing streak on the road with a 61-28 win against Rose-Hulman. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 215.9/297.3 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 108.3/190.3 How far can they go? Perhaps their road struggles are behind them, but if they advance to Bridgewater, remember they needed overtime to beat them at home last year. |
| Mary Hardin-Baylor
Crusaders (8-1) Location: Belton, Texas Stadium (capacity): Tiger Field (6,500) Conference: American Southwest Head Coach: Pete Fredenburg Career Record: 24-15 (4th year) Basic Offense: Multiple I Basic Defense: Overshift 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool C You'll know they're playing well if: They are running the ball effectively and controlling the clock. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Cody Fredenburg is forced to throw more than 30 times. This season's turning point: Fredenburg's 70-yard touchdown run in the season finale against ETBU to keep the Crusaders alive in the hunt for a Pool C bid. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 258.7/124.3 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 31.8/189.7 How far can they go? First time here, so who knows? They're certainly familiar with first-round opponent Trinity. |
Western Maryland Green Terror
(8-2)Location: Westminster, Md. Stadium (capacity): Scott S. Bair (4,000) Conference: Centennial Head Coach: Tim Keating Career Record: 92-48-3 Basic Offense: Ace spread Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 2-4 (1997-2000) How they got here: Pool A, Centennial champs You'll know they're playing well if: Quarterback Boo Harris is able to spread the ball, getting his receivers involved early, particulaly, Teron Powell. You'll know they're playing poorly if: If Harris is unable to spread the ball, or is unable to keep the offense on the field. This season's turning point: It's going to have to come now. They lost, surprisingly, to Johns Hopkins in the regular-season finale. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 227.2/201.4 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 160.8/167.3 How far can they go? As far as Boo Harris can carry them, same as last year. |
| Christopher Newport Captains
(5-3) Location: Newport News, Va. Stadium (capacity): CNU Stadium (3,100) Conference: Dixie Head Coach: Matt Kelchner Career Record: 5-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool A, Dixie champs You'll know they're playing well if: The offensive line can get a good push and they're not forced to throw. You'll know they're playing poorly if: A young secondary is exposed. This season's turning point: Soul-searching before the Greensboro game Oct. 6 led to a five-game win streak. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 244.2/72.4 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 144.0/118.4 How far can they go? Back home. Their day will come, but it's not this year. |
| North Region |
Thomas More Saints (10-0)Location: Crestview Hills, Ky. Stadium (capacity): Thomas More Stadium (3,000) Conference: Independent Head Coach: Dean Paul Career Record: 26-4 Basic Offense: Multiple Pro-I Basic Defense: Multiple 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-1 (1992) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: The offense accounts for over 300 yards rushing, which they have done in 8 of 10 games this season. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The defense allows a 100-yard rusher or senior quarterback Jesse Lowrey throws more than 20 times. The Saints have allowed one just twice in the last 24 games. This season's turning point: A controversial pass interference penalty kept the game-winning drive against Adrian in Week 5 alive, helping Thomas More to a 20-19 win and avoiding a loss against a team that would end up 2-8. A similar loss to Thiel last year kept Thomas More out of the playoffs. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 301.2/126.5 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 114.8/184.7 How far can they go? No idea — this is uncharted territory. |
Hardin-Simmons Cowboys
(8-1)Location: Abilene, Texas Stadium (capacity): Shelton (4,000) Conference: American Southwest Conference Head Coach: Jimmie Keeling Career Record: 101-31 Basic Offense: Multiple One Back Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 4-2 (2000) How they got here: Pool A, ASC champs You'll know they're playing well if: Kirk Rogers is in the end zone. He has 12 touchdowns in six career postseason games. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They turn the ball over (only 10 on the year) This season's turning point: Season-opening loss to Menlo took away some of the hype (ranked No. 2 in preseason) and got the team refocused. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 186/310 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 77/203 How far can they go? It's an interesting placement in the bracket. Wouldn't be a stretch to see them in Alliance for the North Championship. |
| Augustana Vikings
(9-1) Location: Rock Island, Ill. Stadium (capacity): Ericson (4,000) Conference: College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin Head Coach: Jim Barnes (Augustana '81) Career Record: 16-4 (2nd season, 53-17 overall) Basic Offense: Wing-T Basic Defense: 5-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 20-9 (1976, 1981-90, 1994, 1999) How they got here: Pool A, CCIW champs You'll know they're playing well if: Division III's top-ranked rushing offense gains over 300 yards per game on the ground. The offensive line could play the entire game in a culvert, it stays so low to the ground. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The two-headed quarterback tandem of Brad Wendell and Ben Kleinhans attempts more than 10 passes. This season's turning point: A 14-7 road victory at Illinois Wesleyan on Oct. 6 and Deon Packer's fumble with 2:24 left in the 21-17 win against Millikin Rushing/receiving yards per game: 395.3/61.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 111.4/102.6 How far can they go? The Vikings play a style that is different from most so teams that haven't seen the grind-it-out approach might not know what to do with their offense on the sidelines for huge chunks of time. CCIW teams who are familiar with Augustana have had over 20 years to prepare their defensive schemes have had trouble stopping the Vikings. So since they face Mount Union again in the second round... |
Wittenberg Tigers (9-1)Location: Springfield, Ohio Stadium (capacity): Edwards/Maurer (3,000, turf) Conference: North Coast Athletic Conference Head Coach: Joe Fincham (Ohio '88) Career Record: 61-6, sixth season Basic Offense: Multiple I Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 14-7 (1973, 1975, 1978-79, 1988, 1995, 1998-99, 2000) How they got here: Pool A, NCAC champs You'll know they're playing well if: The offense establishes its running attack early and controls the ball behind tailback Daniel Grove and the short passing connection of quarterback Greg Cornett and wide receiver Michael Aljancic. Defensively, the Tigers must dominate in the trenches as they have in all but one game this season, forcing opponents into unfavorable third-down situations. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The Tiger running game is slowed down and the defense is forced to make too many big plays to win the game. Wittenberg can throw the ball, but the Tigers would rather run it 40-50 times per game. This season's turning point: Michael Aljancic's touchdown reception with 16 seconds left against Allegheny in Week 5. Score was Wittenberg's second late TD in a dramatic 21-17 come-from-behind victory, sparking the team to its fourth consecutive perfect NCAC regular season. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 234.6/193.0 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 89.5/160.4 How far can they go? Very tough draw in the first round. If they survive that, it's Mount Union down the line. |
| MacMurray Highlanders
(9-1) Location: Jacksonville, Ill. Stadium (capacity): Conference: Illini-Badger Head Coach: Bob Frey (Mount Union '85) Career Record: 47-23 Basic Offense: I formation Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool A, IBC champs You'll know they're playing well if: Ballinger is getting 4 to 5 yards a carry. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Peterson is throwing more than Ballinger is running. This season's turning point: A fourth-quarter touchdown against Aurora that put the Highlanders in the driver's seat for the automatic bid. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 233.6/188.2 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 103.8/172.8 How far can they go? First-round game will be a matchup of question marks. After that, the run is probably done. |
Defiance Yellow Jackets (8-2)Location: Defiance, Ohio Stadium (capacity): Justin F. Coressel (4,000) Conference: Heartland Head Coach: Greg Pscodna (Adrian '86) Career Record: 26-30 Basic Offense: Pro-style I Basic Defense: Stunting 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool A, Heartland champs You'll know they're playing well if: The running game allows Defiance to eat up the clock. The Jackets are solid at quarterback but like to use the run to control the clock. The running attack looks to accumulate 200+ yards per game. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The Yellow Jackets record only 150 yards or less rushing without the passing game stepping up and surpassing the 250-300 yard mark. The offensive line has performed well running the ball or in pass protection and with two experienced quarterbacks to take command, the offense has struggled only twice this season, both in losses. This season's turning point: The most important game of the season came in Week 9, when Defiance defeated Anderson, who went 8-2 this season and shared the HCAC title with DC at 5-1. DC won 27-7 against Anderson to guarantee the Jackets their first ever postseason berth. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 201/172 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 111/165 How far can they go? Getting here was half the battle. Getting to Alliance for the second round is probably the most they can hope for. |
| West Region |
Central Dutch (9-1)Location: Pella, Iowa Stadium (capacity): Kuyper (6,000) Conference: Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Head Coach: Rich Kacmarynski Career Record: 38-5 Basic Offense: I formation Basic Defense: 5-2 Record in NCAA playoffs: 19-14 (1974, 1977, 1984-90, 1992, 1994-95, 1998-2000) How they got here: Pool A, IIAC champs You'll know they're playing well if: They're moving the ball on the ground consistently. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The opponent leads in time of possession This season's turning point: Probably the season opener, a 42-13 win against UW-River Falls. They established that despite returning just five starters from last season, they could be competitive this year. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 140.8/186.1 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 186.1/129.5 How far can they go? This will be a very competitive bracket. Any of the top six seeds could come out. |
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Bethel Royals
(9-1)Location: Arden Hills, Minn. Stadium (capacity): Bremer (3,500) Conference: Minnesota Head Coach: Steve Johnson Career Record: 86-43-1 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-1 (2000) How they got here: Pool C You'll know they're playing well if: Defensively, they stop the run and force opposition into third and long. Offensively, they run and pass effectively and put together long drives. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Defensively, they allow the opposition to drive the ball and get first downs. Offensively, they get into third and long situations and are not able to convert. This season's turning point: Rebounded from a disappointing Week 9 shutout at St. John's to win final two games and make playoffs. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 219.6/267.5 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 56.8/185.5 How far can they go? This first-round game might swing the difference between the WIAC and MIAC in future playoff selection decisions. |
Whitworth Pirates (7-1)Location: Spokane, Wash. Stadium (capacity): Pine Bowl (2,200) Conference: Northwest Head Coach: John Tully Career Record: 27-37 (seventh season, 57-58-1 overall) Basic Offense: Pro-I Basic Defense: 4-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: The team is running the ball and passing the ball equally effectively. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Time of possession favors the opponent. This season's turning point: The 27-26 comeback victory at Pacific Lutheran on Sept. 22nd. Came back from 26-6 second half deficit. First win over PLU since 1965. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 181.5/187.8 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 162.2/139.8 How far can they go? If Whitworth goes deep into this bracket then it's truly a sign of the Northwest Conference's strength. |
Pacific Lutheran Lutes
(6-2)Location: Tacoma, Wash. Stadium (capacity): Sparks (4,500) Conference: Northwest Head Coach: Frosty Westering Career Record: 292-88-7 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 3-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: 6-2 (1998-2000) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: When they're playing to serve each other. (If you have to ask, click here.) You'll know they're playing poorly if: The scoreboard becomes more important than being in "The Arena." This season's turning point: Breakaway, the season opening three-day team-building time on the Oregon coast. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 154.4/217.1 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 142.6/186.0 How far can they go? Salem is always a distinct possibility for the Lutes. |
St. Norbert Green Knights
(8-1)Location: DePere, Wis. Stadium (capacity): Dr. John R. Minahan Stadium (3,100) Conference: Midwest Head Coach: Jim Purtill Career Record: 27-4 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-3 (1989, 1999-2000) How they got here: Pool A, MWC champs You'll know they're playing well if: They stop the pass. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The game turns into a shootout. This season's turning point: Last week, in a 41-40 loss to Illinois College. And it wasn't a positive turning point. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 200.7/291.6 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 79.9/258.6 How far can they go? Tough draw in the first round for a team that allows so many receiving yards a game. This is probably the end of the West's lucky No. 7 seed run. |
RPI Engineers (8-0)
UW-Stevens Point Pointers (7-2)