Either Jordan Tassio or Nick Kukuc can put together 80-90 yards
on the ground and Matt Wenger doesn't have to make every stop.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They can't get loose for big gains in the passing game and the
other team rushes for triple digits.
This season's turning point:
After going three-and-out three times in a row and watching
UW-Eau Claire trim a 10-0 third-quarter lead to 10-3, the Cardinals
put together two 60-plus-yard scoring drives to take a 20-3 lead
and held on four plays from the 6 to force a Blugolds field goal
after a North Central fumble.
Rushing/receiving yards per game:
222.6/198.8
Rushing/receiving yards allowed:
52.6/166.5
How far can they go?
The home field suggests they can get past UW-Whitewater (if
they get past the second round). Don't let the seedings fool you
here.
No matter who gets the ball in the backfield, they're finding
plenty of running room and the secondary is limiting the opposing
passing game.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The kicking game has come on after a slow start, while the
secondary has yet to really receive a playoff-level test and that
could start early in the bracket.
This season's turning point:
Matt Blanchard answering the offense's biggest question by
completing 76 percent of his passes in each of the first two
games.
Quarterback Michael Engle is hitting several different
receivers multiple times. While All-America Alex Koors (and his
1,080 yards this season) is the obvious downfield favorite, the
Tigers are at their best when players like Brayden Dahlstrom,
Nathan Evans and Colin Doran are getting at least three catches,
keeping the opposing defensive backs guessing and the linebackers
on their heels.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
DePauw isn’t able to put some distance between them and
their opponent before the half. The second quarters of Tigers games
have been the best for both the offense (121 points scored) and
defense (39 points given up) all season. The games in which they
haven’t been able to stretch out their lead early have wound
up being nail-biters -- something that often doesn’t turn out
as favorably in the elite postseason as it does in conference
play.
This season's turning point:
May still be ahead of them, at least they should hope. DePauw
coasted through what was arguably a down year for the SCAC. Two of
their toughest games, in fact, came against nonconference opponents
Adrian and Wabash, the latter of which crushed the Tigers 47-0 this
past weekend. DPU’s turning point is one of two things: the
demoralizing Monon Bell shutout or how well they bounce back come
Saturday and respond to the lessons from that game.
Rushing/receiving yards per game:
99.7/286.5
Rushing/receiving yards allowed:
129.1/186.3
How far can they go?
Not very. Maybe not even out of the state of Indiana.
Kyle Simmons is able to get out and run from his quarterback
position and, when forced to punt, Ohio Northern uses it to win the
field position battle.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The defense can't get off the field on third downs and gives up
long, methodical drives, while the offense can't give the defense a
rest.
This season's turning point:
Bouncing back from the scoreless blip against Mount Union to
score 35 or more in every other game.
Rushing/receiving yards per game:
211.6/183.7
Rushing/receiving yards allowed:
138.9/165.4
How far can they go?
Not at all inconceivable for Ohio Northern to get to Naperville
and do what it did last September.
They spread the ball around and quarterback Eric Watt doesn't
have to finish the game.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They can't move the chains and the opponent dominates time of
possession.
This season's turning point:
Trine blocked an Adrian extra-point attempt late in the third
quarter to keep its lead at 17-13 and scored a touchdown on its
very next possession to keep the Bulldogs at arm's length in the
Thunder's only real test of the season.
Rushing/receiving yards per game:
268.1/247.3
Rushing/receiving yards allowed:
103.1/164.0
How far can they go?
One win is possible, but not two. Trine will find UW-Whitewater
is not like UW-River Falls, if it gets the chance.
North Central (Ill.) Cardinals
UW-Whitewater Warhawks
DePauw Tigers
Ohio Northern Polar Bears
Wittenberg Tigers
Trine Thunder
Franklin Grizzlies
St. Norbert Green Knights