They're getting pressure on the opposing quarterback, stuffing
the run game, and Mickey Inns is in rhythm throwing the ball.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They're turning the ball over and committing penalties that
area either stalling drives or extending the opposition's drives.
The Wildcats average nine penalties per game.
This season's turning point:
Finding out they can still play at a high level without
injured running back Josh Hill and defensive lineman Tyler
Steele.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
153.8/330.9
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
70.2/199.4
How far can they go?
A return to the Stagg Bowl for the first time since 2004 is
certainly possible.
They can spread out the opposing defense and get the ball to
their wide receivers in space so they can utilize their speed.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They can't tackle well enough and allow too many yards after
contact, especially on first down. Size in general will be an issue
for the Cougars against most of their potential opponents.
This season's turning point:
The Oct. 13 game at Concordia (Wis.). The Cougars tied the game
with 3:44 remaining and then dodged two late bullets (a blocked
field goal at the end of regulation, an interception in the end
zone on CUW's drive in OT) before Danny Colapietro kicked a
season-long 44-yard field goal to win it.
Eric Rogers does his thing on offense, which he's been doing
despite playing with a broken hand, although the offense is
balanced. They're able to get some stops on defense.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They have to throw on every down and don't play defense all
four quarters. If Whittier can put three touchdown drives of 70
yards or more up in one quarter and La Verne can do the same, what
could a playoff team do?
This season's turning point:
Needs to come at this point in the season after the Kingsmen
defense has been gashed down the stretch. Giving up more than 400
yards per game won't get it done here.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
217.9/308.3
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
195.4/229.7
How far can they go?
Depends on which North Central team shows up. A one-and-out is
a distinct possibility for a team that seemed destined for the Top
5.
They are getting to the quarterback with their front four. They
led the CCIW with 32 sacks but don't blitz much. Wabash (last year)
and Wheaton solved that by keeping extra blockers in to give the
quarterback time to find receivers with longer developing routes
against their zone.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
If they are not getting the defense off the field on third
down. In their worst losses over the past two seasons opponents
combined to convert over 51% on third down. They usually hold
opponents to about 26% on third downs. Offensively if they are
passing the ball more than they are running it and if they are
turning it over, they are in trouble. They have been a 60-40 team
run vs. pass.
This season's turning point:
The end of the Little Brass Bell game, where Wheaton elected
not to press ahead for the touchdown necessary to win the CCIW
tiebreaker, leaving North Central to get the automatic bid.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
209.1/217.6
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
97.3/161.8
How far can they go?
They could be making back-to-back trips to the west coast.
They're creating turnovers on defense and featuring a balanced
offensive attack. The Lutes ran for just 67 yards combined in their
two losses.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They're allowing teams to run the ball on them and not hitting
big offensive plays.
This season's turning point:
Beating Willamette 41-27 in Week 8 after having lost to the
other two tougest teams on their schedule previously, Cal Lutheran
and Linfield. They knew they could hang with a good team but hadn't
put one of them away.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
138.6/273.4
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
90.0/247.2
How far can they go?
The first meeting was close, so it's not impossible to think
the Lutes could pull off the upset and reprise 1999 for a couple
rounds.
Jesse Phenow can handle a full load in the backfield, freeing
up Brandon Marquardt to catch passes and relegating freshman
Marshall Klitzke to relief duty.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
Their receivers get pushed around and the offense gets
one-dimensional, or the defense has trouble containing a mobile
quarterback.
This season's turning point:
Concordia-Moorhead players running onto the field to celebrate
their win against Bethel before the game was over, giving the
Royals new life.
They're converting for six in the red zone and Tyler Harper is
doing enough in the passing game to keep defenses honest.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The offense can't get a push up front and ends up in
third-and-long situations. Special teams gives up good field
position, putting the defense on edge.
This season's turning point:
Winning in overtime at Presentation, a puzzling result against
a team that finished 2-8. The Saints then edged Minnesota-Morris
and saw their name drawn at random for the UMAC automatic bid.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
200.3/157.0
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
88.3/170.2
How far can they go?
One and out. But every playoff experience is a chance for this
program to grow and someday become a threat to win a playoff
game.
Linfield Wildcats
UW-Oshkosh Titans
Concordia-Chicago Cougars
Cal Lutheran Kingsmen
North Central (Ill.) Cardinals
Pacific Lutheran Lutes
Bethel Royals
St. Scholastica Saints