They hold teams on third and fourth down. In their closest
games, UMHB allowed teams to convert at a higher rate than in games
where they seemingly were in control. Trinity, Sul Ross, TLU, and
HSU all converted above 37 percent on third down.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They are running the old style option too much and are not
finding success through the air. Most of their struggles against
Hardin-Simmons were on the option. Also, if LiDarral Bailey is
missing his targets or if guys are dropping passes, forcing long
third downs.
This season's turning point:
Stephen Salinas and Bradlee Waddell run down the clock to keep
Wesley from getting the ball back in any position to score in the
closing minutes of the teams' game Week 3 in Dover, Del.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
315.5/221.4
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
56.2/258.5
How far can they go?
The last time Mary Hardin-Baylor's path went through Alliance,
they carried it through all the way to Salem. It's possible here,
too.
They are protecting the football on offense, converting on
third down, and getting production from punt returner Sean Hopkins
(leads nation with 22-yard punt return average) and kicker Dan
Tryon (8 for 10 on field goals).
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
If they are not converting in the red zone. The Wolverines have
had five trips inside the 5-yard line that have not produced
points.
This season's turning point:
A week after losing by a touchdown at home to Mary
Hardin-Baylor, rallying from a 22-14 deficit in the fourth quarter
at Louisiana College to win on a Tryon field goal as time ran out.
The Wolverines haven't lost since.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
88.9/262.8
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
124.0/161.8
How far can they go?
Probably only to the quarterfinals in Texas, despite being one
of the few programs with a real chance at Salem.
They score on defense, which they've done five times this
season, and if they convert for touchdowns in the red zone. As the
season has worn on, the Red Dragons have settled for field goals on
seven of their last 13 red zone opportunities and come up empty on
three others.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The defense misses tackles and gets burned for big gains.
Cortland allowed 14 plays of 20 or more yards from scrimmage in its
season-opening loss at Buffalo State. In eight games since, the Red
Dragons have allowed 27 plays of 20 or more yards.
This season's turning point:
Chris Rose hit D.J. Spencer for a 33-yard touchdown with 1:26
left to lift the Red Dragons past Rowan, 24-21.
The ground game controls the clock and keeps the opposing
offense on the sidelines. Adrian is ninth among Division III
football programs in time of possession.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They turn the ball over or are forced to pass, limiting their
effectiveness in play action.
This season's turning point:
Two key late-game events in the past two weeks got them here:
stopping Albion's two-point conversion that would have decided the
MIAA title and a 17-point fourth-quarter comeback at
Huntingdon.
The running game, led by Ryan Montague and a huge offensive
line, is able to pound the ball early. If they can, that sets up
Jamie Bunting in the play-action passing game, which has been
lethal in the past four outings. He has thrown for 16 touchdowns in
that time. If Bunting can get the ball to his two biggest downfield
receiving threats (D'Mario Parker and Cortland Bell), the Wildcats
can pileup points in a hurry.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The defense can't get a pass rush and teams are able to run the
ball against the Wildcats stout front seven. On the other side of
the ball, if opposing defenses can get Bunting to force throws deep
and Montague to have to bounce runs to the outside, LC's offense
can be grounded.
This season's turning point:
Each of the weeks that followed the losses to Wesley and Mary
Hardin-Baylor. Any team could have gotten down on themselves after
those losses, especially after Wesley's fourth-quarter surge won
the Wolverines the game. But LC bounced back in spectacular fashion
to keep their focus on the postseason.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
144.8/308.8
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
117.6/221.4
How far can they go?
It ends with the Round 1 rematch from the regular season.
They are able to get defensive pressure from a wide range of
individuals and Joey Pasquale and Luke Hamm each average at least 4
yards per carry.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They can't protect Jonny West long enough for downfield routes
to develop and they have to settle for short routes and checkdowns.
They face a quarterback who likes to run and can't contain
him.
This season's turning point:
Simply surviving the first two games (Mount Union, Butler)
intact. Since then it's been a fair amount of steamrolling a slate
of overmatched conference opponents.
Figure on Melikke Van Alstyne getting his yards. What they'll
also need is an ability to stretch the field in the passing game
and anbility to get off the field on third down.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
They're giving up big plays on special teams, don't take care
of the ball in the red zone and are undisciplined on defense.
This season's turning point:
Getting Matthew Silva back at quarterback. Although the Rams
rolled over overmatched opponents in his absence, his return
allowed Matt Mangano to move back into his normal role.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
225.5/185.2
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
57.3/155.3
How far can they go?
Framingham has played one non-NEFC team in 11 seasons, and that
was against Norwich of the ECFC. It could be a shock to see how the
rest of Division III plays football.
The line gives Chris McNally some room to run the ball. He's
rushed for 1,208 yards this season, including 243 yards on 33
carries in the regular-season finale.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:
The other team is committed to running the ball itself. Mount
Ida's two losses this season have been to teams running option
offenses.
This season's turning point:
Not having to face Shane Brozowski, the star quarterback for
Castleton State who broke his leg in Week 10. The Mustangs picked
off his replacement three times in Week 11.
Rushing/passing yards per game:
188.4/238.8
Rushing/passing yards allowed:
165.0/203.6
How far can they go?
One and out. Consider it payback for Mount Ida cancelling its
game with Wesley in 2000.
Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders
Wesley Wolverines
Cortland Red Dragons
Adrian Bulldogs
Louisiana College Wildcats
Franklin Grizzlies
Framingham State Rams
Mount Ida Mustangs