The bottom seeds -- wait, sorry, the teams playing on the road against teams highly ranked in the last public regional rankings -- have a big task awaiting them this week.

For Trine, however, this year's task might be easier than last year's. In 2008, the Thunder were carrying the burden of an unbeaten regular season record and faced Wheaton, losing 14-0.

What did Trine learn last time around? Matt Florjancic has more in Around the Great Lakes.

For several teams, it will mean playing a team better than any they've seen all year. But if you're Johns Hopkins, perhaps not. A trip to Hampden-Sydney could put them a tad bit out of their comfort zone, but compared to a September game against Delaware Valley, it's not all that different. Ryan Tipps tracks the development of both Johns Hopkins and Hampden-Sydney in Around the Mid-Atlantic.

Playoff toolbox: Download printable bracket | Enter Pick 'em contest | Where's the seedings? | Watch selection show | Saturday game coverage

For Lakeland, however, it's a different story. The 6-4 Muskies needed a helping hand from Benedictine just to get into the playoffs, and the reward is a short trip to UW-Whitewater. Not much else you can say about that, except that Kevin Doherty's team will try to find a way to compete. Clyde Hughes explains in Around the Midwest.

It took an immaculate deflection to get triple-option powerhouse Maine Maritime into the playoffs, a 36-yard score through the air on the last play of the game. For the Mariners, this is uncharted territory, enemy waters, on the road to Montclair State. Tom Haley has more in Around the Northeast.