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The Playoffs: Team by team
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.
 Hardin-Simmons
Cowboys (10-0)Location: Abilene, Texas Stadium (capacity): Shelton (4,000) Conference: American Southwest Conference Head Coach: Jimmie Keeling Career Record: 91-29 Basic Offense: Multiple One Back Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 2-1 (1999) How they got here: Pool A, ASC champion You'll know they're playing well if: There is a good balance between rush and pass and the defense is limiting the running game You'll know they're playing poorly if: HSU throws the ball 35 or more times This season's turning point: 10-9 win over Howard Payne, first and only real close game at the end Rushing/receiving yards per game: 187.3/267.1 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 63.4/188.9 How far can they go? Home advantage to Salem could be big when the rest of the nation is cold Schedule and results |
 St.
John's Johnnies (9-1)Location: Collegeville, Minn. Stadium (capacity): Clemens (5,500) Conference: Minnesota Head Coach: John Gagliardi Career Record: 373-108-11 Basic Offense: Varied pro set Basic Defense: 5-2 Record in NCAA playoffs: 16-10 (1976- 77, 85, 87, 89, 91, 1993- 94, 96, 1998-99) How they got here: Pool C You'll know they're playing well if: The offense doesn't make the defense win every playoff game You'll know they're playing poorly if: They give up 43 points again This season's turning point: Might be when quarterback Tom Linnemann, who missed the last three-quarters of 1999 with a broken ankle, reported healthy to camp Rushing/receiving yards per game: 110.0/313.6 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 66.5/174.3 How far can they go? This team is probably better than last year. If the defense can figure out what went wrong at Bethel, they can get to the regional final again, at least. Schedule and results |
 Mount
Union Purple Raiders (10-0)Location: Alliance, Ohio Stadium (capacity): Mount Union (5,800) Conference: Ohio Athletic Conference Head Coach: Larry Kehres Career Record: 170-17-3 Basic Offense: Pro set Basic Defense: 4-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: 25-7 (1985, 86, 90, 92-99) How they got here: Pool A, OAC Champion You'll know they're playing well if: Oh, come on now You'll know they're playing poorly if: We'll let you know once we find out This season's turning point: When the Allegheny game proved life was back to normal in Alliance Rushing/receiving yards per game: 242.3/287.7 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 91.8/181.0 How far can they go? All the way Schedule and results |
| Widener Pioneers (9-1) Location: Chester, Pa. Stadium (capacity): Leslie C. Quick, Jr. (4,000) Conference: Middle Atlantic Head Coach: Bill Zwaan Career Record: 30-11 Basic Offense: Pro I Basic Defense: Multiple 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 10-7 (1975, 1977, 1979-82, 1988, 1994-95) How they got here: Pool A, MAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: They complete the deep ball You'll know they're playing poorly if: They can't run the ball or hold on to punts This season's turning point: Lycoming's PAT in the second overtime hits the left upright Rushing/receiving yards per game: 175.4/298.5 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 105.1/260.4 How far can they go? It honestly depends on which team shows up Schedule and results |
 Aurora
Spartans (7-3)Location: Aurora, Ill. Stadium (capacity): Aurora (2,000) Conference: Illini-Badger Head Coach: Jim Scott Career Record: 79-53-3 Basic Offense: Multiple Pro No-Huddle Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-1 (1992) How they got here: Pool A, IBC champ You'll know they're playing well if: Rushing game gains more than 200 yards and defense shuts down the opposition You'll know they're playing poorly if: Rushing yardage is low and passing attempts are high This season's turning point: Defense giving up only 26 points in the second half all year. Seasoning of the quarterback position and offensive line. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 210.2/160.3 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 106/67.5 How far can they go? In the IBC's first foray into the playoffs, probably one-and-out. Schedule and results |
 Bethel
Royals (10-0)Location: Arden Hills, Minn. Stadium (capacity): Bremer (3,000) Conference: Minnesota Head Coach: Steve Johnson Career Record: 77-41-1 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool A, MIAC champion You'll know they're playing well if: Complete a high percentage of passes and force turnovers. You'll know they're playing poorly if: We can't run the ball and have a low third-down conversion percentage This season's turning point: A tight 24-20 win against Hamline Rushing/receiving yards per game: 155.3/266.8 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 114.5/241.8 How far can they go? It's hard to pick against their first-round opponent, Pacific Lutheran Schedule and results |
 Bridgewater
College Eagles (9-1)Location: Bridgewater, Va. Stadium (capacity): Jopson Field (3,500) Conference: Old Dominion Head Coach: Mike Clark Career Record: 21-38-1 Basic Offense: Multiple I Basic Defense: Multiple Attack Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool C You'll know they're playing well if: They score at least once on special teams and quarterback Jason Lutz runs for at least 50 yards You'll know they're playing poorly if: Penalties and interceptions This season's turning point: Probably the opening week when they beat Western Maryland. It set everything up the rest of the way. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 241.3/177.4 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 130.5/160.8 How far can they go? Tough draw in first round likely means early exit Schedule and results |
 Bridgewater
State Bears (8-2)Location: Bridgewater, Mass. Stadium (capacity): Swenson (3,000) Conference: New England Football Conference Head Coach: Peter Mazzaferro Career Record: 177-124-7, 32nd season Basic Offense: Veer option Basic Defense: 4-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-1 (1999) How they got here: Pool A, NEFC champion You'll know they're playing well if: They find wideout Chris Carr in single coverage You'll know they're playing poorly if: They can't establish a running game This season's turning point: Early-season win against Worcester State was first of the year and gave them tiebreaker advantage at the end Rushing/receiving yards per game: 190.0/170.8 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 169.7/125.5 How far can they go? They beat Springfield last year, but that was last year. Don't expect a repeat performance. Schedule and results |
 Brockport
State Golden Eagles (8-0)Location: Brockport, N.Y. Stadium (capacity): Special Olympics (10,000) Conference: Independent Head Coach: Rocco Salomone Career Record: 33-23-1 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: Courtlan Green runs for more than 100 yards, and both Lionel Rhim and Tony Streb have several catches. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They come out looking like they've played one game in 34 days. This season's turning point: Not only beating Buffalo State on Sept. 30, but shutting them out. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 177.4/171.1 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 71.4/178.3 How far can they go? Their first playoff game comes after two weeks off and against their toughest opponent of the season, either Montclair or Springfield. If they win that game, then we'll expect to see them at Mount Union on Dec. 9. Schedule and Results |
 Central
Dutch (10-0)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: 17-13 (1974, 1977, 1984-90, 1992, 1994-95, 1998-99) How they got here: Pool A, IIAC champion You'll know they're playing well if: They pass for more than 150 yards You'll know they're playing poorly if: The defense allows more than 150 rushing yards This season's turning point: With temperatures near 100 degrees in the season opener, Central trailed Upper Iowa 9-7 with less than two minutes remaining. A 57-yard touchdown pass with 1:14 left gave the Dutch a 13-9 win and helped establish a pattern of second-half comebacks. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 207.7/123.8 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 92.7/125.9 How far can they go? Will be an interesting matchup at Linfield. Schedule and results |
 Emory
& Henry Wasps (8-2)Location: Emory, Va. Stadium (capacity): Fullerton Field (5,500) Conference: Old Dominion Head Coach: Lou Wacker Career Record: 146-53 Basic Offense: Pro I Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 3-4 (1986-87, 1992, 1995) How they got here: Pool A, ODAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: They don't give up 50 points You'll know they're playing poorly if: Home-field advantage isn't in their favor This season's turning point: Rebounding from a loss to Catholic to beat Washington & Lee Rushing/receiving yards per game: 171.4/227.0 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 158.9/159.7 How far can they go? Their snub in 1998 (10-0) could serve as motivation all the way through the South bracket. Schedule and results |
| Hanover Panthers (7-3) Location: Hanover, Ind. Stadium (capacity): L.S. Ayres (4,000) Conference: Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Head Coach: Wayne Perry Career Record: 143-55-2 Basic Offense: One-back spread Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-3 (1995, 1997, 1999) How they got here: Pool A, HCAC Champion You'll know they're playing well if: They can manage to hang in the time of possession battle You'll know they're playing poorly if: They have to go to overtime (0-2 this year) This season's turning point: They came out strong against Bluffton to get their first conference win, the one that won them the tiebreaker. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 78.7/351.5 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 127.8/233.2 How far can they go? Maybe a first-round win. Schedule and results |
 Hobart
Statesmen (8-1)Location: Geneva, N.Y. Stadium (capacity): Boswell (4,500) Conference: Upstate Head Coach: Michael Cragg Career Record: 34-23 Basic Offense: Pro Set Basic Defense: 4-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: It's a low scoring game You'll know they're playing poorly if: They turn the ball over more times than they take it away (ranked No. 8 in D-III in turnover margin) This season's turning point: A 14-0 loss to Rochester. The upset seemed to galvanize the Statesmen, raising their level of commitment Rushing/receiving yards per game: 114.0/196.8 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 124.0/103.1 How far can they go? Favorable draw in first round, possible conference rival in second round. Any of six teams in the East bracket could get to the national semifinals. Schedule and Results |
 Hope
Flying Dutchmen (8-1)Location: Holland, Mich. Stadium (capacity): Holland (5,325) Conference: Michigan Head Coach: Dean Kreps Career Record: 30-24 Basic Offense: I Basic Defense: 5-2 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-1 (1986) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: Option quarterback Graves isn't sacked You'll know they're playing poorly if: Graves is being sacked This season's turning point: Overtime victory in 2nd game against DePauw Rushing/receiving yards per game: 152.2/195.6 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 53.8/227.1 How far can they go? Definite second-round potential. Beyond that, not sure Schedule and results |
 Linfield
Wildcats (9-0)Location: McMinnville, Ore. Stadium (capacity): Maxwell (2,250) Conference: Northwest Head Coach: Jay Locey Career Record: 33-12 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-2 Record in NCAA playoffs: First appearance since move from NAIA How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: The Curt Musser-to-John Nosler combo gets it going early You'll know they're playing poorly if: Linfield can't run the ball This season's turning point: Beating defending national champ Pacific Lutheran on their home field for the first time since 1989 Rushing/receiving yards per game: 166.8/271.2 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 58.8/257.3 How far can they go? Well, they won't have to go anywhere at all to make the national semifinals. Anything less might be disappointing for them and the conference. Schedule and results |
 Millikin
Big Blue (9-1)Location: Decatur, Ill. Stadium (capacity): Frank M. Lindsey (4,000) Conference: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Head Coach: Doug Neibuhr Career Record: 81-34-1 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: Multiple Record in NCAA playoffs: 1-2 (1989, 1998) How they got here: Pool A, CCIW champ You'll know they're playing well if: They roll like they did through their nonconference schedule You'll know they're playing poorly if: They look like a team that hasn't won a tight game all season This season's turning point: They'll have to hope it's the beginning of the Ohio Northern game Rushing/receiving yards per game: 273.1/212.6 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 67.6/152.7 How far can they go? First round a battle, second round, well, at Mount Union Schedule and results |
 Montclair
State Red Hawks (7-2)Location: Upper Montclair, N.J. Stadium (capacity): Sprague (6,000) Conference: New Jersey Athletic Conference Head Coach: Rick Giancola Career Record: 195-58-2 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: 4-4 (1981, 1985, 1986, 1989) How they got here: Pool A, NJAC champions You'll know they're playing well if: Defense creates scoring opportunities off turnovers, Jamel Dorsey is getting behind the secondary and hauling in long passes, quarterback Ed Collins, by far the NJAC's best, is getting enough time to throw. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Collins is rushed out of the pocket early. Collins is an excellent pocket passer and has numerous weapons to play with, most notably sophomore wideout Eric Magrini, but flush him out and he becomes less effective. The offensive line must have a good game for the Red Hawks to be successful. This season's turning point: Rebounded from double-overtime loss at Buffalo State to roll New Jersey and finish out the rest of the schedule with wins. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 170.9/215.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 118.0/110.1 How far can they go? Very distinct chance to go to the regional final. Or lose in the first round. But at least they don't have to face Rowan again. Schedule and results |
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 Pacific
Lutheran Lutes (8-1)Location: Tacoma, Wash. Stadium (capacity): Sparks (3,500) Conference: Northwest Conference Head Coach: Frosty Westering Career Record: 285-85-7 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 3-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: 5-1 (1998-99) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: Yards, yards, yards You'll know they're playing poorly if: They're forced to attempt a field goal This season's turning point: Team's "breakaway" -- a non-football team getaway at the beginning of practice Rushing/receiving yards per game: 203.8/325.6 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 160.1/174.7 How far can they go? From here on out, Salem is always a distinct possibility for the Lutes Schedule and results |
 St.
Norbert Green Knights (10-0)Location: DePere, Wis. Stadium (capacity): Dr. John R. Minahan Stadium (3,100) Conference: Midwest Conference Head Coach: Jim Purtill Career Record: 19-2, second season Basic Offense: Pro set Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-2 (1989, 1999) How they got here: Pool A, MWC champion You'll know they're playing well if: The offense gets off to a quick start You'll know they're playing poorly if: They get behind big early This season's turning point: Two first-half interceptions for defensive touchdowns to beat Ripon 54-31 in Game 4 Rushing/receiving yards per game: 220.3/233.2 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 94.0/200.1 How far can they go? No further than the second round, if there Schedule and results |
 Springfield
Pride (9-1)Location: Springfield, Mass. Stadium (capacity): Benedum (2,000) Conference: Freedom Football Conference Head Coach: Mike DeLong Career Record: 96-77-2 Basic Offense: Triple option Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-1 (1998) How they got here: Pool A, FFC champ You'll know they're playing well if: Average seven or more yards per carry You'll know they're playing poorly if: They throw more than five passes This season's turning point: Rallied from a 33-21 second-half deficit to beat Western Connecticut 43-36 in Week 6. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 427.5/53.7 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 141.3/208.9 How far can they go? Last week's shocking result causes us to ratchet down our predictions to, say, perhaps regional final Schedule and results |
 Trinity
Tigers (8-2)Location: San Antonio, Texas Stadium (capacity): E.M. Stevens (3,500) Conference: Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Head Coach: Steve Mohr Career Record: 77-40 Basic Offense: Spread Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 5-4 (1994, 1997-99) How they got here: Pool A, SCAC champion You'll know they're playing well if: They can control the clock You'll know they're playing poorly if: It's cold This season's turning point: Too many to count, in each direction Rushing/receiving yards per game: 132.5/268.6 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 75.9/178.8 How far can they go? Home game might keep this crew in for another week. Schedule and results |
 Union
Dutchmen (9-1)Location: Schenectady, N.Y. Stadium (capacity): Frank Bailey (5,000) Conference: Upstate Head Coach: John Audino Career Record: 80-29 Basic Offense: Multiple I Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 8-8 (1983-86, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: Turnover ratio is in their favor. Their only loss this season was a one-point loss to Hobart when they coughed up the ball six times. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Time of possession is in the significantly favor of the other team at halftime. The defense is good but tires easily, thanks to several injuries, and might not be able to lead a signature Dutchmen comeback This season's turning point: With 0:10 left against archrival RPI, when Ben Gilbert found receiver Bryan Slekes in the right corner of the end zone for the go-ahead score. After having a holding call wipe out the apparent go-ahead score against Hobart three weeks earlier, the Dutchmen needed confidence that they could win in crucial moments in close games. The win not only kept their playoff hopes alive, but rejuvenated a team without a bye week. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 222.6/190.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 89.0/125.8 How far can they go? Has a very good chance to be in Alliance, Ohio, on Dec. 9. Schedule and results |
 Washington
& Jefferson Presidents (9-1)Location: Washington, Pa. Stadium (capacity): College (4,500) Conference: Presidents Athletic Conference Head Coach: John Banaszak Career Record: 18-4 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 14-12 (1984, 1986, 1987, 1989-96, 1999) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: It turns into a track meet You'll know they're playing poorly if: It turns into a sack meet This season's turning point: When Westminster proved W&J wasn't immortal Rushing/receiving yards per game: 190.8/313.7 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 165.5/115.9 How far can they go? Far, quite far. Schedule and results |
 Wesley
Wolverines (8-1)Location: Dover, Del. Stadium (capacity): Wesley (2,500) Conference: Atlantic Central Head Coach: Mike Drass Career Record: 58-21-1 Basic Offense: Multiple I Basic Defense: Even Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: High-scoring offense continues to be balanced and can run enough clock You'll know they're playing poorly if: Someone dominates the all-purpose yards category This season's turning point: When they found they could hang with Rowan this year Rushing/receiving yards per game: 197.9/230.3 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 140.9/237.0 How far can they go? It's a long trip to San Antonio, which doesn't bode well Schedule and results |
 Western
Maryland Green Terror (9-1)Location: Westminster, Md. Stadium (capacity): Scott S. Bair (4,000) Conference: Centennial Head Coach: Tim Keating Career Record: 73-45-3 Basic Offense: Multiple, split back Basic Defense: 3-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: 1-3 (1997-99) How they got here: Pool A, Centennial Champion You'll know they're playing well if: They convert inside the red zone You'll know they're playing poorly if: They have to rely on a back other than Boo Harris This season's turning point: Blanking Randolph-Macon, which followed first regular-season loss since 1996 Rushing/receiving yards per game: 222.0/165.7 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 85.7/184.4 How far can they go? As far as Harris carries them Schedule and results |
 UW-Stout
Blue Devils (10-0)Location: Stout, Wis. Stadium (capacity): Nelson (5,000) Conference: Wisconsin Head Coach: Ed Meierkort Career Record: 36-44 Basic Offense: Multiple pro-set, West Coast style Basic Defense: 3-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool A, WIAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: The defense holds the opposite to under 15 completions and no long gainers and keeps the quarterback on the run. You'll know they're playing poorly if: If the opposition rushes for more than 130 yards and completes more than five long passes. This season's turning point: After tailback Aaron Johnson was injured in a hit and run accident and the team dedicated the entire season to him, and freshman Luke Bundgaard found out he could run in this league. When the entire linebacking squad returned. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 225.2/117.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 56.7/194.3 How far can they go? It's a tough draw for a program's first playoff game. And if they advance, they could face the defending national champs. Welcome to the playoffs, guys! Schedule and results |
 Wittenberg
Tigers (10-0)Location: Springfield, Ohio Stadium (capacity): Edwards/Maurer (3,000, turf) Conference: North Coast Athletic Conference Head Coach: Joe Fincham Career Record: 50-4, fifth season Basic Offense: Multiple I Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 12-6 (1973, 1975, 1978-79, 1988, 1995, 1998-99) How they got here: Pool A, NCAC champions You'll know they're playing well if: Casey Donaldson doesn't have to play the fourth quarter You'll know they're playing poorly if: They get to third down a lot This season's turning point: Probably when the lightning struck against Wabash, delaying the game for two hours and turning the tide Rushing/receiving yards per game: 228.5/207.8 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 69.3/140.3 How far can they go? No farther than Alliance, Ohio Schedule and results |
Ohio
Northern Polar Bears (9-1)