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2001 Division III playoff capsules
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.
Final Four
Rowan
Profs (8-1) Location: Glassboro,
N.J. Stadium (capacity): John Page (5,000)
Conference: New Jersey Head Coach: K.C. Keeler Career Record: 85-20-1 Basic Offense: Spread, no-huddle Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 20-8 (1991-93, 1995-99) How they got here: Pool A, NJAC champs You'll know they're playing well if: The new-look offense keeps
opponents off balance and doesn't slack off with a fourth-quarter
lead. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Undisciplined play leads
to penalties. This season's turning point: Wake-up call against Cortland
State forced some juggling on the defensive side of the ball. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 219.7/307.1 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 70.3/264.4 How far can they go? They've proven they can get to Salem.
Can they win one?
Bridgewater
Eagles (9-0)
Location: Bridgewater,
Va.
Stadium (capacity): Jopson Field (3,500)
Conference: Old Dominion
Head Coach: Mike Clark
Career Record: 31-39-1 Basic Offense: Multiple I
Basic Defense: 4-3
Record in NCAA playoffs: 1-1 (2000)
How they got here: Pool A, ODAC champs
You'll know they're playing well if: BC rushes the ball at least
50 times in a game. In the three games they have rushed at least 50
times, they are averaging 381 yards per game on the ground. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The defense doesn't
put pressure on the opposing QB. In their two closest calls (road
games vs. Hampden-Sydney and Washington & Lee) the defense recorded
a total of four sacks, two in each game, and allowed 70 points. This season's turning point: Rallied from a 35-3 halftime
deficit in last year's playoffs against Washington & Jefferson
to score 56 of the final 63 points and win 59-42, proving the season-opening
upset of Western Maryland was no fluke. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 296.6/200.6
Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 130.8/174.3
How far can they go? Home field, since they've filed for
it this year, will be a big advantage. But all three top seeds in
the South bracket are national semifinalist contenders.
Mount
Union Purple Raiders (10-0)
Location: Alliance, Ohio
Stadium (capacity): Mount Union (5,700)
Conference: Ohio Athletic Conference
Head Coach: Larry Kehres
Career Record: 184-17-3
Basic Offense: Pro set
Basic Defense: 4-3
Record in NCAA playoffs: 29-7 (1985-86, 1990, 1992-2000) How they got here: Pool A, OAC Champion
You'll know they're playing well if: The Raiders are chewing up
big chunks of yardage on first down with their backfield tandem of
Chuck Moore and Dan Pugh. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They're facing third
and long consistently. This season's turning point: Rob Adamson proved he could
live up to the long line of quarterbacks by leading the game-winning
drive against John Carroll. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 261.2/260.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 109.3/106.9 How far can they go? Same as always
St.
John's Johnnies (8-2)
Location: Collegeville, Minn.
Stadium (capacity): Clemens (5,500)
Conference: Minnesota
Head Coach: John Gagliardi
Career Record: 385-111-11
Basic Offense: Multiple pro set
Basic Defense: Varied
Record in NCAA playoffs: 20-11 (1976-77, 85, 87, 89, 91, 1993-94,
96, 1998-2000)
How they got here: Pool A, MIAC champs
You'll know they're playing well if: They are ahead on the scoreboard
You'll know they're playing poorly if: They allow multiple turnovers
and sacks
This season's turning point: Winning eight straight games
after starting 0-2, including the 100th annual Johnnie/Tommie game. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 113.4/281.4 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 132.5/207.6 How far can they go? Well, nobody thought they could even
hang with Mount Union in the Stagg Bowl last year, so we won't underestimate
them this time around. Salem is always possible.
East Region
RPI
Engineers (8-0) Location:
Troy, N.Y. Stadium (capacity): '86 Field (3,500) Conference: Upstate Collegiate Head Coach: Joe King (13th year) Career Record: 85-35-2 Basic Offense: Multiple I Basic Defense: Multiple 50 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-1 (1999) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: If they spread the ball
around and force turnovers. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Their passing game
is not connecting. This season's turning point: Wins over previously unbeaten
Union (32-29) and previously unbeaten Hartwick (62-47) in successive
weeks in mid-October. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 118.8/289.1 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 102.9/278.1 How far can they go? At least to the second round.
Westfield
State Owls (10-0) Location: Westfield,
Mass. Stadium (capacity): Alumni Field; capacity: 4,800 Conference: New England Head Coach: Steve Marino (12th season) Career Record: 58-58-1
Basic Offense: I formation Basic Defense: 50 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool A, NEFC champs You'll know they're playing well if: The defense is on, and
it has been most of the season. The defense is led by Tim Corr, defensive
end; and Josue Zamora, a middle linebacker. Offensively, Shawn Lyman
ranks fourth nationally in rushing yards per game. The Owls also have
a standout wide receiver in sophomore Matt Yvon, and a quality quarterback
in sophomore Chris Lapointe. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Teams can bottle up
Zamora and Corr and run on the Owls' D. This season's turning point: Trailed Fitchburg State 15-0
in the fourth quarter of the second game of the season. Proceeded
to score 28 straight points in the final stanza for a 28-15 victory.
It was one of two games without Lapointe. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 209.0/166.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 74.4/113.6 How far can they go? While the NEFC has never won an NCAA
playoff game, this year could see one.
Montclair
State Red Hawks (9-1)
Location: Upper
Montclair, N.J.
Stadium (capacity): Sprague (6,000)
Conference: New Jersey Athletic Conference
Head Coach: Rick Giancola (Glassboro State '68) Career Record: 134-59-2
Basic Offense: Multiple
Basic Defense: 4-4
Record in NCAA playoffs: 7-6 (1981, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1999, 2000)
How they got here: Pool C
You'll know they're playing well if: The offense is balanced in
its attack. Defensively, if there is pressure from the front line.
You'll know they're playing poorly if: The offense becomes
one-dimensional and the defense is getting little or no pressure.
This season's turning point: A 28-0 win over Wilkes on
opening day. The defense allowed just 73 total yards, including minus-2
rushing, while the offense scored on its second play from scrimmage.
The win set the tone for a 9-0 start, the best ever by a Montclair
State squad. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 116.3/305.5 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 82.5/181.8 How far can they go? Depends on how those defensive backs
do.
Brockport
State Golden Eagles (9-1) Location: Brockport,
N.Y.
Stadium (capacity): Special Olympics (10,000)
Conference: Independent
Head Coach: Rocco Salomone
Career Record: 42-25-1 Basic Offense: Multiple
Basic Defense: 4-4
Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-1 (2000)
How they got here: Pool B
You'll know they're playing well if: QB Bob Darnley has control
of game, with his poise, his running game, and the backs' running
production. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Other team is running
the ball in the fourth quarter. This season's turning point: Last second 24-22 comeback
victory at Ithaca, which propelled the 4-1 Golden Eagles to five consecutive
wins and the playoff bid. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 218.3/127.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 107.8/200.3 How far can they go? It's a tough first-round draw, but
hopefully last year's playoff experience will be of help.
Ithaca
Bombers (9-1) Location: Ithaca,
N.Y. Stadium (capacity): Butterfield Stadium (5,000) Conference: Independent Head Coach: Mike Welch (Ithaca '73) Career Record: 61-23 Basic Offense: Pro-style split-back Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 23-9 (1974-75, 1978-80, 1985-86, 1988,
1990-92, 1994, 2000) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: They're gaining yards
on the ground. Ithaca's 13th-ranked rushing offense (251.0 ypg) includes
four runners who've picked up at least 250 yards. Dave Maddi (743
yards, seven TDs) and Tommy Giorgio (530 yards, 10 TDs) lead the way;
quarterback Brian Young has run for five scores. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Quarterback Brian Young
is throwing because he has to and not because he wants to. Young has
thrown for 1562 yards and 19 touchdowns, but has struggled with interceptions
(his 43 career interceptions are a school record). This season's turning point: Ithaca scored 21 first-quarter
points against 5-1 Hobart en route to a 52-13 win; the Bombers had
beaten winless St. Lawrence and Utica 122-17 in the two previous weeks
before establishing themselves against the Statesmen a 2000
NCAA playoff team. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 223.1/181.1 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 102.8/119.2 How far can they go? They at least could get to Rowan.
Western
Connecticut
State Colonials (7-1)
Location: Danbury,
Conn. Stadium (capacity): Midtown Campus Field (2,800) Conference: Freedom Football Conference Head Coach: Bob Surace Career Record: 17-2 Basic Offense: Pro Set Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-2 (1985, 1999) How they got here: Pool A, FFC You'll know they're playing well if: If the running and passing
numbers are equal. You'll know they're playing poorly if: If the defense is always
on the field. This season's turning point: Following a loss to Worcester
Polytech and an unscheduled open date, shut down Norwich in the second
half of a 16-7 win. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 153.8/139.6 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 116.6/130.4 How far can they go? If defense wins championships, then
they have a chance. But the offense has struggled.
South Region
Widener
Pioneers (10-0)
Location: Chester,
Pa.
Stadium (capacity): Leslie C. Quick, Jr. (4,000)
Conference: Middle Atlantic
Head Coach: Bill Zwaan
Career Record: 43-12
Basic Offense: Pro I
Basic Defense: Multiple 4-3
Record in NCAA playoffs: 13-8 (1975, 1977, 1979-82, 1988, 1994-95,
2000)
How they got here: Pool A, MAC champs
You'll know they're playing well if: Offense fires on all cylinders
and defense is passable. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They have to use All-American
wideouts Michael Coleman and Jim Jones at cornerback more than a handful
of times a game. This season's turning point: When Mike Warker arrived
for preseason camp after transferring from Rowan, settling quarterback
situation. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 219.1/282.5 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 65.9/229.8 How far can they go? This is a distinctly tougher bracket
than the one they ran through last year.
Washington
& Jefferson Presidents (10-0)
Location: Washington, Pa.
Stadium (capacity): Cameron (4,500)
Conference: Presidents Athletic Conference
Head Coach: John Banaszak
Career Record: 28-5
Basic Offense: Multiple
Basic Defense: Multiple Record in NCAA playoffs: 14-13 (1984, 1986, 1987, 1989-96,
1999, 2000)
How they got here: Pool B
You'll know they're playing well if: Junior running back Joey
Nichols is running the ball well. Nichols has rushed for 100 or more
yards in seven games this season for the Presidents taking pressure
away from junior quarterback Brian Dawson. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The opponent can run
the ball on the W&J defense. In wins over Ursinus and Bethany, both
teams were able to run the football with success which led to a tie
score after the first half in each contest. This season's turning point: Tied 7-7 at halftime against
Bethany, W&J scored 28 unanswered points to run away with the 35-7
victory. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 159.7/280.3 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 143.9/159.0 How far can they go? All three top seeds in the South
bracket are national semifinalist contenders.
Trinity
Tigers (8-1)
Location: San
Antonio, Texas
Stadium (capacity): E.M. Stevens (3,500)
Conference: Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference
Head Coach: Steve Mohr
Career Record: 87-42
Basic Offense: Spread
Basic Defense: 4-3
Record in NCAA playoffs: 7-5 (1994, 1997-2000) How they got here: Pool A, SCAC champs
You'll know they're playing well if: Trinity's offense has led
the way all season - if they are clicking, it will be evident fairly
quickly. On defense, the more inspired and fired up emotionally we
are, the better we are playing. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Both sides of the ball
are accustomed to leads. Also, if we turn the ball over (something
we have been doing well lately), then we're not on our game. This
year's team success is often dictated by the offense. This season's turning point: Weeks 4 and 5: beating DePauw
handily at home (52-18) after a narrow win last year, then breaking
a four-game losing streak on the road with a 61-28 win against Rose-Hulman. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 215.9/297.3 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 108.3/190.3 How far can they go? Perhaps their road struggles are
behind them, but if they advance to Bridgewater, remember they needed
overtime to beat them at home last year.
Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders (8-1) Location: Belton,
Texas
Stadium (capacity): Tiger Field (6,500)
Conference: American Southwest Head Coach: Pete Fredenburg Career Record: 24-15 (4th year) Basic Offense: Multiple I
Basic Defense: Overshift 4-3
Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip
How they got here: Pool C
You'll know they're playing well if: They are running the ball
effectively and controlling the clock.
You'll know they're playing poorly if: Cody Fredenburg is forced
to throw more than 30 times.
This season's turning point: Fredenburg's 70-yard touchdown
run in the season finale against ETBU to keep the Crusaders alive
in the hunt for a Pool C bid.
Rushing/receiving yards per game: 258.7/124.3 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 31.8/189.7 How far can they go? First time here, so who knows? They're
certainly familiar with first-round opponent Trinity.
Western
Maryland Green Terror (8-2)
Location: Westminster,
Md.
Stadium (capacity): Scott S. Bair (4,000)
Conference: Centennial
Head Coach: Tim Keating
Career Record: 92-48-3
Basic Offense: Ace spread
Basic Defense: 4-3
Record in NCAA playoffs: 2-4 (1997-2000)
How they got here: Pool A, Centennial champs
You'll know they're playing well if: Quarterback Boo Harris is
able to spread the ball, getting his receivers involved early, particulaly,
Teron Powell. You'll know they're playing poorly if: If Harris is unable
to spread the ball, or is unable to keep the offense on the field.
This season's turning point: It's going to have to come now.
They lost, surprisingly, to Johns Hopkins in the regular-season finale. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 227.2/201.4 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 160.8/167.3 How far can they go? As far as Boo Harris can carry them,
same as last year.
Christopher Newport Captains (5-3)
Location: Newport
News, Va. Stadium (capacity): CNU Stadium (3,100) Conference: Dixie Head Coach: Matt Kelchner Career Record: 5-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool A, Dixie champs You'll know they're playing well if: The offensive line can
get a good push and they're not forced to throw. You'll know they're playing poorly if: A young secondary is
exposed. This season's turning point: Soul-searching before the
Greensboro game Oct. 6 led to a five-game win streak. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 244.2/72.4 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 144.0/118.4 How far can they go? Back home. Their day will come, but
it's not this year.
North Region
Thomas
More Saints (10-0) Location: Crestview
Hills, Ky. Stadium (capacity): Thomas More Stadium (3,000) Conference: Independent Head Coach: Dean Paul Career Record: 26-4 Basic Offense: Multiple Pro-I Basic Defense: Multiple 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-1 (1992) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: The offense accounts for
over 300 yards rushing, which they have done in 8 of 10 games this
season. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The defense allows a
100-yard rusher or senior quarterback Jesse Lowrey throws more than
20 times. The Saints have allowed one just twice in the last 24 games. This season's turning point: A controversial pass interference
penalty kept the game-winning drive against Adrian in Week 5 alive,
helping Thomas More to a 20-19 win and avoiding a loss against a team
that would end up 2-8. A similar loss to Thiel last year kept Thomas
More out of the playoffs. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 301.2/126.5 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 114.8/184.7 How far can they go? No idea this is uncharted
territory.
Hardin-Simmons
Cowboys (8-1)
Location: Abilene, Texas
Stadium (capacity): Shelton (4,000)
Conference: American Southwest Conference
Head Coach: Jimmie Keeling
Career Record: 101-31
Basic Offense: Multiple One Back
Basic Defense: 4-3
Record in NCAA playoffs: 4-2 (2000)
How they got here: Pool A, ASC champs
You'll know they're playing well if: Kirk Rogers is in the end
zone. He has 12 touchdowns in six career postseason games. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They turn the ball over
(only 10 on the year) This season's turning point: Season-opening loss to Menlo
took away some of the hype (ranked No. 2 in preseason) and got the
team refocused. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 186/310 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 77/203 How far can they go? It's an interesting placement in
the bracket. Wouldn't be a stretch to see them in Alliance for the
North Championship.
Augustana Vikings (9-1) Location: Rock
Island, Ill.
Stadium (capacity): Ericson (4,000)
Conference: College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin
Head Coach: Jim Barnes (Augustana '81)
Career Record: 16-4 (2nd season, 53-17 overall)
Basic Offense: Wing-T
Basic Defense: 5-3
Record in NCAA playoffs: 20-9 (1976, 1981-90, 1994, 1999)
How they got here: Pool A, CCIW champs
You'll know they're playing well if: Division III's top-ranked
rushing offense gains over 300 yards per game on the ground. The offensive
line could play the entire game in a culvert, it stays so low to the
ground.
You'll know they're playing poorly if: The two-headed quarterback
tandem of Brad Wendell and Ben Kleinhans attempts more than 10 passes. This season's turning point: A 14-7 road victory at Illinois
Wesleyan on Oct. 6 and Deon Packer's fumble with 2:24 left in the
21-17 win against Millikin Rushing/receiving yards per game: 395.3/61.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 111.4/102.6 How far can they go? The Vikings play a style that is
different from most so teams that haven't seen the grind-it-out approach
might not know what to do with their offense on the sidelines for
huge chunks of time. CCIW teams who are familiar with Augustana have
had over 20 years to prepare their defensive schemes have had trouble
stopping the Vikings. So since they face Mount Union again in the
second round...
Wittenberg
Tigers (9-1)
Location: Springfield,
Ohio
Stadium (capacity): Edwards/Maurer (3,000, turf)
Conference: North Coast Athletic Conference
Head Coach: Joe Fincham (Ohio '88) Career Record: 61-6, sixth season
Basic Offense: Multiple I
Basic Defense: 4-3
Record in NCAA playoffs: 14-7 (1973, 1975, 1978-79, 1988, 1995,
1998-99, 2000)
How they got here: Pool A, NCAC champs
You'll know they're playing well if: The offense establishes its
running attack early and controls the ball behind tailback Daniel
Grove and the short passing connection of quarterback Greg Cornett
and wide receiver Michael Aljancic. Defensively, the Tigers must dominate
in the trenches as they have in all but one game this season, forcing
opponents into unfavorable third-down situations.
You'll know they're playing poorly if: The Tiger running game
is slowed down and the defense is forced to make too many big plays
to win the game. Wittenberg can throw the ball, but the Tigers would
rather run it 40-50 times per game.
This season's turning point: Michael Aljancic's touchdown
reception with 16 seconds left against Allegheny in Week 5. Score
was Wittenberg's second late TD in a dramatic 21-17 come-from-behind
victory, sparking the team to its fourth consecutive perfect NCAC
regular season.
Rushing/receiving yards per game: 234.6/193.0
Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 89.5/160.4
How far can they go? Very tough draw in the first round.
If they survive that, it's Mount Union down the line.
MacMurray Highlanders (9-1) Location: Jacksonville,
Ill. Stadium (capacity):
Conference: Illini-Badger Head Coach: Bob Frey (Mount Union '85) Career Record: 47-23 Basic Offense: I formation Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool A, IBC champs You'll know they're playing well if: Ballinger is getting 4
to 5 yards a carry. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Peterson is throwing
more than Ballinger is running. This season's turning point: A fourth-quarter touchdown
against Aurora that put the Highlanders in the driver's seat for the
automatic bid. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 233.6/188.2
Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 103.8/172.8 How far can they go? First-round game will be a matchup
of question marks. After that, the run is probably done.
Defiance
Yellow Jackets (8-2) Location: Defiance,
Ohio Stadium (capacity): Justin F. Coressel (4,000) Conference: Heartland Head Coach: Greg Pscodna (Adrian '86) Career Record: 26-30 Basic Offense: Pro-style I Basic Defense: Stunting 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool A, Heartland champs You'll know they're playing well if: The running game allows
Defiance to eat up the clock. The Jackets are solid at quarterback
but like to use the run to control the clock. The running attack looks
to accumulate 200+ yards per game. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The Yellow Jackets record
only 150 yards or less rushing without the passing game stepping up
and surpassing the 250-300 yard mark. The offensive line has performed
well running the ball or in pass protection and with two experienced
quarterbacks to take command, the offense has struggled only twice
this season, both in losses. This season's turning point: The most important game of
the season came in Week 9, when Defiance defeated Anderson, who went
8-2 this season and shared the HCAC title with DC at 5-1. DC won 27-7
against Anderson to guarantee the Jackets their first ever postseason
berth. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 201/172 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 111/165 How far can they go? Getting here was half the battle.
Getting to Alliance for the second round is probably the most they
can hope for.
West Region
Central
Dutch (9-1)
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: 19-14 (1974, 1977, 1984-90, 1992, 1994-95,
1998-2000)
How they got here: Pool A, IIAC champs
You'll know they're playing well if: They're moving the ball on
the ground consistently. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The opponent leads in
time of possession This season's turning point: Probably the season opener,
a 42-13 win against UW-River Falls. They established that despite
returning just five starters from last season, they could be competitive
this year. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 140.8/186.1 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 186.1/129.5 How far can they go? This will be a very competitive bracket.
Any of the top six seeds could come out.
UW-Stevens
Point Pointers (7-2) Location: Stevens Point, Wis. Stadium (capacity): Goerke Field (4,000) Conference: Wisconsin Head Coach: John Miech Career Record: 92-45-2 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-2 (1986, 1999) How they got here: Pool A, WIAC champs You'll know they're playing well if: They run three rushing
plays for every one passing play. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They get into third
down and long situations. This season's turning point: After losing 38-31 at UW-Oshkosh
on Oct. 20, the Pointers were forced to win their final three games
to reach the playoffs and did so. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 217.6/186.1 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 91.6/234.7 How far can they go? Looking to break a four-game WIAC
losing streak in the Division III football playoffs. It's certainly
a possibility.
Bethel
Royals (9-1) Location: Arden Hills,
Minn.
Stadium (capacity): Bremer (3,500)
Conference: Minnesota
Head Coach: Steve Johnson
Career Record: 86-43-1 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-4
Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-1 (2000) How they got here: Pool C You'll know they're playing well if: Defensively, they stop
the run and force opposition into third and long. Offensively, they
run and pass effectively and put together long drives. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Defensively, they allow
the opposition to drive the ball and get first downs. Offensively,
they get into third and long situations and are not able to convert. This season's turning point: Rebounded from a disappointing
Week 9 shutout at St. John's to win final two games and make playoffs. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 219.6/267.5 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 56.8/185.5 How far can they go? This first-round game might swing the
difference between the WIAC and MIAC in future playoff selection decisions.
Whitworth
Pirates (7-1)
Location: Spokane,
Wash. Stadium (capacity): Pine Bowl (2,200) Conference: Northwest Head Coach: John Tully Career Record: 27-37 (seventh season, 57-58-1 overall) Basic Offense: Pro-I Basic Defense: 4-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: The team is running the
ball and passing the ball equally effectively. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Time of possession favors
the opponent. This season's turning point: The 27-26 comeback victory
at Pacific Lutheran on Sept. 22nd. Came back from 26-6 second half
deficit. First win over PLU since 1965. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 181.5/187.8 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 162.2/139.8 How far can they go? If Whitworth goes deep into this
bracket then it's truly a sign of the Northwest Conference's strength.
Pacific
Lutheran Lutes (6-2)
Location: Tacoma,
Wash.
Stadium (capacity): Sparks (4,500)
Conference: Northwest
Head Coach: Frosty Westering
Career Record: 292-88-7
Basic Offense: Multiple
Basic Defense: 3-4
Record in NCAA playoffs: 6-2 (1998-2000)
How they got here: Pool B
You'll know they're playing well if: When they're playing to serve
each other. (If you have to ask, click
here.) You'll know they're playing poorly if: The scoreboard becomes
more important than being in "The Arena." This season's turning point: Breakaway, the season opening
three-day team-building time on the Oregon coast. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 154.4/217.1 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 142.6/186.0 How far can they go? Salem is always a distinct possibility
for the Lutes.
St.
Norbert Green Knights (8-1)
Location: DePere,
Wis.
Stadium (capacity): Dr. John R. Minahan Stadium (3,100)
Conference: Midwest
Head Coach: Jim Purtill
Career Record: 27-4
Basic Offense: Multiple
Basic Defense: 4-3
Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-3 (1989, 1999-2000) How they got here: Pool A, MWC champs
You'll know they're playing well if: They stop the pass. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The game turns into
a shootout. This season's turning point: Last week, in a 41-40 loss
to Illinois College. And it wasn't a positive turning point. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 200.7/291.6 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 79.9/258.6 How far can they go? Tough draw in the first round for
a team that allows so many receiving yards a game. This is probably
the end of the West's lucky No. 7 seed run.