Our sponsors and your support keep this site operating
The 2003 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.
| North Region |
 Mount
Union Purple Raiders (10-0) Location: Alliance, Ohio Stadium (capacity): Mount Union (5,529) Conference: Ohio Athletic Conference Head Coach: Larry Kehres Career Record: 202-17-3 Basic Offense: Pro set Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 37-7 (1985-86, 1990, 1992-2002) How they got here: Pool A, OAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: They don't have to rely on the quarterback to win the game for them. You'll know they're playing poorly if: We'll let you know if we see it. This season's turning point: Scored twice in three and a half minutes to take 21-7 lead in Week 1 against UW-Whitewater and never looked back. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 239.1/322.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 91.5/133.7 How far can they go? Same as always Schedule and results |
| |
 Wheaton
Thunder (10-0)Location: Wheaton, Ill. Stadium (capacity): McCully Field (5,000) Conference: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Head Coach: Mike Swider Career Record: 59-19 Basic Offense: Twin Open I Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 2-2 (1995, 2002) How they got here: Pool A, CCIW champ You'll know they're playing well if: The offense holds onto the ball. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. This season's turning point: Defense held on four shots from the 14-yard line to seal a 23-19 win at Elmhurst. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 228.2/245.4 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 143.3/204.1 How far can they go? Alliance Schedule and results |
| |
 Baldwin-Wallace
Yellow Jackets (9-1)Location: Berea, Ohio Stadium (capacity): Finnie Stadium (8,000) Conference: Ohio Head Coach: John Snell Career Record: 17-3 Basic Offense: Run and shoot Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 3-4 (1978-80, 1982, 1991) How they got here: Pool C You'll know they're playing well if: The offense has an equal number of yards rushing and passing and the defense has stopped the run. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They have trouble running the football and the defense has trouble stopping the run. This season's turning point: Rebounded from shutout at Mount Union to shut out John Carroll. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 259.8/106.3 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 174.3/179.4 How far can they go? Could get back to Alliance, but teams never fare as well the second time around Schedule and results |
| |
 UW-La
Crosse Eagles (9-1)Location: La Crosse, Wis. Stadium (capacity): Roger Harring Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium (4,349) Conference: Wisconsin Head Coach: Larry Terry Career Record: 52-43-1 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 13-6 (1983, 1991-93, 1995-96, 1999, 2002) How they got here: Pool A, WIAC champs You'll know they're playing well if: The Eagles are rushing the ball effectively. UW-L averaged 225.6 yards rushing after averaging 154.4 last year. The team has averaged 283.0 rushing in the last five games. You'll know they're playing poorly if: UW-L isn't running the ball well and the passing defense is struggling This season's turning point: After a 24-21 loss at UW-Eau Claire, the Eagles have won their last five games, averaging 283.0 rushing yards per game. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 225.6/233.8 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 149.9/205.3 How far can they go? Has the best shot of anyone in this bracket at beating Mount Union Schedule and results |
| |
 Concordia
(Wis.) Falcons (9-1)Location: Mequon, Wis. Stadium (capacity): Century (2,500) Conference: Illini-Badger Head Coach: Jeff Gabrielsen Career Record: 91-44 Basic Offense: Pro Style Ace Back Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool A, IBC champ You'll know they're playing well if: Making big plays with quick-strike offense You'll know they're playing poorly if: Opponent has third-down success This season's turning point: 41-20 win against Lakeland in Week 6 ended up clinching title. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 294/126 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 70/126 How far can they go? First time playoff team plus Top 10 draw equals one-and-out Schedule and results |
| |
 Hanover
Panthers (8-2)Location: Hanover, Ind. Stadium (capacity): L.S. Ayres (4,000) Conference: Heartland Head Coach: Wayne Perry Career Record: 158-64-2 Basic Offense: Spread Basic Defense: 50 Record in NCAA playoffs: 1-5 (1995, 1997, 1999-00, 2002) How they got here: Pool A, HCAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: They have gotten off to a good start You'll know they're playing poorly if: They have gotten off to a slow start This season's turning point: A slow start keyed the early-season loss to DePauw (39-20 in Week 3) Rushing/receiving yards per game: 110.3/362.7 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 179.0/215.8 How far can they go? Traditionally a team that can win a playoff game, this year it seems unlikely Schedule and results |
| |
 Hope
Flying Dutchmen (7-3)Location: Holland, Mich. Stadium (capacity): Holland (5,325) Conference: Michigan Head Coach: Dean Kreps Career Record: 49-35 Basic Offense: I formation Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-2 (1986, 2000) How they got here: Pool A, MIAA champ You'll know they're playing well if: They run more than they pass. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They pass 60% of the time or more. This season's turning point: Young offensive line jelled, paving the way for 67 yards more per game after first three games. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 153.1/315.4 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 155.0/171.3 How far can they go? This team hung with Wheaton early in the season and could win if they force turnovers Schedule and results |
| |
| South Region |
 Lycoming
Warriors (8-1)Location: Williamsport, Pa. Stadium (capacity): David Person (3,700) Conference: Middle Atlantic Head Coach: Frank Girardi Career Record: 240-73-5 Basic Offense: Slot-I Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 12-10 (1985, 1989-92, 1995-99) How they got here: Pool A, MAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: There is good balance in the offensive play-calling and the defense is able to make the opponent one-dimensional by shutting down the running game. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The offensive line is unable to give the quarterback time to throw the ball and the defense line is unable to get penetration. This season's turning point: Responding to loss to Delaware Valley by winning out. The offense established a more consistent running game and the defense became dominant. Lycoming outscored its last four opponents 137-50. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 132.4/249.7 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 83.7/191.4 How far can they go? Anyone, literally anyone, is capable of winning this bracket, but Lycoming is an unknown quantity. Schedule and results |
| |
 Christopher
Newport Captains (7-2)Location: Newport News, Va. Stadium (capacity): Pomoco (4,500) Conference: USA South Head Coach: Matt Kelchner Career Record: 18-11 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-2 (2001-02) How they got here: Pool A, USAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: Defense stops the run and CNU runs well. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Defense allows a lot on the ground and CNU passes much more than normal. This season's turning point: Beating McDaniel, 7-6, in the season’s second game, the program’s first-ever win against a quality opponent. Then came the win against Bridgewater. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 193.5/92.1 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 137.4/112.2 How far can they go? They've shown they can beat the top teams in the region, but they've also shown they can lose to Ferrum. They can definitely win at home. Schedule and results |
| |
 Bridgewater
Eagles (9-1)Location: Bridgewater, Va. Stadium (capacity): Jopson (3,000) Conference: Old Dominion Athletic Conference Head Coach: Mike Clark Career Record: 54-42-1 Basic Offense: Multiple I Basic Defense: Multiple Record in NCAA playoffs: 5-3 (2000-02) How they got here: Pool A, ODAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: They’re running the football. In their three toughest games (close victories over McDaniel and Hampden-Sydney and the loss to CNU) the Eagles have averaged just 88 yards per game and 2.8 yards per carry. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They can’t run the football. This season's turning point: Second-half comeback at Hampden-Sydney following loss at Christopher Newport gave them ODAC title. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 252.8/197.0 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 72.9/157.5 How far can they go? We projected them the top seed for a reason Schedule and results |
| |
 East
Texas Baptist Tigers (8-2)Location: Marshall, Texas Stadium (capacity): Ornelas (3500) Conference: American Southwest Head Coach: Ralph Harris Career Record: 21-19 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: Multiple Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool A, ASC champ You'll know they're playing well if: There are 10 or 11 players around the ballcarrier every play defensively and if they are able to control the line of scrimmage offensively You'll know they're playing poorly if: There are only two or three players around the ballcarrier, and that ballcarrier is able to consistently break the line of scrimmage and gain yardage on the ground This season's turning point: Rallied from fourth-quarter deficit to force overtime against Mary Hardin-Baylor, then win in the extra period. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 165.4/223.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 81.4/187.3 How far can they go? If they lose before the regional finals it will be playoff inexperience, not lack of talent. Schedule and results |
| |
 Waynesburg
Yellow Jackets (9-1)Location: Waynesburg, Pa. Stadium (capacity): John F. Wiley (4000) Conference: Presidents' Head Coach: Jeff Hand Career Record: 30-19 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 3-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: They are converting on short passes to the flats, which spread out the line of scrimmage for their smaller backs and set up the downfield passing game You'll know they're playing poorly if: Teams are forcing the secondary into man-to-man coverage and/or linebackers are dropping into coverage to compensate This season's turning point: Opened the Washington & Jefferson game with a defensive touchdown and beat them for first time in 15 meetings Rushing/receiving yards per game: 220.6/180.2 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 92.5/166.1 How far can they go? Bad first-round draw for team that could beat some other playoff teams. Schedule and results |
| |
 Muhlenberg
Mules (7-2)Location: Allentown, Pa. Stadium (capacity): Scotty Wood (3,000) Conference: Centennial Head Coach: Mike Donnelly Career Record: 45-28 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 1-1 (2002) How they got here: Pool A, Centennial champ You'll know they're playing well if: The special teams are making big plays. Muhlenberg has blocked 11 kicks this season (four field goals, three PATs, four punts) and is holding opponents to 7.0 yards on punt returns and 16.3 yards on kickoff returns. The Mules flourish when special teams plays lead to an advantage in field position You'll know they're playing poorly if: After giving up 358 rushing yards (179.0 per game, 3.8 per carry) and four TDs in the first two games (both losses), the Mules have allowed 667 yards (95.3 per game, 2.4 per carry) and four TDs in the seven games since (all wins). Muhlenberg's pass defense has improved too, recording eight of its 11 interceptions in the past four games This season's turning point: With a new quarterback and defensive scheme, Muhlenberg struggled to an 0-2 start. A 41-20 win at Franklin & Marshall got the Mules in the win column, and they have rolled ever since, outscoring their last six opponents 161-49 Rushing/receiving yards per game: 128.3/211.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 113.9/147.3 How far can they go? Let's just say it's better they're playing CNU now than in September Schedule and results |
| |
 Trinity
(Texas) Tigers (8-2)Location: San Antonio, Texas Stadium (capacity): E.M. Stevens (3,500) Conference: Southern Collegiate Head Coach: Steve Mohr Career Record: 110-46 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 12-7 (1994, 1997-2002) How they got here: Pool A, SCAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: They hit on big plays on offense and pressure the quarterback on defense. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They're away from home. This season's turning point: This season has turned three times, and Trinity needs it to turn again. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 160.0/261.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 111.3/174.9 How far can they go? This team doesn't play well on the road, and the first-round game is the toughest opponent they've seen all year. Schedule and results |
| |
| East Region |
 Springfield
Pride (10-0)Location: Springfield, Mass. Stadium (capacity): Benedum (2500) Conference: Freedom Football Conference Head Coach: Mike DeLong Career Record: 124-91-2 Basic Offense: Multiple option Basic Defense: 3-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: 2-3 (1998, 2000, 2002) How they got here: Pool A, FFC champ You'll know they're playing well if: They pass because they want to. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They pass because they're forced to. This season's turning point: Finished the game on a 28-7 run to beat Ithaca 51-22. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 394.3/54.1 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 108.4/153.5 How far can they go? As far as the turf will carry them. Schedule and results |
| |
|
|
| |
 Brockport
State Golden Eagles (9-1)Location: Brockport, N.Y. Stadium (capacity): Special Olympics (10,000) Conference: Independent Head Coach: Rocco Salomone Career Record: 61-30-1 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: 2-3 (2000-02) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: QB Bob Darnley doesn't have to put the team on his back. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They can't hang onto the ball. This season's turning point: Beat New Jersey on a last-second touchdown after struggling for four games in a row. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 169.0/168.4 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 116.2/138.8 How far can they go? Now's the time they can prove 2002 was no fluke. Schedule and results |
| |
 Curry
Colonels (11-0)Location: Milton, Mass. Stadium (capacity): D. Forbes Will (1000) Conference: New England Football Conference Head Coach: Steve Nelson Career Record: 46-16 Basic Offense: Pro set Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool A, NEFC champ You'll know they're playing well if: Defense forces turnovers and freshman QB Kevin Holleran continues to play beyond his years You'll know they're playing poorly if: They look like previous NEFC playoff teams This season's turning point: Broke a 15-15 tie with a 74-yard, game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter to beat Nichols. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 179.2/197.7 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 101.9/123.6 How far can they go? While first-round pairing is winnable, odds are against it happening Schedule and results |
| |
 RPI
Engineers (8-1)Location: Troy, N.Y. Stadium (capacity): '86 Field (3,000) Conference: Upstate Head Coach: Joe King Career Record: 102-37-2 Basic Offense: Multiple I Basic Defense: Multiple 50 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-2 (1999, 2001) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: They can spread the field on a regular basis and otis williams is running the ball well because of the spread You'll know they're playing poorly if: They're not running the ball and just relying on the pass...and if they're not stopping the run on defense. This season's turning point: Getting in at all after losing to Hobart in season finale Rushing/receiving yards per game: 173.0/289.6 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 132.8/172.8 How far can they go? Finally get that one playoff win. Schedule and results |
| |
 Ithaca
Bombers (8-2)Location: Ithaca, N.Y. Stadium (capacity): Butterfield (5,000) Conference: Empire 8 Head Coach: Mike Welch Career Record: 78-29 Basic Offense: Pro set Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 25-10 (1974-75, 1978-80, 1985-86, 1988, 1990-92, 1994, 2001) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: They're holding on to the ball. The Bombers threw just three interceptions (their fewest ever) in 269 attempts, but lost 15 fumbles. Five came in their two losses, with three leading to touchdowns You'll know they're playing poorly if: Opponents are running the ball successfully in the second half. Ithaca gave up an average 87.1 rushing yards in the first half, but halftime adjustments helped cut that total to 51.8 yards during the second half. Ithaca's defense allowed 56 second-half points and the Bombers came back to win five games after trailing in the first half This season's turning point: Rallying from 10-0 deficit to beat Brockport 31-10. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 141.1/215.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 141.9/134.8 How far can they go? Depends on which team shows up. Might not go anywhere. Might reach regional final. Schedule and results |
| |
 Allegheny
Gators (7-3)Location: Meadville, Pa. Stadium (capacity): Robertson (3,500) Conference: North Coast Head Coach: Mark Matlak Career Record: 12-8 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 5-6 (1987, 1990-91, 1993-94, 1996-97) How they got here: Pool A, NCAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: The offense can run the ball and the defense can stop the run. In the first six wins, the Gators averaged 153.8 yards per game, 103.7 in their three losses. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They can’t get to the quarterback. In their three losses, Allegheny managed to sack the opposing quarterback just four times. This season's turning point: Down 6-0 to Wabash in the third quarter, Allegheny’s Justen Altemus recovers a fumble at the 9. Three plays later, Bubba Smith hits Will McMahon for a 9-yard touchdown and Allegheny holds on to win, 7-6. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 137.3/197.2 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 170.7/164.4 How far can they go? First trip back to the playoffs will be a short one for Gators, just not in terms of miles. Schedule and results |
| |
| West Region |
 St.
John's Johnnies (10-0)Location: Collegeville, Minn. Stadium (capacity): Clemens (5,500) Conference: Minnesota Head Coach: John Gagliardi Career Record: 410-114-11 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: Varied Record in NCAA playoffs: 26-13 (1976-77, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993-94, 1996, 1998-2002) How they got here: Pool A, MIAC champs You'll know they're playing well if: They can control the clock by running the ball effectively You'll know they're playing poorly if: They have trouble moving the ball, have turnovers and give up big plays defensively This season's turning point: Staying focused with all the media interest surrounding Gagliardi's attempt to break the all-time record. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 188.2/263.3 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 107.5/128.9 How far can they go? Linfield, and anyone they might face thereafter, will be a huge challenge Schedule and results |
| |
 Linfield
Wildcats (9-0)Location: McMinnville, Ore. Stadium (capacity): Maxwell Field (2,250) Conference: Northwest Head Coach: Jay Locey Career Record: 59-16 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-2 Record in NCAA playoffs: 1-2 (2000, 2002) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: They are stretching the field with the pass and the defense is forcing turnovers. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They rely on the deep pass and forget the running game while the defense is giving up big plays. This season's turning point: A late touchdown gave sealed a victory against Southern Oregon in the season's second game and boosted the team's confidence. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 152.0/295.6 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 165.9/171.8 How far can they go? Salem is a distinct possibility. And we mean Virginia, people. Schedule and results |
| |
|
|
| |
 St.
Norbert Green Knights (10-0)Location: De Pere, Wis. Stadium (capacity): Dr. John R. Minahan (3,100) Conference: Midwest Head Coach: Jim Purtill Career Record: 46-6 Basic Offense: Pro-I Basic Defense: 4-2-5 Record in NCAA playoffs: How they got here: Pool A, MWC champ You'll know they're playing well if: They are controlling the ball with the running game and winning the time of possession battle You'll know they're playing poorly if: The opponent is getting good field position This season's turning point: Scoring on the first two offensive plays from scrimmage en route to beating MWC runner-up Monmouth 38-15 Rushing/receiving yards per game: 234.1/219.8 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 57.6/211.0 How far can they go? About time for first playoff win Schedule and results |
| |
 Bethel
Royals (9-1)Location: Arden Hills, Minn. Stadium (capacity): Royal (3,500) Conference: Minnesota Head Coach: Steve Johnson Career Record: 100-50-1 Basic Offense: I Formation Basic Defense: 3-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-2 (2000-01) How they got here: Pool C You'll know they're playing well if: We are running the ball effectively and stopping the run on defense. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Not getting yards on first down and not stopping the run. This season's turning point: The moment Scott Kirchoff and other injured players from 2002 stepped onto the field again. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 203.3/193.2 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 130.7/184.0 How far can they go? They proved they can challenge St. John's, but how does that translate outside the MIAC? Schedule and results |
| |
 Simpson
Storm (9-1)Location: Indianola, Iowa Stadium (capacity): Bill Buxton (5,000) Conference: Iowa Head Coach: Jay Niemann Career Record: 15-5 Basic Offense: Spread Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 2-5 (1988-90, 1996-97) How they got here: Pool C You'll know they're playing well if: They can run for at least 75 yards. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They can't run and give up a lot of sack yardage. This season's turning point: Hiring Andy Mitchel as the offensive coordinator prior to the start and turning Mike Donnenwerth loose for 3,189 passing yards. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 107.3/326.8 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 117.7/175.8 How far can they go? One win is probably the most that can be expected. Schedule and results |
| |
 Redlands
Bulldogs (6-3)Location: Redlands, Calif. Stadium (capacity): Conference: Southern California Head Coach: Mike Maynard Career Record: 100-44-1 Basic Offense: One back Basic Defense: 40 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-3 (1990, 1992, 2002) How they got here: Pool A, SCIAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: They can run for first downs with senior RB Les Simon and can stop opponents from throwing long You'll know they're playing poorly if: We give up big plays on defense and are unable to stay on the field offensively. Starting QB Brian Sapp missed the last two games with a leg injury and will be needed to return. This season's turning point: Rallying from a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat Chapman and avoid falling to 0-3. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 193.8/181.1 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 185.5/210.8 How far can they go? To McMinnville and back Schedule and results |
Montclair
State Redhawks (8-1)
Wartburg
Knights (10-0)