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The 2004 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.
| Linfield Bracket |
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 Concordia-Moorhead
Cobbers (10-0)Location: Moorhead, Minn. Stadium (capacity): Jake Christiansen Stadium (7,000) Conference: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Head Coach: Terry Horan (Concordia-Moorhead '89) Career Record: 29-11 Basic Offense: Double slot Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 2-4 (1986, 1988, 1995, 1997) How they got here: Pool A, MIAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: They plow ahead and wear out the clock. You'll know they're playing poorly if: A team can shut down the run and wideout Andrew Passanante. This season's turning point: Two long drives let the Cobbers rally from a 20-11 deficit at St. John's to win 21-20. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 232.5/165.5 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 72.8/146.1 How far can they go? Home-field advantage could be huge in northern Minnesota this time of year. With that experience to get their feet wet, Cobbers could build momentum. Schedule and results |
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 UW-La
Crosse Eagles (6-3)Location: La Crosse, Wis. Stadium (capacity): Roger Harring Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium (4,349) Conference: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Head Coach: Larry Terry (UW-La Crosse '77) Career Record: 59-47-1 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 14-7 (1983, 1991-93, 1995-96, 1999, 2002-03) How they got here: Pool A, WIAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: They are not turning over the ball and having success on the ground. The Eagles are 29-9 under Terry when finishing with more rushing attempts than passing attempts You'll know they're playing poorly if: The Eagles are having trouble holding onto the ball. UW-L has 12 turnovers and are minus-8 in turnover margin in its three losses This season's turning point: After a loss at UW-Stout on Oct. 30, the other teams tied for first (UW-Eau Claire and UW-Whitewater) also lost. UW-L then won its last two games, 38-14 over UW-River Falls and 35-10 at UW-Whitewater. The Eagles averaged 502.5 yards in the last two games. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 199.6/242.1 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 188.7/171.7 How far can they go? Like last year, they've been given a tough second round opponent. Tough to ask them to do more than win their opener, though it's not impossible. Schedule and results |
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 Wartburg
Knights (8-2)Location: Waverly, Iowa Stadium (capacity): Walston-Hoover Stadium (4,800) Conference: Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Head Coach: Rick Willis (Cornell '88) Career Record: 80-15 Basic Offense: Multiple Pro Style Basic Defense: Multiple 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 3-6 (1982, 1993-94, 1999, 2002-03) How they got here: Pool A, IIAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: They can run the ball and defend against the run You'll know they're playing poorly if: Nobody rushes for 100 yards except their opponents This season's turning point: A 34-27 win at Coe stopped the bleeding after a stunning home loss to Loras Rushing/receiving yards per game: 182.4/174.6 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 105.0/156.8 How far can they go? Probably looking at a one-and-out Schedule and results |
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 St.
Norbert Green Knights (9-1)Location: DePere, Wis. Stadium (capacity): Minahan Stadium (3,100) Conference: Midwest Conference Head Coach: Jim Purtill (Miami, Ohio '78) Career Record: 56-8 Basic Offense: Pro-I Basic Defense: 4-2-5 Record in NCAA playoffs: 1-5 (1989, 1999-2001, 2003) How they got here: Pool A, MWC champ You'll know they're playing well if: The offense is moving the ball without using much clock. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The defense is giving up multiple big plays. This season's turning point: Surviving the UW-Whitewater game. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 229.3/255.8 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 95.0/190.6 How far can they go? Won a first-round game last year, but that was at home and UW-La Crosse is no Simpson. Schedule and results |
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 Occidental
Tigers (8-1)Location: Los Angeles, Calif. Stadium (capacity): Patterson Field (3,000) Conference: Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Head Coach: Dale Wildoff (Indiana Central '75) Career Record: 129-86-2 Basic Offense: Spread, multiple formations Basic Defense: 3-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: 1-3 (1983-85) How they got here: Pool A, SCIAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: The offense is balanced between run and pass You'll know they're playing poorly if: The defense can't stop the run This season's turning point: When Andy Collins replaced Justin Elway as starting quarterback Rushing/receiving yards per game: 194.4/189.1 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 146.4/207.3 How far can they go? A win would be the first for a SCIAC school since 1985, and it's not out of the question. Schedule and results |
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 Willamette
Bearcats (7-3)Location: Salem, Ore. Stadium (capacity): Conference: Northwest Conference Head Coach: Mark Speckman (Azusa Pacific '77) Career Record: 69-34-1 Basic Offense: Fly Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-1 (1999) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: They run the football effectively and control the ball on offense, and when they shut down the run on defense. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They fumble the ball or are forced to throw the ball early in a possession and give up big pass plays on defense. This season's turning point: Scored twice in the final 3:30 at Pacific Lutheran to rally and beat a ranked opponent on the road. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 271.3/128.6 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 130.7/187.0 How far can they go? The bracket gives them the opportunity to play a couple games before getting back to Linfield, but we don't think they will do it. Schedule and results |
| Rowan Bracket |
 Rowan
Profs (8-2)Location: Glassboro, N.J. Stadium (capacity): John Page (5,000) Conference: New Jersey Athletic Conference Head Coach: Jay Accorsi (Nichols '85) Career Record: 25-6 Basic Offense: Spread Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 23-9 (1991-93, 1995-99, 2001) How they got here: Pool A, NJAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: Rowan is winning the first down battle with mix of pass and run You'll know they're playing poorly if: Opponents begin drives at the 50-yard line or better This season's turning point: Coming from behind to beat Cortland with 2:15 left in the 4th, and holding off a Cortland final drive by recovering a fumble Rushing/receiving yards per game: 139.7/294.3 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 132.9/188.2 How far can they go? Might struggle in regional final but has clear sailing until then. Schedule and results |
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 Delaware
Valley Aggies (10-0)Location: Doylestown, Pa. Stadium (capacity): James Work Stadium (4,500) Conference: Middle Atlantic Conference Head Coach: G.A. Mangus (Florida '92) Career Record: 21-10 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 3-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool A, MAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: Receivers Don Marshall and David Carmon have over 100 yards apiece. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Running back Steve Cook is kept in check, Carmon and Marshall drop passes. This season's turning point: Trailing Susquehanna by 14 with seven minutes left, the Aggies launched two 80-yard drives to tie the game and intercepted a pass in the final minute, leading to a game-winning TD. 21 unanswered points in the games waning moments gave the team confidence. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 172.3/251.6 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 82.7/196.0 How far can they go? Every game was a struggle for them, it seemed, so they were either lucky or very battle-tested. Schedule and results |
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 St.
John Fisher Cardinals (9-1)Location: Pittsford, N.Y. Stadium (capacity): Growney Stadium (2,100) Conference: Empire 8 Head Coach: Paul Vosburgh (William Penn '75) Career Record: 92-98-1 Basic Offense: Multiple Pro Basic Defense: Shade Eagle Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool A, E8 champ You'll know they're playing well if: Defense is forcing turnovers, the return game is giving the offense a short field, Mark Robinson is running hard, quarterback Curt Fitzpatrick is on You'll know they're playing poorly if: Punter Will Bean has a busy day; Cardinals lose the turnover battle; defense is allowing opposition to convert on third downs This season's turning point: Freshman Steve Stepnick’s interception in the second overtime to end the game in win over Ithaca. The win gave Fisher control of its own destiny and proved to the tiebreaker for automatic bid. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 232.0/216.0 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 169.8/181.1 How far can they go? Only as far as their defense will take them Schedule and results |
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 Hobart
Statesmen (8-1)Location: Geneva, N.Y. Stadium (capacity): Boswell Field Conference: Liberty League Head Coach: Michael Cragg (Slippery Rock '83) Career Record: 63-34 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: 1-2 (2000, 2002) How they got here: Pool A, LL champ You'll know they're playing well if: They're controlling time of possession and moving the ball effectively with a balanced attack You'll know they're playing poorly if: They're not creating turnovers or are giving up big plays This season's turning point: Following a 35-14 loss at Franklin & Marshall in Week 3, the Statesmen trailed Rensselaer 13-0 in Troy, but responded with 54 unanswered points. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 210.6/216.4 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 94.7/208.6 How far can they go? Beating Rowan would be a shocker. Losing to Curry is slightly more likely. Losing in the second round sounds just about right. Schedule and results |
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 Curry
Colonels (9-1)Location: Milton, Mass. Stadium (capacity): D. Forbes Will Field (1,000) Conference: New England Football Conference Head Coach: Steve Nelson (North Dakota State '74) Career Record: 55-18 Basic Offense: Multiple I Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-1 (2003) How they got here: Pool A, NEFC champ You'll know they're playing well if: They dominate the clock by grinding out yards on the ground; the defense shuts down the running game; win turnover battle You'll know they're playing poorly if: They are forced to pass; injuries and other key losses on offense prevent them from putting points on the board; the opponent finds a way to establish the run This season's turning point: Dominating road win (32-7) against division rival Endicott on Oct. 23 that essentially clinched a second consecutive Boyd Division title. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 244.2/177.8 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 62.2/180.8 How far can they go? Like last year, winning the opener is at least a possibility. Schedule and results |
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 Muhlenberg
Mules (8-2)Location: Allentown, Pa. Stadium (capacity): Frank Marino Field/Scotty Wood Stadium (3,000) Conference: Centennial Conference Head Coach: Mike Donnelly (Ithaca '75) Career Record: 53-31 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 1-2 (2002-03) How they got here: Pool A, Centennial champ You'll know they're playing well if: The defense limits the opposition to a handful of plays per drive and helps win the battle of field position. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The offense doesn't take advantage of the field position or the opponents score on returns. This season's turning point: Hitting all the right combinations to win the Centennial's five-way tie. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 142.8/141.0 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 53.6/113.5 How far can they go? Defense makes them a contender to reach regional final. Schedule and results |
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 Shenandoah
Hornets (7-3)Location: Winchester, Va. Stadium (capacity): Shentel Stadium (3,000) Conference: USA South Head Coach: Paul Barnes (James Madison '82) Career Record: 20-10 Basic Offense: Ace Wing Basic Defense: Multiple Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool A, USAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: They run the ball and control the clock (12-1 the last two years when winning time of possession battle) You'll know they're playing poorly if: They give up scores through the air or on special teams This season's turning point: Two goal-line stands enabled Shenandoah to upset Christopher Newport and gave them the head-to-head advantage they needed for the automatic bid. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 232.8/124.7 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 160.0/144.4 How far can they go? Probably one-and-out. But Delaware Valley's penchant for thrilling finishes could make it interesting while they're there. Schedule and results |
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| Hardin-Simmons Bracket |
 Hardin-Simmons
Cowboys (10-0)Location: Abilene, Texas Stadium (capacity): Shelton Stadium (4,000) Conference: American Southwest Conference Head Coach: Jimmie Keeling (Howard Payne '58) Career Record: 127-36 Basic Offense: Multiple one-back Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 4-3 (1999-2001) How they got here: Pool A, ASC champ You'll know they're playing well if: The dominating offensive line has allowed Lance Moore to run effectively and quarterback Jordan Neal's jersey is clean (the first unit has not given up a sack this season). You'll know they're playing poorly if: The opposing defense is getting to the quarterback and the Cowboys can't stop the run. This season's turning point: Leading Mary Hardin-Baylor 13-8 with :34 before halftime, Will Galusha returned a kickoff 75 yards to give the Cowboys a shot at the end zone. Josh Howard scored with :03 to go in the half on a 5-yard pass from Jordan Neal. Galusha then intercepted a pass on UMHB's first possession of the second half and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 267.9/253.7 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 96.0/204.8 How far can they go? The favorite in the bracket, should reach national semifinals. Schedule and results |
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 Salisbury
Sea Gulls (10-0)Location: Salisbury, Md. Stadium (capacity): Sea Gull Stadium (2,500) Conference: Atlantic Central Football Conference Head Coach: Sherm Wood (Salisbury State '84) Career Record: 60-59-1 Basic Offense: Multiple Option Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 5-4 (1983, 1985-86, 2002) How they got here: Pool B You'll know they're playing well if: The offense is able to move the ball consistently on the ground while the defense and special teams win the field position game. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Offense has trouble handling the ball (fumbles) and the defense is not able to contain the other team's rushing game. This season's turning point: Beating Brockport State, giving Salisbury the respect it has craved Rushing/receiving yards per game: 315.0/84.7 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 88.8/156.4 How far can they go? In a truly balanced bracket, they could actually lose the opener but could also reach the regional final Schedule and results |
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 Trinity
(Texas) Tigers (9-1)Location: San Antonio, Texas Stadium (capacity): E.M. Stevens Field (3,500) Conference: Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Head Coach: Steve Mohr (Denison '76) Career Record: 119-48 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 12-8 (1994, 1997-2003) How they got here: Pool A, SCAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: The offense is running the ball effectively, and avoiding second-and-long situations; defense is forcing the opposition into three-and-outs You'll know they're playing poorly if: The offense is not converting third downs, and the defense is allowing the opposition to sustain long drives and control the clock This season's turning point: On fourth-and-goal on the road against DePauw, Trinity threw a last-second touchdown pass to pull off the win, and set the tone for the conference season. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 184.6/294.4 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 99.6/210.8 How far can they go? If they make the second round, that game would require perhaps the best Schedule and results |
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 Mary
Hardin-Baylor Crusaders (9-1)Location: Belton, Texas Stadium (capacity): Tiger Field (6,500) Conference: American Southwest Conference Head Coach: Pete Fredenburg (Southwest Texas State '70) Career Record: 52-19 Basic Offense: Multiple I Basic Defense: Overshift 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-2 (2001-02) How they got here: Pool C You'll know they're playing well if: The running game is controlling the clock, two running backs are closing in on 100 yards and they aren’t turning the ball over. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Andy Padron throws the ball 25 times or more and the running game is averaging less than four yards a carry. This season's turning point: Losses by other one-loss teams paving the way for them to make the field. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 372.0/162.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 117.1/237.3 How far can they go? Unless the regular-season game with Hardin-Simmons was a fluke, their road will end there. If they get that far. Schedule and results |
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 Christopher
Newport Captains (8-2)Location: Newport News, Va. Stadium (capacity): Pomoco Stadium (3,000) Conference: USA South Athletic Conference Head Coach: Matt Kelchner (Susquehanna '82) Career Record: 27-14 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 1-3 (2001-03) How they got here: Pool C You'll know they're playing well if: Nobody bats their eyes at an extra point and the defense doesn't give up big plays You'll know they're playing poorly if: They struggle in the red zone This season's turning point: After losing the opener and fighting through kicking woes to win the second week, held on to beat Bridgewater 21-16. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 201.1/173.3 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 116.4/138.6 How far can they go? They could go one-and-out, or reach the regional final. The bracket is too balanced to call. Schedule and results |
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 Bridgewater
(Va.) Eagles (8-2)Location: Bridgewater, Va. Stadium (capacity): Jopson Field (3,000) Conference: Old Dominion Athletic Conference Head Coach: Michael Clark (Cincinnati '80) Career Record: 65-45-1 Basic Offense: Multiple-I Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 8-4 (2000-03) How they got here: Pool A, ODAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: The defense keeps opponents from going deep. They were scored on five times by passing plays of 30-plus yards in their only two losses and OT win over Randolph-Macon. They gave up none in their other seven games. You'll know they're playing poorly if: They have more passing yards than rushing yards. This season's turning point: Stopping a game-tying two-point conversion attempt against Hampden-Sydney after the Tigers scored on a long TD run to cut the lead to 27-25. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 192.9/235.8 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 89.4/196.2 How far can they go? W&J isn't much like any team they've faced this year, but expect a great game. If Bridgewater wins they could go to the regional finals, but not beyond. Schedule and results |
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| Mount Union Bracket |
 Mount
Union Purple Raiders (10-0)Location: Alliance, Ohio Stadium (capacity): Mount Union Stadium (5,450) Conference: Ohio Athletic Conference Head Coach: Larry Kehres (Mount Union '71) Career Record: 215-18-3 Basic Offense: Split backs Basic Defense: 4-4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 40-8 (1985-86, 1990, 1992-2003) How they got here: Pool A, OAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: It's business as usual You'll know they're playing poorly if: ... great question This season's turning point: Jesse Clum intercepted an Ohio Northern pass on the Mount Union 7-yard line to stop a Polar Bear drive. On the second play, Zac Bruney hit Jason Cavell for a 93-yard TD pass and a 34-27 lead in Mount's closest game of the season. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 249.0/226.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 44.8/137.7 How far can they go? If they don't win it all, pretty soon we'll stop assuming they will. But not before. Schedule and results |
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 Wooster
Scots (10-0)Location: Wooster, Ohio Stadium (capacity): John P. Papp Stadium (4,500) Conference: North Coast Athletic Conference Head Coach: Mike Schmitz (Bowling Green '74) Career Record: 35-15 Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool A, NCAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: The passing game does enough to keep the defense from stacking the box against All-American running back Tony Sutton. You'll know they're playing poorly if: The defense looks like it hasn't had to play four full quarters very often This season's turning point: Wabash's game-tying field goal attempt on the final play of the game sailed wide Rushing/receiving yards per game: 285.9/185.8 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 93.2/198.1 How far can they go? Sutton will carry them to the regional finals as long as their defense plays four quarters. Schedule and results |
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 Wheaton
Thunder (9-1)Location: Wheaton, Ill. Stadium (capacity): McCully Field (4,000) Conference: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Head Coach: Mike Swider (Wheaton '77) Career Record: 70-21 Basic Offense: Twin Open I Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 4-3 (1995, 2002-03) How they got here: Pool C You'll know they're playing well if: The offense protects the ball and opponents complete 50% or fewer of their passes You'll know they're playing poorly if: The defense can't get off the field This season's turning point: Electing to go for two with 43 seconds left at Augustana and winning 39-38 Rushing/receiving yards per game: 234.3/272.3 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 157.7/171.3 How far can they go? Uhh, yeah, see, there's that behemoth in the second round again... Schedule and results |
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 Mt.
St. Joseph Lions (10-0)Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Stadium (capacity): Schueler Field (2,400) Conference: Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Head Coach: Rod Huber (Cincinnati '89) Career Record: 23-27 Basic Offense: Multiple, spread Basic Defense: 4-4 Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip How they got here: Pool A, HCAC champ You'll know they're playing well if: They can play defense against playoff teams the way they do against the HCAC You'll know they're playing poorly if: Being able to stop the run doesn't matter or they get behind early and have to catch up This season's turning point: Drove 87 yards to rally, win 34-30 at Franklin after giving up 27-15 lead. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 188.5/172.9 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 54.2/174.0 How far can they go? Defense might keep them in a first-round game. Schedule and results |
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 Alma
Scots (8-2)Location: Alma, Mich. Stadium (capacity): Bahlke Field (4,700) Conference: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Head Coach: Jim Cole (Alma '74) Career Record: 75-48 Basic Offense: Scot Gun (four wide, shotgun, no huddle) Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-2 (1992, 2002) How they got here: Pool A, MIAA champ You'll know they're playing well if: There is a balanced offensive attack utilizing the pass and run effectively. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Offense becomes one dimensional or defense has trouble getting off the field. This season's turning point: Bounced back from Tiffin loss to win 21-18 at Olivet. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 141.2/307.6 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 144.7/141.0 How far can they go? The unexpected homefield advantage is nice but it won't help them at Wooster. Schedule and results |
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 Aurora
Spartans (6-4)Location: Aurora, Ill. Stadium (capacity): Aurora University Field (1,750) Conference: Illini-Badger Football Conference Head Coach: Jim Scott (Luther '61) Career Record: 102-69-3 Basic Offense: Multiple pro Basic Defense: 4-3 Record in NCAA playoffs: 0-2 (1992, 2000) How they got here: Pool A, IBC champ You'll know they're playing well if: Move the ball consistently on offense, both run and pass. You'll know they're playing poorly if: Team's youth, lack of size on defense shows. This season's turning point: Robbie Parry's 100-yd interception return for a touchdown sealed a 24-7 win against Concordia (Wis.). The margin of victory swung the conference's tiebreaker. Rushing/receiving yards per game: 216.3/196.3 Rushing/receiving yards allowed: 110.2/170.4 How far can they go? Seeing as they lost 45-0 to the six seed in this bracket, odds are not good against the second seed. Schedule and results |
Linfield
Wildcats (9-0)
Washington
and Jefferson 
Carthage
Redmen (9-1)