By Matt Dougherty Nov 19, 2006, 23:45 GMT
Philadelphia, PA - State mottos and nicknames usually just serve as filler in tourist brochures, but the faithful in Bozeman and Missoula, Montana now have a real event to represent their states sayings.
'The Treasure State' was delivered a bounty on Sundays playoff selections for the NCAA Division I Football Championship, with rivals Montana State and Montana joining together to live up to their state motto of Oro y Plata as the Gold and Silver winners for the day.
Montana State takes the top prize by claiming presumably one of the last two spots in the field. The Bobcats were part of a group of four-loss teams hoping to break the trends over the past decade. Eastern Illinois got in with an 8-4 mark, but they were somewhat expected with an 8-2 record against I-AA/FCS competition. That left Montana State, Portland State, UNI and Wofford battling it out for a spot with 7-4 records, with the Bobcats and Vikings likely ending up in a duel for a playoff bid.
I predicted Portland State for the postseason field on Saturday night, since they did have a strong schedule, good numbers in the computer rankings and no bad losses. But there is no need for a long diatribe to figure out why Montana State was selected. On October 7, the Bobcats knocked off Portland State, 14-0, at home. That victory, along with a win in the season opener at Colorado, allowed the Bobcats to rise above the Vikings in the pecking order and make the postseason for the first time since 2003.
Portland State and others could argue that Montana States bad losses should have kept them out of the field, but there can be no real legitimate complaints from the teams left out of the postseason picture. Four losses usually end postseason hopes, and none of the teams that fall on the outside did enough to have a beef about being excluded. The selection committee was treading in uncharted waters by selecting from a group of four-loss teams, and they showed that significant wins and success in head-to-head competition against teams in the same position can trump bad losses when all else is equal.
If a playoff selection was all they earned, Montana States fortunes would not be all that remarkable. But the Bobcats also got a home game with a 7-4 record. And, that home game comes against a Furman team that did not dominate opponents in an 8-3 season and has to travel across the country to Bozeman for a first- round date. Suddenly, a Bobcat team that was happy just to be in the field gets its first home playoff date since 1984 to go in search of the first playoff victory since that national championship season.
That all adds up to a great day for the fans in Bozeman, who had a short-lived sulking period following a 13-7 loss at Montana on Saturday. The faithful in Missoula had a night to celebrate that victory, and probably got a surge of noontime enthusiasm when they saw a bracket that sets up perfectly for a trip to at least the semifinals. The Grizzlies beat out Massachusetts in what had to be a close call for the No. 2 seed, and are rewarded with a first-round date against 7-4 McNeese State. Waiting in the second round will be UT-Martin or Southern Illinois, both teams that the Grizzlies should match up favorably against. Get past that, and a team from the Northeast will likely have to make the trek out to Missoula for the semifinals. While Montana might have to deal with a good Massachusetts or New Hampshire team in the semis, it has to love the way the committee has paved the road to Chattanooga.
The Bobcats and Grizzlies were placed on opposite sides of the bracket, which means a meeting in the national championship game on Dec. 15 is at least a possibility. Thats a long way off and would take a lot from both teams, but the second season is off to an encouraging start for both teams in The Treasure State.
Below, I take a look at some of the other interesting aspects of the field of 16.
Top Four Seeds: By the end of the day on Saturday, the four teams that would earn playoff seeds became obvious. Appalachian State had solidified its case as the No. 1 seed, and Youngstown State had a clear case for the No. 4 position. The only question came from the placement of Montana and Massachusetts, who both finished with 10-1 records that included no losses to I-AA/FCS teams and recorded 8-0 conference marks. It appeared the committee could have flipped a coin for those teams, though the Grizzlies victories over South Dakota State and Cal Poly may have also helped them earn the No. 2 seed while Massachusetts took the No. 3 position.
Good Draws: Weve already talked about Montana and Montana State, who have to be thrilled with the position they have entering the postseason. Many of the other matchups were expected or pit comparable teams, but Eastern Illinois and Hampton have to enjoy their position as well. The Panthers host Illinois State and Hampton plays host to New Hampshire, so ending the playoff struggles for their conferences becomes a realistic possibility. Southern Illinois is the other non-seeded home team, and the 8-3 Salukis also get a good matchup against playoff newcomer UT-Martin.
Bad Draws: What did Youngstown State and James Madison do to draw the wrath of the committee? The Penguins earned a playoff seed after being left out of the field last season, but face a Dukes team that is probably at No. 5 overall coming into the postseason. And the game is a very peculiar matchup for another reason for James Madison, who appeared to be in position to play a regional contest against Hampton and would have been a logical candidate for a home game with an impressive overall resume. To make matters worse for both teams, they go into a strong top half of the bracket that would includes a potential second-round matchup with Illinois State and a trip to Appalachian State for the semifinals. Illinois State and Furman get sent to the road, and the Paladins face the daunting task of heading all the way to Montana State. Appalachian States road to the title appears to be a bit more difficult than No. 2 seed Montana.
First Round Matchups: All eyes will be on James Madisons trip to Youngstown State, as a team that most had penciled into the quarterfinals and holds legitimate national championship hopes will go home in the first round regardless of who wins. Furmans trip to Montana State is an interesting duel between different regions of the country. UT-Martin and Coastal Carolina make their playoff debuts at Southern Illinois and Appalachian State, respectively. McNeese State and Montana meet in the postseason for the fourth time, with the Cowboys holding a 2-1 advantage but the home team winning every game. Illinois State and Eastern Illinois meet in a rematch of the regular season contest that Illinois State won, 44-30, but this time the Panthers will play host. New Hampshire is at Hampton in a battle of a good passing offense against a good defense, and Lafayette goes for its first playoff victory in its third appearance with a trip to Massachusetts.
The second time around: The game between Illinois State and Eastern Illinois is somewhat of a surprise because the two teams met in the regular season, and the committee usually does not create a first-round rematch. The quarterfinals do often feature rematches of regular season games, and as many as three of the four games could have second meetings this year. Furman and Appalachian State would be set for another date in Boone if both advance in the first round. Youngstown State could host Illinois State in the quarterfinals, while Massachusetts could draw New Hampshire. Appalachian State, Youngstown State and Massachusetts won those regular-season contests.
Regionalization?: The playoffs are often put together with a regional emphasis in mind, but that is not present in all of the first-round matchups. Furman makes the long trip out to Montana State, while a seemingly clear matchup between Virginia teams James Madison and Hampton will not take place with JMU making a longer trip out to Youngstown State and New Hampshire coming to Hampton.
Extending the Streaks: Montana stretched its consecutive playoff streak to 14 years in a row. Southern Illinois is beginning to emerge as a playoff perennial as well, as Jerry Kills Salukis are in the field for the fourth time in a row. A quartet of teams is also hoping the third times a charm in their playoff success. Lafayette and Hampton are still looking for their first playoff victory after losses in the past two seasons, while New Hampshire and Furman will try to extend their stay in a third consecutive postseason. Eastern Illinois and Appalachian State are in the field for the second straight season.
Welcome to the Show: Coastal Carolina and UT-Martin are first-time entrants in the field of 16, and the Chants are also the first representative from the Big South Conference. Illinois State ends the longest playoff drought, as the Redbirds are in the field for the first time since 1999. Youngstown State is right behind with its first bid since 2000. Montana State, McNeese State and Massachusetts are in after missing the playoffs for the past two seasons, while 2004 national champion James Madison is a playoff team after missing out last year.
Former Champions: The last four I-AA/FCS champions were first-time winners, but that trend could end this season with eight former champions in the field. Every one of the four seeded teams has a title to its name, with four-time champion Youngstown State and two-time champion Montana leading the way. Furman, James Madison, Montana State and Southern Illinois also have one title each.
Below is a capsule summary of each team in the field, with historical information, personnel evaluations, and a formula for defeating each team included.
#1 APPALACHIAN STATE (10-1, 7-0 Southern)
How They Got Here: automatic bid, Southern Conference. First Round: Coastal Carolina. Playoff Appearances: 14th (86, 87, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95, 98, 99, 00, 01, 02, 05, 06). Playoff Record: 12-12 (one national championship). Head Coach: Jerry Moore, 150-68, 18th year at Appalachian State.
Appalachian State summary: The Mountaineers havent missed a step since winning the national title last season. After losing the season opener at North Carolina State, the Mountaineers won their final 10 games of the season and finished with a perfect record in the Southern Conference. They have an 18-game overall winning streak against I-AA/FCS teams and have not lost a home game in the last four seasons, so beating a Mountaineer team that plays at home for the first three rounds will be difficult for any team. The offense can spread out and produces 214.9 yards per game on the ground, with running back Kevin Richardson (1065 yards, 19 TD) leading the way. Freshman quarterback Armanti Edwards (1636 passing yards, 11 TD/8 INT) provides a dual-threat with 685 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in nine starts, while wide receiver William Mayfield (867 yards, 5 TD) averages 18.4 yards per catch and is a big-play threat. The defense might be the best in I-AA/FCS, with very good numbers against the run and pass and only 12.5 ppg allowed. Defensive end Marques Murrell (65 TT, 7 sacks) leads a team that has 24 sacks, while the linebacking corps are solid overall. Safeties Jeremy Wiggins (62 TT, 5 INT) and Corey Lynch (56 TT, 2 INT) form I-AAs best duo, though Lynch could miss more time with an injury. Dexter Jackson is an explosive option in the return game with two punt returns for scores.
How to Beat Appalachian State: The only I-AA/FCS team to beat the Mountaineers over the past two seasons was Furman, and the Paladins only did it at home by a field goal last year. The formula for beating the Mountaineers obviously still has to be devised, but forcing Edwards to make mistakes is a good place to start. The freshman has great athletic ability and has completed 61.7 percent of his passes, but also threw eight interceptions to contribute to a high total of 24 turnovers for the team. Shutting down the Mountaineer running game will be difficult for most defenses, so forcing a few turnovers will be key. On the other side, opponents need to control the ball against a defense that forced 23 miscues. Its going to be hard for anyone to move the ball consistently for 60 minutes against the defense, so hitting a few big plays, especially in the passing game, would be integral in beating the Mountaineers.
#2 MONTANA (10-1, 8-0 Big Sky)
How They Got Here: automatic bid, Big Sky Conference. First Round: McNeese State. Playoff Appearances: 17th (82, 88, 89, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06). Playoff Record: 22-14 (two national championships). Head Coach: Bobby Hauck, 39-12, 4th year at Montana.
Montana summary: It wouldnt be a I-AA/FCS postseason without Montana, who is making its 17th playoff appearance overall and 14th in a row. The Grizzlies come in with a head of steam this season with a 10-game winning streak, Big Sky title, and No. 2 seed that will keep them at home until the national championship game. The Grizzlies score a healthy 28.8 ppg, with Josh Swogger (2029 yards, 11 TD/9 INT) distributing the ball to a quality group of wide receivers. The running game has featured a few different players without the services of Lex Hilliard, and Montana produces an average 136.5 yards per game on the ground. Defense and special teams have played a large role in the scoring total as well, as both units are capable of turning in big plays and scoring on their own. Kroy Biermann (59 TT, 9 sacks), Dustin Dlouhy (54 TT, 4 sacks) and Mike Murphy (5 sacks) form a very strong defensive line, and the Grizzlies have returned two of their 17 interceptions for touchdowns. Tuff Harris has one of those, and also has two punt returns for a score. Dan Carpenter (20-26 FG) leads the nation in field goals made.
How to Beat Montana: The Grizzlies have scored a lot of points, but there are some holes to exploit in the offense. The running game does display a real feature back, and shutting down the ground game will force Swogger to make plays. He has proven capable of doing that at times, but also has played erratically and works behind an offensive line that has contributed greatly to ranking dead last in the nation with 41 sacks allowed. A strong defensive team should match up well against the run and can get pressure on Swogger to keep the offense from having a big day. Scoring on the defense will be tougher, and that unit is solid against the run and the pass. Still, they havent faced a top-notch running game this season, and a team with a big offensive line could get a push against the defensive line. Keeping the Grizzly defense and special teams from making plays will be key as well. With the No. 2 seed and home games throughout at a venue where the Grizzlies are 20-4 all-time in the postseason, any opponent would get an advantage by playing well early to minimize the effect of the Washington-Grizzly Stadium crowd.
#3 MASSACHUSETTS (10-1, 8-0 Atlantic 10)
How They Got Here: automatic bid, Atlantic 10 Conference. First Round: Lafayette. Playoff Appearances: 7th (78, 88, 90, 98, 99, 03, 06). Playoff Record: 6-5 (one national championship). Head Coach: Don Brown, 23-10, 3rd year at Massachusetts.
Massachusetts summary: The Minutemen notched a banner season to make the playoffs for the first time since 2003. They became the first team to go undefeated in Atlantic 10 play since Villanova in 1997, went 10-0 against I-AA teams and were just one point away from beating Navy and notching a perfect 11-0 season. Theyve done it with a very strong effort from the offense and defense. Running back Steve Baylark (1308 yards, 10 TD) notched his fourth 1,000-yard season and seems to get stronger as the game goes on, and the passing of Liam Coen (2179 yards, 20 TD/4 INT) and a quality group of wide receivers gives a team that scores 28.9 points per game as much balance as anyone in the country. The defense has displayed the same trait by performing well against the run and pass, and is No. 2 in the nation with 11.3 ppg allowed. They have talent and depth across the board, with Jason Hatchell (107 TT) leading the way at linebacker and James Ihedigbo (54 TT, 5 sacks) often blitzing and making plays all over the field at safety. If it becomes a field position game, punter Christian Koegel (40.5 avg) is one of the best around.
How to Beat Massachusetts: A defense that ranks second in the nation in points allowed is obviously going to be very tough to beat, and the Minutemen gave up less than 10 points in six games this season. They are physical up front and feature a solid secondary, so a team with speed that can spread out the offense would have a better shot. Maine moved the ball late in the game with quarterback draws out of the shotgun, and teams with a dual-threat quarterback that can keep the defense honest provide a tougher matchup. Scoring early and holding a lead will be critical, because Baylark is a physical running back that gets better as the game progresses and runs behind a quality offensive line. He doesnt have great big-play potential, so keeping him down early on will be integral. Coen hasnt made many mistakes, but he hasnt faced a ton of pressure, either. Getting him out of rhythm with blitzes and different looks will be important, though the receivers are all capable of burning one-on-one coverage.
#4 YOUNGSTOWN STATE (9-2, 6-1 Gateway)
How They Got Here: automatic bid, Gateway Conference. First Round: James Madison. Playoff Appearances: 11th (87, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 97, 99, 00, 06). Playoff Record: 23-6 (four national championships). Head Coach: Jon Heacock, 41-26, 6th year at Youngstown State.
Youngstown State summary: After just missing the postseason with an 8-3 record last year, the four-time champion Penguins are back in the field as the Gateway Conference automatic bid with a 6-1 conference record and 9-2 mark overall. They scored 32.1 points per game and ran for 240.6 yards per contest largely because of running back Marcus Mason (1,496 yards, 19 TD) and a strong offensive line. Mason did miss two games with injury this year, but Monquantae Gibson (521 yards, 8 TD) is capable of carrying the load as well and finished the year with 236 yards against Western Kentucky in Masons absence. The Penguins dont go the air as much, but quarterback Tom Zetts (1476 yards, 10 TD/10 INT) has plenty of experience under center. The defense gives up more than 340 yards per game, but that unit played very well down the stretch and forced 21 turnovers. Marty Hutchinson (83 TT, 9 TFL) and James Terry (60 TT, 10 TFL) are the leading tacklers, with Codera Jackson (48 TT, 3 INT) and Jason Perry (50 TT, 4 INT) forming a quality pair at cornerback.
How to Beat Youngstown State: To stop the offense, opponents will have to at least slow Mason. The senior running back has five consecutive efforts of 170 yards or more, including a 265-yard game and a 249-yard game, and has six games in a row with at least two touchdowns. The combination of Mason and a strong offensive line will make it hard to slow the running game all day, but defenses at least need a few key plays on first and second down to make the Penguins pass. Zetts is capable, but he also threw four interceptions in a loss against UNI and the Penguins dont feature a top-flight wide receiver. The Penguins gave up 144.5 yards per game against the run and 197.3 against the pass. Southern Illinois running back Arkee Whitlock had 218 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-24 Youngstown State win on Nov. 4. A team with a strong running game and good offense can move the ball, especially if they avoid turnovers. If its close late, the Penguin kicking game is not outstanding.
COASTAL CAROLINA (9-2, 4-0 Big South)
How They Got Here: at-large bid. First Round: at Appalachian State. Playoff Appearances: 1st (06). Playoff Record: 0-0. Head Coach: David Bennett, 34-10, 4th year at Coastal Carolina.
Coastal Carolina summary: The meteoric rise of the four-year old Coastal Carolina program took a giant leap in 2006 with wins over Furman and Wofford and the first playoff berth for the school and for the Big South Conference. The Chanticleers lived on the run for the last three seasons, but became a balanced and explosive offense with quarterback Tyler Thigpen (2945 yards, 26 TD/10 INT) and wide receiver Jerome Simpson (945 yards, 14 TD) developing into one of the best pass/catch combinations in the country and leading a passing game that averages 279.8 yards per contest. Thigpens 633 rushing yards and four touchdowns also aided a running game that tallied 190.3 yards per game, and the offense scores 34.8 ppg and notches 470.2 yards per game. The defense has been susceptible against the run, but only allows 146.4 yards per game against the pass and tied for the national lead with 19 interceptions. Quinton Teal and Dewitt Myers both have four interceptions, while Jamar Leath has a team-high 108 tackles.
How to Beat Coastal Carolina: Run, run and run some more. The Chants are allowing 183.6 yards per game and nearly 4.6 yards per carry on the ground, and that number has actually improved recently against a softer schedule. They have given up more than 200 yards four times, and allowed four rushing touchdowns and more than 300 yards against Wofford and Georgia Southern. The Chants have shown improvement down the stretch against weaker teams, but could still have trouble matching up against teams with powerful running attacks. Top defenses can limit the Chants running attack if they contain Thigpens ability to make plays with his feet. Coastal Carolina can certainly pass with anyone in the country, but most of the big plays go to Simpson. Keeping him from having a huge impact on the game will be key, especially if the Chants are struggling to stop the run on defense. If its close late, Coastal Carolina may be hurt by a shaky kicking game. Placekicker Josh Hoke is 3-of-9 outside of 30 yards and has a long of only 37, and punter Rob Williams averages a shade over 33 yards per kick.
EASTERN ILLINOIS (8-4, 7-1 Ohio Valley)
How They Got Here: at-large bid. First Round: Illinois State. Playoff Appearances: 11th (82, 83, 86, 89, 95, 96, 00, 01, 02, 05, 06). Playoff Record: 3-10. Head Coach: Bob Spoo, 127-101-1, 20th year at Eastern Illinois.
Eastern Illinois summary: The Panthers, with assistant coach Mark Hutson running the show as Spoo has been out with health issues, are back in the postseason field for the second year in a row. They played 12 games because of a trip to I-A Hawaii, but finished with an 8-2 record against I-AA/FCS competition and went 7-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference to earn an at-large berth. The Panther offense revolves around the running game, with Vincent Webb (1351 yards, 7 TD) doing the most work for a team that runs for 198.2 yards per game. Quarterback Cole Stinson (1270 yards, 12 TD/8 INT) is capable of making things happen in the passing game, and can go to wide receiver Micah Rucker (966 yards, 13 TD) for big plays. The numbers arent outstanding for a defense that gives up 20.9 ppg, but the unit was playing well down the stretch and limited opponents to 120 yards per game on the ground. They really made a living off of turnovers, leading the nation with 32 takeaways that include 19 forced fumbles. Donald Thomas (122 TT) and Tristan Burge (101 TT) are the units top players.
How to Beat Eastern Illinois: The Panthers have more balance this season on offense, but they still want to win by running the ball. Shutting down Webb and the rest of the running game will force Eastern Illinois to pass. They have the potential for success there, but arent as accustomed to producing through the air. The Panthers also have 15 interceptions for the season, so the chance for mistakes goes up when they go to the air. Avoiding mistakes will be the key against the defense. Eastern Illinois has been one of the top teams in the nation at forcing turnovers for the last two seasons, and can change a game with its ball-hawking ability. However, a strong offense can move the ball if they dont commit many miscues. Teams with a good passing game really should match up well, since the Panthers have allowed 14 touchdown passes and 213.4 yards per game through the air.
FURMAN (8-3, 6-1 Southern)
How They Got Here: at-large bid. First Round: at Montana State. Playoff Appearances: 15th (82, 83, 85, 86, 88, 89, 90, 96, 99, 00, 01, 02, 04, 05, 06). Playoff Record: 17-13 (one national championship). Head Coach: Bobby Lamb, 43-18, 5th year.
Furman summary: The Paladins had to fight their way through games, with six contests decided by seven points or less, but some last-minute magic and a 4-2 record in those outings helped propel them to an 8-3 overall record and a spot in the postseason for the third year in a row. Injuries slowed an offense that scored 25.6 points per game, but the Paladins had a week off for quarterback Renaldo Gray (1045 yards, 3 TD/2 INT) and fullback Jerome Felton (670 yards, 22 TD) to heal. With Cedrick Gipson (845 yards, 4 TD) also in the backfield, the running game averaged 174.1 yards per contest and should be strong if everyone is healthy. If Gray cant go, Jordan Sorrells (822 yards, 4 TD/3 INT) can see action and does have experience in key spots. The Paladin defense often held the team together with six games of 17 points or less allowed. Linebacker Andrew Jones (112 TT) leads a defense that has acquitted itself nicely against the run and pass.
How to Beat Furman: Overall, the Paladins played well on defense this season. But in the losses, Furman gave up 45, 29 and 40 points. They were shredded on the ground in a 40-7 loss to Appalachian State, and gave up three passing touchdowns in a 29-27 defeat against Coastal Carolina. Furman did a good job against the rest of the Southern Conference, but teams with good offensive firepower can probably move the ball on the defense. The Paladins also become a different team if Gray and/or Felton are not able to play at 100 percent. Both players make the running game even better, but opponents will catch a break if they are not up to full speed. Whether they are or not, limiting the Paladin running game will be huge. Both quarterbacks are fairly inexperienced, and an offense that threw for 173.4 yards per game does not want to be forced to win through the air.
HAMPTON (10-1, 7-1 MEAC)
How They Got Here: automatic bid, MEAC. First Round: New Hampshire. Playoff Appearances: 5th (97, 98, 04, 05, 06). Playoff Record: 0-4. Head Coach: Joe Taylor, 130-43-1, 15th year at Hampton.
Hampton summary: With their third consecutive automatic berth out of the MEAC, the Pirates are in their third postseason in a row. Despite losses in the past two playoff trips, they have a 31-4 record over the past three seasons. Running back Alonzo Coleman (909 yards, 11 TD) has been a huge part of the success, and he appeared to be back in form after an injury-plagued season with 181 yards and four touchdowns to close the season against Florida A & M. The Pirates run for 175.7 yards per game, and developed a stronger passing game this season with Princeton Shepherd (1564 yards, 15 TD/4 INT) posting a solid season. The defense leads the nation against the pass and picked of 15 passes. Cornerback Travorous Bain (5 INT) led the way in that category, with defensive end Kendal Langford (51 TT, 13.5 TFL, 7 sacks) and Buchanan Award candidate linebacker Justin Durant (84 TT, 12 TFL) as standouts at their positions.
How to Beat Hampton: The Pirates are more adept at passing this season, but they would still prefer to run the ball. They only attempted 163 passes all season, and want to control the tempo and win the game with Coleman and Kevin Beverly on the ground. If opponents can handle that duo, the Hampton offense will be put in an uncomfortable spot of winning through the air. The defense is great against the pass, and has not allowed more than 17 points since the season opener against Grambling State. But they did give up 139.2 yards per game on the ground, and were gashed for 268 rushing yards in a 13-6 loss to South Carolina State. Richmond ran all over the Pirates for 251 yards in last years first round playoff game, and a team with a quality running attack could overwhelm a Hampton defense that doesnt face top-notch attacks during the season.
ILLINOIS STATE (8-3, 5-2 Gateway)
How They Got Here: at-large bid. First Round: at Eastern Illinois. Playoff Appearances: 3rd (98, 99, 06). Playoff Record: 2-2. Head Coach: Denver Johnson, 40-38, 7th year at Illinois State.
Illinois State summary: Illinois State returns to the postseason for the first time since 1999 with a team that features a handful of standout players and the ability to score in bunches and play solid defense. Running back Pierre Rembert (1507 yards, 15 TD) has received a heavy workload to lead a rushing attack that garners 168.9 yards per game, while the passing game is explosive with Luke Drone (2595 yards, 19 TD/5 INT) throwing to a quality group of wide receivers that features Laurent Robinson, who has been coming on of late after being slowed by injuries early in the season. The offense is averaging 30.2 ppg, and has tallied more than 30 points five times. The numbers arent as sparkling overall for a defense that gives up 20.1 ppg, but the Redbirds feature the best linebacking corps in the nation with Cameron Siskowic (130 TT) Kye Stewart (115 TT) and Niall Campbell (89 TT). The Redbirds are near the top of the country in turnover margin, with 19 turnovers forced and only 10 giveaways.
How to Beat Illinois State: When Youngstown State beat the Redbirds, 27-13, in Normal, the game statistics opened some eyes. The Penguins ran for 345 yards and four touchdowns, while limiting the Redbirds to 155 yards of total offense. Holding an explosive offense to that low of a number would be asking a lot, but opponents have been able to move the ball against the defense. Five running backs have 100-yard efforts this season, and the Redbirds are allowing 201.6 yards per game through the air. They dont have very many sacks or tackles for a loss, so an opponent with a quality offense could have a good day if they dont turn the ball over. Stopping the Redbirds will be more difficult, especially with Robinson coming on late in the season. They have thrived with balance all year and give Rembert a heavy workload, so limiting his effectiveness and making the attack one-dimensional will be key. Creating turnovers will be difficult, but UNI notched four in the season finale. Winning the turnover battle will be a must for teams that cant match scores with the Redbirds.
JAMES MADISON (9-2, 7-1 Atlantic 10)
How They Got Here: at-large bid. First Round: at Youngstown State. Playoff Appearances: 7th (87, 91, 94, 95, 99, 04, 06). Playoff Record: 6-5 (one national championship). Head Coach: Mickey Matthews, 56-39, 8th year at James Madison.
James Madison summary: After sitting out the postseason last year, the 2004 national champions are back in the playoffs with a 9-2 record that includes a 7-1 mark in the Atlantic 10. James Madison reeled off a seven-game win streak that included a win at New Hampshire, and got the offense rolling after a slow start to score 32.6 ppg. In his third year as a starter, quarterback Justin Rascati (1900 yards, 19 TD/6 INT) was a big part of the success with good numbers through the air and 425 yards on the ground. He aided a running effort that notched 215.6 yards per game and really took off when Eugene Holloman (995 yards, 8 TD) started to take a bulk of the carries. Leading receiver L.C. Baker is a threat in the receiving and return game. The defense was one of the nations best all year, and led the country with 48 sacks while allowing just 15.1 ppg. The Dukes feature at least one standout player at every position, with defensive end Kevin Winston (62 TT, 16 TFL, 11 sacks) and Buchanan Award candidate linebacker Akeem Jordan (126 TT, 16 TT) posting huge numbers and opponents often staying away from safety Tony LeZotte (73 TT).
How to Beat James Madison: The Dukes are one of the more balanced teams in the country, so its hard to find one weakness to attack. Rascati has proven he can win games with his arm when asked to and has the experience of making plays in the postseason, but opponents would rather force the Dukes to win through the air than have them grind it out on the ground all day. In James Madisons two losses, Rascati attempted 27 and 29 passes, his highest totals of the year. Taking an early lead and getting ahead going into the fourth quarter will be critical, because the James Madison running game and defense would be difficult to come back on late. Few teams have run successfully on the Dukes, but the defense does allow 184.5 yards per game through the air, as well as 64.6 percent of passes completed against them with only six interceptions. A lot of those numbers were amassed in garbage time, but the Dukes can be susceptible to the short passing game, which could also open up the running game or a chance for a big play. Picking up positive yardage on the first two downs will be especially important, since opponents wont want to face the Dukes pass rush in an obvious throwing situation.
LAFAYETTE (6-5, 5-1 Patriot)
How They Got Here: automatic bid, Patriot League. First Round: at Massachusetts. Playoff Appearances: 3rd (04, 05, 06) Playoff Record: 0-2. Head Coach: Frank Tavani, 38-41, 7th year at Lafayette.
Lafayette summary: When the Leopards suffered a five-game losing streak and went 49 days between wins on Sept. 9 and Oct. 28, few observers could have expected a Patriot League championship and third consecutive trip to the postseason. But thats exactly what happened, as Lafayette won its final four games and earned the conferences berth to the postseason by knocking off rival Lehigh, 49-27. The Leopards have done it mostly with running and defense in the past, but bring a balanced offense that averaged 27.5 ppg, including at least 27 points in each of the last five games. Quarterback Brad Maurer (2099 yards, 11 TD/9 INT) provides experienced play under center, and can also make plays with his feet with 283 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground. That aided a rushing attack that posted 174.2 yards per game largely because of a huge season from running back Jonathan Hurt (1181 yards, 15 TD), who had at least 135 yards four times in the last five games. The defense gave up 21.4 ppg, and got a big season from linebacker Andy Romans (103 TT).
How to Beat Lafayette: In the last two seasons, Lafayette has given a good effort in road losses at Delaware and Appalachian State. The Leopards also have three consecutive wins against Lehigh, so they are not going to fold in the pressure of a big game with Tavani at the helm. But while the mindset is the same, the Lafayette defense isnt quite as tough as it was in the past two seasons. The Leopards have given up 334.5 yards per game, and arent great against the run or pass. They allowed 24 points or more five times, and could have a long day against a quality offense. The Leopard offense is playing with a lot of confidence right now, but opponents need to show that they are stepping up a notch after succeeding in the Patriot League. They can run and pass effectively, but the offense has really taken off when Hurt has big days. Keep him from going wild, and force Maurer and the passing game to do most of the work.
McNEESE STATE (7-4, 5-1 Southland)
How They Got Here: automatic bid, Southland Conference. First Round: at Montana. Playoff Appearances: 12th (91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 97, 98, 00, 01, 02, 03, 06) Playoff Record: 11-11. Head Coach: Matt Viator, 6-1,1st year at McNeese State.
McNeese State summary: Nothing came easy for the Cowboys, but they made it through a tough start to the season and head coaching change to rally for wins in the final five games and win the Southland Conference. Matt Viator took over as the head coach when the team sat at 1-3, and the Cowboys still went on to lose the league opener against Texas State before winning out the rest of the way. They found a way to win road games by a field goal at Stephen F. Austin and Northwestern State, and got just enough on offense and defense every game. Derrick Fourroux (1374 yards, 10 TD/7 INT) emerged as the starter at quarterback and brings a running option with 370 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. The Cowboys feature multiple running backs, but have success with 175.8 rushing yards per game. The defense has forced 30 turnovers, with a knack for forcing fumbles with 18 on the season. Bryan Smith (64 TT, 12.5 sacks) is the units top playmaker. The special teams are very strong. Placekicker Blake Bercegay (16-18 FG) has stepped up in big spots, and Stephen Whitehead (17.6 PR avg) is a threat every time he touches the ball.
How to Beat McNeese State: Run and stop the run. Its a simple and basic formula that works against most teams, but a team that can winning the running battle against McNeese State will gain a huge advantage. The Cowboy defense surrenders 165.8 yards per game on the ground, and gave up 253 yards to Sam Houston States D.D. Terry. They do have the ability to force fumbles and cause turnovers, but a team that can run and take care of the ball could have success moving on the defense. The Cowboys do run the ball well, so opponents will want to gear on that attack to force Fourroux to win the game through the air. Hes still getting his feet wet and completes only 53.8 percent of his passes, and McNeese State does not want to have to rely on the passing attack. Let a Cowboy team that commits a ton of penalties shoot itself in the foot. Stopping Whiteheads impact on the game will be key as well, since he can change the momentum with one or two big plays.
MONTANA STATE (7-4, 6-2 Big Sky)
How They Got Here: at-large bid. First Round: Furman. Playoff Appearances: 4th (84, 02, 03, 06). Playoff Record: 3-2 (one national championship). Head Coach: Mike Kramer, 39-42, 7th year at Montana State.
Montana State summary: The Bobcats used a couple of huge wins and momentum late to become one of two four-loss teams to make the playoff field. They had wins against I-A Colorado and Portland State, and won six of the final seven games overall with only a 13-7 loss at rival Montana in the season finale. The offense has displayed an up-and-down effort throughout the year, and scored 19.4 ppg for the season. They have used a pair of quarterbacks to throw for 225.3 yards per game, though Jack Rolovich (1212 yards, 8 TD/9 INT) has received most of the workload lately. Aaron Mason (573 yards, 7 TD) has the best numbers on the ground, but the Bobcats only manage 98.5 rushing yards per game. Wide receiver Michael Jefferson (842 yards, 8 TD) has mixed big games with average efforts, but has the potential to turn in a big play or two. The defense is the strength of the team, with 21.4 ppg surrendered and five efforts of 18 points or less allowed in the past six games. Linebacker Bobby Daly (107 TT, 10.5 TFL) leads the way, and a talented secondary has helped record 12 interceptions.
How to Beat Montana State: If you shut down Jefferson, the Montana State offense can be contained. He had huge games when the Bobcats scored 39 points against Northern Arizona and 42 against Idaho State, but the offense struggled down the stretch when he was contained by Weber State, Northern Colorado and Montana. Montana State quarterbacks have thrown 17 interceptions and the running game is suspect, so a defense that shuts down Jefferson could be in good shape to force a miscue from a team with 23 turnovers. Scoring on the Bobcat defense might be more difficult, but the Bobcats have given up a few big days through the air. Teams that try to win by throwing the ball will have to avoid turnovers and contain a defense that has 27 sacks, but the Bobcats could be susceptible to a powerful passing game.
NEW HAMPSHIRE (8-3, 5-3 Atlantic 10)
How They Got Here: at-large bid. First Round: at Hampton. Playoff Appearances: 5th (91, 94, 04, 05, 06). Playoff Record: 2-4. Head Coach: Sean McDonnell, 52-40, 8th year at New Hampshire.
New Hampshire summary: The Wildcats needed to go to overtime to beat Maine, 19-13, on the seasons final day to do it, but they are back in the playoffs for the third year in a row. The offense has been slowed somewhat late in the season by tough Atlantic 10 defenses, but no opponent can sleep on a Wildcat attack that features two of the games top players and averages 36.5 ppg. Payton Award candidates quarterback Ricky Santos (2681 yards, 23 TD/5 INT) and wide receiver David Ball (82 receptions, 990 yards, 11 TD) lead a passing game that tallies 249.6 yards per contest. Santos has also run for 385 yards and 12 touchdowns to help the Wildcats run for 155 yards per game, though that number has slipped late in the season. The defense allows 22.7 points per contest, and has struggled at times against the run. The unit has forced 21 turnovers. Husain Karim and Jeff Pammer are the leading tacklers, though the Wildcats could really use a healthy Corey Graham for the defense and return game.
How to Beat New Hampshire: After three years, there is finally a defensive blueprint to slow down Santos and the high-powered Wildcat offense. Richmond and James Madison were the first teams to limit New Hampshires offense by shutting down the running game and keeping Santos and Ball from making any big plays. Santos threw 46, 66 and 55 passes in New Hampshires three losses, but the defenses were able to keep plays in front of them. The Wildcats explosiveness through the air can still help them win games in that fashion, but a good defense can slow the running game and create long third down plays. Limiting Santos scrambling ability will also be key to keeping New Hampshires offense in check. The Wildcats still figure to put points on the board, but opponents have been able to move on the defense, especially on the ground. James Madison had 259 yards and four touchdowns, and a quality offense can move the ball, score some points and keep Santos and company off the field.
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (8-3, 4-3 Gateway)
How They Got Here: at-large bid. First Round: UT-Martin. Playoff Appearances: 5th (83, 03, 04, 05, 06). Playoff Record: 4-3 (one national championship). Head Coach: Jerry Kill, 34-25, 6th year at Southern Illinois.
Southern Illinois summary: Head coach Jerry Kill and his staff had already done a remarkable job by turning a struggling program into a three-time playoff participant, but they added to the resume by leading the Salukis to a fourth consecutive playoff appearance despite significant losses from last season on both sides of the ball. First-year starting quarterback Nick Hill (1555 yards, 14 TD/3 INT) acquitted himself nicely and didnt make many mistakes. Of course, Hill didnt have to carry the team because running back Arkee Whitlock (1541 yards, 21 TD) continued to show he is one of the best in nation and led the explosive Saluki ground game to 247.5 yards per game and the offense to 37.2 points per outing. The defensive numbers suffer in the offense-heavy Gateway Conference, but the Salukis notched 29 sacks and 74 tackles for a loss. Lornezo Wims, Micah King and Chauncey Mixon all had at least four sacks, while Brandin Jordan led the team with 95 tackles. Craig Coffin made 14-15 field goals, and has a very good track record over his career.
How to Beat Southern Illinois: The phrase 'you cant stop him, you can only hope to contain him' was coined for players like Whitlock. The senior running back averaged 5.8 yards per carry and was only kept below 100 yards on two occasions. Worse yet for Saluki opponents, he was picking up even more steam at the end of the season. Shutting down Whitlock and the Saluki running game will be asking a lot, but opponents would be wise to get an extra player or two in the box to try to limit Whitlock and dare the Salukis to pass. Hill has proven capable of making plays and tight end Braden Jones is tough to stop, but no wide receiver has more than 20 catches and Hill has not thrown more than 23 passes in any game. The Salukis havent committed many turnovers, but they havent forced many, either. If that continues, potent offenses can score on the Southern Illinois defense. Five Gateway teams had 23 points or more, and UNI and Youngstown State both had more than 200 rushing yards in November games.
UT-MARTIN (9-2, 6-1 Ohio Valley)
How They Got Here: automatic bid, Ohio Valley Conference. First Round: at Southern Illinois. Playoff Appearances: 1st (06). Playoff Record: 0-0. Head Coach: Jason Simpson, 9-2, 1st year at UT-Martin.
UT-Martin summary: After nine consecutive seasons with two wins or less from 1996-04, the Skyhawks built on a 6-5 campaign in 2005 to become an unlikely playoff team with a 9-2 mark in Jason Simpsons first season at the helm. They won eight consecutive games after losing at I-A Ohio in the season opener, and used a dominating running game and defense to success. Donald Chapman (1304 yards, 13 TD) has posted five 100-yard efforts, and leads a running game that produces 219.3 yards per game. The passing game hasnt produced much, with quarterbacks Greg Preston and Dexter Anonka splitting time. The defense ranks in the top 15 nationally against the run and pass, and allows just 13.8 points per game. Linebacker Markeseo Jackson (80 TT, 4 sacks) is the units top player, and the defense has forced 23 turnovers. Jesse Burton is one of the nations top kick returners, with a 27.2 average and two touchdowns.
How to Beat UT-Martin: In any game, especially in the playoffs, getting off to a lead is a huge boost. But an opponent that jumps ahead of the Skyhawks could have an even greater advantage than usual. UT-Martin is new to the playoffs and played a fairly soft schedule overall, so an early hole could cause the Skyhawks to have doubts, while they can build confidence if the game stays close. A deficit would also take the Skyhawks out of their comfort zone of running and playing defense and force a passing attack that averaged 104 yards per game and tossed eight interceptions and eight touchdowns in the unfamiliar territory of needing to produce a comeback. The defense has been tough in every area, but Eastern Kentucky just ran for 165 yards and three scores two weeks ago. The Skyhawks havent faced many top offenses, and could have trouble against a quality running game that would also limit their ability to create turnovers. On defense, stopping Chapman and forcing the Skyhawks to throw is an obvious key. Burton has to be contained in the return game, but opponents can take advantage of the UT-Martin kicking game.
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