I'm eager to see the Linfield/Bethel matchup as I haven't seen much of Linfield this year and they are a wild card in these playoffs for me. They have a veteran defensive front and, as usual, a lot of great skill players. Their defensive front is senior dominated and leads the country in sacks (42 in 10 games) and is 3rd in rushing defense, allowing just 46 ypg. Bethel wants to run the ball and control the game but the strength of this team is their QB and WR's they have top level D3 WR's. They also are top 10 in the nation in fewest sacks allowed. I think that's largely because they are so committed to running the ball they don't find themselves in 2nd/3rd and long too often, leaving themselves manageable down and distance where the defense still has to think run or pass.
Linfields ability to shut down the run on 1st and 2nd down, while protecting from big play action passing (Linfield has occasionally struggled this year with big pass plays), will be a huge key. Linfield's punt return is also elite. I think Bethel may try the "Roste Punt" strategy to keep that unit off the field.
I think the Johnnies are toast vs Wartburg.
. Ha. Actually, it's a somewhat similar matchup with Wartburgs stout defensive front against the potent passing attack of the STJ. The lack of a running game could hurt the Johnnies in this one (though it hasn't hurt them so far!)
