We go behind the numbers of all 24 teams in the 2025 FCS Playoffs, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of every team in the bracket
The 2025 FCS Playoffs are finally here. As we always do, we are going to bring you the most detailed statistical breakdown you'll find anywhere else. With this, you will have everything you need to analyze each matchup and discuss what will happen in each playoff matchup as we go through the postseason.
For each round, we will release analysis for each matchup that directly compares relevant numbers, but those previews will always be based on the statistics used here. Before going into the numbers, I want to give a small breakdown of which statistics were used and why they were selected. Too often, all we look at are stats like points per game, yards per game, and a bunch of "per game" statistics that don't have much meaning outside of proper context. We want to look at how effective teams are per play, attempt, run, etc. This provides context on the different paces of play for each team and what their individual games may have looked like during the season, giving us a better overall picture.: These two statistics measure a team's efficiency on a down-to-down basis and are more predictive, filtering out random events that can skew final results. Success rate looks at how effective teams have been overall and treats every play the same. YPP gives us a look at how explosive a team is. Explosive plays, or limiting explosive plays, can often turn the tide of a game.: This is simple. Both of these show how effective teams are when they run the ball and pass the ball. This gives us a better look than "per-game" stats, as every team has a different run and pass rate.: This statistic shows how effective a team is at actually scoring touchdowns when they reach the red zone. Postseason games usually have a small margin of error, which makes holding an opponent to a field goal or scoring a touchdown every time you reach the red zone could make all the difference. For example, 2023 SDSU was elite at keeping teams out of the end zone, while 2024 NDSU was outstanding at scoring touchdowns in red-zone opportunities.: These are all measured based on the number of plays a team has played, giving a sense of how often they turn the ball over , pressure the quarterback , and generate negative plays . Below is a ranking of all 24 teams in the FCS Playoffs if we balance all the statistics together and adjust for strength of schedule. Here are the offensive and defensive rankings.Now we will give a brief breakdown of each team, including their strengths and weaknesses. The individual statistical breakdown, with their rank among all playoff teams, is also listed below.- North Dakota State ranks 1st or 2nd in both offensive and defensive success rate and yards per play. They dominate in consistency and explosive plays.- North Dakota State is particularly dominant in the passing game. The Bison average 11.89 yards per attempt, which is more than 2.5 yards per attempt more than any other team in the field.- Their only "weakness" may be the pressure and TFL rate they allow. Some of this can be attributed to Cole Payton's tendency to hold onto the ball for a long time, which clearly doesn't hinder him. His ability to break the pocket and make plays with his legs can be lethal.- The running game has really gained steam behind the duo of Julius Davis and Adam Jones, along with the legs of quarterback Justin Lamson. - Montana State has an elite passing defense, and while they don't get a ton of sacks, they do an excellent job at generating pressure.- The "weakness" for the Bobcats is relative, but they have occasionally allowed explosive plays in the run game. The rushing defense has also struggled a bit at keeping offenses out of the end zone in short-yardage situations.- The Griz offense boasts elite playmakers who thrive on explosive plays. Michael Wortham's versatility offers a mismatch against most defenses, particularly in the open field.- The relative weakness for the offense has been consistency. While they generate explosive plays, they have also struggled to be consistently effective throughout the entire game.- Tarleton State mixes in explosive plays, both on the ground and through the air, while almost never turning the ball over. That leads to a very efficient offense that ranks Top 8 in nearly every statistical category. - The Texans excel defensively at causing havoc through creating turnovers, generating pressure, and getting tackles for loss. The defense has also been excellent in the red zone.- Tarleton State's offense has allowed a ton of negative plays, while the defense has really struggled to stop the run at times. - Lehigh does an excellent job staying on schedule, which starts with not giving up negative plays offensively.Weaknesses:- Generating explosive plays through the air to a variety of weapons, including five players with over 300 receiving yards. - The Bears have been excellent against the run, while also generating pressure on the quarterback. A lot of this is tied to Andrew Zock, who has recorded 20 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks.- Excels at every statistical category defensively. The Lumberjacks limit explosive plays while generating a ton of pressure, TFLs, and turnovers.Weaknesses: - High turnover and pressure rate, which can be attributed to Pinnick's inexperience. His athleticism also plays a role, as he is always trying to make a play when things break down.- The Rams have not allowed many explosive plays, especially through the air. A lot of this can be attributed to their pressure rate, led by All-American linebacker A.J. Pena.- One of the best teams in the field at forcing turnovers- The offense has been pretty average statistically, ranking between 14th and 20th in every statistical category- One of the most consistent rushing attacks in the field, featuring L.J. Phillips Jr. with 1,556 yards and 15 touchdowns- The Wildcats almost never turn the ball over, leading all teams in the field with a 0.7% turnover rate- Elite run defense, allowing only 2.3 yards per carry, which leads all playoff teams- The Jacks have done an outstanding job at generating turnovers and pressure- SDSU does not generate explosive plays in the run game, which could be tied to the high number of TFLs that the Jacks have allowed- Ranks last among all playoff teams in yards per play allowed, which is tied to giving up explosive plays on the ground and through the air - Ranks last among all teams in red zone defense, allowing a touchdown on nearly 80% of all red zone opportunities- Does not allow many explosive plays and generates a high-pressure rate- Very efficient offense down-to-down, a lot of this can be attributed to quarterback Jaden Craig- The Crimson has failed to generate a ton of pressure on opposing quarterbacks- One of the worst passing offenses in the field, ranking 23rd out of 24 teams in yards per pass attempt- The Cardinals have one of the best passing defenses in the field, allowing less than 175 passing yards per game- Does a great job at generating tackles for loss and pressureTIMOTHY ROSARIO Timothy Rosario is a national contributor for FCS Football Central on SI. He previously served as an assistant coach at Sparks High School and North Valleys High School, focusing on linebackers and defensive backs. Timothy graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2019.
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