Google Scouting Presents: University of New Hampshire Football

What is Google Scouting?

A term I just made up.

See, when I found out the SIU football team was hosting the University of New Hampshire in the first round of the FCS Playoffs (a.k.a. The Logical Way To Determine A Champion) the only thing I knew about them is they were the school in which former Chicago Bears cornerback/return specialist Jerry Azumah attended.

Yeah, I knew that off the top of my head. But after that, I knew nothing about the program. So I went to my trusty friend Google.

So for those of you who aren't Bears fans or avid watchers of the Football Championship Subdivision, allow me to fill you in on UNH.

Mascot: Wildcat. Boring. There are a million friggin' Wildcat mascots out there. Way to be original New Hampshire, bravo!

Conference: Colonial Athletic Association. Never heard of them? The CAA is home to schools whose hardwood presence is stronger than it is on the gridiron. Teams include UMass, Villanova, Rhode Island (produced Lamar Odom), George Mason (remember its Final Four run?), Virginia Commonwealth University (a.k.a. Duke slayers).

Record: 9-2 (1st place North Division of CAA)

Who to watch for: Sophomore quarterback R.J. Toman. For the second time in three weeks, SIU will be facing one of the subdivision's best quarterbacks as Toman has thrown 27 TD passes, rushed for 4 more and ranks fourth in FCS passing efficiency.

Eat your heart out, Ryan Berry!

Gimme an 'O': Berry ... er ... Toman is the ignitor of the Wildcat offense (not to be confused with the Wildcat formation) as UNH averages 36 points per game.

Gettin' on the 'D': Apparently, turnovers are key for UNH defense. I love informative headlines, I truly do. Anyway, the Wildcats' defense ranks second in the nation in turnover margin and third in interceptions.

The Verdict: UNH is legit. This is the fifth straight year the program has made the playoffs and they play in a conference that is just as powerful as the MVFC. And of course, they're excited to be there. Saturday's showdown will be just that. It will pit a pair of closely ranked, well coached teams that don't make mistakes while capitalizing on its opponents miscues.

The Salukis have the home-field advantage, which just might be the deciding factor in what will likely be a very competitive game. SIU hasn't lost a home game since ... well ... since losing to Joe Flacco and the University of Delaware in the semifinal of last year's FCS playoff.

Looks like a good script to me. Let's see which team writes the Hollywood ending.