RANDOLPH MACON AT JOHN CARROLL

NCAA Division D-III first-round playoff game Don Shula Stadium Noon, Nov. 17 WJCU-FM 87.7 Randolph Macon 8-2, JCU 9-1 The winner plays either Delaware Valley or Muhlenberg in a secondround game Nov. 24 at a site to be determined.

The Blue Streaks have won seven straight after an early season loss to No. 1 Mount Union, 23-10. They got in John Carroll coach Rick Finotti congratulates running back Michael Canganelli of Mayfield during the Blue Streaks’ win over Baldwin Wallace Nov. 10.

the playoffs as an at-large pick thanks to a 45-35 win over Baldwin Wallace Nov.

10. This is JCU’s fourth trip to the playoffs in the last six seasons . ... Coach Rick Finotti’s team has found its identity, and that’s playing tough defense and running the ball. JCU has forced 23 turnovers, made 54 sacks, and has allowed just 59 points at home this season in five games, including three shutouts. In its last three games, the JCU offense has rushed for more than 1,200 yards . ... Home-field advantage could be big for the Blue Streaks. The Nov. 17 forecast calls for temperature in the mid 30s with rain/sleet. “To visit in the elements is one. To play in it is another,” Finotti said. “But (Randolph Macon) has tough kids, and they’ll be ready to play.” ... Sophomore running back Michael Canganelli has rushed for at least 100 yards in seven games, including six straight to close out the regular season. In that stretch, the Mayfield graduate has averaged 163 yards. Against BW, he had 270 yards on 32 carries. For the season, he has 1,233 rushing yards and 17 TDs . ... The last time Finotti coached in any type of playoff format was 2014, when he guided St. Edward to the Division I state championship. Two players on that team — defensive lineman Adam Thompson and offensive lineman Drew Turner of Mayfield Heights — are JCU seniors.

The Yellow Jackets have the No. 17 rushing attack in D-III at 260 yards per game, and Finotti expects that from Randolph Macon. “There’s a reason why they run the football. They’re well-coached up front. They come off the ball hard and low, and have a couple good running backs.” ... Tre Fredrick leads the team with 1,169 rushing yards and has scored seven touchdowns. ... Randolph Macon earned an automatic playoff bid as the champion of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference . ... The Yellow Jackets will be traveling from Virginia, and Finotti admits there’s a lot of unknown about his team’s first-round opponent. Per NCAA rules, teams exchange game tape from each team’s last three game. “Round 1 is the craziest round in my opinion,” Finotti said. “It’s about who can adjust, who can handle the adversity. And you have to remember what got you there.”