Wabash College head football coach Erik Raeburn barely had time to clean the snow off his shoes after celebrating a 35-14 win over Albion in the first round of the NCAA playoffs before preparing for his team's next opponent — the Thomas More College Saints.

"There are no easy opponents when you start the playoffs," Raeburn said. "Everyone is very good, and each week you move forward the next opponent is better than the last."

Case in point with Thomas More. The Saints had little trouble with first-round opponent Washington and Lee, winning 51-21. Thomas More jumped out to  a 28-0 halftime lead thanks to three TD passes — two from Jensen Gebhardt and one from Brenan Kuntz — along with a one-yard run by sophomore back CT Tarrant.

Tarrant, a transfer from Ohio University, leads the ground game for the Saints with 1,080 yards and 12 scores despite missing two games this year. Freshman Hjavier Pitts provides capable backup after carrying 105 times for 711 yards for an average of 6.8 yards per attempt. Pitts has scored seven TDs in his rookie season.

Gebhardt, the senior, and sophomore Kuntz have shared time at quarterback throughout the season. Gebhardt has thrown for 1,770 yards and 21 touchdowns in seven games, completing 106-of-183 with six interceptions. Kuntz has completed 67.9 percent of his passes (76-of-112) for 1,414 yards and 17 scores with only four interceptions. Goose Cohorn is the favorite target of either QB. The senior has caught 61 passes, nearly double the double the total for the next receiver on the Saints' list. Cohorn averages 20.9 yards per reception (1,274 yards in 11 games) and has scored 14 TDs. Tyler Vogelpohl is second in receiving with 35 catches for 768 yards and nine TDs. Daylin Garland has 30 receptions for 449 yards and three scores.

The offensive line for Thomas More is big and physical. The starting group averages 300 pounds and features four seniors and one junior. The backups are equally impressive and are also made up of juniors and seniors.

"The first thing you notice on film is how big and physical they are," Raeburn said. "They're very sound in their execution on the offensive line, and they have explosive players at wide receiver and running back to exploit that type of physical play. Both quarterbacks make good decisions and find the open man. They just don't make any mistakes."

Defensively the Saints have held opposing teams to an average of 15.9 points and 303 yards a game. Linebacker Tré Tunstil leads the team with 62 tackles (40 unassisted). Rodderick Darden is one of three players with double-digit tackles for losses (12.5 or 63 yards) and leads the team with 7.5 sacks accounting for 52 yards. Johnny Lammers, Ian Gunn, Trey Wells, and Brandon Neal each have four interceptions.

"Their defense is talented and physical, just like their offense," Raeburn said. "They are excellent against the run with really good defensive linemen and running backs. Their defensive backs have a total of 25 interceptions, so their coverage has been great. Clearly we'll have to play our best Saturday against a very good football team."

Kickoff between Wabash and Thomas More is at 12 p.m. Saturday at Hollett Little Giant Stadium in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for students and children. Sales begin Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the main ticket gate south of the stadium off Jennison Street. A live video feed will be available beginning at 11:30 a.m. at www.wabash.edu/live. Live statistics will also be available through both Wabash College and the NCAA.