Alex Hoff has become even more of a vocal leader this year. The senior is not ready to play his final game for the Wildcats just yet. Linfield athletics photo

By Brian Lester
D3sports.com 

It could have easily gone badly for Linfield on Saturday. Only up four at halftime, the Wildcats were forced to play the second half of their second-round NCAA playoff game without starting quarterback Sam Riddle.

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Riddle has thrown for more than 2,200 yards in each of his last two seasons and is a running threat as well, having rushed for five touchdowns this year. Losing a quarterback with that ability can spell doom.

In this instance, it didn't.

Backup signal caller Tom Knecht came in and did a tremendous job of filling in, throwing two touchdown passes and running for another as unbeaten Linfield (11-0) pulled away for a 38-22 win after leading 14-10 at the half.

Wildcats head coach Joseph Smith won't say who will start on Saturday but is confident either signal caller is capable of getting the job done in a quarterfinal showdown at home against Mary-Hardin Baylor. Knecht has appeared in 10 games this season, throwing for 631 yards and six scores.

"Sam is day-by-day right now and we'll see how things look at the end of the week," Smith said. "But we have a lot of confidence in Tom. He did a great job (Saturday) and we are preparing the same way we have all year. Nothing changes in that respect."

It has no impact on the mentality of the players either as they take aim at earning another playoff win and continuing their quest for a national championship.

"We know either guy can live up to the challenge," senior defensive end Alex Hoff said. "Sam is a great player and tough to replace but all of us have faith in Tom."

While there is uncertainty as to who will start at quarterback for the Wildcats, the defense has left very little to question. Linfield has given up more than 10 points only twice this year and has recorded two shutouts. The Wildcats allow an average of 8.5 points per outing.

Hoff has played a crucial role in that success and is tied for third on the team in tackles (45). The 2014 D3football.com first-team All-American leads the team in sacks (14).

"Our defensive coordinator (Jackson Vaughan) does a great job of preparing us to play every week no matter who the opponent is," Hoff said. "We go into a game knowing exactly what we have to do to be successful. We've played pretty well in the postseason. I think one of the keys to our success is that we are doing a great job of tackling and limiting big plays."

On a personal level, Hoff said there isn't one area he has really improved on in particular, noting he has simply become a better all-around player for the Wildcats.

He's also emerged as an emotional leader for the team.

"I try to make sure the guys are fired up before the game," Hoff said. "It's something I've become known for this season."

Tom Knecht had a little bit of playing time in most of Linfield's games this season, but got his first extended action Saturday. Photo by B. Scott Presley, d3photography.com

Vaughan said the Wildcats have thrived off their team speed and ability to play as a unit. They will face one of their toughest challenges of the year this week against the Crusaders (11-1), who have won four in a row and have lit up the scoreboard for 40 or more points 10 times.

"We are going up against maybe the most talented team we've played all year," Vaughan said. "They love to spread you out and run a lot of plays similar to what Division I Baylor runs. They put a lot of pressure on you to make one-on-one plays. We have to be at our best."

Hoff is confident he and his Wildcat teammates will be their best.

"The key for us is being on the same page. Communication is key for us," Hoff said. "We have to be aggressive and fly around and make big plays. We know we have a big challenge in front of us but we're ready to live up to it."

Smith has no doubts about his team being ready for the task at hand.

"Our goal each year is to compete for a national championship," Smith said. "We've put in the work all year to get this far and we enjoy the challenge of seeing how we measure up against other great teams. We're looking forward to the game."

Hoff is looking forward to Saturday as well. He's had a stellar career with the Wildcats and has no intentions of seeing it end this week. He plans to enjoy the moment and play at a high level from start to finish.

"I came to Linfield because I knew I'd be a part of a successful program, and I've taken full advantage of the opportunities I've been given," Hoff said. "We have a great opportunity this week. We've worked hard for it. Before the game I'll take a moment to reflect on everything. I know it could be my last game but I'm going to do all I can to make sure it's not."