Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, a graduate of William and Mary and Denbigh High, addressed the Captains at the team's hotel.

"He gave us some words of encouragement," CNU running back Tunde Ogun said. "He told us it wasn't going to be easy, and that's what the playoffs are all about.

"It was nice for an NFL guy to come talk to us. To take the time out of his schedule, he must have a million things to do."

Tomlin was recruited by Christopher Newport coach Matt Kelchner, who spent 16 seasons as an assistant coach at William and Mary.

"I got to know his family well," Kelchner said. "I saw him grow up as a Football player. We go way back."

Tomlin's visit came the day after the Steelers improved to 8-3 with a 27-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field.

"To get an NFL coach to spend time with a Division III team, for him to come down here in the middle of his season - that tells you what kind of a guy he is," Kelchner said.

Washington is located about 30 miles southwest of Pittsburgh.

CHILLY RECEPTION

The temperature at Cameron Stadium was 28 degrees at kickoff, and Ogun said it was the coldest game he's ever played.

For the Richmond native, the biggest surprise was the hard playing surface.

"Before the game, I told Coach (Kelchner), 'You didn't tell us we were going to be playing on cement,' " Ogun said.

It's been an unseasonably cold week, even for western Pennsylvania, and the weather was a concern for Washington & Jefferson.

Presidents coach Mike Sirianni held practice outside throughout the week, even when snow fell Tuesday.

"It worried us because we're a passing team," Sirianni said. "I was worried about the wind. I wanted to get us used to the weather."

SHUTTING DOWN OGUN

Ogun ran for three touchdowns and a game-high 160 yards on 29 carries. Still, Sirianni thought his team did an outstanding job in limiting the running back.

Ogun's output was his lowest since he rushed for 71 yards in an Oct. 11 win over Greensboro.

His total Saturday included a 51-yard run that set up his final touchdown. Subtract that run, and Ogun rushed for 109 yards on 28 carries, an average of 3.9 yards.

"If you told me those totals going into the game, I would take it," Sirianni said. "Our defensive line deserves a lot of credit. We don't see strong backs like that in our conference."

HERE'S THE KICKER

Washington and Jefferson kicker Chuck Grabner missed Saturday's game because of an injury. His replacement, Joe Kelly, struggled with kickoffs throughout the game.

Christopher Newport started eight of its 11 possessions at its own 42-yard line or better. The Captains' average starting position was their own 37-yard line.

THIS AND THAT

CNU fell to 0-4 all-time against Washington & Jefferson. All four of the games have been in the playoffs, marking the end of two-thirds of the Captains' playoff appearances. CNU's last loss to the Presidents was 27-23 on Nov. 18, 2006, at Pomoco Stadium. ... CNU's leaders on defense Saturday included Adrin Diggs (8 1/2 tackles), Deshaun Parker (1 1/2 sacks) and Bryan Vaughan (fumble recovery).