Congratulations to Coach Nick Sirianni! Well deserved!

K & J Dad,

Time to look what the Raiders have coming back for 2025, you're on!

Just a small tidbit, in 2003 Mount Union had a great year, blowing out everyone, had a few D1 players and won on of their playoff games by 60 points (maybe the semi-final). They faced a very good St. John's team and lost in the Stagg bowl. Hope NC reads their press clippings and resembles the 2003 Mount team in the Stagg. Could it happen, yes since no team has yet to challenge them this year. Maybe Mount has the opportunity?

Great win away today. The Raiders have been consistent in the playoffs thus far and have earned the right to play at home again. Inserting Noah was aimed at JHU and NC. DJ has had very positive games and I look forward to Saturday. The Defense is really stepping up their game and it showed today.

After attending the game today, I came away with a few thoughts.

Carnegie Mellon

- big OL and D's
- Offense forced away from Kicking game (horrible)
- #12 QB was their difference, could throw well and accurate, but slow
- Running game was limited
- not a clean team, several infractions not called


Mount Union

- brought intensity again today
- play selection and shifting good again
- more adjustments were needed since CM ran and threw to the right all day
- long drives, but not enough execution at times
- DeShields showed poise again today
- forced to dig deep to stop CM on their final drive
- Not enough QB pressure today
- No turnovers which was great

Salisbury

- Triple option could be an issue, but wide-open spread is not their style
- some healing on defense is critical for this one Saturday.
- CM has a better defense, so we will see how Mount attacks Salisbury.

The Raiders can win this quarter-final match-up. It would be great to play UMHB at home if
that happens.

Unlike some, I hoped Archbishop Hoban would get to the football finals. I am sure that since
my oldest grandson plays basketball there, I am a bit biased. GO Knights.

However, Mike Elder has done a great job at Avon, Kudos to him!

Look for ticket information on Monday.

This was the best the Raiders looked in the home games I attended in two years. They were efficient, aggressive, upbeat and kept it going to the end. The formations and quick movements kept JCU off balance. This also was the best play calling in the past few years

With the remaining bracket games, the Raiders have the potential to go much farther than earlier thought. JCU came in on a role and are a very strong team. While there are games to play, a rematch with an old rival from Texas could happen on December 21st.

Hope the D3 guys predictions are true today!

Hopefully the small number of attendees at Saturday's game can huddle together since the high
temperature is forecasted to be 28 degrees.

Quote from: D3fanboy on November 18, 2024, 07:15:32 AMI think someone needs to pump the brakes on this "JCU is the hot team!" talk.  Other than the W vs Marietta, it was a  run through the bottom third of the OAC and a 4 point win vs BW.

Regardless of your feelings on this coaching staff, the Raiders have two weeks to heal up and prepare for JCU (most likely).  It will be a tough game, but the Raiders should be fine as long as they don't sleepwalk through a quarter or so.  I have a hard time imagining that a home playoff game vs your "rival" isn't enough to get the boys fired up.

All things considered; Mount couldn't have gotten a much better bracket if they want to make a run.  Not an easy path by any means, but definitely doable if they stop getting in their own way.

Agree.

First of all, let's assume that JCU beats Mount St, Joseph

Second, Will JCU look past them? MSJ averaged 41 pts per game?

Third, assuming JCU wins, will they face both Mount QB's, is Beaudrie out for the season?

Forth, I have not seen or heard a word on his condition which would greatly impact this playoff game.

Fifth, Marietta did not play JCU like prior games for them, no question a let down game
            against JCU.

Sixth, Purple you are right in your conclusions on coaching change, but the Raiders
            have not had the Mount " Standard" for 5 years in terms of a HC.

If the D3 Payoff bracket for Mount is accurate, the Raiders could win a game in Alliance. I do not
see them winning another. Yesterday showed me that the coaching staff needs to be cleaned out.
Worst defensive performance in recent memory. 10-0 does not mean so much now as it did
10 years ago when the Raiders were a top tier program. The "Standard" is a distant memory.

Anyone heard anything concerning N. Beaudrie's injury and whether he could play again in the playoffs?

In attendance at the Mount/Marietta game. It was a great atmosphere on a nice Saturday.

Some thoughts:

Marietta

- A solid team with senior leadership.
- Great defense and offense at or near the top in most OAC categories.
- Well coached and very effective play calling
- Large turnout from Marietta fans
- Came to win yesterday, with no concern about the Raider tradition
- Very good team speed and good WR's

Mount Union

- Played a cautious game until later part of 4th Quarter
- Penalties were ridiculous, some bad calls and some bad judgement extended Marietta's
  drives
- Raider play calling again suspect
- Loss of QB1 impact on the game
- Team did not give up and fought to the end
- Tyler E. was the best offensive player on both teams on Saturday.
- Credit to QB DeShields coming in and leading the team


Marietta was the best team the Raiders faced this season with a better defense than JCU.
They outplayed the Raiders until mid 4th Quarter. This win was critical for Mount in many
ways, tough opponent before the playoffs, forced them to come back after their QB1
was injured and maybe set the tone for the coming games. How far will they go, not sure,
but at least they have an opportunity to prepare for it. Marietta's team reminded me
of a North Central 4-5 years ago, big, fast and skilled. The Raiders will be facing
others like that depending on their advancement.