In preparing for their all-but obvious playoff appearance, what kind of offense should CWRU work most on in this last regular season game?  Could any new approaches be used on special teams or defense if the Spartans take a strong early lead?

That's the question of the year for CWRU, isn't it?  It depends on how they finish out the regular season, whether or not key players can stay healthy (from injury or... H1N1, &c.), and obviously what kind of team(s) they will be up against.  We have seen the Spartans capable of maintaining their offensive strength even in their worst games, but a few teams have scored a few more times than a championship-calibur team would be comfortable with.  If the Spartans seriously lock down and continue to improve the chemistry and the focus down the stretch, I would guess two or maybe even three wins in the playoffs are possible; still, you never know...

Ha, missed the obvious there.  Anyway, let's see what happens with the rankings this week.  We're secure as long as we keep winning, but what Spartans fan wouldn't like to see the boys listed even a tad higher for the nation to see?  I see three upsets so far at the odd numbers: losses of #11, #9, & #7.  Things are getting exciting in the North, as well as the UAA.

The Spartans probably do not have to be scared; team fear never has reasoning in football.  Whalen and the offense have been working on building up a number of approaches in the past few games.  We have seen heavy passing and various levels of the running game.  Scoring should not be an issue.  In terms of the defense, as the weather has gotten colder, keeping games low-scoring is easier, not to mention that the Spartans may be more motivated to keep up their records of holding opponents to little yardage and few or no scores.  I know this sounds like I am questioning the spirit of the Maroons, but to some extent, the reality is that CWRU has more to play for in this game.  Both teams will give it their all, that is for sure, but the Spartans are just too strong right now for even a newly rejuvinated Chicago group.  It'll be competitive, but definitely not too close.  Good luck to both squads.

CWRU, 44-21