FB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[ScreamingEagles]

UWL played WW even for a quarter yesterday, but was unable to stay with the talented Warhawks beyond that. WW took a 17-3 lead late in the 2nd Q, and La Crosse faced a 4th and 2 from the WW 41. My comrades and I felt that Coach Dettwiler should have gone for the 1st down, as momentum was swinging WW's way. We were disappointed with the punt. More disappointing was the second half collapse. Coach Dettwiler feels that the talent on the Eagle squad is equivalent to the top schools in the league, but I don't see it - at least not at the top of the depth chart. He feels that the recruiting has been good and I hope we see the results of this soon. It should be noted that injuries have taken a toll on this team, and that the early schedule has been brutal. I had hoped for 4 conference wins this year, but have my doubts that we'll get them at this rate. Other WIAC teams appear to be improving and should be formidable opponents in the season's second half. We need the 4 wins to match last year's total. I hope the team holds up under the pressure and turns in a strong second half of the season.   

Recruiting for UWL has been confusing.  They seem to bring in many talented kids, but many of them haven't showed a thing on the field yet.  I remember a number of transfers coming in from articles in the spring (d1/d2 and NAIA schools), but really none have made any impact.  One of the things that top D3 programs (particularly UWW) seem to do is turn some of those upper division transfers into cornerstone players of their program, something UWL hasn't done.
The most glaring thing to me is the size of UWL's defensive players.  Going off the depth chart, the starting dlinemen average 228 pounds and the linebackers average is 203.  Many high school teams have more size than this, and in the games I've seen it has been very apparent that they are physically overmatched.  I seem to remember Coach Dettwiler quoted as saying something about basing his defense on speed and recruiting fast players, but 230 pound defensive tackles have no chance against the linemen in the WIAC regardless of how quick they are.  NCC is good, but giving up 675+ in total yardage is pathetic and putting up 175 TOTAL on offense against Whitewater is as well.

It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out.  I've been pretty quiet on this board because there hasn't been much to say regarding UWL and I don't know much about the other conference teams.  I'm hoping to see some life from the Eagles in the coming weeks and I'd love to be on here with something to talk about.  There are some winnable games coming up, hopefully we can take advantage.

Screaming Eagles

For the number of other level players that drop into UWW, at least during the 5 years I have been observing maybe 20% actually pan out.  We have had numerous think that because they "are dropping down" that things will be easier for them.   Many don't survive the summer training camp leading into the season.    Frankly it is somewhat shocking and yet validating that this occurs.  My opinion, and it is only mine is that those who are willing to work, regardless of level, typically have some level of success.  Those who think it should be handed to them and don't work out on their own, and don't study.....don't succeed.

WHD

Oh I definitely understand that not every player that transfers down a level will end up a superstar, I've seen it many times myself when a talented player comes from a D2 school and doesn't pan out.  I'm not advocating that UWL's plan for success just be to stock up on transfers and we'll win a WIAC title.  I know that isn't the case.  I also totally agree that those willing to put in the work will be successful, regardless where they come from.  My comment was regarding only a small part of what seems to be an overall problem in recruiting for UWL.  Talented kids have come into the program, both high schoolers and transfers, and haven't been able to show their abilities on the field.  Again, I don't expect every player that comes down the road from Winona or any other NSIC school to be an all american but one would think that ones of these guys would turn out to be a player.

I probably put too much emphasis on transfers as a way of resurrecting the program in my first post, when really the biggest thing in my mind is recruiting and player evaluation.  It's clear that players they counted on to come in and contribute haven't done so.  This combined with seemingly endless injuries year after year have made it very difficult for the Eagles to be competitive.  Following the program for a while now, I cannot remember the last time we started the same 5 olinemen for more than a handful of consecutive games.  This year the Eagle's #1 receiver was injured and out for the season two weeks into fall camp and we're already down two starting linemen, one was an all WIAC choice in past seasons.  When depth is an issue, injuries to your most important players hurts that much more.

[bleedpurple]

UWL played WW even for a quarter yesterday, but was unable to stay with the talented Warhawks beyond that. WW took a 17-3 lead late in the 2nd Q, and La Crosse faced a 4th and 2 from the WW 41. My comrades and I felt that Coach Dettwiler should have gone for the 1st down, as momentum was swinging WW's way. We were disappointed with the punt. More disappointing was the second half collapse. Coach Dettwiler feels that the talent on the Eagle squad is equivalent to the top schools in the league, but I don't see it - at least not at the top of the depth chart. He feels that the recruiting has been good and I hope we see the results of this soon. It should be noted that injuries have taken a toll on this team, and that the early schedule has been brutal. I had hoped for 4 conference wins this year, but have my doubts that we'll get them at this rate. Other WIAC teams appear to be improving and should be formidable opponents in the season's second half. We need the 4 wins to match last year's total. I hope the team holds up under the pressure and turns in a strong second half of the season.   

Recruiting for UWL has been confusing.  They seem to bring in many talented kids, but many of them haven't showed a thing on the field yet.  I remember a number of transfers coming in from articles in the spring (d1/d2 and NAIA schools), but really none have made any impact.  One of the things that top D3 programs (particularly UWW) seem to do is turn some of those upper division transfers into cornerstone players of their program, something UWL hasn't done.
The most glaring thing to me is the size of UWL's defensive players.  Going off the depth chart, the starting dlinemen average 228 pounds and the linebackers average is 203.  Many high school teams have more size than this, and in the games I've seen it has been very apparent that they are physically overmatched.  I seem to remember Coach Dettwiler quoted as saying something about basing his defense on speed and recruiting fast players, but 230 pound defensive tackles have no chance against the linemen in the WIAC regardless of how quick they are.  NCC is good, but giving up 675+ in total yardage is pathetic and putting up 175 TOTAL on offense against Whitewater is as well.

It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out.  I've been pretty quiet on this board because there hasn't been much to say regarding UWL and I don't know much about the other conference teams.  I'm hoping to see some life from the Eagles in the coming weeks and I'd love to be on here with something to talk about.  There are some winnable games coming up, hopefully we can take advantage.

Screaming Eagles

For the number of other level players that drop into UWW, at least during the 5 years I have been observing maybe 20% actually pan out.  We have had numerous think that because they "are dropping down" that things will be easier for them.   Many don't survive the summer training camp leading into the season.    Frankly it is somewhat shocking and yet validating that this occurs.  My opinion, and it is only mine is that those who are willing to work, regardless of level, typically have some level of success.  Those who think it should be handed to them and don't work out on their own, and don't study.....don't succeed.

WHD

Oh I definitely understand that not every player that transfers down a level will end up a superstar, I've seen it many times myself when a talented player comes from a D2 school and doesn't pan out.  I'm not advocating that UWL's plan for success just be to stock up on transfers and we'll win a WIAC title.  I know that isn't the case.  I also totally agree that those willing to put in the work will be successful, regardless where they come from.  My comment was regarding only a small part of what seems to be an overall problem in recruiting for UWL.  Talented kids have come into the program, both high schoolers and transfers, and haven't been able to show their abilities on the field.  Again, I don't expect every player that comes down the road from Winona or any other NSIC school to be an all american but one would think that ones of these guys would turn out to be a player.

I probably put too much emphasis on transfers as a way of resurrecting the program in my first post, when really the biggest thing in my mind is recruiting and player evaluation.  It's clear that players they counted on to come in and contribute haven't done so.  This combined with seemingly endless injuries year after year have made it very difficult for the Eagles to be competitive.  Following the program for a while now, I cannot remember the last time we started the same 5 olinemen for more than a handful of consecutive games.  This year the Eagle's #1 receiver was injured and out for the season two weeks into fall camp and we're already down two starting linemen, one was an all WIAC choice in past seasons.  When depth is an issue, injuries to your most important players hurts that much more.

One question that pops into my mind is, how solid is their strength and conditioning staff/program? I know that has been a big part of UW-W's success and I believe it has played a major role in the resurgence of UW-O as well.

[WarhawkDad]

UWL played WW even for a quarter yesterday, but was unable to stay with the talented Warhawks beyond that. WW took a 17-3 lead late in the 2nd Q, and La Crosse faced a 4th and 2 from the WW 41. My comrades and I felt that Coach Dettwiler should have gone for the 1st down, as momentum was swinging WW's way. We were disappointed with the punt. More disappointing was the second half collapse. Coach Dettwiler feels that the talent on the Eagle squad is equivalent to the top schools in the league, but I don't see it - at least not at the top of the depth chart. He feels that the recruiting has been good and I hope we see the results of this soon. It should be noted that injuries have taken a toll on this team, and that the early schedule has been brutal. I had hoped for 4 conference wins this year, but have my doubts that we'll get them at this rate. Other WIAC teams appear to be improving and should be formidable opponents in the season's second half. We need the 4 wins to match last year's total. I hope the team holds up under the pressure and turns in a strong second half of the season.   

Recruiting for UWL has been confusing.  They seem to bring in many talented kids, but many of them haven't showed a thing on the field yet.  I remember a number of transfers coming in from articles in the spring (d1/d2 and NAIA schools), but really none have made any impact.  One of the things that top D3 programs (particularly UWW) seem to do is turn some of those upper division transfers into cornerstone players of their program, something UWL hasn't done.
The most glaring thing to me is the size of UWL's defensive players.  Going off the depth chart, the starting dlinemen average 228 pounds and the linebackers average is 203.  Many high school teams have more size than this, and in the games I've seen it has been very apparent that they are physically overmatched.  I seem to remember Coach Dettwiler quoted as saying something about basing his defense on speed and recruiting fast players, but 230 pound defensive tackles have no chance against the linemen in the WIAC regardless of how quick they are.  NCC is good, but giving up 675+ in total yardage is pathetic and putting up 175 TOTAL on offense against Whitewater is as well.

It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out.  I've been pretty quiet on this board because there hasn't been much to say regarding UWL and I don't know much about the other conference teams.  I'm hoping to see some life from the Eagles in the coming weeks and I'd love to be on here with something to talk about.  There are some winnable games coming up, hopefully we can take advantage.

Screaming Eagles

For the number of other level players that drop into UWW, at least during the 5 years I have been observing maybe 20% actually pan out.  We have had numerous think that because they "are dropping down" that things will be easier for them.   Many don't survive the summer training camp leading into the season.    Frankly it is somewhat shocking and yet validating that this occurs.  My opinion, and it is only mine is that those who are willing to work, regardless of level, typically have some level of success.  Those who think it should be handed to them and don't work out on their own, and don't study.....don't succeed.

WHD

Oh I definitely understand that not every player that transfers down a level will end up a superstar, I've seen it many times myself when a talented player comes from a D2 school and doesn't pan out.  I'm not advocating that UWL's plan for success just be to stock up on transfers and we'll win a WIAC title.  I know that isn't the case.  I also totally agree that those willing to put in the work will be successful, regardless where they come from.  My comment was regarding only a small part of what seems to be an overall problem in recruiting for UWL.  Talented kids have come into the program, both high schoolers and transfers, and haven't been able to show their abilities on the field.  Again, I don't expect every player that comes down the road from Winona or any other NSIC school to be an all american but one would think that ones of these guys would turn out to be a player.

I probably put too much emphasis on transfers as a way of resurrecting the program in my first post, when really the biggest thing in my mind is recruiting and player evaluation.  It's clear that players they counted on to come in and contribute haven't done so.  This combined with seemingly endless injuries year after year have made it very difficult for the Eagles to be competitive.  Following the program for a while now, I cannot remember the last time we started the same 5 olinemen for more than a handful of consecutive games.  This year the Eagle's #1 receiver was injured and out for the season two weeks into fall camp and we're already down two starting linemen, one was an all WIAC choice in past seasons.  When depth is an issue, injuries to your most important players hurts that much more.

One question that pops into my mind is, how solid is their strength and conditioning staff/program? I know that has been a big part of UW-W's success and I believe it has played a major role in the resurgence of UW-O as well.

Bleed, I tend to agree with you on this and one other thing and that is mentoring from older players.  I know that many kids want to jump right into the line-up, but if you have the ability to allow them to have a year or two  in the program with strength and conditioning and practices, that certainly  helps creates success.  The last thing not to be overlooked is the additional practice and games that come from being in the playoffs.   I am sure that playing 15 games a year for 7 straight years was extremely beneficial, that is like 3.5 extra seasons of games, not to mention the practices.   Oshkosh will benefit from the extra playing/practicing time from last year.

[bulk19]

UWL played WW even for a quarter yesterday, but was unable to stay with the talented Warhawks beyond that. WW took a 17-3 lead late in the 2nd Q, and La Crosse faced a 4th and 2 from the WW 41. My comrades and I felt that Coach Dettwiler should have gone for the 1st down, as momentum was swinging WW's way. We were disappointed with the punt. More disappointing was the second half collapse. Coach Dettwiler feels that the talent on the Eagle squad is equivalent to the top schools in the league, but I don't see it - at least not at the top of the depth chart. He feels that the recruiting has been good and I hope we see the results of this soon. It should be noted that injuries have taken a toll on this team, and that the early schedule has been brutal. I had hoped for 4 conference wins this year, but have my doubts that we'll get them at this rate. Other WIAC teams appear to be improving and should be formidable opponents in the season's second half. We need the 4 wins to match last year's total. I hope the team holds up under the pressure and turns in a strong second half of the season.   

Recruiting for UWL has been confusing.  They seem to bring in many talented kids, but many of them haven't showed a thing on the field yet.  I remember a number of transfers coming in from articles in the spring (d1/d2 and NAIA schools), but really none have made any impact.  One of the things that top D3 programs (particularly UWW) seem to do is turn some of those upper division transfers into cornerstone players of their program, something UWL hasn't done.
The most glaring thing to me is the size of UWL's defensive players.  Going off the depth chart, the starting dlinemen average 228 pounds and the linebackers average is 203.  Many high school teams have more size than this, and in the games I've seen it has been very apparent that they are physically overmatched.  I seem to remember Coach Dettwiler quoted as saying something about basing his defense on speed and recruiting fast players, but 230 pound defensive tackles have no chance against the linemen in the WIAC regardless of how quick they are.  NCC is good, but giving up 675+ in total yardage is pathetic and putting up 175 TOTAL on offense against Whitewater is as well.

It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out.  I've been pretty quiet on this board because there hasn't been much to say regarding UWL and I don't know much about the other conference teams.  I'm hoping to see some life from the Eagles in the coming weeks and I'd love to be on here with something to talk about.  There are some winnable games coming up, hopefully we can take advantage.

Screaming Eagles

For the number of other level players that drop into UWW, at least during the 5 years I have been observing maybe 20% actually pan out.  We have had numerous think that because they "are dropping down" that things will be easier for them.   Many don't survive the summer training camp leading into the season.    Frankly it is somewhat shocking and yet validating that this occurs.  My opinion, and it is only mine is that those who are willing to work, regardless of level, typically have some level of success.  Those who think it should be handed to them and don't work out on their own, and don't study.....don't succeed.

WHD

Oh I definitely understand that not every player that transfers down a level will end up a superstar, I've seen it many times myself when a talented player comes from a D2 school and doesn't pan out.  I'm not advocating that UWL's plan for success just be to stock up on transfers and we'll win a WIAC title.  I know that isn't the case.  I also totally agree that those willing to put in the work will be successful, regardless where they come from.  My comment was regarding only a small part of what seems to be an overall problem in recruiting for UWL.  Talented kids have come into the program, both high schoolers and transfers, and haven't been able to show their abilities on the field.  Again, I don't expect every player that comes down the road from Winona or any other NSIC school to be an all american but one would think that ones of these guys would turn out to be a player.

I probably put too much emphasis on transfers as a way of resurrecting the program in my first post, when really the biggest thing in my mind is recruiting and player evaluation.  It's clear that players they counted on to come in and contribute haven't done so.  This combined with seemingly endless injuries year after year have made it very difficult for the Eagles to be competitive.  Following the program for a while now, I cannot remember the last time we started the same 5 olinemen for more than a handful of consecutive games.  This year the Eagle's #1 receiver was injured and out for the season two weeks into fall camp and we're already down two starting linemen, one was an all WIAC choice in past seasons.  When depth is an issue, injuries to your most important players hurts that much more.

You have hit a key point - injuries have hurt. Not an excuse, because all teams have them, but, as you note, it does seem to be a revolving door on the OLine.. And losing Bilderback was crucial to start out this season...
That being said, I think the new AD has done a great job in trying to bring the program back; I see it in the subtle things being done to promote and market UWL athletics as a whole in the community... Maybe that will generate some new recruits who will see the proud tradition of this program....
But right now, the dobber is down, and they need to find and earn that swagger of old...

[emma17]

Did anyone happen to catch the post game show for Alfred vs. Buffalo State on the D3 site?
Extra points were hard to come by, but the OT TD by Buff State was one of the strangest things I've ever seen.

[stoutguy]

Quick question for those who follow UW-O. What's up with Myhra?  I would have expected more than a 3.7 ypc out of him. banged up? OL issues? It was a bit eye opening that UW-O averaged only 2.9 ypc against Stout when North Central gained 5.1 per carry against them and Dakota Wesleyan averaged 6.1 ypc against them.  Something going on up there?

Teams forcing Olla to beat them (which he is) by stacking the line for Myhra? Myhra had 32 carries Saturday, so I don't think he's banged up.

Good question Bleed...I haven't been able to watch a game so am stuck listening to live streaming audio. I'd venture a guess similar to 02 Warhawk.

Well, the good news for the Titans is that if that's what teams are doing, forcing Olla to beat them...he's doing it because they are undefeated!

Oshkosh certainly did not force feed Myhra like Stout thought they would.  It seems to me they could have pounded away with him more than they did.  However, as you mentioned, the plan of "Making Olla beat you" may not be a good plan either because he looked really good to me.  Managed the game well and made very good decisions from the pocket. 

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[02 Warhawk]

Blanchard in Kansas City for tryout with Chiefs today.

[KitchenSink]

Did anyone happen to catch the post game show for Alfred vs. Buffalo State on the D3 site?
Extra points were hard to come by, but the OT TD by Buff State was one of the strangest things I've ever seen.

Oh my God, that was one of the most bizarre things I've ever seen.

Alfred up by 6 in OT, Buff St trying to answer.  They throw an interception in the end zone, and then the DB starts running around, he's started his win celebration.  Except that a Buff St player knocks the ball out of his hands and falls on it in the end zone for a tying TD.  They blow the PAT and Alfred takes the game in 2OT afterwards.  Stick that in your Funk & Wagnall's!!

[KitchenSink]

Blanchard in Kansas City for tryout with Chiefs today.

Wow - the Chiefs?  Reggie Dunlop ... the Hansons ... Watch out for Oglethorpe!!  Oh, wait a sec .... never mind.

[ScreamingEagles]

One question that pops into my mind is, how solid is their strength and conditioning staff/program? I know that has been a big part of UW-W's success and I believe it has played a major role in the resurgence of UW-O as well.

They did get a new weight room that opened during the 2011 season, and one of the assistants they've hired for football doubles as the strength and conditioning coach for the whole athletics program.  Those two components have been in place for around two years (?) or so.  Obviously we haven't seen much benefit from that on the field yet but hopefully we will soon.

You have hit a key point - injuries have hurt. Not an excuse, because all teams have them, but, as you note, it does seem to be a revolving door on the OLine.. And losing Bilderback was crucial to start out this season...
That being said, I think the new AD has done a great job in trying to bring the program back; I see it in the subtle things being done to promote and market UWL athletics as a whole in the community... Maybe that will generate some new recruits who will see the proud tradition of this program....
But right now, the dobber is down, and they need to find and earn that swagger of old...

Yep, no excuses on the injuries.  Have to think as well that the strength program ties into the injury problems for the Eagles. 

The part that is unfortunate is that with how much work the new AD has done to improve the football program, it hasn't shown up yet in the W/L column.  Since he's been here he's added three full time football staff members and got funding for the new weight room, two of the main complaints/criticisms from the Larry Terry era.  The athletics department has put a ton more resources into the football program with few results so far.

They have also added full time staff members in basketball, wrestling, and probably other sports that I don't remember.  Signed a deal with the La Crosse Loggers to renovate their stadium and make it the home of UWL baseball, and secured funding for a brand new gymnastics facility.  That, in addition to a lot of the marketing things Bulk mentioned have La Crosse athletics overall on the upswing.

[Just Bill]

Did anyone happen to catch the post game show for Alfred vs. Buffalo State on the D3 site?
Extra points were hard to come by, but the OT TD by Buff State was one of the strangest things I've ever seen.

Oh my God, that was one of the most bizarre things I've ever seen.

Alfred up by 6 in OT, Buff St trying to answer.  They throw an interception in the end zone, and then the DB starts running around, he's started his win celebration.  Except that a Buff St player knocks the ball out of his hands and falls on it in the end zone for a tying TD.  They blow the PAT and Alfred takes the game in 2OT afterwards.  Stick that in your Funk & Wagnall's!!

It feels like I've seen stuff like this so often. Does nobody train defensive backs on the rules about intercepting in the end zone?

Two weeks ago I saw a DB intercept in the back of the end zone, and run around like a maniac evading tacklers, looking to escape for 5-6 seconds. His teammates were screaming at him to fall down, and some even attempted to grab him and pull him down. He eventually found a seam, and got out of the end zone. But he got hit, fumbled and the other team recovered on the five yard line. He seemed to really believe that either A) he had a chance to take that ball 108 yards for a TD or B) if he got caught it would be a safety. It was one of the stupidest things I ever saw.

People just lose their heads sometimes I guess.

[hazzben]

Blanchard in Kansas City for tryout with Chiefs today.

Awesome to hear! I live down here in KC so I'll do my part to spread the word about what a coup the Chiefs may be picking up (I've got a lot of influence in the organization  )

Seriously though, this could be a good opportunity for Blanchard. Sounds like he's already got connections on the coaching staff who must be speaking highly of him. And more than that, the new front office for the chiefs have gone out of their way to build the bottom of their roster in creative ways. They signed 7 guys - they're being called the Magnificent 7 down here - to the roster after other teams waived them. They are all producing well and it's shown that they are willing to get a bit unconventional in how they build, even cutting draft picks if they're out-performed by a free agent signing.

One of the 7, TE Sean McGrath, is another small college guy who's from the Chicago area as well. Let's hope the trend continues.

And maybe Blanchard should think of growing a beard like McGrath. It certainly hasn't hurt him for all the pub and screen time he gets:

[retagent]

The Chiefs did get rid of Andy Studebaker though.

[hazzben]

The Chiefs did get rid of Andy Studebaker though.

Yeah, it wasn't surprising though. He'd really plateaued the last few years. And since he was originally on the Eagles with Reid, I'm guessing Reid and Co. felt like they knew what he was and wasn't and were comfortable going a new direction. Add to that, one of the Mag 7 replaced him and has played better. So hard to knock the choice, although you obviously want the DIII guy to hang on.