FB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[UWO Titan 78]

I live in Chicago and only make it back up north when my kids' athletic schedules allow, so I'll leave the restaurant suggestions alone. But there is always a place to find a drink in Wisconsin.

The Titans are what you'll find from most every WIAC Champion the last decade. Talented, and deep. Offensively, they are very balanced. Our leading rusher missed some time with an ankle injury, but the offense didn't miss a beat. We have a four-year starter at QB who has twice won the League Offensive MVP. Our offensive line is what you would guess a WIAC championship offensive line is ... big and talented. We rotate 5 or 6 pass catchers and the best of the bunch just set the school record for receiving yards. Last year we made the Stagg Bowl on the backs of our defense. This year, we are more balanced and explosive on offense. Our defense is young, but a lot of players gained experience last year during our Stagg run. We are a "bend but don't break defense." We tend to let teams move the ball, but we shut down teams in the red zone. We stop the run effectively, and don't typically look to rush the passer to much. Our defense has struggled against mobile QBs and great WRs. Our kicker/punter (same guy) made all conference at both, so he is very solid.

If the weather holds and is in the mid 40s and dry, I think this game will be higher scoring. I think the winner of this game will go on to win the bracket and face Mount in the semi's.

[HScoach]

I live in Chicago and only make it back up north when my kids' athletic schedules allow, so I'll leave the restaurant suggestions alone. But there is always a place to find a drink in Wisconsin.

The Titans are what you'll find from most every WIAC Champion the last decade. Talented, and deep. Offensively, they are very balanced. Our leading rusher missed some time with an ankle injury, but the offense didn't miss a beat. We have a four-year starter at QB who has twice won the League Offensive MVP. Our offensive line is what you would guess a WIAC championship offensive line is ... big and talented. We rotate 5 or 6 pass catchers and the best of the bunch just set the school record for receiving yards. Last year we made the Stagg Bowl on the backs of our defense. This year, we are more balanced and explosive on offense. Our defense is young, but a lot of players gained experience last year during our Stagg run. We are a "bend but don't break defense." We tend to let teams move the ball, but we shut down teams in the red zone. We stop the run effectively, and don't typically look to rush the passer to much. Our defense has struggled against mobile QBs and great WRs. Our kicker/punter (same guy) made all conference at both, so he is very solid.

If the weather holds and is in the mid 40s and dry, I think this game will be higher scoring. I think the winner of this game will go on to win the bracket and face Mount in the semi's.

Assuming UWO and Mount keep winning, the bolded statement is what gives me hope as a Mount guy.   The strength of the team is clearly their receivers with a pretty mobile QB.   Not Taurice Scott mobile, but mobile enough to drive a defense nuts.   What worries me is a smallish defense that isn't very deep up front and a secondary that has been porous all year.  The potential for single digit temps doesn't help me either.

[gbpuckfan]

http://www.uwoshkoshtitans.com/sports/fball/2017-18/releases/20171120soh56e

[emma17]

http://www.uwoshkoshtitans.com/sports/fball/2017-18/releases/20171120soh56e

Congrats to Kasper.
UWL's Holcomb is also nominated- congratulations to him as well.
Both are outstanding players.

[emma17]

New Tradition, thanks for the low down on NCC. There aren't many UWO posters but hopefully there are readers.
As an IL guy I try to follow and support the CCIW, although my rooting interests are with the WIAC.
From what I've seen online, NCC is good in their typical fashion. The question seems to be just how good is UWO?
I'm on record as saying I believe this is UWO's best team. Others have commented on the diversity and ability of the offense. It has been all that. If Hecker is at full strength, the NCC D will see a running game unlike any other. If Kasper is accurate (I've seen him struggle at times) and they throw laterally and vertically, the NCC D will be running a lot, and guessing. Several UWO receivers and running backs can play.
NCC is coming off a game where they shut the St. John's running game down, so I understand optimism. UWO rushed for over 200 yards against JCU, UWW, UWP and basically UW Stout (197). Outsiders may snicker at Stout, but don't be fooled. Stout was a very strong defense (St Thomas only gained 100 yards). 

Is the UWO defense championship quality? It seems there is some concern there. For some reason, I haven't joined that club. It sounds crazy, but I feel UWO's defense can be what it wants to be, when it wants to be. I'm not saying they can just turn on a switch, but UWO mixed in a variety of fronts vs the WIAC. They often rushed only 2 or 3 guys, sitting back in coverage. The coaching staff has massive flexibility off that look and who knows what they will scheme vs NCC.

From an "if both teams play their best game" perspective, I see UWO as a very tough out.



   

[UWO Titan 78]

emma, you have seen your fair-share of championship teams, so I hope you're right. I understand that this Titan team is really good. I just tend to be a pessimist when it comes to my teams (that happens as a life-long Cubs fan). I agree that Hecker is the difference maker in this game. If he's healthy, the Titans will have a better chance to control the clock, keep the down and distance manageable, and follow the "pound the rock" blueprint established by UWW.

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Hail Titans!

[MUC57]

UWO Titan 78

You're pessimistic as a result of being a Cubs fan?  How do you suppose I feel? I'm a Browns fan.
Hopefully our teams will do OK and we'll meet in the semi's. Of course, by our teams, I mean UWO and UMU.
Good luck Saturday.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

[bluestreak66]

Crickets over here for 2 days during the playoffs?  Do we not have many UWO posters?  I guess I'll get the ball rolling.  First of all, congrats on taking care of business and steamrolling Lakeland.  What can we expect to see from the Titans?  What do they do well?  Are there any attractions or fine dining (read: delicious/inexpensive gin joints) that we should be checking out?  What is the tailgate scene like?  Is there a specific area for the visiting fans to do so?

As for the Cardinals, traditionally, they have a very balanced attack.  They have run the ball about 60% of the time all year, and they've had success all season doing so.  Most of the time they run the ball out of a spread formation.  The starting running back, Bruenig, was the Art Keller offensive player of the year for the CCIW this year.  The offensive line is big and moves well.  The receiving corps is very young, but is coming along nicely.  The standout target is #11, Kamienski.  Rutter, the QB, is just a sophomore, but won the Art Keller offensive player of the year award in 2016 as a freshman, so he can sling it.  If you had a chance to watch the game last week, what you saw isn't really indicative of the Cardinals' typical M.O.  Weather and a lower body injury to Bruenig led to the Cards really taking it to the Johnnies between the tackles with who we usually see as the Cards short yardage back, Dom Muoghalu.  He rushed for 180 yards on the day (the Johnnies gave up an average of 74/game going into last Saturday.)  Bruenig's status for this upcoming Saturday is uncertain. 

Defensively, the front 7 is a big strength for the Cardinals.  The D-line in particular is exceptionally well coached, and they have 8 players that they'll sub in and out to keep legs fresh with no real change in production from one man to the next.  The LBs are stout.  Sora does a nice job plugging up the middle and DJ Warkenthien, an OLB can really move and typically wreaks a good amount of havoc in opponent's backfields.  Similar to the offensive side of the ball, the DBs are the young and inexperienced unit on this side of the ball.  The coaching staff tried a bunch of things personnel-wise until finally settling on the lineup that they are currently using.  Now that they have the Jimmy's and Joe's figured out and there has been some consistency there, the pass defense has drastically improved.  The defense has really come into its own lately.  They can get after the QB and VERY nearly held St. John's scoreless last Saturday.  There was a drive late in the 4th that consisted of 2 long passing plays that led to their lone score.  If the shutout had been preserved, it would have been St. John's first since 1990, I've been told. 

The overall team speed is good, though I'd imagine that's the case with most teams that are playing in a game after Thanksgiving.  Kicking game is excellent.  The place kicker, Crotty, is the most accurate in school history, and the punter (who actually got quite a few carries as an RB last week in the absence of Bruenig) is among the CCIW's best.

I would very highly recommend Fox River Brewing. Last year for the semi-final, they opened earlier than the 11:00 posted time, and they have a good mix of food and drink. They're right on the river, about a mile or so from the stadium, and they have some really, really good beer!

[bleedpurple]

What can we expect to see from the Titans?  What do they do well?

As far as what the Titans do well, I will let Emma cover that. He enjoys gushing over the Titans more than the other Titan fans do.

If you want to know how to BEAT them, then that is a different story.  Are they beatable?  Yes, there is a way to beat them if you are strong and athletic enough to hang with them. Here is how I how I would try to beat them.

Offensively, I would try to attack their safeties. I would game plan to put their safeties in position to have to guard my best athletes. They won't be able to.  However, it won't just happen. You have to dictate a couple of things to make that happen. First, you need to be able to run the ball on them well enough to keep them honest. The safeties need to be put in the position of having to defend both the run and pass to some degree. Secondly, you can't just run a bunch of curls in front of the safeties and deep posts to run past them. You will make some plays if you do that, but your game plan must be more than that. Cerroni will throw in extra DB's pretty often. He goes to a three safety look at times. If you try to throw into that look, they will likely come away with the interception.  Your QB needs to have the option to call a power run if they give you that look.  Also, plan to run on some obvious passing downs. If you become predictable, you will play into their hands. If you can establish a rhythm and then strike the safeties playing base defense, you can score some points on them.

Defensively, I would stress four things:
1. Fiercely rally to the ball every play. Hecker will kill you with big plays after you think he is down. Every man all out to the ball until the whistle.
2. Strap it up and prepare mentally to play the most physical game of your life. Hecker is a lean forward power runner who gains ridiculous yardage after contact. Mentally embrace the idea of collision before the game. Anticipate collision, want it, and create it. Because if you don't, he will.
3. Within the aggressive mental approach play soundly. Play your gaps soundly and tackle soundly. As powerful as Hecker is, he has the ability to take it to the house.
4. Don't let Mentkowski get any big plays. You have to keep him in front of you. He is faster than you think he is.

Yes, Kasper is a good QB and they have other good players. But to me, Hecker and Mentkowski are who puts them over the top and who they will rely on to win the game. Slow down and put a pounding on Hecker. Keep Mentkowski from getting big chunks. Get your points through the safeties. You do that, you can win.

[HansenRatings]

What can we expect to see from the Titans?  What do they do well?

As far as what the Titans do well, I will let Emma cover that. He enjoys gushing over the Titans more than the other Titan fans do.

If you want to know how to BEAT them, then that is a different story.  Are they beatable?  Yes, there is a way to beat them if you are strong and athletic enough to hang with them. Here is how I how I would try to beat them.

Offensively, I would try to attack their safeties. I would game plan to put their safeties in position to have to guard my best athletes. They won't be able to.  However, it won't just happen. You have to dictate a couple of things to make that happen. First, you need to be able to run the ball on them well enough to keep them honest. The safeties need to be put in the position of having to defend both the run and pass to some degree. Secondly, you can't just run a bunch of curls in front of the safeties and deep posts to run past them. You will make some plays if you do that, but your game plan must be more than that. Cerroni will throw in extra DB's pretty often. He goes to a three safety look at times. If you try to throw into that look, they will likely come away with the interception.  Your QB needs to have the option to call a power run if they give you that look.  Also, plan to run on some obvious passing downs. If you become predictable, you will play into their hands. If you can establish a rhythm and then strike the safeties playing base defense, you can score some points on them.

Defensively, I would stress four things:
1. Fiercely rally to the ball every play. Hecker will kill you with big plays after you think he is down. Every man all out to the ball until the whistle.
2. Strap it up and prepare mentally to play the most physical game of your life. Hecker is a lean forward power runner who gains ridiculous yardage after contact. Mentally embrace the idea of collision before the game. Anticipate collision, want it, and create it. Because if you don't, he will.
3. Within the aggressive mental approach play soundly. Play your gaps soundly and tackle soundly. As powerful as Hecker is, he has the ability to take it to the house.
4. Don't let Mentkowski get any big plays. You have to keep him in front of you. He is faster than you think he is.

Yes, Kasper is a good QB and they have other good players. But to me, Hecker and Mentkowski are who puts them over the top and who they will rely on to win the game. Slow down and put a pounding on Hecker. Keep Mentkowski from getting big chunks. Get your points through the safeties. You do that, you can win.

I would add: don't get impatient on offense--that's what they're trying to make you do.

[emma17]

What can we expect to see from the Titans?  What do they do well?

As far as what the Titans do well, I will let Emma cover that. He enjoys gushing over the Titans more than the other Titan fans do.

If you want to know how to BEAT them, then that is a different story.  Are they beatable?  Yes, there is a way to beat them if you are strong and athletic enough to hang with them. Here is how I how I would try to beat them.

Offensively, I would try to attack their safeties. I would game plan to put their safeties in position to have to guard my best athletes. They won't be able to.  However, it won't just happen. You have to dictate a couple of things to make that happen. First, you need to be able to run the ball on them well enough to keep them honest. The safeties need to be put in the position of having to defend both the run and pass to some degree. Secondly, you can't just run a bunch of curls in front of the safeties and deep posts to run past them. You will make some plays if you do that, but your game plan must be more than that. Cerroni will throw in extra DB's pretty often. He goes to a three safety look at times. If you try to throw into that look, they will likely come away with the interception.  Your QB needs to have the option to call a power run if they give you that look.  Also, plan to run on some obvious passing downs. If you become predictable, you will play into their hands. If you can establish a rhythm and then strike the safeties playing base defense, you can score some points on them.

Defensively, I would stress four things:
1. Fiercely rally to the ball every play. Hecker will kill you with big plays after you think he is down. Every man all out to the ball until the whistle.
2. Strap it up and prepare mentally to play the most physical game of your life. Hecker is a lean forward power runner who gains ridiculous yardage after contact. Mentally embrace the idea of collision before the game. Anticipate collision, want it, and create it. Because if you don't, he will.
3. Within the aggressive mental approach play soundly. Play your gaps soundly and tackle soundly. As powerful as Hecker is, he has the ability to take it to the house.
4. Don't let Mentkowski get any big plays. You have to keep him in front of you. He is faster than you think he is.

Yes, Kasper is a good QB and they have other good players. But to me, Hecker and Mentkowski are who puts them over the top and who they will rely on to win the game. Slow down and put a pounding on Hecker. Keep Mentkowski from getting big chunks. Get your points through the safeties. You do that, you can win.

He enjoys gushing over the Titans more than the other Titan fans do.

I know, right? I really wish I could share my excitement with more Titan fans.

Looks like Bleed found UWW's offensive scheme for beating UWO. He didn't think it could be garbage since it was bound so beautifully in Fancyland colors, graphics and nearly magical play designs. There were illustrations of super fast receivers running right by all those slow, helpless defenders, and reverses and tight end screens and receiver sweeps, all carefully hidden within what appeared to be a simple offensive set, but certain to trick those silly safeties and teach them a lesson of who is boss.  But then, lying beside Fancyland in the trash, was the fiercely styled defensive plan, and he came to realize, unless the real heroes of the story are the players, all the fancy stuff just doesn't matter.

[bluenote]

Does anyone know if Linfield is playing any WIAC teams next year? I heard a rumor but no confirmation. 

[Raider 68]

To all the WIAC posters, Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving! 

[bleedpurple]

What can we expect to see from the Titans?  What do they do well?

As far as what the Titans do well, I will let Emma cover that. He enjoys gushing over the Titans more than the other Titan fans do.

If you want to know how to BEAT them, then that is a different story.  Are they beatable?  Yes, there is a way to beat them if you are strong and athletic enough to hang with them. Here is how I how I would try to beat them.

Offensively, I would try to attack their safeties. I would game plan to put their safeties in position to have to guard my best athletes. They won't be able to.  However, it won't just happen. You have to dictate a couple of things to make that happen. First, you need to be able to run the ball on them well enough to keep them honest. The safeties need to be put in the position of having to defend both the run and pass to some degree. Secondly, you can't just run a bunch of curls in front of the safeties and deep posts to run past them. You will make some plays if you do that, but your game plan must be more than that. Cerroni will throw in extra DB's pretty often. He goes to a three safety look at times. If you try to throw into that look, they will likely come away with the interception.  Your QB needs to have the option to call a power run if they give you that look.  Also, plan to run on some obvious passing downs. If you become predictable, you will play into their hands. If you can establish a rhythm and then strike the safeties playing base defense, you can score some points on them.

Defensively, I would stress four things:
1. Fiercely rally to the ball every play. Hecker will kill you with big plays after you think he is down. Every man all out to the ball until the whistle.
2. Strap it up and prepare mentally to play the most physical game of your life. Hecker is a lean forward power runner who gains ridiculous yardage after contact. Mentally embrace the idea of collision before the game. Anticipate collision, want it, and create it. Because if you don't, he will.
3. Within the aggressive mental approach play soundly. Play your gaps soundly and tackle soundly. As powerful as Hecker is, he has the ability to take it to the house.
4. Don't let Mentkowski get any big plays. You have to keep him in front of you. He is faster than you think he is.

Yes, Kasper is a good QB and they have other good players. But to me, Hecker and Mentkowski are who puts them over the top and who they will rely on to win the game. Slow down and put a pounding on Hecker. Keep Mentkowski from getting big chunks. Get your points through the! safeties. You do that, you can win.

I would add: don't get impatient on offense--that's what they're trying to make you do.

Excellent point!

[USee]

What can we expect to see from the Titans?  What do they do well?

As far as what the Titans do well, I will let Emma cover that. He enjoys gushing over the Titans more than the other Titan fans do.

If you want to know how to BEAT them, then that is a different story.  Are they beatable?  Yes, there is a way to beat them if you are strong and athletic enough to hang with them. Here is how I how I would try to beat them.

Offensively, I would try to attack their safeties. I would game plan to put their safeties in position to have to guard my best athletes. They won't be able to.  However, it won't just happen. You have to dictate a couple of things to make that happen. First, you need to be able to run the ball on them well enough to keep them honest. The safeties need to be put in the position of having to defend both the run and pass to some degree. Secondly, you can't just run a bunch of curls in front of the safeties and deep posts to run past them. You will make some plays if you do that, but your game plan must be more than that. Cerroni will throw in extra DB's pretty often. He goes to a three safety look at times. If you try to throw into that look, they will likely come away with the interception.  Your QB needs to have the option to call a power run if they give you that look.  Also, plan to run on some obvious passing downs. If you become predictable, you will play into their hands. If you can establish a rhythm and then strike the safeties playing base defense, you can score some points on them.

Defensively, I would stress four things:
1. Fiercely rally to the ball every play. Hecker will kill you with big plays after you think he is down. Every man all out to the ball until the whistle.
2. Strap it up and prepare mentally to play the most physical game of your life. Hecker is a lean forward power runner who gains ridiculous yardage after contact. Mentally embrace the idea of collision before the game. Anticipate collision, want it, and create it. Because if you don't, he will.
3. Within the aggressive mental approach play soundly. Play your gaps soundly and tackle soundly. As powerful as Hecker is, he has the ability to take it to the house.
4. Don't let Mentkowski get any big plays. You have to keep him in front of you. He is faster than you think he is.

Yes, Kasper is a good QB and they have other good players. But to me, Hecker and Mentkowski are who puts them over the top and who they will rely on to win the game. Slow down and put a pounding on Hecker. Keep Mentkowski from getting big chunks. Get your points through the! safeties. You do that, you can win.

I would add: don't get impatient on offense--that's what they're trying to make you do.

Excellent point!

I posted my thoughts on the CCIW board. In short, NCC has the game to do what you prescribe, Bleed, as Rutter is a tactician and very accurate. Their best receiver, Kaminski, plays in the slot quite often, attacking the safeties. On Defense, the uniqueness of UWO's offense would worry me as NCC will rotate 8 DL and they are all very physical and good, but that offense is tough to defend for 4 quarters.