FB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[foul_language]

I was among the fortunate few that got to watch the Packer-Viking game. I have to say that they made it safe to be average; as a matter of fact, I don't believe I've ever watched two teams battle so hard to lose a game. It was touch and go, but the Vikes were able to hang onto the loss.

However, that Jackson guy looks like a diamond in the making (OK, so they didn't have many first downs and their only score came off a defensive gift, but HE didn't look bad; I thought the rest of the offense might have been problematic; that's pretty safe to say)--if he can learn to scramble.... Watching him and Farve was like watching the up and down trajectories of the same star. If I were a philosophizer or a psychoanalist, I would have a football field day with that whole thing.

Watch out, Vitale! I think I feel a gush coming on.

[WLCALUM83]

How about Dave Raymer, nailing the kick when the Pack had to have it? (FL, surprised you didn't mention his in-game ups and downs in your post.) Kickers appear to be more on the spot then a lot of other individual players as far as expectations. 

[foul_language]

Yep. Yep. Yep. I especially liked his obvious excitement after the last kick. He was jumping around like...like...like Brett Farve. I guess Longwell didn't get to do the really weird face-off against Rayner--former GB Packer and veteran kicker vs new GB Packer and rookie (isn't he a rookie?). Two of four attempts, though; that would be pretty average given all the conditions. If it was a battle of the basement, though, he was the party pooper.

[CaptainKurt]

It would definitely be nice to see Joe Thomas playing in Green Bay.  With the win last night, our draft pick got a little lower in the 1st round.  Kleppe should slide to Green Bay in the middle of the first, however.

[KennethK]

Anyone know WW's non-conference schedule in 07?

[CaptainKurt]

They'll be plaing Mary Hardin Baylor again as part of a home-home contract, as well as Asuza Pacific.  Hardin Baylor will be traveling to Whitewater this year and Whitewater will be traveling to California for their game against AP.  As for replacing the Lakeland game, I don't think there is anyone in line, at least, nothing has been said yet.  I wouldn't be suprised if Whitewater can't field a 10th game this year.  Despite their losses through graduation, they will be reloading and not rebuilding. 

The biggest question as a Whitewater fan is how good can Mr. Donovan be as he inhereits the reins of the QB position from Jacobs?  I have my confidence Coach Z grooming the next QB in line. 

[KennethK]

Stanley, Schmitt, Mrkvicka, Jacobs, Sakellaris......Kleppe, Thompson, Widuch..hard to imagine the new guys playing at the same level their first year....

[badgerwarhawk]

I guess Longwell didn't get to do the really weird face-off against Rayner--former GB Packer and veteran kicker vs new GB Packer and rookie (isn't he a rookie?).

Rayner is a second year player.  He was Indianapolis's roster last year. 

[Warhawk 96]

Stanley, Schmitt, Mrkvicka, Jacobs, Sakellaris......Kleppe, Thompson, Widuch..hard to imagine the new guys playing at the same level their first year....

I think you'd be suprised by some of the people we have waiting in the wings. BTW there is a chance that Mrkvicka might be back because he redshirted his freshman year. Next season he'd be entering his second year of Grad school (he graduated in three years) but that would only be in his 9th semester total at UW-Whitewater.

On another note, when it comes to qualifications no one is even close to coach Z. His resume is quite impressive.

[UWPSUPERFAN77]

As I said earlier, enjoy the run that you had. You, UWW have the talent to make a run at the conference, but a 7-3 season could also be a possibility. IN my view that would still be successful, but not up to the last 2 years. Blessings and Merry Christmas. PS: do not make the job a post Lombardi or Bear Bryant expectation job. this is D3!

[KitchenSink]

The obvious keys are the passing game and the D line.  With 4/5 of the line and Beaver back, they will be able to run the ball.  Slupski got some reps at TE, and he has good size.  Gifford played a lot at WR in the second half of the season, so he's probably a lock and Jordan Wells will surely get every chance to bring his explosiveness to the offense.  And will Donovan be under center, or Ryczkowski.  If Donovan is ready, having a guy for likely 3 years would be huge.

The D Line has to replace 3 guys.  That's a bigger key than the offense, in my mind.  I would expect they will recruit heavily there.  The secondary is back all the way through the nickel, and 2 of 3 LBs.  So if they can scrape together a serviceable run defense, they'll be fine.

[theaprof]

Happy Holidays to all of you--safe travels if you are!

[BoBo]

Being successful and making the run to the Stagg Bowl 2 years running is huge in terms of practice time for the younger players.  I mean, WW has probably had the equivalent to nearly 1 year more of practice time than any conference rival due to the extended seasons. When you're a young player on the scout team, playing day in, day out across from a guy who is among the best at his position in the country has to do undeniable wonders in their individual and team development. They are already a leg up by the time spring practice comes by.

[chmarx]

Next year could be an interesting conference race.

[ScheckDiesel]

Isn't Douglas gone too for UWW???
Additionally, I thought Benish got some serious playing time at DE?
I'm thinking next year is going to be some smashmouth football for the Warhawks with Beaver and Pittz running the ball about 50 times a game.