FB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Devil Badger Gopher]

This might be one very good reason for Keith's take (hijacked from the ATN thread):

Awesome. I am clearly not writing about anything that anyone cares to discuss.

(takes a load off)

.......sound of crickets chirping..........

If you want someone to comment about your article, write about how vulnerable the #1 is! That always gets people's attention. It's somewhat odd, however, that he didn't mention that little thing called UW-EC/UW-Platteville in the analysis...(YIKES)!! Personally, I would have mentioned the long bus trip on Saturday morning as potentially having a greater impact than the sum total of everything he did say.

Bobo,
I am not sure other people realize how big of an effect that is on these players.  especially for a team as UWW has had the opportunity to stay in several hotels prior to their big games .  Much earsier to travel before game day than prior to the actual game.  I am thinking 42 pts. on UWEC and A.a. gets player of the week honors and lets his brethern rest the week.

[bleedpurple]

Even though it cost me "karma" last week:

BPD3 Level System Top 25

www.uwwfootball.blogspot.com

Thank you for moving UMBH out of Level 2.  It is hard for me to believe that a team with the 236th-ranked pass defense (out of 236 ranked teams!!!); 198th-ranked total defense; and 160th-ranked scoring defense that has given up an average of 29.4 ppg to five teams with a collective record of 14-13 should be considered as a Level 2 team.  Additionally, given their lack of offensive balance (178th-ranked passing offense and 9th-ranked rushing offense), I would think that UMBH would have posted at least one loss if it had played a team with a top tier (say top-50) rushing defense.  UWL has a 184th-ranked rushing defense; Hardin-Simmons has a 160th-ranked rushing defense; Louisiana College has a 210th-ranked rushing defense; and Mississippi College has a 122nd-ranked rushing defense.  IMO, UMBH would struggle to put anywhere near 38 points on the board against UWW, Mount Union, North Central, Central, Wittenberg, Bethel, or a few of the other more defensive minded teams in the North and West regions.  But, this is just my opinion.

Oh yes, I, too think that Coe at #6 is a bit of a stretch -- though I do think that they will prove to be a bit tougher for Wartburg than Mounmouth, Gust. Adolphus, Cornell, Loras, Buena Vista!!

Thanks for the post. Those are strong stats that you cite. +k  UMHB has the pedigree to be ranked highly with their national performances in recent years, their undefeated record, and their dumping of Hardin Simmons.  But that DEFENSE! I know they gave up two late TD's Saturday, but it's been a year long issue.

[02 Warhawk]

Even though it cost me "karma" last week:

BPD3 Level System Top 25

www.uwwfootball.blogspot.com

Thank you for moving UMBH out of Level 2.  It is hard for me to believe that a team with the 236th-ranked pass defense (out of 236 ranked teams!!!); 198th-ranked total defense; and 160th-ranked scoring defense that has given up an average of 29.4 ppg to five teams with a collective record of 14-13 should be considered as a Level 2 team.  Additionally, given their lack of offensive balance (178th-ranked passing offense and 9th-ranked rushing offense), I would think that UMBH would have posted at least one loss if it had played a team with a top tier (say top-50) rushing defense.  UWL has a 184th-ranked rushing defense; Hardin-Simmons has a 160th-ranked rushing defense; Louisiana College has a 210th-ranked rushing defense; and Mississippi College has a 122nd-ranked rushing defense.  IMO, UMBH would struggle to put anywhere near 38 points on the board against UWW, Mount Union, North Central, Central, Wittenberg, Bethel, or a few of the other more defensive minded teams in the North and West regions.  But, this is just my opinion.

Oh yes, I, too think that Coe at #6 is a bit of a stretch -- though I do think that they will prove to be a bit tougher for Wartburg than Mounmouth, Gust. Adolphus, Cornell, Loras, Buena Vista!!

Thanks for the post. Those are strong stats that you cite. +k   UMHB has the pedigree to be ranked highly with their national performances in recent years, their undefeated record, and their dumping of Hardin Simmons.  But that DEFENSE! I know they gave up two late TD's Saturday, but it's been a year long issue.

That was their downfall last season as well...their inability to throw the ball. Last season, in the playoffs against Linfield, they fell behind in the second half forcing their offense to play catch-up. But it was tough to come from behind with an offense built to run and control the clock. When forced to throw, they just turned it over which lead to more Linfield scores...it was a downward spiral, that game got out of hand fast. We'll see how they do against an average defense and a good offense this season.

vs. Linfield 2009 playoffs:

LiDarral Bailey  6-13-1  61  1  14  0  
Kyle Noack       5-11-3  58  0  15  0

[Thunderbolt]

I think "it's silly" as the Bolt says that he is getting all wired up about it. I think your stuff is solid, bp.

Looking forward to a major Homecoming weekend here in Menomonie. Weather should be perfect, tight game probably as the Devils take on the aerial assault from Point. The beer will be cold after the game at the Ale House. The town is already starting to bust at the seams with people.

Sometimes life is pure bliss.  

Thanks, BDB! I appreciate your perspective!  

Have a great time Saturday! It should be a great game! Nothing quite like football Saturday in a college town in October!  

I second that on all points...talk about a stuffed shirt!!  

Nope BoBo, though I am from Wisconsin, there is nothing stuffed in my shirt or hanging on my living room wall. He is obviously looking for feedback, comments or opinions or he wouldn't post it on all the boards. I should have realized the only opinions wanted were those in agreement. Never questioned his fan-hood or the work he puts into his site. Only the logic of the levels within the top 25.

[WarhawkDad]

today's triple take:

Most likely Top 25 team to get upset:
Keith's take: No. 1 UW-Whitewater. Okay, so they're technically the least likely top 25 team to be upset, but if it's going to happen before the Stagg Bowl, this Saturday is likely as any. UW-Eau Claire is 3-2 and doesn't stand out statistically, but they've played St. John's, No. 7 North Central and UW-Stevens Point already, so they've proven they can stand up with top Division III talent. If the Blugolds can hang close to the almighty Warhawks, they might fare well; UW-EC beat the Johnnies and Pointers in overtime. Plus, the state's pride, the Badgers, kick off later in the evening, which means any football fan near Eau Claire can come out to Carson Park to give the Blugolds a raucous home atmosphere.

Which team will be affected the most by injury?
Pat's take: UW-Whitewater. The Wisconsin State Journal report regarding the status of running backs Levell Coppage and Booker Stanley gives pause. That still leaves Antwan Anderson — you remember him, he rushed for 1,213 yards in 2008 — but that's not the same as having three guys who could rush for 100 yards at the drop of a hat.

With Anderson and UWW's line...i don't think the running game with be affected at all.

That's almost John Kerry-esque:

"I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it." 

Interesting that Keith thought UWW was ripe for upset, but then on the second question on who would be most affected by injury he said Mount Union because Cecil Shorts will be out.   If he thinks UWW might be ripe for upset, you would think that he would have said UWW would be most affected with Stanley and Coppage potentially out for UWW.........

[WarhawkDad]

today's triple take:

Most likely Top 25 team to get upset:
Keith's take: No. 1 UW-Whitewater. Okay, so they're technically the least likely top 25 team to be upset, but if it's going to happen before the Stagg Bowl, this Saturday is likely as any. UW-Eau Claire is 3-2 and doesn't stand out statistically, but they've played St. John's, No. 7 North Central and UW-Stevens Point already, so they've proven they can stand up with top Division III talent. If the Blugolds can hang close to the almighty Warhawks, they might fare well; UW-EC beat the Johnnies and Pointers in overtime. Plus, the state's pride, the Badgers, kick off later in the evening, which means any football fan near Eau Claire can come out to Carson Park to give the Blugolds a raucous home atmosphere.

Which team will be affected the most by injury?
Pat's take: UW-Whitewater. The Wisconsin State Journal report regarding the status of running backs Levell Coppage and Booker Stanley gives pause. That still leaves Antwan Anderson — you remember him, he rushed for 1,213 yards in 2008 — but that's not the same as having three guys who could rush for 100 yards at the drop of a hat.

With Anderson and UWW's line...i don't think the running game with be affected at all.

That's almost John Kerry-esque:

"I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it." 

Interesting that Keith thought UWW was ripe for upset, but then on the second question on who would be most affected by injury he said Mount Union because Cecil Shorts will be out.   If he thinks UWW might be ripe for upset, you would think that he would have said UWW would be most affected with Stanley and Coppage potentially out for UWW.........

Well it seems to me that the BPD3 ratings are doing exactly as intended, causing a more thoughtful discussion.   I actually like that Bleed is more critical of the WIAC teams and moves them in and out as he sees fit.   

[WarhawkDad]

One more observation regarding the fact that Coppage and Stanley are "dinged" up.  The reality is that they are dinged up, but the Offensive Line is healthy and deep.  So, if it is Anderson running the ball, then be ready for him to have a big day against the 5th rated rushing defense in the WIAC and the 157th ranked rushing defense in the nation (both Stout and Platteville rank higher).  But would not surprise me to see Mr. Coppage with a couple carries.  

GO WARHAWKS!

[bleedpurple]

Wow, Warhawk dad! Are we on the same page or WHAT?? 

WIAC PROJECTIONS

www.uwwfootball.blogspot.com

[OzJohnnie]

Are you still looking for people to make up your own private top 25 poll?  Put me down for Wee-AC.

[bleedpurple]

I think "it's silly" as the Bolt says that he is getting all wired up about it. I think your stuff is solid, bp.

Looking forward to a major Homecoming weekend here in Menomonie. Weather should be perfect, tight game probably as the Devils take on the aerial assault from Point. The beer will be cold after the game at the Ale House. The town is already starting to bust at the seams with people.

Sometimes life is pure bliss.  

Thanks, BDB! I appreciate your perspective!  

Have a great time Saturday! It should be a great game! Nothing quite like football Saturday in a college town in October!  

I second that on all points...talk about a stuffed shirt!!  

Nope BoBo, though I am from Wisconsin, there is nothing stuffed in my shirt or hanging on my living room wall. He is obviously looking for feedback, comments or opinions or he wouldn't post it on all the boards. I should have realized the only opinions wanted were those in agreement. Never questioned his fan-hood or the work he puts into his site. Only the logic of the levels within the top 25.

Nobody minds the dissenting opinion Bolt. That's what makes it fun! I think the reaction was more towards your simply labeling it as "silly" instead of breaking down which parts of the Level System you disagreed with. But no problem or offense! Tomorrow's Saturday!!!  

[bleedpurple]

Are you still looking for people to make up your own private top 25 poll?  Put me down for Wee-AC.

Sounds good. We can do a D3FAN TOP 25.  That would be fun. Anyone who is in, just private message me. I will give some thought to how it will work. I will do a post giving the guidelines, deadlines, and my rights to monitor the poll (undermining of the poll by people not really on board will not be tolerated).  Do me a favor OzJohnnie and confirm your participation by PMing me. That way I can keep track of participants in my inbox.

[WarhawkDad]

Wow, Warhawk dad! Are we on the same page or WHAT?? 

WIAC PROJECTIONS

www.uwwfootball.blogspot.com

Lets just hope that we are both psychic!   

[BoBo]

FWIW, in the last 7 games vs EC, Levell Coppage, Justin Beaver, and Colin Burns have romped through, around, and over the EC defense's at a tune of 1,456 yards. A dominating offense line performance is obviously leading the charge. Going back as far as there are game stats available in the 2004 season, Whitewater's leading rusher has averaged 208 yards per game. That includes the monster, 386 yard Coppage effort from last 10/10 (2nd most in conference history) & the 606 yards he has had in the last two meetings. On the other side of the coin, EC as a team has only rushed for 534 yards vs the UWW defense in those same 7 contests, 76/game. Just one 100 yard day (Sartorelli 112y, 9/13/08) was earned by the 'golds running attack. Maybe confirming the adage, the easiest (or most efficient) way to win games is to control the line of scrimmage!! Nobody does it better than UWW, IMHO. I expect them to continue that again this week.

It's no secret that Coppage has an injuried leg and may not play & Booker is out. In most cases, that would allow a DC to take a sigh of relief. However, not many teams have a proven, dependable guy waiting in the wings that Whitewater has in "Double A" - Antwan Anderson. Is this going to be Antwan Anderson's year to continue the trend vs EC? Will Saturday also be freshman Michael Pirtle's coming out party? He's only had 5 carries in 1 game (68 yards - 1TD/13.8 avg). However, in that one game he showed a glimps that he's another Coppage in waiting. Will EC's defense, said to be improved over previous editions, rise to the challenge? Will last weeks dreadful performance be forgotten this week, or could things get worse?   With all eyes on them, including those of the D3 Guru in the house, this week might be the true measuring stick to determine if the Blugolds have anything left in their tanks or are they going to fold up like a cheap suit? The pressure is squarely own their shoulders. How will they respond? In EC's perfect world, if they are able to hang close, UWW's kicking woes could make the big difference. But, too many things have to go in their favor - at the same time - for that perfect world to become a reality. I don't see it happening.

Regardless who is in the backfield, UWW will have another fruitful day vs the run D. Expect the 'hawks to score in the 40's while holding, and I don't mean that literally (less penalties this week pleezz)  , the Blugolds to 3 FG's.

We still have to play the game and anything could and sometimes does happen.

[Pat Coleman]

today's triple take:

Most likely Top 25 team to get upset:
Keith's take: No. 1 UW-Whitewater. Okay, so they're technically the least likely top 25 team to be upset, but if it's going to happen before the Stagg Bowl, this Saturday is likely as any. UW-Eau Claire is 3-2 and doesn't stand out statistically, but they've played St. John's, No. 7 North Central and UW-Stevens Point already, so they've proven they can stand up with top Division III talent. If the Blugolds can hang close to the almighty Warhawks, they might fare well; UW-EC beat the Johnnies and Pointers in overtime. Plus, the state's pride, the Badgers, kick off later in the evening, which means any football fan near Eau Claire can come out to Carson Park to give the Blugolds a raucous home atmosphere.

Which team will be affected the most by injury?
Pat's take: UW-Whitewater. The Wisconsin State Journal report regarding the status of running backs Levell Coppage and Booker Stanley gives pause. That still leaves Antwan Anderson — you remember him, he rushed for 1,213 yards in 2008 — but that's not the same as having three guys who could rush for 100 yards at the drop of a hat.

With Anderson and UWW's line...i don't think the running game with be affected at all.

That's almost John Kerry-esque:

"I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it." 

Interesting that Keith thought UWW was ripe for upset, but then on the second question on who would be most affected by injury he said Mount Union because Cecil Shorts will be out.   If he thinks UWW might be ripe for upset, you would think that he would have said UWW would be most affected with Stanley and Coppage potentially out for UWW.........

I'd already picked UWW, so Keith had to go elsewhere.

[WarhawkDad]

today's triple take:

Most likely Top 25 team to get upset:
Keith's take: No. 1 UW-Whitewater. Okay, so they're technically the least likely top 25 team to be upset, but if it's going to happen before the Stagg Bowl, this Saturday is likely as any. UW-Eau Claire is 3-2 and doesn't stand out statistically, but they've played St. John's, No. 7 North Central and UW-Stevens Point already, so they've proven they can stand up with top Division III talent. If the Blugolds can hang close to the almighty Warhawks, they might fare well; UW-EC beat the Johnnies and Pointers in overtime. Plus, the state's pride, the Badgers, kick off later in the evening, which means any football fan near Eau Claire can come out to Carson Park to give the Blugolds a raucous home atmosphere.

Which team will be affected the most by injury?
Pat's take: UW-Whitewater. The Wisconsin State Journal report regarding the status of running backs Levell Coppage and Booker Stanley gives pause. That still leaves Antwan Anderson — you remember him, he rushed for 1,213 yards in 2008 — but that's not the same as having three guys who could rush for 100 yards at the drop of a hat.

With Anderson and UWW's line...i don't think the running game with be affected at all.

That's almost John Kerry-esque:

"I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it." 

Interesting that Keith thought UWW was ripe for upset, but then on the second question on who would be most affected by injury he said Mount Union because Cecil Shorts will be out.   If he thinks UWW might be ripe for upset, you would think that he would have said UWW would be most affected with Stanley and Coppage potentially out for UWW.........

I'd already picked UWW, so Keith had to go elsewhere.

Well that explains it!