FB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[WarhawkDad]

Your right, the gimmicks will come out next Saturday at Oshkosh.  In looking at the NCAA season statistics, I really think the line of Whitewater winning by 17.5 points is pretty good.   I missed my first ever home game during my son's career last Friday night, because of another major family commitment, but I was able to watch the second half on the internet.  By the way, the kids from UWW do a pretty good job announcing.  Better than most!   

Anyway, I think the major penalties on the kick returns really hurt the momentum and I think going for the field goal into the wind also hurt momentum.  Also, even after the Arnold injury, the defense was rotating linebackers as frequently as we have always done when we have a lead.   This is part of the Warhawk philosophy.  Build depth during the season by giving playing time when you can.   Once Stout got within 7, the starting outside linebackers were back in the game and that is when Cortez, a starter, got the interception.   Point being that in a close game the decision to substitute as freely probably would not happen and the coaches probably would not have gone for the field goal into the wind.

In looking at the data, I believe Oshkosh's run defense is suspect, especially with a back like Coppage and Oshkosh gives up alot of sacks.   UWW will key on stopping the run and try to force Wara or his back-up to pass the ball.   I am looking forward to driving up Saturday a.m.  So far the weather looks great for football.....and tailgating 

[02 Warhawk]

Your right, the gimmicks will come out next Saturday at Oshkosh.  In looking at the NCAA season statistics, I really think the line of Whitewater winning by 17.5 points is pretty good.   I missed my first ever home game during my son's career last Friday night, because of another major family commitment, but I was able to watch the second half on the internet.  By the way, the kids from UWW do a pretty good job announcing.  Better than most!   

Anyway, I think the major penalties on the kick returns really hurt the momentum and I think going for the field goal into the wind also hurt momentum.  Also, even after the Arnold injury, the defense was rotating linebackers as frequently as we have always done when we have a lead.   This is part of the Warhawk philosophy.  Build depth during the season by giving playing time when you can.   Once Stout got within 7, the starting outside linebackers were back in the game and that is when Cortez, a starter, got the interception.   Point being that in a close game the decision to substitute as freely probably would not happen and the coaches probably would not have gone for the field goal into the wind.

In looking at the data, I believe Oshkosh's run defense is suspect, especially with a back like Coppage and Oshkosh gives up alot of sacks.   UWW will key on stopping the run and try to force Wara or his back-up to pass the ball.   I am looking forward to driving up Saturday a.m.  So far the weather looks great for football.....and tailgating 

Sweet. you going to the "bank" parking lot? I think that's where we'll setup shop. I heard that's one of the few places to tailgate. We'll try to get there early as well and get a spot. Spaces are limited I think.

[BoBo]

Arnold's value isn't just a matter of how hard he hits or how many tackles he gets in a game.  He is the leader of the defensive unit and his leadership and presence is probably just as important as his tackles are.  Fortunately the linebacking corp has been playing pretty well and we have some depth at those positions. We're better with Arnold on the field but we'll be ok if he isn't able to go.

I agree with this 100%.  I do feel like there was some discombobulation when Arnold first went out.  Stout definitely had great success in the third quarter.  I have to think his leadership and experience would have helped.  But the good news is the "D" recovered and played well in the fourth.  UW-W also has a week to prepare and coach knowing "Baldwin" (AKA Arnold) may not be available.  My guess is the gaps were the result of alignment or assignment mixups, not a physical mixup (correctible).  However, if without Arnold, surely the linebackers will be especially tested given UW-O's propensity to run gimmicks.

1.  The TD pass plays during that 3rd quarter were squarely on the shoulders of the DB's. The one over the middle, the corner and safety converged on the receiver running a slant route - each of them were late on coverage (think of the WR gliding through sliding double doors just as the doors closed, ala Maxwell Smart in the old Get Smart opening), took the wrong angle to the ball, and were not in position to make a hit on the receiver as a result. The Stout receiver caught a perfect throw from the QB in stride and off to paydirt he went. A alert Mike with a quick drop may have been able to distrupt that play over the middle, but it was a bang bang play. The other TD down the far sidelines, the WW DB, for lack of a better term, got toasted on the go route. Not even close. Any one know the status of Hamilton?  Was he hurt in the Campbellsville game?  He made sure any receiver crossing the middle knew someone was there watching them. I'm not sure WW has anybody now in their DB line-up who has the same hitting ability.

2.  Ross Carey was under heavy pressure all day.  Have to give him credit for hanging in when WW D-line had him in their sights and was bearing down on him. The Warhawks could have easily had 7 or 8 sacks if it weren't for Carey's ability on Saturday to get the ball out of his hands, throwing to a spot, and his receivers making some good catches. 

3.  IF Wara doesn't play or even if he does and is less than 100%, does Oshkosh open up their playbook to some of their gadget plays?  I'm not talking about half-back option passes (those have been around forever), but some of those other goofy plays Oshkosh ran the last time these two met? I have to think it would be a rather standard game play calling if the back-up is truly going to start in place of Wara. And, if Wara wasn't at 100% strength, would they allow him to run as much as he does? So, my question for bp, bw, WarhawkDad, and 02 is should Oshkosh even play him if he's less that 100% - that is, is a less than 100% Wara still a better option for Osh than their completely healthy back-up? Any thoughts?

[BoBo]

Your right, the gimmicks will come out next Saturday at Oshkosh.  In looking at the NCAA season statistics, I really think the line of Whitewater winning by 17.5 points is pretty good.   I missed my first ever home game during my son's career last Friday night, because of another major family commitment, but I was able to watch the second half on the internet.  By the way, the kids from UWW do a pretty good job announcing.  Better than most!   

Anyway, I think the major penalties on the kick returns really hurt the momentum and I think going for the field goal into the wind also hurt momentum.  Also, even after the Arnold injury, the defense was rotating linebackers as frequently as we have always done when we have a lead.   This is part of the Warhawk philosophy.  Build depth during the season by giving playing time when you can.   Once Stout got within 7, the starting outside linebackers were back in the game and that is when Cortez, a starter, got the interception.   Point being that in a close game the decision to substitute as freely probably would not happen and the coaches probably would not have gone for the field goal into the wind.

In looking at the data, I believe Oshkosh's run defense is suspect, especially with a back like Coppage and Oshkosh gives up alot of sacks.   UWW will key on stopping the run and try to force Wara or his back-up to pass the ball.   I am looking forward to driving up Saturday a.m.  So far the weather looks great for football.....and tailgating 

See the question about the gimmick plays in my post above WarhawkDad.  The +17.5 spread was my guess pick. I hope we're both right!! 

True about the LB's rotating.  That was one of the things I was going to mention, but failed.  One of the fortunate things the Warhawk coaches have the ability to do during meaningful times in the game and not just late in blowout games.  Not only are some of these young guys getting 15 weeks of practice during the year playing against some of the best players in the country at their positions, but playing time against other teams best players, too, in stressful moments.

[WarhawkDad]

Arnold's value isn't just a matter of how hard he hits or how many tackles he gets in a game.  He is the leader of the defensive unit and his leadership and presence is probably just as important as his tackles are.  Fortunately the linebacking corp has been playing pretty well and we have some depth at those positions. We're better with Arnold on the field but we'll be ok if he isn't able to go.

I agree with this 100%.  I do feel like there was some discombobulation when Arnold first went out.  Stout definitely had great success in the third quarter.  I have to think his leadership and experience would have helped.  But the good news is the "D" recovered and played well in the fourth.  UW-W also has a week to prepare and coach knowing "Baldwin" (AKA Arnold) may not be available.  My guess is the gaps were the result of alignment or assignment mixups, not a physical mixup (correctible).  However, if without Arnold, surely the linebackers will be especially tested given UW-O's propensity to run gimmicks.

3.  IF Wara doesn't play or even if he does and is less than 100%, does Oshkosh open up their playbook to some of their gadget plays?  I'm not talking about half-back option passes (those have been around forever), but some of those other goofy plays Oshkosh ran the last time these two met? I have to think it would be a rather standard game play calling if the back-up is truly going to start in place of Wara. And, if Wara wasn't at 100% strength, would they allow him to run as much as he does? So, my question for bp, bw, WarhawkDad, and 02 is should Oshkosh even play him if he's less that 100% - that is, is a less than 100% Wara still a better option for Osh than their completely healthy back-up? Any thoughts?

Bobo

I guess for me it depends on how much below 100% he is and what is the potential for long term damage from additional contact to the same injury.  If it is a leg injury, I would be very concerned.  He is going to need his mobility against UWW.  Without it, his running game, which sets up the pass is severely limited.  As I said above, Oshkosh gives up some sacks and stops for negative yards and UWW puts on pressure.  Lets be blunt.  Playing Wara significantly improves Oshkosh's chance  which means a potential conference championship and a potential post season opportunity if they win out.   Without him, the chance is diminished.   Given that they play LaCrosse, Stevens Point and Stout for their last three games, they could run the table and without a win against UWW, they are 8-2.   Personally if I was on the selection committee, I would find a way to get them in at 8-2 given their losses would be against #2 and hopefully #1.  However, I am not on the selection committee (by the way how do you apply  !!!)  and I do not think and 8-2 will get in.   Not sure I answered the question, but those are my thoughts.

[02 Warhawk]

If Central somehow becomes IIAC champs this year, that will look great on Oshkosh's resume to the selection committee. Of course that's IF they lose this Saturday, and finish out the season 8-2.

That means UWO would have played against THREE conference champs this year. I say they're in if that happens.

Lots of "if's" though

[hazzben]

Wara "healthy" = UWW by 3 touchdowns

Wara not playing = UWW by 5 touchdowns

Raider 68 likes to give the opposition the utmost respect, almost to the point of over-valuating their abilities.  If UWO makes it a game, it means that UWW is having a bad, turnover laden, football game.

If that's Raider 68's MO, than I'd argue your MO tends in the total opposite direction. From what I've seen the last 6 years or so, you give Mount's opponents little respect. I understand being confident, and UWW and Mount have plenty to be confident about! But sometimes I get the feeling you expect each team to bow at the Mount altar before taking the field. 

[MasterJedi]

My prediction is 42-21 UWW with a healthy Wara. Less points for UWO if Wara is gone or not 100%, more points for UWW if that leads to turnovers/short fields.

[Sakman 1111]

Need a 200 yard plus day from Copp.....have not had one this year yet.....no predictions from me but it is time to determine/demonstrate how good the Warhawks are.....Pound the Rock!!!!.......

[MasterJedi]

Need a 200 yard plus day from Copp.....have not had one this year yet.....no predictions from me but it is time to determine/demonstrate how good the Warhawks are.....Pound the Rock!!!!.......

UWO suspect run D could mean a big day for Coppage like it has the last 2 years. I suspect he'll break the WIAC rushing record this weekend!

[02 Warhawk]

3.  IF Wara doesn't play or even if he does and is less than 100%, does Oshkosh open up their playbook to some of their gadget plays?  I'm not talking about half-back option passes (those have been around forever), but some of those other goofy plays Oshkosh ran the last time these two met? I have to think it would be a rather standard game play calling if the back-up is truly going to start in place of Wara. And, if Wara wasn't at 100% strength, would they allow him to run as much as he does? So, my question for bp, bw, WarhawkDad, and 02 is should Oshkosh even play him if he's less that 100% - that is, is a less than 100% Wara still a better option for Osh than their completely healthy back-up? Any thoughts?

IF his ankle is responding well during practice but a little sore, he'll probably go. However, if the coaching staff notices him struggling out there Saturday after he starts getting hit, they might pull him to put in someone who's 100%.

[emma17]

I'm hoping to see the Titan execute some "non traditional" offensive plays.  I think it's pretty cool when a coaching staff has the courage to actually implement a creative idea that utilizes the talent on the team- and allocate practice time to it. 

In the preseason a lot of comments were made about Oshkosh having a poor defense.  I can't wait to see how they play Saturday as I honestly don't know how good or suspect they may be.  They looked great vs. Platteville, but a bit suspect in the Eau Claire game (to the deep pass especially). 

I'm hoping for a great game played by both teams with a UWW win (for those that may be wondering).

[02 Warhawk]

I'm hoping to see the Titan execute some "non traditional" offensive plays. 

I'm not....

I think it's pretty cool when a coaching staff has the courage to actually implement a creative idea that utilizes the talent on the team- and allocate practice time to it. 

On the contrary, I think coaches use trick plays when they DON'T have the talent to match up against a team. Because they know if they line up and run plays, in the traditional sense, they'll get burned. That's why teams like Army, Navy, etc. use a lot of triple option and misdirection plays to keep the defense guessing and off balance.

For the record, In NO WAY am I saying that Oshkosh doesn't have talent. I think their record this season speaks for itself.

[MasterJedi]

IMO coaching staffs go to trick plays when they don't feel their offense is good enough to score the traditional way they would against other opponants....

[BoBo]

I'm hoping to see the Titan execute some "non traditional" offensive plays.  I think it's pretty cool when a coaching staff has the courage to actually implement a creative idea that utilizes the talent on the team- and allocate practice time to it. 

A question for the coach in you e17:

If you know your starting QB is out, do you allocate precious practice time working on "non-traditional" offensive plays preparing your back-up QB making his first collegiate start against the 2-time defending national champions?  In other words, do you use the same play book you would use with a 2 1/2 year starter as you would with a first time starter? In the Platteville game, could you determine if the play calling changed or did Cerroni change the game plan with the back-up in the game as compared to the Eau Claire game you watched with Wara playing every down (i.e run/pass ratio, types of passes thrown (side line routes, over the middle, deep balls), number of QB runs vs RB's)?