FB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[D O.C.]

Gee.
Thanks.


I probably should have left UMU off my comment.

[WarhawkDad]

Gee.
Thanks.


I probably should have left UMU off my comment.

LOL.....it was actually a very interesting analysis..... a little more than you were looking for D.O.C.?   

[bleedpurple]

Bleed, I can't take it anymore, how long do I have to wait before the punishment?   I'm going to have to preempt you a bit though.

Nothing that has happened to this point of the season is proof that UWW can't win the conference title or the national championship for that matter.  Master Jedi and Voice brought up good points in comparing the similarities of the 2007 season (by most accounts, Mt was unbeatable in 2007) and the 2008 season AB (after Beaver). 

My point isn't to bring doom and gloom or to give the impression that I am off the UWW wagon or that I'm only happy with giant margins of victory.  I am a realist and I have no problem whatsoever in openly talking about areas of concern- as long as it's done with respect. 

IMO this team is very, very different from the 2007 and 2008 teams as can be compared at this point of the season.  UWW has always had an excellent defense- this year is no different and it should keep us in every game. 

The offenses of the three seasons, however, are miles apart. 
2007 featured a great running back, a play-making won't lose QB and a very talented group of wide receivers- all combined with a strong O-Line.
2008 featured an excellent running back in AA along with the rookie Coppage, a developing and then fully blooming QB in Donovan and great wide receivers- all combined with a strong O-line.
2012 features TBD at running back, TBD at QB, TBD at receivers and a good and developing O-Line. 

I don't think my analysis is off base- even though it may rub some people the wrong way.  I think we as fans are well served to recognize where this team is at.  I for one don't have the same expectations for this team because of the massive uncertainty- but I still love the Warhawks and I still have massive confidence in coach LL and the staff.

We can and should celebrate the victory over UWP and take comfort in the fight that UWW showed.  But we should also recognize that the UWW offense seriously jeopardized the outcome of that game- and if Kelly hadn't gotten hurt- who knows.

The punishment WAS the wait. And now it's over. 

I understand your reasoning with this post and have no problem with it at all.  Without a doubt, the story of this season is still being written, while the stories of the other seasons are in the archives and ended with trips to the Stagg Bowl. Of course there is more uncertainty this year. It hasn't been completed yet!  As of the end of September, the team's offense isn't where it has been in previous seasons. I understand there are "areas of concern".  But, the opinions of the masses notwithstanding, I feel good about this team.  I know it's hard to see through the loss and the narrow victory, but I'm telling you, pieces are emerging. 

I find it interesting that we don't even bother comparing this year's team to the Blanchard/Coppage teams of the last couple of years (for obvious reasons).  Yet, DURING those seasons, especially last season, there was plenty of nervousness about the outcome as well.  It seems to me last year there were several weeks in which "realist" posters were telling me all the reasons to worry.  If you'll remember, I didn't buy in.

I think managing your expectations for this team is fine.  It's probably not fair to lay expectations on this team based on the success of previous teams anyway.  But I expect improvement.  I believe they are closer than you may think.   

Anyway, in my annual reminder to Hawk fans, I once again say: Enjoy ride.  We are blessed to be fans of this team and this program. 

So, you are off the hook, Emma. But I'm watching you..... 

[bleedpurple]

You and Keith both did a nice job on the podcast - your points on UWW were honest and fair-  Although, do you have to sound so disgusted that you've seen 3 UWW games this year? 

Go read the OAC board for the reaction there and you might understand why this was not in the original plan.

Ahhh, the cry of the Bridesmaids.... 

[hazzben]

Gee.
Thanks.

I probably should have left UMU off my comment.

Sorry if that came across as me throwing it back in your face. Wasn't the intended tone.

[Brian Carroll]

Screaming Eagles is correct, in my view, to say that it's too soon to include La Crosse in the race for the WIAC title. There has simply not been enough offensive success to think otherwise. The defense would have to continue to get turnover after turnover to carry the lackluster offense, and that isn't a reasonable expectation. In addition, the placekicking is inept with 5-8 conversions and one awful FG attempt. A win over Platteville would improve my outlook, but an injury to top RB Ben Hertrampf is a problem, and he won't play Saturday.  What's the scoop on the Pioneer QB injury situation ? Of course, this may offset the injury to Hertrampf, but I still see a tough game for the Eagles.

[bleedpurple]

Screaming Eagles is correct, in my view, to say that it's too soon to include La Crosse in the race for the WIAC title. There has simply not been enough offensive success to think otherwise. The defense would have to continue to get turnover after turnover to carry the lackluster offense, and that isn't a reasonable expectation. In addition, the placekicking is inept with 5-8 conversions and one awful FG attempt. A win over Platteville would improve my outlook, but an injury to top RB Ben Hertrampf is a problem, and he won't play Saturday.  What's the scoop on the Pioneer QB injury situation ? Of course, this may offset the injury to Hertrampf, but I still see a tough game for the Eagles.

Nick Anderson broke his collarbone on September 8th and John Kelly broke his collarbone on Saturday. I will say, Bryce Corrigan, their #3 isn't bad. He threw some picks Saturday, but he came in a tough situation.  With a week to prepare, my guess is he will perform pretty well.  As far as the Eagles, I know they have struggled big time on offense.  Do they completely lack playmakers without Hertrampf? Do they have a weak offensive line? How would you diagnose the problems?

[houdini]

I want to preface this by saying that I have not had a chance to listen to the podcast yet and that I respect Pat and Keith tremendously and while I agree with much of what they are saying (if my friend 02 is accurate above), I do not agree that Platteville would have won the game if Kelly did not get hurt.   While they obviously could have, the UWW defense was coming alive after the second score and severly limiting UWP.  The momentum was beginning to swing.   
WHD

Kelly only played three series.  His third series went for 35 yards.  I don't think driving over a third of the field is being severely limited.  A string of three and outs and interceptions started with Corrigan's first drive.  I'm sure Whitewater also got a huge emotional lift knowing they were now facing the third string quarterback.  I sure wish we could have seen how it played out with Kelly for the whole game.

[emma17]

I want to preface this by saying that I have not had a chance to listen to the podcast yet and that I respect Pat and Keith tremendously and while I agree with much of what they are saying (if my friend 02 is accurate above), I do not agree that Platteville would have won the game if Kelly did not get hurt.   While they obviously could have, the UWW defense was coming alive after the second score and severly limiting UWP.  The momentum was beginning to swing.   
WHD

Kelly only played three series.  His third series went for 35 yards.  I don't think driving over a third of the field is being severely limited.  A string of three and outs and interceptions started with Corrigan's first drive.  I'm sure Whitewater also got a huge emotional lift knowing they were now facing the third string quarterback.  I sure wish we could have seen how it played out with Kelly for the whole game.

Hey Houdini, are you a Pville fan?  If so it's good to have you.  Do you know if there is a projection for Anderson to return this season? 
Is Vlasak ok?  Is Bailey ok?   

[02 Warhawk]

Screaming Eagles is correct, in my view, to say that it's too soon to include La Crosse in the race for the WIAC title. There has simply not been enough offensive success to think otherwise. The defense would have to continue to get turnover after turnover to carry the lackluster offense, and that isn't a reasonable expectation. In addition, the placekicking is inept with 5-8 conversions and one awful FG attempt. A win over Platteville would improve my outlook, but an injury to top RB Ben Hertrampf is a problem, and he won't play Saturday.  What's the scoop on the Pioneer QB injury situation ? Of course, this may offset the injury to Hertrampf, but I still see a tough game for the Eagles.

Nick Anderson broke his collarbone on September 8th and John Kelly broke his collarbone on Saturday. I will say, Bryce Corrigan, their #3 isn't bad. He threw some picks Saturday, but he came in a tough situation.  With a week to prepare, my guess is he will perform pretty well.  As far as the Eagles, I know they have struggled big time on offense.  Do they completely lack playmakers without Hertrampf? Do they have a weak offensive line? How would you diagnose the problems?

Doesn't la crosse have a big play WR from Whitewater? He's been quiet this season so far.

Edit: Tony Bilderback 6'4" 215lbs. 39 yards per game, one TD.

[emma17]

Bleed you are a champion.  I think things will continue to improve as well, but I think success this year will look much different than in previous years. 

I am very interested to watch the development of Brekke.  Just looking at his starts in 2010 playoffs and this year, he's thrown 15 td's to 11 interceptions.  Granted some of those interceptions were against UMU and a Hail Mary v BSC, but those are numbers that I'm sure we didn't expect after we saw first game in 2010 vs. Franklin- 4 td's and no picks.  I imagine any improvement in these numbers is going to require equal improvement from the receiving corp as well as Brekke.  Of course a running game with more big play potential will also help.

I think I said this before the season started, this will be the greatest coaching job of the LL era if this team ends up going far. 

[ScreamingEagles]

Screaming Eagles is correct, in my view, to say that it's too soon to include La Crosse in the race for the WIAC title. There has simply not been enough offensive success to think otherwise. The defense would have to continue to get turnover after turnover to carry the lackluster offense, and that isn't a reasonable expectation. In addition, the placekicking is inept with 5-8 conversions and one awful FG attempt. A win over Platteville would improve my outlook, but an injury to top RB Ben Hertrampf is a problem, and he won't play Saturday.  What's the scoop on the Pioneer QB injury situation ? Of course, this may offset the injury to Hertrampf, but I still see a tough game for the Eagles.

Nick Anderson broke his collarbone on September 8th and John Kelly broke his collarbone on Saturday. I will say, Bryce Corrigan, their #3 isn't bad. He threw some picks Saturday, but he came in a tough situation.  With a week to prepare, my guess is he will perform pretty well.  As far as the Eagles, I know they have struggled big time on offense.  Do they completely lack playmakers without Hertrampf? Do they have a weak offensive line? How would you diagnose the problems?

I would say its a mix of things.  The QB Sires has been indecisive and growing into the role.  I think we may have seen him break out with the game winning drive against SP and I would look for him to continue his improved play.  The line has given up a lot of sacks, which I attribute to both bad line play and again the indecisiveness of the quarterback and holding the ball too long.

One thing I've always thought of the Eagles is that they have playmakers, they just struggle getting them the ball both this year and in the past few seasons.  Hertrampf is obviously very talented, but the backup Stan has also been very impressive when given a chance.  They've got some athletic tight ends that the new coaching staff never gets the ball to, and a guy in Bilderback that is very talented but seemingly only gets deep balls down the sideline.  Playcalling has definitely left something to be desired as well.

[bleedpurple]

Screaming Eagles is correct, in my view, to say that it's too soon to include La Crosse in the race for the WIAC title. There has simply not been enough offensive success to think otherwise. The defense would have to continue to get turnover after turnover to carry the lackluster offense, and that isn't a reasonable expectation. In addition, the placekicking is inept with 5-8 conversions and one awful FG attempt. A win over Platteville would improve my outlook, but an injury to top RB Ben Hertrampf is a problem, and he won't play Saturday.  What's the scoop on the Pioneer QB injury situation ? Of course, this may offset the injury to Hertrampf, but I still see a tough game for the Eagles.

Nick Anderson broke his collarbone on September 8th and John Kelly broke his collarbone on Saturday. I will say, Bryce Corrigan, their #3 isn't bad. He threw some picks Saturday, but he came in a tough situation.  With a week to prepare, my guess is he will perform pretty well.  As far as the Eagles, I know they have struggled big time on offense.  Do they completely lack playmakers without Hertrampf? Do they have a weak offensive line? How would you diagnose the problems?

I would say its a mix of things.  The QB Sires has been indecisive and growing into the role.  I think we may have seen him break out with the game winning drive against SP and I would look for him to continue his improved play.  The line has given up a lot of sacks, which I attribute to both bad line play and again the indecisiveness of the quarterback and holding the ball too long.

One thing I've always thought of the Eagles is that they have playmakers, they just struggle getting them the ball both this year and in the past few seasons.  Hertrampf is obviously very talented, but the backup Stan has also been very impressive when given a chance.  They've got some athletic tight ends that the new coaching staff never gets the ball to, and a guy in Bilderback that is very talented but seemingly only gets deep balls down the sideline.  Playcalling has definitely left something to be desired as well.

Thanks. I have been trying to figure out exactly what is happening over there. It's a staff in its second year and I knew it could simply be a case of the defensive part of the equation being way ahead of the offense. I know Coach Detwiler is a defensive guy and he brought Coach Hoskins with him. If I'm not mistaken, Coach Hoskins was a passing game kind of guy at Wartburg.  Sixteen sacks already will definitely kill some drives!

[cubs]

For those in the know at Whitewater.....

Is All American basketball player seeing the field much this fall for the Warhawks?  Figured it would be pretty hard for a guy removed from the game for so long to come back and make much of an impact for a quality program like the Warhawks.  Maybe seeing some special teams time?  Just curious...

[badgerwarhawk]

For those in the know at Whitewater.....

Is All American basketball player seeing the field much this fall for the Warhawks?  Figured it would be pretty hard for a guy removed from the game for so long to come back and make much of an impact for a quality program like the Warhawks.  Maybe seeing some special teams time?  Just curious...

Davis has appeared in two of the four games primarily when we've gone to offensive sets that involve multiple tight ends.   We've had some injuries at the tight end position and that has moved him up on the depth chart on occassion.  He has yet to catch a pass but I can only recall one time in which he was probably the intended target and that time Brekke had to unload the ball to avoid a sack.  When practice started the primary concern was whether he would be able to block effectively and from what I've seen he's shown considerable improvement in that regard.  We know that he has the hands.  He works hard in practice and is improving but he is still raw.  Not only do you have all of the time that he hasn't played but he also is learning a new position which requires a different skill set than that he had before.  Fortunately he has another year of football eligibility after this one so you could say that this is is the year he can develop and next year will be the payoff.