FB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[emma17]

  But if they are able to run, I think it will be game over.

If this is true, I think this is very bad news for the Tommies.  I would be shocked if UW-O gains less than 180 yards rushing, surprised if they gain less than 200, and expect them to gain at least 220 on the ground.

A little Stat comparison between common opponents -

UST vs. Bethel - Offense
UST Passing - 19 Completions - 163 Yds - 5.2/reception
UST Rushing - 52 Attempts - 207 Yds - 4.0/carry

UWO vs. Bethel - Offense
UWO Passing - 18 Completions - 232Yds - 8.6/reception
UWO Rushing - 46 Attempts - 230Yds - 5.0/carry

UST vs. Bethel - Defense
Bethel Passing - 14 Completions - 129 Yds - 4.8/reception
Bethel Rushing - 17 Attempts - 31 Yds - 1.8/carry

UWO vs. Bethel - Defense
Bethel Passing - 21 Completions - 272 Yds - 8.5/reception
Bethel Rushing - 37 Attempts - 28 Yds - 0.8/carry

The stats don't lie - UST is definetly not winning them!  Hopefully it's a good game!

Scores:
Bethel: 0 UST: 37......UST scored the first 14 within 10 minutes.
Bethel: 14 UWO:37.....UWO gave up 14 within 6 minutes.

TOP/PFS:
Bethel: 19:22/44 UST: 40:38/83
Bethel: 33:55/69 UWO: 26:05/73

Turnovers being equal, I'd expect UST to win the TOP game, which will limit the number of plays UWO runs.  UWO is an explosive team.  UWO averaged 8yards/play on their game tying drive at Linfield (Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards in 4:09).  The best way to beat an explosive team is to limit the number of plays they run.  If UWO is to win, they're defense will need to get the time eating UST offense off of the field and their offense back on it.  Turnovers are one way, and the other would be to step up the pass defense - 8.5 yrds/reception for Bethel and 7.3 yrds/reception for Linfield.

It would appear the bolded text is UWO's secret to playoff success.  Lull the opponent into thinking they are going to have a cakewalk. 
The stats can certainly be viewed in any number of ways that's for sure and makes this game very intriguing. 

[footballfan413]

  But if they are able to run, I think it will be game over.

If this is true, I think this is very bad news for the Tommies.  I would be shocked if UW-O gains less than 180 yards rushing, surprised if they gain less than 200, and expect them to gain at least 220 on the ground.

A little Stat comparison between common opponents -

UST vs. Bethel - Offense
UST Passing - 19 Completions - 163 Yds - 5.2/reception
UST Rushing - 52 Attempts - 207 Yds - 4.0/carry

UWO vs. Bethel - Offense
UWO Passing - 18 Completions - 232Yds - 8.6/reception
UWO Rushing - 46 Attempts - 230Yds - 5.0/carry

UST vs. Bethel - Defense
Bethel Passing - 14 Completions - 129 Yds - 4.8/reception
Bethel Rushing - 17 Attempts - 31 Yds - 1.8/carry

UWO vs. Bethel - Defense
Bethel Passing - 21 Completions - 272 Yds - 8.5/reception
Bethel Rushing - 37 Attempts - 28 Yds - 0.8/carry

The stats don't lie - UST is definetly not winning them!  Hopefully it's a good game!

Scores:
Bethel: 0 UST: 37......UST scored the first 14 within 10 minutes.
Bethel: 14 UWO:37.....UWO gave up 14 within 6 minutes.

TOP/PFS:
Bethel: 19:22/44 UST: 40:38/83
Bethel: 33:55/69 UWO: 26:05/73

Turnovers being equal, I'd expect UST to win the TOP game, which will limit the number of plays UWO runs.  UWO is an explosive team.  UWO averaged 8yards/play on their game tying drive at Linfield (Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards in 4:09).  The best way to beat an explosive team is to limit the number of plays they run.  If UWO is to win, they're defense will need to get the time eating UST offense off of the field and their offense back on it.  Turnovers are one way, and the other would be to step up the pass defense - 8.5 yrds/reception for Bethel and 7.3 yrds/reception for Linfield.

It would appear the bolded text is UWO's secret to playoff success.  Lull the opponent into thinking they are going to have a cakewalk. 
The stats can certainly be viewed in any number of ways that's for sure and makes this game very intriguing.

LOL, Orrrrrrrr, the stat could be viewed as their Achilles heel.  That the Titans have shown that they are serial slow starters!  Any team/coaching staff, playing in the semi's with the exception of the Raiders, that can be lulled into thinking they have a cakewalk hasn't been paying attention or that getting behind by 14 immediately in a game like that is a good strategy.  Momentum can play a crucial part so why would you just plan to give it up right away?  What is the #1 goal of a great defense?  To make a team one dimensional!  Borland preaches it over and over and over again.  Wearing a defense down is the WIAC way, of course, and you do it until they stop you, of course.  Just not buying what you seem keep selling about the Titans, 17, that purposely starting the game by being one dimensional and getting down by 14 while doing it is just part of the game plan.  Certainly not for an entire half. Just because they keep doing it, doesn't mean it is by choice, IMHO. 

[retagent]

Are the WIAC players better because they are better when they arrive, or that the WIAC just makes better, those players that go there. Why haven't other conferences been able to do what the WIAC has done here. Why don't other teams in other conferences try to do what the WIAC does. Gee, it makes me wonder how the WIAC has such superior football, compared to other conferences.

[emma17]

  But if they are able to run, I think it will be game over.

If this is true, I think this is very bad news for the Tommies.  I would be shocked if UW-O gains less than 180 yards rushing, surprised if they gain less than 200, and expect them to gain at least 220 on the ground.

A little Stat comparison between common opponents -

UST vs. Bethel - Offense
UST Passing - 19 Completions - 163 Yds - 5.2/reception
UST Rushing - 52 Attempts - 207 Yds - 4.0/carry

UWO vs. Bethel - Offense
UWO Passing - 18 Completions - 232Yds - 8.6/reception
UWO Rushing - 46 Attempts - 230Yds - 5.0/carry

UST vs. Bethel - Defense
Bethel Passing - 14 Completions - 129 Yds - 4.8/reception
Bethel Rushing - 17 Attempts - 31 Yds - 1.8/carry

UWO vs. Bethel - Defense
Bethel Passing - 21 Completions - 272 Yds - 8.5/reception
Bethel Rushing - 37 Attempts - 28 Yds - 0.8/carry

The stats don't lie - UST is definetly not winning them!  Hopefully it's a good game!

Scores:
Bethel: 0 UST: 37......UST scored the first 14 within 10 minutes.
Bethel: 14 UWO:37.....UWO gave up 14 within 6 minutes.

TOP/PFS:
Bethel: 19:22/44 UST: 40:38/83
Bethel: 33:55/69 UWO: 26:05/73

Turnovers being equal, I'd expect UST to win the TOP game, which will limit the number of plays UWO runs.  UWO is an explosive team.  UWO averaged 8yards/play on their game tying drive at Linfield (Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards in 4:09).  The best way to beat an explosive team is to limit the number of plays they run.  If UWO is to win, they're defense will need to get the time eating UST offense off of the field and their offense back on it.  Turnovers are one way, and the other would be to step up the pass defense - 8.5 yrds/reception for Bethel and 7.3 yrds/reception for Linfield.

It would appear the bolded text is UWO's secret to playoff success.  Lull the opponent into thinking they are going to have a cakewalk. 
The stats can certainly be viewed in any number of ways that's for sure and makes this game very intriguing.

LOL, Orrrrrrrr, the stat could be viewed as their Achilles heel.  That the Titans have shown that they are serial slow starters!  Any team/coaching staff, playing in the semi's with the exception of the Raiders, that can be lulled into thinking they have a cakewalk hasn't been paying attention or that getting behind by 14 immediately in a game like that is a good strategy.  Momentum can play a crucial part so why would you just plan to give it up right away?  What is the #1 goal of a great defense?  To make a team one dimensional!  Borland preaches it over and over and over again.  Wearing a defense down is the WIAC way, of course, and you do it until they stop you, of course.  Just not buying what you seem keep selling about the Titans, 17, that purposely starting the game by being one dimensional and getting down by 14 while doing it is just part of the game plan.  Certainly not for an entire half. Just because they keep doing it, doesn't mean it is by choice, IMHO. 

Hey now 413 you are convoluting my point. It's hard enough for people to understand me as it is.
In no shape, way or form am I suggesting UWO falling behind by two scores is either good or intentional.
What I AM saying is that it's certainly possible the conservative play calling (run heavy) in the first half is intentional.  And it's certainly possible that the staff won't change their game plan based on a first half deficit.  These two points are mutually exclusive.

[skunks_sidekick]

Are the WIAC players better because they are better when they arrive, or that the WIAC just makes better, those players that go there. Why haven't other conferences been able to do what the WIAC has done here. Why don't other teams in other conferences try to do what the WIAC does. Gee, it makes me wonder how the WIAC has such superior football, compared to other conferences.

This has already been revealed.  Because the WIAC schools are public, and have thousands and thousands of students/players to choose from, they have an obvious advantage.  I mean I have heard that those open try-outs they hold will attract 500-600 players.  Since they are only taking 100, they get the best of the best. 

(The previous statement was made in sarcasm, and in no way respresented a kernal of the truth).   

[02 Warhawk]

Are the WIAC players better because they are better when they arrive, or that the WIAC just makes better, those players that go there. Why haven't other conferences been able to do what the WIAC has done here. Why don't other teams in other conferences try to do what the WIAC does. Gee, it makes me wonder how the WIAC has such superior football, compared to other conferences.

This has already been revealed.  Because the WIAC schools are public, and have thousands and thousands of students/players to choose from, they have an obvious advantage.  I mean I have heard that those open try-outs they hold will attract 500-600 players.  Since they are only taking 100, they get the best of the best. 

(The previous statement was made in sarcasm, and in no way respresented a kernal of the truth).   

Yea, and the players that don't make the team go to Mount Union

(The previous statement was made in sarcasm, and in no way respresented a kernal of the truth).   

[hazzben]

Hazzbeen - Anything you can add? - I believe you have seen both teams play this year!

Oh, I've always got something to add. Whether its anything of value...that's not always so consistent! 

Here's my take, having seen both teams play at least two full games and parts of others and each play against Bethel.

The challenge for Oshkosh:

UST has a great defense. Their front 7 is very physical and deep. Idowu and Dombek are nasty boys up front and their LB's make plays behind them. Combined with their ball control style means it will be tougher to wear them down than previous opponents (not to say it can't be done). Their secondary is also very athletic and filled with playmakers, especially Oji, Dietz and Erstad. I don't think they'll have to cheat in the scheme to stop the run or the pass. They will likely play their standard stuff with some minor tweaks, even against UWO's unique offense and gifted QB.

Offensively they are the definition of balanced. They've got a very good Oline, good size and athleticism combo. They've also got several capable backs, but the freshman Braddock has emerged as the go to. The story in their running game is really the Oline though. At WR they have shown much more balance this year. No more Waldvogel and no one on the team is close to him in talent. But as a whole their passing attack is probably more potent this year. Ferrazzo has emerged as a solid, go to playmaker at WR, but he's complimented by a good deep threat in Misciewicz and a big, talented TE in Logan Marks. They can put stress on UWO's secondary, which has given up yards and big plays through the air this postseason.

And then there's O'Connell. He's a gifted QB, legit dual threat and dangerous when he breaks contain. And Caruso does a very effective job calling plays, bootlegs and PAP that put this talent to particularly effective use. His only weakness, IMO, is his youth.

They have experience playing this deep and every year they've gone one round deeper. All the injuries have really served to make them even deeper, experience wise. And it's shown how talent stocked the roster and two deep are. As a team, they simply do not beat themselves (with the exception of the Gustavus game) and they are peaking at the perfect time.

Caruso will have them coached up, fundamentally and believing they belong in the Stagg.

The Challenge for UST:

UWO will be the biggest and most balanced offense they've seen yet this year. Myra is a talented all purpose RB playing behind a strong line and in a scheme that gets him the ball in mismatch situations. They will run the ball more effectively than anyone UST's faced. Sweeney was a load for UWEC, but Myra's a different back. Not quite as powerful, but more explosive and prone to the big play. And they will keep pounding the ball, so the D better be ready for a brutal game and the UST O better avoid 3 and outs/TO's. They will need to get a rest.

Voss is a stud at WR. He runs great routes, has great hands, is big and fast in the open field. He's a more experienced, polished version of Hallstrom (Bethel) with a much better QB throwing him the ball.

Filter and Heller are very good DB's and they make big plays if you hang the ball up in the air. Although the secondary as a whole has been prone the breakdown. Filter versus Ferrazzo for a jump ball or two will be a great matchup. Their front 7 are sound and physical. They will make stopping the run priority number one, and they've got the horses in the trenches. Stephaniak (sp??) had a nice game v. Bethel, as did Goodman. They can make plays in space.

Their coaches have shown a great ability to make adjustments as the game goes on during the playoffs. And the team is nothing if not resilient. They've been down early in every game. And they've come back each time and haven't shown a hint of panic. They are a mature, experienced team.

And then there is this guy named Wara. He's ok. Seriously, he'll be the best QB UST has faced all year, and it's not really close. He's not the runner that Ayrton Scott (Augsburg) is, but he's dangerous with his legs. However, as a passer, he's something special. He's efficient, rarely turns it over, bounces back when he does and just makes some ridiculous throws. Wara to Voss is a lethal, scary combo. He's got elite level accuracy and arm strength and will test DB's. He's like a mini Aaron Rodgers with the way he puts the ball in small windows and can drop it in a basket on the deep throws. And he's a SR playing with great confidence and leadership. If UWO wins, he'll be the reason why the scales get tipped in Oshkosh's direction.

My 45¢ 

[02 Warhawk]

D3football.com ‏@d3football
Thomas More announced Zach Autenrieb as finalist for Gagliardi Trophy. We know (UMU's) Nick Driskill was NOT in final four.

I wonder when something will get announced about Wara

[KitchenSink]

It's announced now ....

[02 Warhawk]

It's announced now ....

There you have it. It's official...Wara is a finalist.

He's the only finalist still playing too

[onearmedscot]

For those of you traveling to the game this Saturday, the Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront in downtown on the Mississippi River is offering an $89.00 rate for the fans (Tommies or Titans) for this weekend?  It's about a 10 minute scenic drive to UST.  They can just call 651.292.1900 and ask for the NCAA Football Fan Block.

Safe Travels Everyone!

oAs

[02 Warhawk]

Well this blows!!

Zach Zaidman ‏@ZachZaidman
#Bears announce signing of FB Harvey Unga to practice squad and terminate contract of QB Matt Blanchard.

[oshfb]

Has anyone drawn comparison's between the other common opponent in UWEC?

UWO-50
UWEC-13

UST- 27
UWEC- 24

I'm not one to draw on "common opponents" but figured you guys (and girl) can go nuts...

[02 Warhawk]

Has anyone drawn comparison's between the other common opponent in UWEC?

UWO-50
UWEC-13

UST- 27
UWEC- 24

I'm not one to draw on "common opponents" but figured you guys (and girl) can go nuts...

Bethel
UWEC
UWRF

[02 Warhawk]

I'm half surprised not one UWW linebacker made the All Region team. With the way this season has gone, it seems fitting.

However, UWO is well represented (as they should be).