FB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[02 Warhawk]

So get your butt to a game, 02.  No more of this slacking off!

No kidding. Too many damn weddings. 

[bleedpurple]

I still have yet to witness a snap of the Hawks this season (I've heard rumors of a new helmet), it's been very frustrating. The two home games I couldn't attend I had every intention of watching it on my computer, only to find out a game feed wasn't available. 

From the two games I listened to (and what I've read), it sounds like Whitewater's offense is in much better shape than last season's. We've been very critical (including myself) of the team's offensive performance in week one. But I don't think we gave enough credit to Washington's defense. I've took a look at what they've done since the UWW game. They gave up only 7 to Rhodes, surrendered only 10 at Coe, and last Saturday they gave up just 14 to Centre. Looks like Wash U defense is the real deal. So all things considered, UWW's offense that day did a good job that day despite all the question marks and uncertainty going into Week 1.

With that being said I think their offense will be just fine, and probably a step above serviceable. By no means will they be the offense we're all used to seeing in the past, but they will be a very good compliment to an outstanding defense this year.

This is true in a literal sense. Previously, the formula was to wear down the defense through the constant pounding of a dominant offensive line and a superior running back that would almost inevitably break one at a crucial point in the game. There was an emphasis on taking care of the ball, patience, and dominating the fourth quarter when the opponent was inevitably worn down. 

This year, it looks like the plan is to dictate the pace with an up-tempo, balanced offense, spreading the defense out and creating space for athletic receivers to make plays. UW-W will run out of "passing" formations and throw out of "running" formation.  From what I've observed, it looks like an aggressive, "Always looking to make a play" approach rather than a "wear them down" approach.  I should also say this approach also has the potential to wear a defense down. It's done through tempo.

The upside is that all three units (special teams should be a threat this year) appear capable of creating momentum changing plays. If the offense strikes early, it could put a lot of pressure on the opposing team. I wouldn't want to play the UW-W defense facing a two score deficit for example. It would be made-to-order for their takeaway mentality. The potential downside is that the defense could be on the field a lot early in games on days it takes awhile for the offense to get clicking. If the Hawks had a weak defense like Philly that would be a real problem. With the 2013 UW-W defense, it seems like a risk worth taking.

[voice]

I still have yet to witness a snap of the Hawks this season (I've heard rumors of a new helmet), it's been very frustrating. The two home games I couldn't attend I had every intention of watching it on my computer, only to find out a game feed wasn't available. 

From the two games I listened to (and what I've read), it sounds like Whitewater's offense is in much better shape than last season's. We've been very critical (including myself) of the team's offensive performance in week one. But I don't think we gave enough credit to Washington's defense. I've took a look at what they've done since the UWW game. They gave up only 7 to Rhodes, surrendered only 10 at Coe, and last Saturday they gave up just 14 to Centre. Looks like Wash U defense is the real deal. So all things considered, UWW's offense that day did a good job that day despite all the question marks and uncertainty going into Week 1.

With that being said I think their offense will be just fine, and probably a step above serviceable. By no means will they be the offense we're all used to seeing in the past, but they will be a very good compliment to an outstanding defense this year.

This is true in a literal sense. Previously, the formula was to wear down the defense through the constant pounding of a dominant offensive line and a superior running back that would almost inevitably break one at a crucial point in the game. There was an emphasis on taking care of the ball, patience, and dominating the fourth quarter when the opponent was inevitably worn down. 

This year, it looks like the plan is to dictate the pace with an up-tempo, balanced offense, spreading the defense out and creating space for athletic receivers to make plays. UW-W will run out of "passing" formations and throw out of "running" formation.  From what I've observed, it looks like an aggressive, "Always looking to make a play" approach rather than a "wear them down" approach.  I should also say this approach also has the potential to wear a defense down. It's done through tempo.

The upside is that all three units (special teams should be a threat this year) appear capable of creating momentum changing plays. If the offense strikes early, it could put a lot of pressure on the opposing team. I wouldn't want to play the UW-W defense facing a two score deficit for example. It would be made-to-order for their takeaway mentality. The potential downside is that the defense could be on the field a lot early in games on days it takes awhile for the offense to get clicking. If the Hawks had a weak defense like Philly that would be a real problem. With the 2013 UW-W defense, it seems like a risk worth taking.

Good call Bleed!

[voice]

UWW head coach Lance Leipold will discus Warhawk win over Waldorf and preview Saturday's WIAC opener at La Crosse on Tonight's KOOL 106.5 Warhawk Weekly Radio Show. The 6 p.m. broadcast will be streamed live http://player.streamtheworld.com/liveplayer.php?callsign=WKCHFM#Main

[emma17]

I still have yet to witness a snap of the Hawks this season (I've heard rumors of a new helmet), it's been very frustrating. The two home games I couldn't attend I had every intention of watching it on my computer, only to find out a game feed wasn't available. 

From the two games I listened to (and what I've read), it sounds like Whitewater's offense is in much better shape than last season's. We've been very critical (including myself) of the team's offensive performance in week one. But I don't think we gave enough credit to Washington's defense. I've took a look at what they've done since the UWW game. They gave up only 7 to Rhodes, surrendered only 10 at Coe, and last Saturday they gave up just 14 to Centre. Looks like Wash U defense is the real deal. So all things considered, UWW's offense that day did a good job that day despite all the question marks and uncertainty going into Week 1.

With that being said I think their offense will be just fine, and probably a step above serviceable. By no means will they be the offense we're all used to seeing in the past, but they will be a very good compliment to an outstanding defense this year.

This is true in a literal sense. Previously, the formula was to wear down the defense through the constant pounding of a dominant offensive line and a superior running back that would almost inevitably break one at a crucial point in the game. There was an emphasis on taking care of the ball, patience, and dominating the fourth quarter when the opponent was inevitably worn down. 

This year, it looks like the plan is to dictate the pace with an up-tempo, balanced offense, spreading the defense out and creating space for athletic receivers to make plays. UW-W will run out of "passing" formations and throw out of "running" formation.  From what I've observed, it looks like an aggressive, "Always looking to make a play" approach rather than a "wear them down" approach.  I should also say this approach also has the potential to wear a defense down. It's done through tempo.
The upside is that all three units (special teams should be a threat this year) appear capable of creating momentum changing plays. If the offense strikes early, it could put a lot of pressure on the opposing team. I wouldn't want to play the UW-W defense facing a two score deficit for example. It would be made-to-order for their takeaway mentality. The potential downside is that the defense could be on the field a lot early in games on days it takes awhile for the offense to get clicking. If the Hawks had a weak defense like Philly that would be a real problem. With the 2013 UW-W defense, it seems like a risk worth taking.

Good call Bleed!

The naysayer must have his say. 
First, I am optimistic that this offense is moving in the right direction from both a player utilization and coaching perspective.
I simply want to caution though.

IMO we UWWers get a little cloudy in our memory of the Pound the Rock years.  UWW could flat out convert on 3rd downs and UWW qb's had high completion rates that kept drives going.  I agree that we didn't see mind blowing scores, but UWW tired the defense out by putting together multi-play drives, which requires a 3rd down conversion rate of greater than the mid 30% they have now.

As great as the UWW defense is, they have not seen UWP or UWO.  Both of those teams had great success vs the UWW D last year, which resulted in the giant spotlight shining on the lack of production of the UWW offense.  The UWW O will have to start putting together longer drives in order for the team to have success.  No matter how great a defense is, championship caliber teams must be better than average (against good teams) on offense. 

A quick read through of the play by play of Saturday's game shows UWW's first team offense struggled to convert third downs against one of the weakest teams UWW has played in a long time.  We are three games into the season, this is a concern now.   

[02 Warhawk]

The naysayer must have his say. 
First, I am optimistic that this offense is moving in the right direction from both a player utilization and coaching perspective.
I simply want to caution though.

IMO we UWWers get a little cloudy in our memory of the Pound the Rock years.  UWW could flat out convert on 3rd downs and UWW qb's had high completion rates that kept drives going.  I agree that we didn't see mind blowing scores, but UWW tired the defense out by putting together multi-play drives, which requires a 3rd down conversion rate of greater than the mid 30% they have now.

As great as the UWW defense is, they have not seen UWP or UWO.  Both of those teams had great success vs the UWW D last year, which resulted in the giant spotlight shining on the lack of production of the UWW offense.  The UWW O will have to start putting together longer drives in order for the team to have success.  No matter how great a defense is, championship caliber teams must be better than average (against good teams) on offense. 

A quick read through of the play by play of Saturday's game shows UWW's first team offense struggled to convert third downs against one of the weakest teams UWW has played in a long time.  We are three games into the season, this is a concern now.

I think you're dead on, but I don't believe anyone is calling UWW a championship caliber team this year. It would be a huge accomplishment this year just to win the WIAC. I know, I know...that's always a huge accomplishment, but it was always kind of expected in the past. Whereas this year.....it's not.

The offense is what it is...good but not great. I think this year's team will always have concerns, especially on the offensive side.

[WarhawkDad]

I still have yet to witness a snap of the Hawks this season (I've heard rumors of a new helmet), it's been very frustrating. The two home games I couldn't attend I had every intention of watching it on my computer, only to find out a game feed wasn't available. 

From the two games I listened to (and what I've read), it sounds like Whitewater's offense is in much better shape than last season's. We've been very critical (including myself) of the team's offensive performance in week one. But I don't think we gave enough credit to Washington's defense. I've took a look at what they've done since the UWW game. They gave up only 7 to Rhodes, surrendered only 10 at Coe, and last Saturday they gave up just 14 to Centre. Looks like Wash U defense is the real deal. So all things considered, UWW's offense that day did a good job that day despite all the question marks and uncertainty going into Week 1.

With that being said I think their offense will be just fine, and probably a step above serviceable. By no means will they be the offense we're all used to seeing in the past, but they will be a very good compliment to an outstanding defense this year.

This is true in a literal sense. Previously, the formula was to wear down the defense through the constant pounding of a dominant offensive line and a superior running back that would almost inevitably break one at a crucial point in the game. There was an emphasis on taking care of the ball, patience, and dominating the fourth quarter when the opponent was inevitably worn down. 

This year, it looks like the plan is to dictate the pace with an up-tempo, balanced offense, spreading the defense out and creating space for athletic receivers to make plays. UW-W will run out of "passing" formations and throw out of "running" formation.  From what I've observed, it looks like an aggressive, "Always looking to make a play" approach rather than a "wear them down" approach.  I should also say this approach also has the potential to wear a defense down. It's done through tempo.
The upside is that all three units (special teams should be a threat this year) appear capable of creating momentum changing plays. If the offense strikes early, it could put a lot of pressure on the opposing team. I wouldn't want to play the UW-W defense facing a two score deficit for example. It would be made-to-order for their takeaway mentality. The potential downside is that the defense could be on the field a lot early in games on days it takes awhile for the offense to get clicking. If the Hawks had a weak defense like Philly that would be a real problem. With the 2013 UW-W defense, it seems like a risk worth taking.

Good call Bleed!

The naysayer must have his say. 
First, I am optimistic that this offense is moving in the right direction from both a player utilization and coaching perspective.
I simply want to caution though.

IMO we UWWers get a little cloudy in our memory of the Pound the Rock years.  UWW could flat out convert on 3rd downs and UWW qb's had high completion rates that kept drives going.  I agree that we didn't see mind blowing scores, but UWW tired the defense out by putting together multi-play drives, which requires a 3rd down conversion rate of greater than the mid 30% they have now.

As great as the UWW defense is, they have not seen UWP or UWO.  Both of those teams had great success vs the UWW D last year, which resulted in the giant spotlight shining on the lack of production of the UWW offense.  The UWW O will have to start putting together longer drives in order for the team to have success.  No matter how great a defense is, championship caliber teams must be better than average (against good teams) on offense. 

A quick read through of the play by play of Saturday's game shows UWW's first team offense struggled to convert third downs against one of the weakest teams UWW has played in a long time.  We are three games into the season, this is a concern now.

It heartens me to see that Emma and 02 are being the worried cautious ones.   When they are like this, everything is right in the world!

One additional defense we should be concerned about is UWSP and there quarterback has been doing fairly well.  Statistically they look improved from a squad that went 1-1 with UWW last year.

I like the week to week improvement I am seeing.  Emma, the new offense is exactly what you were asking for last year.   You have not had a chance to see it, but I love the hurry up, no huddle approach.    I would also say that the passing completion percentage is a victim of a more agressive, stretch the field play calling.   

Our defense has been giving us great field position and badgerwarhawk hit the nail on the head when he did the drive analysis of time of possession.  When you are scoring fast, who cares about time of possession.

I also like how our schedule lays out giving us three conference games before we get to Oshkosh and Platteville.

We have time to continue to improve.   An offensive line can make great strides over 6 games of playing together and a coaching staff will continue to improve as well.    Time will tell.

WHD

[couchp54]

UWEC used their bye week well.  They looked like a different team against #10 Pacific Lutheran.  They lost by two points.  Missed an extra point, which forced them to go for a failed 2 point conversion with about a minute left.  Game could have been tied at end of regulation and UWEC had the momentum.  Ec fumbled a kickoff return which lead to a score by PL early in the game.  Just the little things that EC has got to overcome, but they played well, which was encouraging.  If UWEC could figure out how to play the first quarter, they could win some games.  In both the ST John's game and PL, EC held the opposition scoreless in the second half.  Johnnies game was 17-0 at halftime and final was 17-14 with EC fumble in the red zone in the final minute.  PL was up 21-7 at halftime, with the final 21-19.  So UWEC is very close.
UWEC has played three very good teams in the pre-season and improving with each game.  Hopefully this will help them when conference play starts this week. 
EC's new qb looked much more comfortable.

[emma17]

The naysayer must have his say. 
First, I am optimistic that this offense is moving in the right direction from both a player utilization and coaching perspective.
I simply want to caution though.

IMO we UWWers get a little cloudy in our memory of the Pound the Rock years.  UWW could flat out convert on 3rd downs and UWW qb's had high completion rates that kept drives going.  I agree that we didn't see mind blowing scores, but UWW tired the defense out by putting together multi-play drives, which requires a 3rd down conversion rate of greater than the mid 30% they have now.

As great as the UWW defense is, they have not seen UWP or UWO.  Both of those teams had great success vs the UWW D last year, which resulted in the giant spotlight shining on the lack of production of the UWW offense.  The UWW O will have to start putting together longer drives in order for the team to have success.  No matter how great a defense is, championship caliber teams must be better than average (against good teams) on offense. 

A quick read through of the play by play of Saturday's game shows UWW's first team offense struggled to convert third downs against one of the weakest teams UWW has played in a long time.  We are three games into the season, this is a concern now.

I think you're dead on, but I don't believe anyone is calling UWW a championship caliber team this year. It would be a huge accomplishment this year just to win the WIAC. I know, I know...that's always a huge accomplishment, but it was always kind of expected in the past. Whereas this year.....it's not.

The offense is what it is...good but not great. I think this year's team will always have concerns, especially on the offensive side.

Holy slap of reality Batman.  You probably diagnosed my issue with your first sentence.  To me- winning conference is only an objective toward the goal of winning the national championship.  At this point, I can't get myself to look at this team from any other perspective but a national championship contender.  What a shame it would be to wait yet another year for the offense given the caliber of defense and special teams.

I'll cling to Warhawk Dad's silver lining explanation of three more weeks to get in real fighting shape for the O.

WD, Yes, I love the way the offense is spreading the ball and using space and tempo. 
I still want to see the offense take the ball 80 yards and score a clean touchdown- hasn't happened not even one time this year- against two very weak defenses. 
Will the UWW D be giving the O the ball inside the 50 multiple times per game vs. UWO, UWP and UWSP?  Most likely not.  The time to fix the roof is when the sun is shining.  The completion percentage must improve rather dramatically in advance of the showdown games.  It will, IMO, be the difference.       

[KitchenSink]

Wait a sec - UWW scored on its first 7 possessions against Buffalo St.  OK, they weren't 80 yard drives - but they scored.  After that, you don't expect things to go conservative?

Similar against Waldorf.  So the drives didn't start on the 20?  Oi vey.

The wind was a beast in the Waldorf game.  I had Behrendt 9-13 in the 1st qtr with the wind.  And wasn't there steady rain in Buffalo?

[02 Warhawk]

To my count UWW has had 45 possessions so far this year (15 against Wash, 14 Buff St. and 16 Waldorf). Among those 45, UWW has had to start inside their own 30 only 12 times (6 Wash, 3 Buff St. and 3 Waldorf). And I believe those 6 total posessions against Buff St. and Waldorf came when the game was already in hand.

So I guess the reason we haven't seen many long scoring drives is because the opportunity hasn't really been there to do so. If my analysis is correct, our average starting field position has been at about our own 45 yard line through three games (UWW38 Wash, UWW45 Buff St and Waldorf's 49)!!! 

[02 Warhawk]

UWEC used their bye week well.  They looked like a different team against #10 Pacific Lutheran.  They lost by two points.  Missed an extra point, which forced them to go for a failed 2 point conversion with about a minute left.  Game could have been tied at end of regulation and UWEC had the momentum.  Ec fumbled a kickoff return which lead to a score by PL early in the game.  Just the little things that EC has got to overcome, but they played well, which was encouraging.  If UWEC could figure out how to play the first quarter, they could win some games.  In both the ST John's game and PL, EC held the opposition scoreless in the second half.  Johnnies game was 17-0 at halftime and final was 17-14 with EC fumble in the red zone in the final minute.  PL was up 21-7 at halftime, with the final 21-19.  So UWEC is very close.
UWEC has played three very good teams in the pre-season and improving with each game.  Hopefully this will help them when conference play starts this week. 
EC's new qb looked much more comfortable.

They were mentioned in this week's podcast. Keith said that UWEC probably has the toughest first half of the season in DIII. No argument here:

@ #6 St. Thomas
@ St. John's
#11 Pacific Lutheran
@ #9 UWP
UWSP
@ #12 UWW

Yikes!!!

[WarhawkDad]

To my count UWW has had 45 possessions so far this year (15 against Wash, 14 Buff St. and 16 Waldorf). Among those 45, UWW has had to start inside their own 30 only 12 times (6 Wash, 3 Buff St. and 3 Waldorf). And I believe those 6 total posessions against Buff St. and Waldorf came when the game was already in hand.

So I guess the reason we haven't seen many long scoring drives is because the opportunity hasn't really been there to do so. If my analysis is correct, our average starting field position has been at about our own 45 yard line through three games (UWW38 Wash, UWW45 Buff St and Waldorf's 49)!!! 

Thanks for the analysis 02.  It certainly helps with why we have not had 80 yard, 7-8 minute clock eating drives.  It also points out another fact, that both special teams and defense help create field position.  Look at the kick-off and punt return averages this year and we are doing way better than any of the last 4 years.   Another reason for optimism.   Yes, I will admit, I am a glass is half full kind of guy, but I do see reasons to be hopeful that this Warhawk team is much improved as a team and that all three phases contribute, make plays and score.

[bleedpurple]

The naysayer must have his say. 
First, I am optimistic that this offense is moving in the right direction from both a player utilization and coaching perspective.
I simply want to caution though.

IMO we UWWers get a little cloudy in our memory of the Pound the Rock years.  UWW could flat out convert on 3rd downs and UWW qb's had high completion rates that kept drives going.  I agree that we didn't see mind blowing scores, but UWW tired the defense out by putting together multi-play drives, which requires a 3rd down conversion rate of greater than the mid 30% they have now.

As great as the UWW defense is, they have not seen UWP or UWO.  Both of those teams had great success vs the UWW D last year, which resulted in the giant spotlight shining on the lack of production of the UWW offense.  The UWW O will have to start putting together longer drives in order for the team to have success.  No matter how great a defense is, championship caliber teams must be better than average (against good teams) on offense. 

A quick read through of the play by play of Saturday's game shows UWW's first team offense struggled to convert third downs against one of the weakest teams UWW has played in a long time.  We are three games into the season, this is a concern now.

I think you're dead on, but I don't believe anyone is calling UWW a championship caliber team this year. It would be a huge accomplishment this year just to win the WIAC. I know, I know...that's always a huge accomplishment, but it was always kind of expected in the past. Whereas this year.....it's not.

The offense is what it is...good but not great. I think this year's team will always have concerns, especially on the offensive side.

Holy slap of reality Batman.  You probably diagnosed my issue with your first sentence.  To me- winning conference is only an objective toward the goal of winning the national championship.  At this point, I can't get myself to look at this team from any other perspective but a national championship contender.  What a shame it would be to wait yet another year for the offense given the caliber of defense and special teams.

I'll cling to Warhawk Dad's silver lining explanation of three more weeks to get in real fighting shape for the O.

WD, Yes, I love the way the offense is spreading the ball and using space and tempo. 
I still want to see the offense take the ball 80 yards and score a clean touchdown- hasn't happened not even one time this year- against two very weak defenses. 
Will the UWW D be giving the O the ball inside the 50 multiple times per game vs. UWO, UWP and UWSP?  Most likely not.  The time to fix the roof is when the sun is shining.  The completion percentage must improve rather dramatically in advance of the showdown games.  It will, IMO, be the difference.     

You do realize a week ago, UW-W scored on their first 7 straight possessions and on Saturday they scored on 8 of their first 11, right?  And, since you poured over the stats, you know how many 80 yard drive chances UW-W's first team had on Saturday, right? That would be zero.  I will use a line I saw from a poster in another region (post approximate): "You sound like a guy complaining about a reliever giving up a few singles in a 16-3 victory." In other words, who cares?  After Washington U, had I told you UW-W would outscore BSU and Waldorf 120 to 14, I'm guessing you would have said it's not possible with our offense.  It happened. Keep watching! 

[WarhawkDad]

A short video highlight.  http://www.channel3000.com/sports/uwwhitewater-thumps-waldorf-650/-/1612/22178766/-/63vmicz/-/index.html