FB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[02 Warhawk]

The experience gained against Oshkosh and Platteville will pay dividends for the Hawks in the playoffs.... But they still have some work to do in the next two weeks. I have a feeling the UWRF game won't be a walk in the park like it has been in the past. Then of course they have Point next weekend, and hopefully they don't have another NCC-type performance in them.

[GBMAN]

I will echo the sentiment on UWP's 95.

95 for UW-Platteville was a stud.... I was at the game and at times, a lot of times, he looked unblockable....

[BoBo]

I have a feeling the UWRF game won't be a walk in the park like it has been in the past. Then of course they have Point next weekend, and hopefully they don't have another NCC-type performance in them.

Why is that? Because RF won two games against two really bad teams? What makes you think Point will suddenly "find" what they haven't been able to repeat since that game vs NCC? I'll step aside and eagerly await your response.

[badgerwarhawk]

I have a feeling the UWRF game won't be a walk in the park like it has been in the past. Then of course they have Point next weekend, and hopefully they don't have another NCC-type performance in them.

Why is that? Because RF won two games against two really bad teams? What makes you think Point will suddenly "find" what they haven't been able to repeat since that game vs NCC? I'll step aside and eagerly await your response.

2008   

[emma17]

I was fairly close to a heart attack by. The end of the game. I will echo the sentiment on UWP's 95. During the first half it looked like we weren't even trying to block him. He was really fast off the edge. The defense held it together and did what they always do. They held up well especially considering how long they were on the field during the first half. The offense struggled at times but once Kumerow is back it will change how defenses can run their coverages and I think that will open the offense back up.  I only wish UWP had upgraded their bathrooms and concessions after the tornado, huge lines for both.  Parking was not easy either. Guess we will get up earlier next time.

The lack of production without Kumerow has me thinking about the wide receiver corp for next year.  When the #1 guy goes down it would be nice to see underclassman stepping up and making plays.  I don't know if it's a matter of too much inexperience or inability by the younger guys a lack of comfort between Behrendt and the younger guys.  I know Marcus Hudson is getting quite a few snaps, but he's not been targeted much at all. 

As I'm assuming another week off would be beneficial for Kumerow, I'd sure like to see the passing game take a step forward with a second week of practice and game planning without him.

This will be an important part of the next week or two if Jake isn't back until the playoffs.  Both Point and RF has played pretty good defense lately.  Along with the possibilities you mention is the possibility that MB isn't always finding the receivers when they are open. He has certainly been under far more pressure the last two weeks than he had been the earlier this season.  Losing your top receiver for most of Oshkosh and all of Platteville is not exactly ideal.  If Jake misses this week, It will be very interesting to see what kind of plan the coaches come up with.  I'm sure they are learning more about each of the young receivers each week as well.

Specifically regarding MB possibly not finding receivers when they are open, this brings up a good discussion topic.
First, there are open guys he just doesn't see at times- those at the game saw Givens (#6) wide open twice on the left side. However, that sort of thing happens to all QB's.

The other part of this though is what intrigues me. I think he sees receivers that are open but oftentimes won't pull the trigger. I think this happens when he has the slightest concern about getting picked off. From a risk/reward standpoint, it seems to me that he is simple unwilling to risk turnovers.
Obviously this has worked incredibly well for him and UWW. On the other side of the coin, maybe there are certain interceptions that are ok to throw. I don't know where I stand on this.

[02 Warhawk]

I have a feeling the UWRF game won't be a walk in the park like it has been in the past. Then of course they have Point next weekend, and hopefully they don't have another NCC-type performance in them.

Why is that? Because RF won two games against two really bad teams? What makes you think Point will suddenly "find" what they haven't been able to repeat since that game vs NCC? I'll step aside and eagerly await your response.

Just saying UWRF is clearly better than previous seasons. Their three wins so far this year matches that of their last three seasons, combined. As we all saw early in the year, UWSP is capable of competing at a very high level.

Do I think UWW will lose either of those two games? Certainly not. Are they capable of being closer than most people think? Sure (especially with JK out).

[bleedpurple]

I was fairly close to a heart attack by. The end of the game. I will echo the sentiment on UWP's 95. During the first half it looked like we weren't even trying to block him. He was really fast off the edge. The defense held it together and did what they always do. They held up well especially considering how long they were on the field during the first half. The offense struggled at times but once Kumerow is back it will change how defenses can run their coverages and I think that will open the offense back up.  I only wish UWP had upgraded their bathrooms and concessions after the tornado, huge lines for both.  Parking was not easy either. Guess we will get up earlier next time.

The lack of production without Kumerow has me thinking about the wide receiver corp for next year.  When the #1 guy goes down it would be nice to see underclassman stepping up and making plays.  I don't know if it's a matter of too much inexperience or inability by the younger guys a lack of comfort between Behrendt and the younger guys.  I know Marcus Hudson is getting quite a few snaps, but he's not been targeted much at all. 

As I'm assuming another week off would be beneficial for Kumerow, I'd sure like to see the passing game take a step forward with a second week of practice and game planning without him.

This will be an important part of the next week or two if Jake isn't back until the playoffs.  Both Point and RF has played pretty good defense lately.  Along with the possibilities you mention is the possibility that MB isn't always finding the receivers when they are open. He has certainly been under far more pressure the last two weeks than he had been the earlier this season.  Losing your top receiver for most of Oshkosh and all of Platteville is not exactly ideal.  If Jake misses this week, It will be very interesting to see what kind of plan the coaches come up with.  I'm sure they are learning more about each of the young receivers each week as well.

Specifically regarding MB possibly not finding receivers when they are open, this brings up a good discussion topic.
First, there are open guys he just doesn't see at times- those at the game saw Givens (#6) wide open twice on the left side. However, that sort of thing happens to all QB's.

The other part of this though is what intrigues me. I think he sees receivers that are open but oftentimes won't pull the trigger. I think this happens when he has the slightest concern about getting picked off. From a risk/reward standpoint, it seems to me that he is simple unwilling to risk turnovers.
Obviously this has worked incredibly well for him and UWW. On the other side of the coin, maybe there are certain interceptions that are ok to throw. I don't know where I stand on this.

I think that's a great observation. I think Givens may have been the only guy on that side of the field! But he may well have been there strictly to take away a defender and as a safety valve in the event the play broke down. More to your point. IMO Behrendt has played it right up to this point. UWW simply has not been in the position that requires risk. The last game and three quarters approach remind me of the pre-Jake days. Seeking balance but without risk and an emphasis on the running game. Keep the  defense in a good position and let them do their thing. Keep pounding offensively and take over in the fourth quarter. Worked better Saturday than last week. . It's more nerve wracking for fans but UW-W is incredibly good at it.

To me the question becomes can Matt become a risk-taker if UWW needs him to be? Does he have it in him to use a higher risk/reward approach if the situation calls for it? My gut tells me yes because he is a fantastic leader. I think what we have witnessed is outstanding self-control not fear of making a mistake. I guess we will know for sure only when/if the Hawks are put in that position.

[bleedpurple]

I have a feeling the UWRF game won't be a walk in the park like it has been in the past. Then of course they have Point next weekend, and hopefully they don't have another NCC-type performance in them.

Why is that? Because RF won two games against two really bad teams? What makes you think Point will suddenly "find" what they haven't been able to repeat since that game vs NCC? I'll step aside and eagerly await your response.

Another factor that bears watching is the physical condition of the Hawks. The last two games have been brutally physical. At least three defensive starters and two offensive starters left the field in visible pain. Some returned.  The third game after two important and highly physical games presents challenges for a team.

[NewHawk]

It looked like to me that he was having a hard time going through his progressions and finding the open receiver.  I am also not sure that he has the confidence to throw it up to his other receivers like he would to Kumerow.  With 6'5 and hands of glue he could throw a jump ball and be pretty sure he would catch it or at the very least prevent an interception.  I think he just needs to build some more confidence with the other receivers. 
As for injuries, after the last couple of physical games I would bet the entire defensive 2 deep is banged up to some degree.  Grayvold came out holding his shoulder but then went in and played through and made an interception, so hopefully that was more of a stinger than a serious injury, but it looked painful from the stands.  I think we will handle UW-SP.  I am hoping we can come out strong in both games and play a little deeper into the roster in the second halves, especially against UW-RF, but I am not counting on it. 

[WarhawkDad]

Lets all remember that last  year UWW squeaked out a 3pt win against Oshkosh away, a 19 point win versus Platteville at home and a 10 point win against UWSP away and they still went on to win it all.    So this year we had a 17pt. win against Oshkosh and a 10pt win against Platteville.   As far as I am concerned we are in great shape and these are the games we need to play to be ready for rounds 3, 4 & 5 of the playoffs.    Stevens Point has a fairly stout defense against the run, but are second to last in the conference against the pass.   By the way, both Oshkosh and Platteville were higher rated against the run than they are now (after playing UWW).

I believe the Warhawks will be more than up to the challenge.   Winning this game gives them a share of the Conference Championship and probably punches their ticket for the playoffs.   Winning the Conference is the goal this team shoots for from spring ball, through summer and into the season.   I see no letdown.

Go Warhawks!!!Go Warhawks!!!Go Warhawks!!!


WarhawkDad

[MasterJedi]

Lets all remember that last  year UWW squeaked out a 3pt win against Oshkosh away, a 19 point win versus Platteville at home and a 10 point win against UWSP away and they still went on to win it all.    So this year we had a 17pt. win against Oshkosh and a 10pt win against Platteville.   As far as I am concerned we are in great shape and these are the games we need to play to be ready for rounds 3, 4 & 5 of the playoffs.    Stevens Point has a fairly stout defense against the run, but are second to last in the conference against the past.   By the way, both Oshkosh and Platteville where higher rated against the run than they are now (after playing UWW).

I believe the Warhawks will be more than up to the challenge.   Winning this game gives them a share of the Conference Championship and probably punches their ticket for the playoffs.   Winning the Conference is the goal this team shoots for from spring ball, through summer and into the season.   I see no letdown.

Go Warhawks!!!Go Warhawks!!!Go Warhawks!!!


WarhawkDad

Don't forget that 6 of those points were from a pick-6 and missed XP so we only actually gave up 3 points less then last year.

[emma17]

In the final regular season game UWO visits UWP.  Strange as it may be, UWO will likely have more to play for- assuming both win this upcoming weekend. 
Can a 6-4, 1 conference/D3 loss UWO pass muster with the selection committee?

[WarhawkDad]

In the final regular season game UWO visits UWP.  Strange as it may be, UWO will likely have more to play for- assuming both win this upcoming weekend. 
Can a 6-4, 1 conference/D3 loss UWO pass muster with the selection committee?

I certainly hope so.  Given the caliber of who they played and that their only conference loss and DIII loss would have been to the reigning national champion.  But my guess it will be hard for the committee to get past the number (4 - losses).   Really too bad if that happens.

WHD

[badgerwarhawk]

In the final regular season game UWO visits UWP.  Strange as it may be, UWO will likely have more to play for- assuming both win this upcoming weekend. 
Can a 6-4, 1 conference/D3 loss UWO pass muster with the selection committee?

Theoretically those 3 out of conference losses shouldn't count given that they were not D3 games.  But who knows they're kind of hard to ignore.

[hazzben]

In the final regular season game UWO visits UWP.  Strange as it may be, UWO will likely have more to play for- assuming both win this upcoming weekend. 
Can a 6-4, 1 conference/D3 loss UWO pass muster with the selection committee?

Theoretically those 3 out of conference losses shouldn't count given that they were not D3 games.  But who knows they're kind of hard to ignore.

They're a strange test case for the criteria. It's crazy to hold the SDSU loss against them.

In my mind, the losses to a pair of 2 loss NAIA teams are more difficult to overlook.