FB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Pat Coleman]

I didn't see this week's game, but from the nature of the first quarter, they didn't need him to do much, so perhaps they didn't ask him to do much.

[emma17]

I know y'all don't ask Meylor to do much... but he sure doesn't do much.

Ha! Sounds like he's grading out an A then.

I get what you're saying, though I do feel your statement applies reasonably well to all QB's under Smith and now Jennings. UWW runs a different offense and to my eye, you can really see it in the passing game.

[WW]

I know y'all don't ask Meylor to do much... but he sure doesn't do much.

Ha! Sounds like he's grading out an A then.

I get what you're saying, though I do feel your statement applies reasonably well to all QB's under Smith and now Jennings. UWW runs a different offense and to my eye, you can really see it in the passing game.

On the other hand, he doesn't screw up much, and if the case can be made that he won't lose you the game as, arguably, a 4-pick outing by Oles lost the Oshkosh game, then so be it. I just think you're gonna need to ask a lot more of the QB and WRs to beat UMHB, and I haven't seen evidence that Meylor can deliver it.

[Pat Coleman]

I know y'all don't ask Meylor to do much... but he sure doesn't do much.

Ha! Sounds like he's grading out an A then.

I get what you're saying, though I do feel your statement applies reasonably well to all QB's under Smith and now Jennings. UWW runs a different offense and to my eye, you can really see it in the passing game.

On the other hand, he doesn't screw up much, and if the case can be made that he won't lose you the game as, arguably, a 4-pick outing by Oles lost the Oshkosh game, then so be it. I just think you're gonna need to ask a lot more of the QB and WRs to beat UMHB, and I haven't seen evidence that Meylor can deliver it.

Definitely agree on the first half of the sentence and we haven't seen evidence that he can't deliver it either. Going to be a big game for the O-line here as well.

[bleedpurple]

I didn't see this week's game, but from the nature of the first quarter, they didn't need him to do much, so perhaps they didn't ask him to do much.

I think this is the point. Are we really going to evaluate how much we are asking a QB to do based on two playoff starts in which we led 28-0 and 31-7 at halftime? Especially playoff games in which all that matters is winning and advancing?

Let's go back to the St. Xavier game. A very competitive road game against a very good NAIA team. Max came in after the first play from scrimmage and went 17-27 for 207 yards and 2 TD's with no interceptions. 

Maybe that's not evidence to some. But as has been mentioned, we are dealing with a pretty small sample size.

[emma17]

I'd love to see some game reviews from guys like USee, WW, Bofa and Brad (where have you gone Brad?) for UWW at UMHB.

From my viewpoint.
Last year, imo there were three big keys to UWW's loss (I admit UMHB was probably the better team, but UWW has beaten better teams before).
1. UWW used to be tremendous at complementary football, meaning, even though the offense didn't always score, it maintained drives. The UWW O allowed the UWW D to stay off the field for a while. UWW's time of possession last year was 25 minutes, 35 seconds. That's why we saw Markeith Miller go for 33 carries and 168 yards. CRAZY STAT: Miller rushed for 91 yards (my quick count) in the 4th quarter.  This is what happens when your offense can't stay on the field- and the opponent has a bruising RB.

2. The punt return for TD with 1 minute 30 seconds left in first half. I don't know if it was a coaching decision to punt the ball in-bounds or a player error, but UWW was at the 50 yard line. A 20 or 30 yard punt out of bounds was the way to go.   

3. UWW played with no offensive urgency in the first half. They came out uptempo to start the third quarter, TD on first drive. UWW missed a 24 yard field goal on third drive, which would have put the score at 17-10.

[WW]

I'd love to see some game reviews from guys like USee, WW, Bofa and Brad (where have you gone Brad?) for UWW at UMHB.

From my viewpoint.
Last year, imo there were three big keys to UWW's loss (I admit UMHB was probably the better team, but UWW has beaten better teams before).
1. UWW used to be tremendous at complementary football, meaning, even though the offense didn't always score, it maintained drives. The UWW O allowed the UWW D to stay off the field for a while. UWW's time of possession last year was 25 minutes, 35 seconds. That's why we saw Markeith Miller go for 33 carries and 168 yards. CRAZY STAT: Miller rushed for 91 yards (my quick count) in the 4th quarter.  This is what happens when your offense can't stay on the field- and the opponent has a bruising RB.

2. The punt return for TD with 1 minute 30 seconds left in first half. I don't know if it was a coaching decision to punt the ball in-bounds or a player error, but UWW was at the 50 yard line. A 20 or 30 yard punt out of bounds was the way to go.   

3. UWW played with no offensive urgency in the first half. They came out uptempo to start the third quarter, TD on first drive. UWW missed a 24 yard field goal on third drive, which would have put the score at 17-10.

IIRC my complaint was with the inability of Wilber to throw the ball downfield particularly in light of the grounded running game, and I was advocating for a QB change. It's becoming my brand.

[crufootball]

I'd love to see some game reviews from guys like USee, WW, Bofa and Brad (where have you gone Brad?) for UWW at UMHB.

From my viewpoint.
Last year, imo there were three big keys to UWW's loss (I admit UMHB was probably the better team, but UWW has beaten better teams before).
1. UWW used to be tremendous at complementary football, meaning, even though the offense didn't always score, it maintained drives. The UWW O allowed the UWW D to stay off the field for a while. UWW's time of possession last year was 25 minutes, 35 seconds. That's why we saw Markeith Miller go for 33 carries and 168 yards. CRAZY STAT: Miller rushed for 91 yards (my quick count) in the 4th quarter.  This is what happens when your offense can't stay on the field- and the opponent has a bruising RB.

2. The punt return for TD with 1 minute 30 seconds left in first half. I don't know if it was a coaching decision to punt the ball in-bounds or a player error, but UWW was at the 50 yard line. A 20 or 30 yard punt out of bounds was the way to go.   

3. UWW played with no offensive urgency in the first half. They came out uptempo to start the third quarter, TD on first drive. UWW missed a 24 yard field goal on third drive, which would have put the score at 17-10.

IIRC my complaint was with the inability of Wilber to throw the ball downfield particularly in light of the grounded running game, and I was advocating for a QB change. It's becoming my brand.

In Wilber's defense, our Pass Defense was something special last year. Only St. Johns had more than 200 yards the entire season, Mount Union the next week only had 194 and they passed the ball close to 20 more times.

[USee]

I'd love to see some game reviews from guys like USee, WW, Bofa and Brad (where have you gone Brad?) for UWW at UMHB.

my 2c:

I admit I have not seen as much UWW on film this year as years past and less so UMHB. I've watched enough of each to have a feel what they are about. UWW doesn't seem to have the dominant game they have carried late into the playoffs in years past. Neither does UMHB. Both of these teams are flawed. So it's about matchups and strengths vs weaknesses.

I usually use NCAA statistics with a grain of salt, but when you have played in the #1 conference in the country, the stats hold a little more truth to who you are in my view. UWW is not ranked in the top 25 in almost any area. Where they are really good is disrupting an offense and causing turnovers. The Warhawks are 11th in the country in turnovers gained (6th in forced fumbles). They are only 31st in total defense and 23rd in scoring defense. They also can get after the QB, ranking 17th in sacks.

On offense the Warhawks are versatile (seemingly painfully at times) and have the ability to take advantage of the opponents weaknesses. The problem is UMHB seems to be one of the top 2-3 defenses in the country and it's because they are #1 in turnover margin. Total defense is #3 and Total offense is 57th but their turnover margin is #1.

That's the recipe for a UWW victory in my mind. UWW has been in trouble when they turn the ball over (which they do all too often for UWW fans). If they can go in to Belton and take care of the football, the UWW defense will have to get takeaways from a team that doesn't turn it over much. I think UWW wins if they win the turnover battle as they will get some opportunities for their offense and are good enough on D to keep the score down.

sidenote: UMHB is #4 in scoring offense and #57 in total offense. Probably a combination of their takeaway numbers and their SOS, which is 163rd in the country. That could also be a factor that inflates their takeaways, inferior competition. Through 2 rounds UMHB has created 9 takeaways against only 1 giveaway.

[badgerwarhawk]

I know y'all don't ask Meylor to do much... but he sure doesn't do much.

Three starts (I counted St Xavier):  39-71 55%, 123 yds/gm, 7 TDs, 2 Ints, 3-0 with two very good opponents including St Xavier who may have the best team we've seen to date on a day that even a duck would have been miserable.  We're not Lacrosse or Platteville so we're not going to throw the ball like they do.  His numbers are pretty ordinary but he's 3-0 and he's doing what we need him to do.  Personally I think he's going to be very good given time.  For better or worse he's the guy at least for now. 

[emma17]

I know y'all don't ask Meylor to do much... but he sure doesn't do much.

Three starts (I counted St Xavier):  39-71 55%, 123 yds/gm, 7 TDs, 2 Ints, 3-0 with two very good opponents including St Xavier who may have the best team we've seen to date on a day that even a duck would have been miserable.  We're not Lacrosse or Platteville so we're not going to throw the ball like they do.  His numbers are pretty ordinary but he's 3-0 and he's doing what we need him to do.  Personally I think he's going to be very good given time.  For better or worse he's the guy at least for now.

Who knows, maybe UWW will use both QB's. If the UMHB D line is too disruptive, Oles can do some damage w the run.
Either way, UWW has a rookie QB in terms of facing an opponent like UMHB. I'd sure like to see UWW go w some tempo and get those D guys winded a bit.

[WW]

I'd love to see some game reviews from guys like USee, WW, Bofa and Brad (where have you gone Brad?) for UWW at UMHB.

From my viewpoint.
Last year, imo there were three big keys to UWW's loss (I admit UMHB was probably the better team, but UWW has beaten better teams before).
1. UWW used to be tremendous at complementary football, meaning, even though the offense didn't always score, it maintained drives. The UWW O allowed the UWW D to stay off the field for a while. UWW's time of possession last year was 25 minutes, 35 seconds. That's why we saw Markeith Miller go for 33 carries and 168 yards. CRAZY STAT: Miller rushed for 91 yards (my quick count) in the 4th quarter.  This is what happens when your offense can't stay on the field- and the opponent has a bruising RB.

2. The punt return for TD with 1 minute 30 seconds left in first half. I don't know if it was a coaching decision to punt the ball in-bounds or a player error, but UWW was at the 50 yard line. A 20 or 30 yard punt out of bounds was the way to go.   

3. UWW played with no offensive urgency in the first half. They came out uptempo to start the third quarter, TD on first drive. UWW missed a 24 yard field goal on third drive, which would have put the score at 17-10.

IIRC my complaint was with the inability of Wilber to throw the ball downfield particularly in light of the grounded running game, and I was advocating for a QB change. It's becoming my brand.

In Wilber's defense, our Pass Defense was something special last year. Only St. Johns had more than 200 yards the entire season, Mount Union the next week only had 194 and they passed the ball close to 20 more times.

That's a valid point. I'm not at the game nor do I see film so I have little clue if receivers gained any separation, except for the plays Wilber threw downfield and the camera followed the ball. More often than not, coverage was tight, and a window for success was tiny. The throws weren't good, but it almost didn't matter.

[Toby Taff]

I know y'all don't ask Meylor to do much... but he sure doesn't do much.

Three starts (I counted St Xavier):  39-71 55%, 123 yds/gm, 7 TDs, 2 Ints, 3-0 with two very good opponents including St Xavier who may have the best team we've seen to date on a day that even a duck would have been miserable.  We're not Lacrosse or Platteville so we're not going to throw the ball like they do.  His numbers are pretty ordinary but he's 3-0 and he's doing what we need him to do.  Personally I think he's going to be very good given time.  For better or worse he's the guy at least for now.

Who knows, maybe UWW will use both QB's. If the UMHB D line is too disruptive, Oles can do some damage w the run.
Either way, UWW has a rookie QB in terms of facing an opponent like UMHB. I'd sure like to see UWW go w some tempo and get those D guys winded a bit.

I'm sure it's possible, but I haven't seen it yet. Even in the HSU game with Hemphill grinding and eating clock, the defense never looked tired.

[emma17]

I know y'all don't ask Meylor to do much... but he sure doesn't do much.

Three starts (I counted St Xavier):  39-71 55%, 123 yds/gm, 7 TDs, 2 Ints, 3-0 with two very good opponents including St Xavier who may have the best team we've seen to date on a day that even a duck would have been miserable.  We're not Lacrosse or Platteville so we're not going to throw the ball like they do.  His numbers are pretty ordinary but he's 3-0 and he's doing what we need him to do.  Personally I think he's going to be very good given time.  For better or worse he's the guy at least for now.

Who knows, maybe UWW will use both QB's. If the UMHB D line is too disruptive, Oles can do some damage w the run.
Either way, UWW has a rookie QB in terms of facing an opponent like UMHB. I'd sure like to see UWW go w some tempo and get those D guys winded a bit.

I'm sure it's possible, but I haven't seen it yet. Even in the HSU game with Hemphill grinding and eating clock, the defense never looked tired.

I'm sure the DB's and LB's are fine, but the big guys upfront will get winded.
Slow play w huddles allows the subs time to get in. I think UMHB runs a lot of subs in the D line, uptempo can make that a challenge.
But hey, I don't want to pretend uptempo is the answer to everything, it's just a suggestion from a silly fan.
We all know the real answer to everything ... more slant routes (but not too many to the slots running into LB's and safeties).

[emma17]

I'd love to see some game reviews from guys like USee, WW, Bofa and Brad (where have you gone Brad?) for UWW at UMHB.

my 2c:

I admit I have not seen as much UWW on film this year as years past and less so UMHB. I've watched enough of each to have a feel what they are about. UWW doesn't seem to have the dominant game they have carried late into the playoffs in years past. Neither does UMHB. Both of these teams are flawed. So it's about matchups and strengths vs weaknesses.

I usually use NCAA statistics with a grain of salt, but when you have played in the #1 conference in the country, the stats hold a little more truth to who you are in my view. UWW is not ranked in the top 25 in almost any area. Where they are really good is disrupting an offense and causing turnovers. The Warhawks are 11th in the country in turnovers gained (6th in forced fumbles). They are only 31st in total defense and 23rd in scoring defense. They also can get after the QB, ranking 17th in sacks.

On offense the Warhawks are versatile (seemingly painfully at times) and have the ability to take advantage of the opponents weaknesses. The problem is UMHB seems to be one of the top 2-3 defenses in the country and it's because they are #1 in turnover margin. Total defense is #3 and Total offense is 57th but their turnover margin is #1.

That's the recipe for a UWW victory in my mind. UWW has been in trouble when they turn the ball over (which they do all too often for UWW fans). If they can go in to Belton and take care of the football, the UWW defense will have to get takeaways from a team that doesn't turn it over much. I think UWW wins if they win the turnover battle as they will get some opportunities for their offense and are good enough on D to keep the score down.

sidenote: UMHB is #4 in scoring offense and #57 in total offense. Probably a combination of their takeaway numbers and their SOS, which is 163rd in the country. That could also be a factor that inflates their takeaways, inferior competition. Through 2 rounds UMHB has created 9 takeaways against only 1 giveaway.

So it's about the takeaways. You're probably going to be proven correct.
Thinking about the offensive styles as it relates to takeaways, I wonder if UWW won't go the route of ultra conservative. UWW hasn't had a banner passing year, so the staff may see UMHB's speed in the secondary as reason to stay on the ground. I think UWW RB's fumbled twice last year and both those guys are back and I'm sure eager to perform.
I may be odd man out here, but I like UWW's pass defense v UMHB as I think their QB will be facing pressure. That combination may win UWW the takeaway battle.