FB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[bleedpurple]

UWW's Max Meylor is completing 68% of his passes over three games with a 205 passer rating. Great numbers and reminiscent of UWW championship years QB's.
The D is in that same category.

Meylor has been excellent. Looks like a different guy than the one I last saw take the field in 2019. If I'm a UWW guy, I have some concerns about plan B, though. Lewandowski now has a 30% completion rate—to the other team. This hasn't been like past Bullis N-C skeds that almost had an audition quality to them for Oles and Wilber, or Oles and Meylor, or even a couple years ago when the third-stringer took meaningful snaps. By the end of non-conference play, they always entered WIAC with two guys you knew could do the job.

Meylor looks like a very capable guy when he tucks it away but I gotta think you won't see much of that going forward. A key to UWW's season will be keeping him upright. And if you plan on playing a 15-game season, that backup QB is gonna matter at some point.

When UWW was winning Stagg Bowls (exception of 2010 when Blanchard got hurt in the playoffs) they had one QB taking majority of the snaps all season. I never was a fan of QB by committee. This is the best a QB has played since Bullis took the head coaching job. He really doesn't have a reason to look at someone else at this point (even if Evan played well in mop-up duties). The reason Bullis did it in previous seasons was b/c UWW's QB play was so erratic. Nobody played that great to truly solidify the position.

I guess if our biggest concern for UWW is our backup QB, things must be going pretty well.  That and our kicking game is pretty horrendous.

Truth.

But it does look like we've got some Freshman options who have plenty of leg...so maybe that gets better.

We have some room for improvement in the kicking game.  We have two freshmen kickers with huge legs. They just need to be more consistent. Horrendous might be a bit strong. They are getting great height on kickoffs and opponents are averaging less than 16 yards per kickoff return. They are getting good distance as well. We have given teams long fields after kickoffs. They are also 4-4 on field goals. Although we had a botched snap and didn't get a kick off on one. We have to clean up the extra points as well. I think the kickers just need consistency on PAT 's and they will be fine.

The punting on the other hand....let's just say...needs to come around.

[WW]

UWW's Max Meylor is completing 68% of his passes over three games with a 205 passer rating. Great numbers and reminiscent of UWW championship years QB's.
The D is in that same category.

Meylor has been excellent. Looks like a different guy than the one I last saw take the field in 2019. If I'm a UWW guy, I have some concerns about plan B, though. Lewandowski now has a 30% completion rate—to the other team. This hasn't been like past Bullis N-C skeds that almost had an audition quality to them for Oles and Wilber, or Oles and Meylor, or even a couple years ago when the third-stringer took meaningful snaps. By the end of non-conference play, they always entered WIAC with two guys you knew could do the job.

Meylor looks like a very capable guy when he tucks it away but I gotta think you won't see much of that going forward. A key to UWW's season will be keeping him upright. And if you plan on playing a 15-game season, that backup QB is gonna matter at some point.

I'll call myself out on this one...I thought that when touted as a "record setting QB from UWL," he was going to come in and really push Meylor for the QB1 spot. Maybe he did push him, and that's why we see such improvement. And there's no doubt there's arm talent in Lewandowski, as evidenced by some of the throws he's made. But his decision making is questionable at best. The records he set at UWL wouldn't place him terribly high on the UWW all time season records list...and his 9 touchdown game was against UWRF. I made some poor assumptions on how good he was. He's also probably trying to take the QB1 job on every throw, pressing trying to show off his promise to the coaches. But if he doesn't figure this out, he may get bypassed even for next year when he should be the heir apparent to QB1.

The offense just stalls when he gets out on the field. Given the weapons he's surrounded with...that shouldn't happen even with bad decision making. Maybe Chryst is showing some promise...I know Jennings said in pre-season interviews he's really high on all the guys in the QB room, so maybe there's some hope with a backup yet. The WIAC is deep enough this year that there may not be many blowouts, but hopefully there's still some time to get some of these guys some snaps.

The 9 TD game overshadowed the 6 INT game vs Platteville. And all the "B1G transfer from Maryland" noise overshadowed everything else. I saw him play twice in '19. He was a little sloppy against UWO with 3 picks but he also threw for 352 and they kicked the shnott out of the Titans. I thought he was really solid vs UWW the following week and gave UWL a chance to win. One costly pick at the end, but didn't force much before that one. I'm still really surprised he left there. They let him do his thing, but clearly he had bigger dreams.

Yeah, we'll see about next year's heir apparent, but I'm starting to think that "next year's Whitewater QB" just hasn't transferred there yet...

[02 Warhawk]

UWW's Max Meylor is completing 68% of his passes over three games with a 205 passer rating. Great numbers and reminiscent of UWW championship years QB's.
The D is in that same category.

Meylor has been excellent. Looks like a different guy than the one I last saw take the field in 2019. If I'm a UWW guy, I have some concerns about plan B, though. Lewandowski now has a 30% completion rate—to the other team. This hasn't been like past Bullis N-C skeds that almost had an audition quality to them for Oles and Wilber, or Oles and Meylor, or even a couple years ago when the third-stringer took meaningful snaps. By the end of non-conference play, they always entered WIAC with two guys you knew could do the job.

Meylor looks like a very capable guy when he tucks it away but I gotta think you won't see much of that going forward. A key to UWW's season will be keeping him upright. And if you plan on playing a 15-game season, that backup QB is gonna matter at some point.

When UWW was winning Stagg Bowls (exception of 2010 when Blanchard got hurt in the playoffs) they had one QB taking majority of the snaps all season. I never was a fan of QB by committee. This is the best a QB has played since Bullis took the head coaching job. He really doesn't have a reason to look at someone else at this point (even if Evan played well in mop-up duties). The reason Bullis did it in previous seasons was b/c UWW's QB play was so erratic. Nobody played that great to truly solidify the position.

I guess if our biggest concern for UWW is our backup QB, things must be going pretty well.  That and our kicking game is pretty horrendous.

Truth.

But it does look like we've got some Freshman options who have plenty of leg...so maybe that gets better.

We have some room for improvement in the kicking game.  We have two freshmen kickers with huge legs. They just need to be more consistent. Horrendous might be a bit strong. They are getting great height on kickoffs and opponents are averaging less than 16 yards per kickoff return. They are getting good distance as well. We have given teams long fields after kickoffs. They are also 4-4 on field goals. Although we had a botched snap and didn't get a kick off on one. We have to clean up the extra points as well. I think the kickers just need consistency on PAT 's and they will be fine.

The punting on the other hand....let's just say...needs to come around.

Yeah, when I said kicking game I meant kicking and punting. I had 3 botched extra points (1 against Carthage, 2 against Berry) and some bad punts in mind when using "horrendous".

But I've been known to exaggerate. 

[emma17]

UWW's Max Meylor is completing 68% of his passes over three games with a 205 passer rating. Great numbers and reminiscent of UWW championship years QB's.
The D is in that same category.

Meylor has been excellent. Looks like a different guy than the one I last saw take the field in 2019. If I'm a UWW guy, I have some concerns about plan B, though. Lewandowski now has a 30% completion rate—to the other team. This hasn't been like past Bullis N-C skeds that almost had an audition quality to them for Oles and Wilber, or Oles and Meylor, or even a couple years ago when the third-stringer took meaningful snaps. By the end of non-conference play, they always entered WIAC with two guys you knew could do the job.

Meylor looks like a very capable guy when he tucks it away but I gotta think you won't see much of that going forward. A key to UWW's season will be keeping him upright. And if you plan on playing a 15-game season, that backup QB is gonna matter at some point.

When UWW was winning Stagg Bowls (exception of 2010 when Blanchard got hurt in the playoffs) they had one QB taking majority of the snaps all season. I never was a fan of QB by committee. This is the best a QB has played since Bullis took the head coaching job. He really doesn't have a reason to look at someone else at this point (even if Evan played well in mop-up duties). The reason Bullis did it in previous seasons was b/c UWW's QB play was so erratic. Nobody played that great to truly solidify the position.

I guess if our biggest concern for UWW is our backup QB, things must be going pretty well.  That and our kicking game is pretty horrendous.

Truth.

But it does look like we've got some Freshman options who have plenty of leg...so maybe that gets better.

We have some room for improvement in the kicking game.  We have two freshmen kickers with huge legs. They just need to be more consistent. Horrendous might be a bit strong. They are getting great height on kickoffs and opponents are averaging less than 16 yards per kickoff return. They are getting good distance as well. We have given teams long fields after kickoffs. They are also 4-4 on field goals. Although we had a botched snap and didn't get a kick off on one. We have to clean up the extra points as well. I think the kickers just need consistency on PAT 's and they will be fine.

The punting on the other hand....let's just say...needs to come around.

Yeah, when I said kicking game I meant kicking and punting. I had 3 botched extra points (1 against Carthage, 2 against Berry) and some bad punts in mind when using "horrendous".

But I've been known to exaggerate. 

Your exaggeration has been most pronounced during championship years - so keep it up.

[OzJohnnie]

The Jaguars have two DIII players now.  Platteville TE Dan Arnold has joined Johnnie Ben Bartch at the club.  The Jags TE situation sucks harder than the vacuum of space so there's a good chance that Arnold gets playing time straight away.

[57Johnnie]

The Jaguars have two DIII players now.  Platteville TE Dan Arnold has joined Johnnie Ben Bartch at the club.  The Jags TE situation sucks harder than the vacuum of space so there's a good chance that Arnold gets playing time straight away.

Quinn Meinerz  played most of the second half at guard for the Broncos yesterday! 

[emma17]

The Jaguars have two DIII players now.  Platteville TE Dan Arnold has joined Johnnie Ben Bartch at the club.  The Jags TE situation sucks harder than the vacuum of space so there's a good chance that Arnold gets playing time straight away.

Quinn Meinerz  played most of the second half at guard for the Broncos yesterday! 

Thanks for the heads up 57. I'm trying to find out when the NFL channel will show the replay. For some reason my cable provider doesn't show the team names in the guide for the reply games.

[retagent]

The Jags are on the Thursday night game this week. NFL Channel.

[emma17]

Time to prep for Saturday.
Stout. Looks like they are really well balanced run and pass with some guys that can play in all skilled positions. You know they'll come in hard-nosed, this could be an exciting game. This is also the beginning of a tough stretch of games in the WIAC w UWP, UWO and UWRF to follow Stout.

Stay healthy and Go U Dub Dub.

[WW]

Time to prep for Saturday.
Stout. Looks like they are really well balanced run and pass with some guys that can play in all skilled positions. You know they'll come in hard-nosed, this could be an exciting game. This is also the beginning of a tough stretch of games in the WIAC w UWP, UWO and UWRF to follow Stout.

Stay healthy and Go U Dub Dub.

I don't like Stout to win this game, or even keep it close through all four quarters. But I'm starting to think Stout could be the third best team in the WIAC. Rayshawn Graham hasn't taken a snap since 2018, but he has come out healthy, hungry as hell, averaging 7 yds a carry through NC. He is 5-10, 250, 20 lbs heavier than when he last played football, the definition of a bowling ball. QB Borgerding is a veteran with past AC honors. They got horses.

This is a darkhorse playoff squad, IMO. A competitive game might shiny up their pool C resume. UWW reigns supreme for now (as long as Meylor stays upright), but the scrum underneath them should be really good stuff. Potentially one of those years where three teams represent the WIAC in playoffs.

[bleedpurple]

Time to prep for Saturday.
Stout. Looks like they are really well balanced run and pass with some guys that can play in all skilled positions. You know they'll come in hard-nosed, this could be an exciting game. This is also the beginning of a tough stretch of games in the WIAC w UWP, UWO and UWRF to follow Stout.

Stay healthy and Go U Dub Dub.

I don't like Stout to win this game, or even keep it close through all four quarters. But I'm starting to think Stout could be the third best team in the WIAC. Rayshawn Graham hasn't taken a snap since 2018, but he has come out healthy, hungry as hell, averaging 7 yds a carry through NC. He is 5-10, 250, 20 lbs heavier than when he last played football, the definition of a bowling ball. QB Borgerding is a veteran with past AC honors. They got horses.

This is a darkhorse playoff squad, IMO. A competitive game might shiny up their pool C resume. UWW reigns supreme for now (as long as Meylor stays upright), but the scrum underneath them should be really good stuff. Potentially one of those years where three teams represent the WIAC in playoffs.

I would be so pumped if Stout made the playoffs! I consider their OC, Nick Pesik, a friend and I've had the opportunity to talk with Clayt a few times and he is a class act. I'd be really happy for them if they got to represent the WIAC in the playoffs!  I'd also love it if they were to beat UW-L and UW-0!  But, I hope it all starts AFTER Saturday for them! 

[BigMark]

I enjoyed bye week getting mind right for conference play. Here is an update how I see the league going this year.

1- UWW. 3-0 with playing a tough non con schedule is very impressive. I still stand by I believe that UWW is on their way to a national title.

2- UWO. Second place is very close for me to project. UWO win against Northern Michigan was very impressive. Their QB play has been very sound. They are an older team and I just have a hard time seeing anyone but UWW beating them

3- UWL- UWL has made a statement in non con. The game against a very good Grand Valley might have been the best outing for the WIAC this entire pre season. They took care of a Dakota State team that is 3-1 also and made it look easy. It would not surprise me to see them finish 2.

4- UW-Stout- This was my sleeper pre season and I stand by it today. They have talent all over the field. They also handled a Point team in a "non conference" game. I could see them pulling an upset later in the year and would not surprise me at all

5- UWP- I might be to high on this team still with the non conference schedule. I have heard they had some covid cases but with 50 junior and seniors on their roster, I am sure Coach E will have them ready to play

*Drop off

6- UWRF- Impressive non conference 3-0 start. Their non conference schedule started 1-9 so I do not think they are ready for the WIAC right now. I am hoping the Falcons can sneak over .500 this year. That would be a major stepping stone.

7- UWEC- I was impressed with UWEC first few wins but had a hiccup while I was on bye week. I think Point vs UWEC will be for the bottom of the league. UWEC is a team to watch over the next three years though.

8- Point. The only reason I have dropped point so far is they have one game against a WIAC school and did not show well at all. With as close as the leauge is going to be this year a 31 point defeat does not sit well with me.

The top 5 in this league are loaded this year. I still stand by this is the best WIAC I have ever seen in my 41 year life. Cant wait for this week.

Week 1 WIAC Preview

UWEC vs Point- Right off the bat the game that I just talked about. I think UWEC gets this one by 3 in a close one. This is a coin flip of a game

UWRF vs UWL- UWRF at home in one of the biggest games in Coach Matt Walker career. UWRF has a great offense, but I just do not think they have seen a legit defense yet. UWL takes this one by 17

UWO vs UWP- I think UWP makes this an interesting game for a half. The ground game will wear on UWP over the second half and the Titans come up with the win by 11 in what I think is the game of the week in the WIAC.

UW- Stout vs UWW- I think the world of Whitewater this year, I also have a soft spot in my heart for this Stout team. My heart says Stout close but deep down I know that UWW is going to win this game by 21 or so. I am hoping Stout can keep it close and get out healthy so they can push the rest of the league.

Looking forward to hearing what everyone has to say. WIAC Football in October with fans back in the seats! It does not get any better!!!

[emma17]

Great stuff BigMark.
I haven't seen much of any WIAC games this year so I'm flying blind a bit. UWL by 17 seems high to me given the offensive numbers from UWRF. By the way, I noticed a Borgerding on UWRF defense- related to the UW Stout QB?

I'd like to see UWO really handle UWP- I'm a bit tired of that Pioneer offense that feels out of place in the WIAC.

[WW]

Hmm, lots to chew on there, BigMark.

1- UWW. I'm with ya, right up until the Stagg Bowl. But I think NCC is still a two-TD favorite over anyone, including the Warhawks, until they show otherwise. But that's down the road. In WIAC play, UWW will just win. A couple scrappy outcomes, sure, but I can't see them losing a Meylor-led WIAC game.

2- UWO. I dunno, man. I'm not very impressed with their NC schedule. Needed a 4th Q rally to beat Huntingdon, which then turned around and lost to unranked Birmingham Southern, 48-9. Northern Michigan... meh. D2 shmee 2. They're not good. And c'mon... how can you AGAIN have an incomplete NC schedule??? On the other hand, UWO's got the meat and the grinders to ground and pound. And they got the NCAA D3 100m champion in Jaylen Grant. Not sure how they're gonna get him the ball, but this team is gonna bring some thunder and lightning.

3- UWL. Jakob Parks is a guy we're gonna hear a lot about this season. Transferred from South Dakota and off to a great start. 9 TDs, 1 INT in NC play. Man, there are some good QBs in this league.

4- UW-Stout. They have a past AC QB honoree in Borgerding, a Campbell trophy nominee in LB Haydon Miller and RB Rayshawn Graham is a full-grown man. 20 carries, 199 yards last week in their NC domination of the Pointers. That's 10 yards a carry against what I thought might be one of the better fronts in the WIAC. I'm listing them "4" just to be alignment with your post but I really feel this is a potential WIAC 2, and pool C candidate.

5- UW-Platteville. By the time this season is over, Colin Schuetz will have thrown more than 1000 passes for UWP, barring injury. He's a player. There's no shame in losing to ETBU or especially Bethel, but NC results clearly suggest no better than a mid-pack finish for the Platters. That said, go see a game. Their facility and marching band are excellent.

6- UWRF. You're right that their NC schedule was junk, but they sure kicked the schnott out of them. Think your 17-point UWL spread is on target but I don't know a whole lot about this Falcons team, and their NC resume just shows they can whup up on bad teams. Their QB Hinrichsen (a D2 transfer) gets his first real shot and is off to a solid start.

7. UWEC. Another NC schedule that reveals more questions than answers. I'm curious about your assessment that they're on the rise. What do you like about them? The new coach? Anything going on infrastructure-wise at UWEC that will make it more attractive to recruits? QB Malueg is a veteran guy too.

8. UWSP. The Stout NC outcome confused me a bit. Expected a better showing. I'll admit a bias because I saw them really bottle up UWO in 2019 and with some significant returning defensive personnel, did not expect to see them trucked by Stout like that, NC or no. Another team with a good QB and track speed. I think they'll win one or two yet.

[57Johnnie]

The Jaguars have two DIII players now.  Platteville TE Dan Arnold has joined Johnnie Ben Bartch at the club.  The Jags TE situation sucks harder than the vacuum of space so there's a good chance that Arnold gets playing time straight away.

Quinn Meinerz  played most of the second half at guard for the Broncos yesterday! 

Thanks for the heads up 57. I'm trying to find out when the NFL channel will show the replay. For some reason my cable provider doesn't show the team names in the guide for the reply games.

You might try: milehighreport.com and navigate through to see some stories and replays
Looks like he may start against the Ravens on Sunday. Good luck.