FB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[GBMAN]

Any score predictions for the UW-W V Central game?

[hazzben]

Agreed. But the WIAC can do that on its own for conference members and has done so in the past.

For sure, I'd welcome the WIAC hamstringing themselves, in the same way the MIAC does by not allowing graduate students to play.

[USee]

Any score predictions for the UW-W V Central game?

Central is going to bring a dynamic, high tempo pass game to the Perk. Given UWW's ability to control the LOS and stop the run, Central is going to also be one dimensional (65 pass plays last week). The Dutch embraced that approach going into last week and it worked to their advantage. At this point in the playoffs, one dimensional teams tend to get exposed. UWW has a great film and a week to prepare for the up tempo, sophisticated pass game of the RedHawks. It took some perfect execution and some Dutch Magic to score 30 last week (three incredible 4th downs converted in the last 2 drives and a final play miracle). I think more likely Central scores under 24 and the Warhawks pound the rock and score north of 30. Central spent a lot of energy and people to get the win last week, but Blaine Hawkins is a special player and they certainly are playing for a cause so it's not out of the question that Central figures out a way to advance.

[bleedpurple]

Any score predictions for the UW-W V Central game?

Let's go back to 1966 and call it:

UWW    41
Central 28

My head tells me it will be more like 42-21 (with Central getting a late TD). But for nostalgia sake, I'm going 41-28.

[WRMUalum13]

Cerroni said he is leaving on his terms before all the changes happen in Division III football over the next six months.

He references a possible return of redshirting and changes to roster sizes -- I haven't heard any of this. It's highly unlikely that NCAA Division III will go back to allowing the routine redshirt and I don't think NCAA Division III members will vote to limit football rosters because so many Division III schools rely on those young men to fill rosters and dorm rooms and classrooms.

I have no idea if the WIAC might do something with football roster sizes.

Those seem like pretty innocuous changes, not something groundbreaking that you'd want to get out ahead of. Seems like an odd reason to leave.

The problem with redshirting for most schools is that most student athletes would probably not opt to stay an additional year for financial reasons. The WIAC and some elite schools are probably the only ones that could really take advantage of the rule I would think.

Allowing Redshirting would be a monumental shift in the division. It would be make the advantage to schools with the ability to give large aid packages even wider. And also for schools that cost under say $20k/yr to begin with. I don't see that happening.

The roster cap would also be major, but as Pat pointed out highly unlikely. Tuition dollar bills y'all!

Yeah I was alluding to the fact the it would actually be advantageous to the WIAC, compared to the rest of the division, not something that would make a WIAC coaches job harder.

[crufootball]

Agreed. But the WIAC can do that on its own for conference members and has done so in the past.

For sure, I'd welcome the WIAC hamstringing themselves, in the same way the MIAC does by not allowing graduate students to play.

So that is why the St. Johns player mentioned he would be going someplace else to play football for his last year of eligibility?

[bleedpurple]

Just wanted to acknowledge what a great year the Warhawk defense is having and why the defense is one of many reasons the future is so bright at UW-W.

In the year of the "Super Senior" all across D-III, UW-W's 4th Ranked Scoring defense has 13 freshmen and sophomores in their 22 man defensive two-deep.  This while playing in the best conference in the country.  Football eligibility-wise, the defensive two-deep has only 3 seniors.  I'm sure some of the 4th year juniors may go on with their lives after this year, but when I think of all the really talented guys BEHIND the two-deep and the relatively few losses, it's almost scary to think how good this defense will continue to be.

[02 Warhawk]

Absolutely, Bleed.

In this upcoming game there's a lot of talk about Central's high-powered passing attack, that I think UWW's offense is flying under the radar this week. I mean we have an offensive Conference POY and Gagliardi Finalists QB of our own. Along with a host of skilled WRs, including one that will get All-American considerations. Not to mention a pre-season All American RB who's great at getting to the second level and breaking tackles. A very balanced offense all around.

Central isn't really known for their defense, so the Hawks offense could potentially have their way with them Saturday.

[USee]

Absolutely, Bleed.

In this upcoming game there's a lot of talk about Central's high-powered passing attack, that I think UWW's offense is flying under the radar this week. I mean we have an offensive Conference POY and Gagliardi Finalists QB of our own. Along with a host of skilled WRs, including one that will get All-American considerations. Not to mention a pre-season All American RB who's great at getting to the second level and breaking tackles. A very balanced offense all around.

Central isn't really known for their defense, so the Hawks offense could potentially have their way with them Saturday.

One point in Centrals favor is they have definitely played well against stepped up competition the last two weeks. Most people think Bethel and Wheaton are top 10 teams and, at least in Bethel's case, played in a tough league this year. Wheaton played well vs Aurora (putting up 63) the week before. Bethel's offense is rated #33 in the country and Wheaton's is #10. Wheaton has an AA RB and a big, physical OL as well as a 5th yr QB. While I think the matchup for UWW's offense is favorable because of their scheme (inside/outside zone) against what Central does, I don' think Central is going to see anything dramatically better than they saw already. Same on defense, Central played well against Wheaton's defense and UWW's is very similar but the matchups are better for the Warhawks in my opinion.

I think UWW matches up well with Central yet I also think Central won't be surprised by the speed and physicality of the Warhawks as the last two weeks has prepared them well for this. It has also depleted them and that may have a bigger impact than anything else.

[02 Warhawk]

All very true, but I don't think Wheaton or Bethel are known for stretching the field with their passing game. Both are great running teams, with good lines, but they are mostly run first...especially Wheaton.

I like the balance whitewater brings to the table. Central will have a tough time making them one dimensional Saturday. Plus Whitewater hosting the game has its advantages.

[USee]

Hosting is a huge edge. And I think UWW has a couple big play WR. But Wheaton was 50 50 pass run all season. Vs central they had 35 runs and 35 passes. Hit some big plays.  Bethel threw it down the field regularly especially with the QB limping

[emma17]

Absolutely, Bleed.

In this upcoming game there's a lot of talk about Central's high-powered passing attack, that I think UWW's offense is flying under the radar this week. I mean we have an offensive Conference POY and Gagliardi Finalists QB of our own. Along with a host of skilled WRs, including one that will get All-American considerations. Not to mention a pre-season All American RB who's great at getting to the second level and breaking tackles. A very balanced offense all around.

Central isn't really known for their defense, so the Hawks offense could potentially have their way with them Saturday.

One point in Centrals favor is they have definitely played well against stepped up competition the last two weeks. Most people think Bethel and Wheaton are top 10 teams and, at least in Bethel's case, played in a tough league this year. Wheaton played well vs Aurora (putting up 63) the week before. Bethel's offense is rated #33 in the country and Wheaton's is #10. Wheaton has an AA RB and a big, physical OL as well as a 5th yr QB. While I think the matchup for UWW's offense is favorable because of their scheme (inside/outside zone) against what Central does, I don' think Central is going to see anything dramatically better than they saw already. Same on defense, Central played well against Wheaton's defense and UWW's is very similar but the matchups are better for the Warhawks in my opinion.

I think UWW matches up well with Central yet I also think Central won't be surprised by the speed and physicality of the Warhawks as the last two weeks has prepared them well for this. It has also depleted them and that may have a bigger impact than anything else.

I haven't seen enough of Wheaton or Bethel to speak to their speed and physicality. In watching UWW this year, the two aspects of their game that stick out the most to me are:
-Their speed on defense- especially DB's and LB's breaking to the ball/closing speed on plays. UWW has always been good/excellent on D, this team can really cover ground.
-UWW RB's getting passed the second level. I don't know if it's due to better downfield blocking, better vision or scheme, but this 2021 team has figured out how to get longer runs from the RB's, and it's a real weapon.

[MRMIKESMITH]

Absolutely, Bleed.

In this upcoming game there's a lot of talk about Central's high-powered passing attack, that I think UWW's offense is flying under the radar this week. I mean we have an offensive Conference POY and Gagliardi Finalists QB of our own. Along with a host of skilled WRs, including one that will get All-American considerations. Not to mention a pre-season All American RB who's great at getting to the second level and breaking tackles. A very balanced offense all around.

Central isn't really known for their defense, so the Hawks offense could potentially have their way with them Saturday.

One point in Centrals favor is they have definitely played well against stepped up competition the last two weeks. Most people think Bethel and Wheaton are top 10 teams and, at least in Bethel's case, played in a tough league this year. Wheaton played well vs Aurora (putting up 63) the week before. Bethel's offense is rated #33 in the country and Wheaton's is #10. Wheaton has an AA RB and a big, physical OL as well as a 5th yr QB. While I think the matchup for UWW's offense is favorable because of their scheme (inside/outside zone) against what Central does, I don' think Central is going to see anything dramatically better than they saw already. Same on defense, Central played well against Wheaton's defense and UWW's is very similar but the matchups are better for the Warhawks in my opinion.

I think UWW matches up well with Central yet I also think Central won't be surprised by the speed and physicality of the Warhawks as the last two weeks has prepared them well for this. It has also depleted them and that may have a bigger impact than anything else.

I haven't seen enough of Wheaton or Bethel to speak to their speed and physicality. In watching UWW this year, the two aspects of their game that stick out the most to me are:
-Their speed on defense- especially DB's and LB's breaking to the ball/closing speed on plays. UWW has always been good/excellent on D, this team can really cover ground.
-UWW RB's getting passed the second level. I don't know if it's due to better downfield blocking, better vision or scheme, but this 2021 team has figured out how to get longer runs from the RB's, and it's a real weapon.

I agree, I was very impressed with UW-Whitewater team defense and ability to fly to the ball especially against Salisbury's Flexbone offense. They definitely teach 11 hats to the ball. They were very successful without having to put 8/9 people in the box as other less talented teams did to Salisbury.

[USee]

I have watched 3 UWW games this year and the thing that stuck out to me every time is the speed and physicality of the defensive backfield. It's a differentiator for sure. Central has seen some of that the last two weeks but not across the board like UWW will bring. It will be a major factor in my opinion.

[hazzben]

Hosting is a huge edge. And I think UWW has a couple big play WR. But Wheaton was 50 50 pass run all season. Vs central they had 35 runs and 35 passes. Hit some big plays.  Bethel threw it down the field regularly especially with the QB limping

02, Bethel had an elite deep threat in Kidder at WR this year. Roste being hobbled was what really limited our running game.

I have watched 3 UWW games this year and the thing that stuck out to me every time is the speed and physicality of the defensive backfield. It's a differentiator for sure. Central has seen some of that the last two weeks but not across the board like UWW will bring. It will be a major factor in my opinion.

I think this is the best back 7 Central will have seen yet. I also think this is going away the best QB/WR combo WW has seen yet. Should be a fascinating matchup. If WW can get pressure with 4, and still contain Hawkins when he scrambles, that will bode well. Hawkins showed on the last drive v. Wheaton how he can improvise and extend plays if you can't get him down on the first shot.