FB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[jaypeter]

raiderguy...prayers ascending for you, the doctors and medical staff, and your family.

[HScoach]

IMHO, the biggest key for UWW is no unforced errors. 

In both previous Stagg's, Whitewater made unforced errors that hurt them. 

The dropped TD pass by the TE at the goal line right before half in '05 cost them an easy TD.   

In '06 there were 2 fumbled handoffs between Jacobs and Beaver.  The first one came on the MUC goal line on 3rd down and even though Beaver recovered, the blown play cost UWW a chance to be up 17-14 at half, instead of trailing 14-13 after the FG.  The second fumble came one play after Stanley's circus catch along the UWW sideline that put the ball deep in MUC territory that was recovered by Mount.  Thereby killing a scoring opportunity when the game was still very close.

Great defenses (of which both MUC and UWW are easily that) will cause mistakes.  Those you have little control over.  It's the unforced errors that can kill you.



Onto the weather discussion.  If the game was to be played on grass this week, then HUGE advantage to Whitewater because of their style of play offensively and their size advantage defensively. 

With the new field turf installed, I don't think just a light rain will be a huge difference.  Mount's passing game has the constant threat of going vertical with Garcon & Davis, but if it's raining and windy conditions, you can forget about the vertical passing game.  If freezing rain and very windy, you might just as well forget the passing game all together which is a HUGE advantage back to Whitewater because it would completely eliminate Mount's best weapons:  their WR's.

What makes Mount's offense so dangerous is their flexibilty and diversity with the same 11 guys in the huddle.  If the weather eliminates one part of their attack, it's a huge advantage to Whitewater's "D". 

Mount has played some Stagg Bowls in pretty crappy weather/field condition and worked around it:
'93 was 25 degrees and windy
'00 was muddy and raining
'02 was a nice day except for the 40+ mph winds that made throwing impossible
But none of those were as bad as low 30's and freezing rain.  That's just plain ugly!



Also, I think the lower the score is, the better Whitewater's chances are.  I seriously doubt Whitewater wants (or can win) a shootout with MUC.  If Mount ends with under 14 points, Whitewater wins.  If Mount is between 14-21 points, I still like UWW chances to win.  If Mount scores somewhere between 22-30, I like Mount's chances.  If MUC hits 30+, it's over.

I think the MUC "D" will hold Whitewater somewhere in the 17 to 27 point range, regardless of the weather.  The question for me is whether the UWW "D" can do the same to the Mount "O".  If Mother Nature helps limit the options for Mount, then I'm sure UWW will be happy to accept her help.

I'm looking forward to a great game that is going to be much, MUCH closer than most people are expecting.

[raiderfan1983]

I'm glad to see that most of the posters on this board have some sense and distanced themselves from the "average skill players" comment.  As far as the comments from uwlaxalum, the post is true that if you can hold Mount to less than 17 points you have a good chance at winning the game (assuming that your offense can put a couple scores on the board).  Since Mount has not given up more than 18 points in a game this season, that may be a difficult assumption to back up.  Also, Mount's lowest scoring game was a 35-0 win, so it stands to reason that holding this team under 17 points is going to be extremely difficult.  Also, about controlling the time of possession being a key to the game.  Personally, I think this is the most overrated stat in college football.  Mount doesn't need a lot of time to pile up points.  To further prove my point, I have to quote Steve Logan (coordinator at Boston College).  This is from last year when he had a radio show down here in the South.  "You know who leads time of possession?  Temple at nearly 48 minutes a game.  Temple couldn't score on tall grass."  I think we fans of college football show throw time of possession right out the window in most games, unless you have two abysmal offenses going at it, which is not the case this weekend.     

[Klopenhiemer]

Give it up for the Purple Raiders of Mt. Union.  Wow they got a team baby!!!!!!!!

[footballfan413]

From the Wisconsin State Journal , "Leipold keeps Stagg party going."

Great article on the coach.  The Warhawks head to Salem this year with a different look.  They bring the unknown of a different coaching staff, QB and what I and many believe is a better defense.  These seniors have come up short twice and are determined as ever.  Forget the stats comparing these two team's season.  The Warhawks have faced much tougher opponents in the WIAC, the #2 OAC team, a D-2 team, and UMHB TWICE.  I agree with hscoach, there were lost opportunities in the last two games.  If the Warhawks come out hard and fast, limit mistakes and penalties.........this will be their year.  And a Warhawk winning the Gagliardi Award.........it has to be an omen!!! 

[HScoach]

From the Alliance Review
By JEFFREY ZUPANIC


One of the first phone calls Lance Liepold received after being named the new head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater was from Lakeland head coach Jim Zebrowski.

Zebrowski, a Mount Union alumnus, offered his congratulations to Liepold for taking over the Warhawks' program from long-time head coach Bob Berezowitz who retired after 22 seasons following last year's 35-16 loss in the Stagg Bowl to Mount Union.

The two coaches began talking about the possibility of a season-opening game between their respective teams for the 2007 season. In the middle of reaching an agreement, the topic of conversation spun into a different direction.
"I remember back last January, Jim called me from Lakeland looking for a game to play for the upcoming season," said Liepold. "We really got into the conversation about the game and then football in general."

Before either Liepold or Zebrowski knew it, the topic of the Warhawks vacant offensive coordinator position came up between the two. Stan Zwiefel also chose to retire along with Berezowitz after last season freeing up the position. The talks were casual at first before Zebrowski started giving it more consideration.

"I was definitely very intrigued when Lance talked to me about the position and what they have accomplished in the last couple of seasons left me in awe," said Zebrowski. "We had played Whitewater so I knew what their program was all about and then I made the choice to leave Lakeland. It was not an easy decision to make but one I felt was the best one for me to achieve long-term success."

Going home

UW-Whitewater and Lakeland, located approximately 110 miles north in Sheboygan, Wisc., had faced each other three times from 2004-06 while Zebrowski was at the helm. The Warhawks won all three games by scores of 48-28 (2004), 73-12 (2005) and 75-14 (2006).

Zebrowski led Lakeland to its first-ever playoff trip in 2005 and finished with a career record of 28-12 in his four seasons at the helm.
"Jim did a terrific job at Lakeland and really turned their program around," said Mount Union head coach Larry Kehres.

The two schools opened this season against one another per the agreement reached by Zebrowski and Liepold prior to the coaching change. The game was also played at Lakeland.

"Uncomfortable," is what Zebrowski had to say about the experience of facing his old team. "Going back to Lakeland also made it tougher because I was going into my fifth year and so that was the first year where all of the recruits were mine. I was very relieved when the game was over and I was able to talk to some of the kids and friends I had made there."

For the time being, the schools have decided not to renew the rivalry in the foreseeable future.

Going home again

Zebrowski guides UW-Whitewater's offensive attack into the 35th Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl against his alma mater, Mount Union. The Warhawks average close to 400 yards (391.9) of total offense -- 221.1 on the ground and 170.8 through the air -- while putting up 32.7 points a game.

"I am pleased to see the success Jim has had. First at Lakeland and now with Whitewater. He has done a great job with their offense, maybe too good of a job. I wish they weren't so doggone good," said a joking Kehres.

The Warhawks will look to stop the Purple Raiders attempt at a third-straight national championship and 10th overall. The two teams have met in the last two Stagg Bowls and Zebrowski is excited to face his former school for one reason.
"If you are not in Mount Union's conference and you are playing them, than that means you have had a pretty good season," said the 1991 Mount Union grad with a laugh. "I am excited about the game and looking forward to seeing Larry (Kehres) again down there (in Salem)."

A tough decision

Zebrowski was a two-year letterwinner for the Purple Raiders just before they began their incredible run of nine national championships in the last 14 seasons. He played backup quarterback and stopped playing after two seasons to concentrate on his best sport.

"I was a better baseball player than a football player so I thought about it and decided to focus on baseball only after my second year," Zebrowski recalled. "I told coach Kehres that I wanted to meet with him about it after the season."
The former All-Ohio Athletic Conference selection admitted he was nervous going into the 90-minute meeting with Kehres, but came away pleasantly surprised.
Kehres was just in his fifth season as head coach at the time and understood Zebrowski's decision to concentrate on baseball.

"He was very open with me and we put everything on the table and he made sure I was making the best decision for me at the time," said Zebrowski. "Larry was completely understanding about everything and he cared about what was best for me. I had a great deal of respect for him before that but it went to another level after that meeting."

Kehres, who does not conceal his love for the sport of baseball, attended several games to watch Zebrowski play for the Purple Raiders.
"Jim was a terrific baseball player and outstanding student," said Kehres.

One of Zebrowski's teammates on the football and baseball teams was former All-American wide receiver Ed Bubonics. Like Zebrowski, Bubonics also made a choice to stick with one sport after only two seasons.  "Ed chose to play football all four years and baseball for just two. I did baseball all four years and football for two," said Zebrowski. "Yet, we both end up as football coaches."

The Mount Union intangible

Zebrowski admits he has a high level of passion for the game of football and attributes that to his time spent at Mount Union and around Kehres.
"Even though I was only within the program for two years, you could feel and see something special happening there," said Zebrowski. "I don't know how Larry does it but he has this ability to entrench a love for the game into his players. They obviously have that passion when they come to the school but he has a way to heighten it while you are playing for him."

Zebrowski likened Kehres to a mentor, father-figure and counselor all in one with his players by saying that he "genuinely cares for every one of his players."
"I wish I knew exactly what it is about him and his program that stands out. It is there but I don't know if anyone can put their finger on exactly what it is," said Zebrowski. "He creates such a great atmosphere and his approach to the game is unlike any I have ever seen. Larry and his staff have been outstanding with their organizational skills and how they run everything on schedule. The program literally runs like clockwork."

[Pat Coleman]

Could anything be better than Stagg Bowl week.  Well maybe getting rid off the AFCA all americans committee.  Is Helen Keller on that committe or Stevie Wonder.  No AJ Raebel, Brent Allen or Ryan Ogrizovich.  How about Kmic or Garcon?

AFCA limits to one player per team. Seems silly.

[Sakman 1111]

Well, it's hard for me to say considering the fun we have had in Virginia the last two years but due to a death in our family we won't be at the Stagg Bowl this year. Just cancelled our room at the Holiday Inn so jump on it if you are looking for a room. Won't be there to see when the Marriott runs out of Miller Lite. My prediction is that this year is the big upset     UWW-45   Mount Union-42. We will be watching Saturday and wish we could be in the parking lot blowing the game horn with Tim.....Go Warhawks....Pound the Rock....

[Sakman 1111]

I have stated my love for the AFCA......One person per team is ridiculous. We used to do that in Little League which is what the AFCA is compared to D3Football....For the last three years D3 Football has been dominated by two teams and to have only one player from each of those teams leaving off the players mentioned by Goo is just really dumb and simply misinformed......

[stealth]

Thoughts and prayers from the Stealths to the family. I'll drink your quota of beverages in honor.

Well, it's hard for me to say considering the fun we have had in Virginia the last two years but due to a death in our family we won't be at the Stagg Bowl this year. Just cancelled our room at the Holiday Inn so jump on it if you are looking for a room. Won't be there to see when the Marriott runs out of Miller Lite. My prediction is that this year is the big upset     UWW-45   Mount Union-42. We will be watching Saturday and wish we could be in the parking lot blowing the game horn with Tim.....Go Warhawks....Pound the Rock....

[Toph]

Sakman-

Sorry to hear that you won't be going to Salem, my condolences to you and your family.

Your 45-42 prediction is a bit off, I think.  If the weather turns out as predicted, scoring that many points ain't gonna come easy.  Also, as hscoach pointed out, a shootout would probably favor Mount Union more than Whitewater.  If Mount scores over 30, I don't think they can lose.  I think it also warrants mentioning that 45 points against Mount would be 40 points higher than their average and it would equal about 61% of their scoring defense so far this season.  I don't see the game playing out like that at all.

Rush D will be the biggest key.  Both teams have stellar running games and great run defense.  To use a cliche...something's gotta give.

I've liked Mount to win the '07 Stagg since before the '06 Stagg, so I'm sticking with it.

[jaypeter]

Stealth, may the soul of your loved one, and the souls of all the departed, rest in peace.  Your family will be in my prayers.

jaypeter

Thoughts and prayers from the Stealths to the family. I'll drink your quota of beverages in honor.

Well, it's hard for me to say considering the fun we have had in Virginia the last two years but due to a death in our family we won't be at the Stagg Bowl this year. Just cancelled our room at the Holiday Inn so jump on it if you are looking for a room. Won't be there to see when the Marriott runs out of Miller Lite. My prediction is that this year is the big upset     UWW-45   Mount Union-42. We will be watching Saturday and wish we could be in the parking lot blowing the game horn with Tim.....Go Warhawks....Pound the Rock....

[Goo 62]

The AFCA sucks for the simple fact that they dont pick the right players. Who are the bone heads on that committee.  They have probably never seen a game. I dont care about the amount of teams if they pick the right players.  AFCA used to be the best from what older players used to tell me but D3 football.com surpassed it and so did Don Hansen.

Cant wait to watch the game.
My prediction UWW 20 MUC 17.  Lots of running and special teams in this one due to the bad weather.  After UWW wins, join me in running around the street naked banging some pots and pans til the cows come home.

[wildcat11]

The AFCA sucks for the simple fact that they dont pick the right players. Who are the bone heads on that committee.  They have probably never seen a game. I dont care about the amount of teams if they pick the right players.  AFCA used to be the best from what older players used to tell me but D3 football.com surpassed it and so did Don Hansen.

Somebody is still pissed they were "snubbed".

[seventiesraider]

The AFCA sucks for the simple fact that they dont pick the right players. Who are the bone heads on that committee. 

Division 3 Head Coaches