Atlantic Central Football Conference/Independents

[Teamski]

Well, congrads to UMHB for a game well played.  They had a great defense with a matching offense. 

Wesley's offense was downright anemic in the first half.  The noticeable absence here was Askia Jahad who injured his knee at Salisbury.  He popped up in the second half for a couple plays without touching the ball and that was what Wesley had to show for a power running offense: nada.  You can't finesse runs again UMHB and this forced Wesley into a single dimensional passing scheme that UMHB did a good job covering.  My worst worries came true with Wesley's early season offensive mistakes.  While UMHB was pretty crisp on execution on offense, Wesley still had cobwebs galore.  Poor blocking on the offense resulted in Sottilaire's rushed passes.  Penalties early on curtailed any possible movement down the field.

Wesley's defense did what they could but (not seeing what the possession times were yet) they were on the field forever.  By the second half, at least 3 defensive players were down for cramps.  That said, the defense was solely responsible for Wesley staying in the game until the end.  They gave the offense opportunities to tie or win the game, and the offense just couldn't oblige.

So, while I was disappointed, Wesley did stay in the game.  They were down by 2 TD's in the 4th and yet kept at it.  On to next week and Louisiana College.  I am sure Wesley and UMHB will meet once again in the playoffs and the offense will show up and play by then.  They always do.

-Ski

[Teamski]

.....and add the frustration of 3 missed PATS......   

-Ski

[wesleydad]

The difference in this game was the UMHB defensive line and the ability of Bailey and Wilson to turn negative plays into positive ones.  Wesley's oline got manhandled all game.  They could not open any holes when Wesley attempted to run and they couldn't give Sottilaire enough time to make plays.  I mentioned earlier in the week that the o-line had to play well and they did not.  Bailey turned 2 plays into Td"s that could have just as easily been sacks which would have forced UMHB to kick field goals.  Lewis did the same thing on his TD run, hit in the backfield, breaks tackels and scores.  Wesley's d played pretty well but did not make the plays necessary to get off the field in the first half.  I believe UMHB converted all but 1 3rd down in the first half.  How good is Wesley, I guess that depends on how good UMHB is.  Despite being dominated by the d-line and no running game Wesley had the ball at mid field with 5 minutes to play with a chance to tie the game.  I think this will end up being a really good football team especially if the o-line steps up.  The missed extra points are killers in close games and overall the special teams look sloppy.  UMHB will be tough to beat and likely the 1 seed in the south.  With UWW losing the rest after Mount is wide open.  Should Mount stumble then this could be a really interesting season with numerous teams having a chance to win it all, including Wesley as long as they win out.

[DE Wesley Fan]

Congrats to the Cru for a great game and a well deserved win.

The most frustrating thing about the offense for me was that they showed flashes of brilliance (aka one of the early drives in the 1st quarter after a UMHB touchdown, similar to the one at SU last week after a score) where they click and go right down the field, but other times .... uggh.... The o-line got their butts kicked most of the game, receivers dropping  balls they should have caught and not coming back to the ball other times, Sottilare making some questionable throws, missed PAT's, stupid penalties....  I agree with Ski that the defense made a good effort to keep us in the game, but the number of missed tackles was unbelievable.  Great job by UMHB to control the line of scrimmage and get the win.   And yet even with all our problems, we were in it right to the end.  Hopefully we'll have a chance to meet again in the playoffs and win when it really counts.  Looking forward to next week to see how we bounce back.

BIG congrats to Buffalo State for knocking off UWW!!  Sounds like there were several great games today.

[Teamski]

When I think of the Wesley offense early in the season, I think of the term, "two degrees of separation."  They are so close to getting it right, but they aren't there yet.  It becomes like a Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde situation.

-Ski

[wesleydad]

ski, concern has to be the o line.  they have not established the run in any game.  i hope that sot runs the ball a little more than he has eventhough that is not his thing.  the scrambles that he has done thus far have been usefull.  the defense will give up yards, they always do, but i believe they will not give up many points.  great individual efforts were the difference yesterday, but there are not that many players in d3 who could make those plays.

I am wondering how the UWW loss to an unranked 1 loss team compares to Wesley's loss to the 4th ranked team.  It will be interesting to see how much prior stock plays into the voting this week.  does UWW only drop to 3 or further, maybe even behind Wesley.  Seems like things may change up a little.  Any way you slice it it is a bad loss for UWW.

[jknezek]

Can't be too much of an effect on Wesley. I'm thankful I'm not doing the national fan poll, but in the South Region the sum total on my ballot was a flip-flop of Wesley and UMHB. There is still no one else near those two in the South as far as I'm concerned, though B-SU and Trinity (? good grief what a loss) will get a chance to try...

[wesleydad]

jk, areed.  glad I am only talking about it and not voting on it.  I guess in the end the more up in the air the polls are the better for D3.  seems like there may be a chance that someone else gets to Salem this year.

[jknezek]

It's actually kind of fun to vote, though the South Region is a bit cut and dry. I wish there was more chatter about it.

[wesleydad]

jk, unfortunatly most posters only follow the team they cheer for.  there are not that many who look around the entire region or nation.  i wish there was more chatter too, but it is tough to have a conversation with yourself.  if you start answering the may start to think you are crazy.  Wesley has some tough games coming up and I will be interested in seeing how the o line improves.  that looks like the only real weakness on this team, but it is a hugh one if not improved on.

[jknezek]

This is my first year voting. I've been fairly familiar with everyone but the ASC, so I've been a bit adrift at who to put 2nd/3rd from that conference when looking at my voting. But it's been kind of neat to worry about the whole region and how everyone looks.

[thewaterboy]

No shame in losing to UMHB. You guys said it all. IMO, this year's offensive success will depend on the play of the o-line. If they are struggling then the team will struggle. Like vs. UMHB. Last year we had the luxury of McSweeny who could dictate the outcome of the game more independently. They will need to win out though, and the playoffs start now.

Wesley traditionally doesnt play their best football til later in the season. I look for the young o-line to continue to improve and expect a much different team to be prepared for the playoffs (and UMHB). If you recall in the 2010 season, the team was literally one call away from losing the game against Del Val in week 3, then averaged 47.33 pts per game the rest of the way out. In 2011, the team lost to Kean, then put it together against D1-FCS Charleston Southern, Walsh, Salisbury, shocking Linfield, and holding off UMHB.

My point is: Wesley's best is yet to come. But it needs to be here soon, the softer part of the schedule is at the back, and there are two strong challenges against LC, and BSC coming up.

[DE Wesley Fan]

Wesley traditionally doesnt play their best football til later in the season. I look for the young o-line to continue to improve and expect a much different team to be prepared for the playoffs (and UMHB). If you recall in the 2010 season, the team was literally one call away from losing the game against Del Val in week 3, then averaged 47.33 pts per game the rest of the way out. In 2011, the team lost to Kean, then put it together against D1-FCS Charleston Southern, Walsh, Salisbury, shocking Linfield, and holding off UMHB.

Agreed, Waterboy.  Question for everyone - noticed that Sottilare has the annoying habit of spinning the ball around after taking the snap.  I don't remember him doing that two years ago, but I also can't remember where I put my keys this morning.....  Is this new, or has he always done it?

[umhb2001]

No shame in losing to UMHB. You guys said it all. IMO, this year's offensive success will depend on the play of the o-line. If they are struggling then the team will struggle. Like vs. UMHB. Last year we had the luxury of McSweeny who could dictate the outcome of the game more independently. They will need to win out though, and the playoffs start now.

Wesley traditionally doesnt play their best football til later in the season. I look for the young o-line to continue to improve and expect a much different team to be prepared for the playoffs (and UMHB). If you recall in the 2010 season, the team was literally one call away from losing the game against Del Val in week 3, then averaged 47.33 pts per game the rest of the way out. In 2011, the team lost to Kean, then put it together against D1-FCS Charleston Southern, Walsh, Salisbury, shocking Linfield, and holding off UMHB.

My point is: Wesley's best is yet to come. But it needs to be here soon, the softer part of the schedule is at the back, and there are two strong challenges against LC, and BSC coming up.

UMHB is also young in many areas: O-line, Secondary, and WR. The key for them is Bailey. As he goes, we go. From what I gather, the video feed was not great, the Wesley D-Line put pressure on Bailey, but it seems as though he showed a lot more confidence and patience in the box. That will be big for us as we continue the season.

[dedragon]

Wesley traditionally doesnt play their best football til later in the season. I look for the young o-line to continue to improve and expect a much different team to be prepared for the playoffs (and UMHB). If you recall in the 2010 season, the team was literally one call away from losing the game against Del Val in week 3, then averaged 47.33 pts per game the rest of the way out. In 2011, the team lost to Kean, then put it together against D1-FCS Charleston Southern, Walsh, Salisbury, shocking Linfield, and holding off UMHB.

Agreed, Waterboy.  Question for everyone - noticed that Sottilare has the annoying habit of spinning the ball around after taking the snap.  I don't remember him doing that two years ago, but I also can't remember where I put my keys this morning.....  Is this new, or has he always done it?

I saw it two years ago from the box. It is troubling when there is immediate pressure as you can tell he doesn't get a good handle on the ball at that point to throw it away. At this point, it is a unconscious act and not coachable. Would like to see the pocket move more against high level opponents like MHB or MU or UWW. I'm sure the coaches will address the teams deficiencies week to week. I would think Special Teams might be a topic for discussion this week.

In all, I look to a newly determined Wolverine squad run the table starting this weekend.