FB: American Southwest Conference

[Bill McCabe]

Bob,  W&J was completely outmatched..

Not that it would have changed the winner/loser, but perhaps the relativity of the game,

Outmatched without question.

63 even if W&J holds onto the ball that drive and stays in game plan?  I doubt it.

But, really, as I said to the Cal. U. of Pa. knuckleheads celebrating the fact that W&J lost 63-7 as compared to their own loss of 45-7, what's the difference between losing by five touchdowns and eight touchdowns, really?

Enjoy the win and good luck.  Beat UWW & take your best shot against Mount "THE Measuring Stick" Union.

Otherwise, you'll be just like the other 30 teams that 'made the playoffs'.

Hardly the same as the other 30 teams in the playoffs if we happen to advance to the Stagg Bowl.  Frankly, I don't understand your apparent bitterness toward UMHB.  They have a great team and I think this may be their best team ever. 

I'd be hard pressed to name one W&J starter that was better than his counterpart on UMHB.  The score could have been worse.

[CRU96]

To Coach Teaff my apologies. Went with the familiar spelling and missed his namely entirely.  What a great Coach.

Bill,

I must agree that Klepp was a nightmare.  I saw the '06 game in Belton also, he was the difference maker.  The intresting thing to me is to see how the Warhawks handle Saenz.  He is a very shifty and smart runner.  All in all the Cru must play great defense.  I have complete trust in the scheme that Coach Fred and the CRU coaches are drawing up for the Warhawks.  Should be another great battle in Belton!

Go Cru!

[Bill McCabe]

Klepp was the best player I saw that year.

Saenz creates all sorts of problems for defenses.  He reads the option very well and is a shifty runner.  Also, he is a very good passer.  The pass UMHB runs off of the option look has been a big play in every game I've seen.  It puts a lot of pressure on the safeties.

[CRU96]

True,

Klepp is one of the best defensive lineman I have seen live myself.  He had the entangables.  Great size, footwork, and strength.  Couple that with his desire to win and he was phenominal to watch.

As for the Cru's passing game, the pass off the option fake is one of the hardest reads for any team.  I have marveled many times as I watched from the stands as it unfolds.  Should work to our advantage in a big game against a good aggressive defense like UWW.  This game is looming larger and larger every day.
We must defend our house.

Go ASC, Go Cru!

[kickhoe]

Why do I love D III football?  It is easy.  UMHB vs. UWW in the Semi-Finals in Belton with the winner playing for the National Championship.  UMHB needs to remember they not only represent the CRU family, but all the ASC, and the South Region in this HUGE game. 

I cannot believe that in 10 years we are playing for the right to go to the Stagg in our home stadium.  UWW is worthy of our respect, and we must play the best game of the year to win.

I have been out of pocket for the last couple of days, but I want to weigh in on the HSU/UMHB banter for a moment.  I do not believe that UMHB is as prepared for this game against UWW without the close, hard fought game with HSU.  The Cowboys are not just a rival game they are formidable in their ability to play well and yes, win big games.  To my fellow CRU fans, we must not become arrogant jerks, and forget the road it took to get to where we are playing in the semis this weekend. 

On of the greatest lessons I ever learned in football was how the Mt. Union fans treated UMHB fans in Alliance.  With grace and humility, and then the mystic of the game was unbelievable.  They were even gracious in defeat.  CRU faithful I appeal to our honor code, to be honest with ourselves.  We beat a very good HSU team, and that has prepared us for now. 

So do not kid yourself, HSU will not go away and hide, they have already begun thinking about next year. By the way, we need to focus on Whitewater, they seem to have our number right now. (0-3 in the series) Time to focus in on the business at hand,  having the Warhawks on our mind.

My opinion only, but we must remain humble my friends, hungry, yet humble.

Nice words, Cru96!!!

Good luck Cru on Saturday!!!  Ought to be a hell of a game!!!

[voice]

True,

Klepp is one of the best defensive lineman I have seen live myself.  He had the entangables.  Great size, footwork, and strength.  Couple that with his desire to win and he was phenominal to watch.

As for the Cru's passing game, the pass off the option fake is one of the hardest reads for any team.  I have marveled many times as I watched from the stands as it unfolds.  Should work to our advantage in a big game against a good aggressive defense like UWW.  This game is looming larger and larger every day.
We must defend our house.

Go ASC, Go Cru!

I ran into Ryan Kleppe in the press box at last Saturday's Wartburg-UWW game.  We talked about what a great game the 7-0 UWW win was in Belton.  I really thought he should have won the Gagliardi Trophy that year.

He also asked me that because I know Pat Coleman, maybe Pat could line some broadcasting work for him if UWW gets back to Salem.  He'd love to get back to Salem one more time!!  The guy is pretty good on the microphone!

[bleedpurple]

For the record, the UWW defensive lineman you are referring to is Ryan KLEPPE.  UWW does not have another lineman like him. However, they have a defense that is big, fast, and hard hitting.  They have excellent coaching and will be well prepared for the option. They have corners that love to hit.  They play excellent team defense and are very disciplined.  They have intercepted 19 passes and returned 4 of them to the house. They have allowed 81.1 yards per game rushing, 2.7 yards per rush, and 4 rushing touchdowns all year. I realize statistics mean nothing once the ball is kicked off on Saturday, but just wanted to give you a glimpse of what UWW has done so far this year.

[Bob.Gregg]

Hardly the same as the other 30 teams in the playoffs if we happen to advance to the Stagg Bowl.  Frankly, I don't understand your apparent bitterness toward UMHB.  They have a great team and I think this may be their best team ever. 

I'd be hard pressed to name one W&J starter that was better than his counterpart on UMHB.  The score could have been worse.

I'll work backwards.

The score could have been worse.  The score could have been closer.
UMHB is the better team, perhaps better at every position.  Never indicated anything to the contrary.
UMHB has a great team and it may be their best team ever.
Not bitter toward the Crusaders at all.  In fact, was on here as quickly as was possible, congratulating them on an impressive win.
And, finally, IF they advance to the Stagg Bowl, you're right.  But THAT was my point.  IF they advance to the Stagg Bowl.  30 teams that made the playoffs WILL NOT make the playoffs.  Two will.  And I believe that if UMHB doesn't beat UWW (a point I listed), the Crusaders '08 campaign will be one that "made the playoffs".  Nothing more.

[Pat Coleman]

True,

Klepp is one of the best defensive lineman I have seen live myself.  He had the entangables.  Great size, footwork, and strength.  Couple that with his desire to win and he was phenominal to watch.

As for the Cru's passing game, the pass off the option fake is one of the hardest reads for any team.  I have marveled many times as I watched from the stands as it unfolds.  Should work to our advantage in a big game against a good aggressive defense like UWW.  This game is looming larger and larger every day.
We must defend our house.

Go ASC, Go Cru!

I ran into Ryan Kleppe in the press box at last Saturday's Wartburg-UWW game.  We talked about what a great game the 7-0 UWW win was in Belton.  I really thought he should have won the Gagliardi Trophy that year.

He also asked me that because I know Pat Coleman, maybe Pat could line some broadcasting work for him if UWW gets back to Salem.  He'd love to get back to Salem one more time!!  The guy is pretty good on the microphone!

Keith and I were at that game in Belton, as many here probably already know. He really made an impression on us!

[CRU96]

Pat,

I agree.  What an impression.  Great game by a defensive lineman.  I sum it up in one word.  Dominant.

bleedpurple,

No disrespect intended.  Ryan Kleppe was a sensational defensive lineman for you guys.  It was hard to watch him make plays that he did against us, but what an incredible athelete.  Your defense is very quick to the ball and physical.  The Cru is also quick to the ball and aggressive.  Should be a great game.

Kickhoe,

Thanks for the compliment.  The Cru must focus on the task at hand.  To end the 0-3 run by the Warhawks.  I am glad that this time it is in Belton.  What an opportunity for the Cru to play for the chance to go to the Stagg in front of the home fans.  

[Bill McCabe]

Also, the weather is supposed to be good this Saturday.  Should make for a great game.

[Bill McCabe]

Hardly the same as the other 30 teams in the playoffs if we happen to advance to the Stagg Bowl.  Frankly, I don't understand your apparent bitterness toward UMHB.  They have a great team and I think this may be their best team ever. 

I'd be hard pressed to name one W&J starter that was better than his counterpart on UMHB.  The score could have been worse.

I'll work backwards.

The score could have been worse.  The score could have been closer.
UMHB is the better team, perhaps better at every position.  Never indicated anything to the contrary.
UMHB has a great team and it may be their best team ever.
Not bitter toward the Crusaders at all.  In fact, was on here as quickly as was possible, congratulating them on an impressive win.
And, finally, IF they advance to the Stagg Bowl, you're right.  But THAT was my point.  IF they advance to the Stagg Bowl.  30 teams that made the playoffs WILL NOT make the playoffs.  Two will.  And I believe that if UMHB doesn't beat UWW (a point I listed), the Crusaders '08 campaign will be one that "made the playoffs".  Nothing more.

What are you talking about?  You don't make any sense.  28 other teams would be thrilled to be in the semi finals.  That is a great season for any team.  Only 2 can make the Stagg Bowl and that is everyones dream.  Not getting there does not mean the season was only "making the playoffs."

[bleedpurple]

"So when it was announced near the end of the Crusaders' romp Saturday that Whitewater had defeated Wartburg (Iowa) 34-17 and would be traveling to Belton for the semifinals, UMHB's players and fans clapped, cheered and hollered."-Temple Daily Telegram

"And we can't wait to play them. It's like a present for our senior class to get to play them again."- Josh Littlejohn


I know no one needs any more motivation this weekend than they will already have. I don't have any illusions that posts on this board could affect the outcome of a game. Sounds like Josh is assuming some triple revenge here. I guess we will find out how sweet this gift is by late Saturday afternoon. Maybe I'll bring some wrapping paper into the Hawks locker room as  a visual for them. As hard as they've worked since last year's Stagg Bowl, they didn't realize they were working hard so they could be fodder to make UMHB's run to the Stagg Bowl this year all the sweeter. Interesting that UMHB actually prefers to play UWW to Wartburg. Well, they got their wish!

[Bill McCabe]

The excitement seemed to be more about playing in Belton than playing Whitewater.  NO one is underestimating UWW.  The Cru will have their hands full Saturday.  I wouldn't expect anything else, but I'm glad it will be in the 60's rather than the 20's.     You know that competitors want another shot at those that have beaten them.

[crufootball]

As for the Cru's passing game, the pass off the option fake is one of the hardest reads for any team.  I have marveled many times as I watched from the stands as it unfolds.  Should work to our advantage in a big game against a good aggressive defense like UWW.  This game is looming larger and larger every day.
We must defend our house.

Go ASC, Go Cru!

Not sure if you knew it our not CRU96, but UMHB is actually throwing a "Not In Our House" pep rally on Friday night and giving away free t-shirts to 500 students. Not sure if I like the idea though considering the last time they made customized shirts for a game that I can recall was the 2004 HSU game that said "Your House, Our House, doesn't really matter" and the Cowboys destroyed the Cru. I realized I am just being superstitious but that is too close for comfort for me.