FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[runyr]

For my 500th post I would just like to say:
1. Roll Raiders!
2. Raider D came up Big when it had to - but gave up some drives which makes me nervous moving ahead.
3. Centre played a hell of a game! Kudos to the Colonels (you have gradutaed from Kernels in my book).
4. Mount definately has some holes to patch up for next week.

Great game guys. A lot closer than I wanted/expected.

Kernels to Colonels in my book too.  Centre is a good team.  I hope Mount learns from this game because they won't get any easier this year.

[bushman]

Looks like wabash again next week.   Mt. needs to step it up a notch.   Poor officials today   ncac crew  what a joke although Mt. didn't get all the bad calls today.  Centre D better than advertised.    Coach Frye had em ready.  Closer game than score indicated.  But a win is a win.  Ncaa gave Mt. a harder path this year.  Sure wish Neal was back.  Any chance?   Bring on the carnival barkers and their red and white stripped bib overalls.

[skunks_sidekick]

First game I have seen "live" since opening day.  It was a mixed bag of missed opportunities, "off" plays (drops, backs not hitting holes), and a better than advertised opponent.  Centre was for real, and I give them major props.

Was that not the best kicker you have ever seen?  HOLY SMOKES could he boom it!

I for one do not think this is a "typical" Wabash team coming to Alliance next week.  They have a really good defense, and they just make plays.  They also have ER at the helm, and that is a huge benefit to Wabash.  If Mount doesn't play a lot better, they will lose next week.

[wally_wabash]

I for one do not think this is a "typical" Wabash team coming to Alliance next week.

Just so that I have a point of reference, what is a "typical" Wabash team?

[skunks_sidekick]

The previous teams that were "good" in the NCAC, but not quite ready for prime time in the play-offs.  This team is not one of those teams.  No slight intended Wally. 

[wally_wabash]

The previous teams that were "good" in the NCAC, but not quite ready for prime time in the play-offs.  This team is not one of those teams.  No slight intended Wally.

None taken.  Here's the thing about any champion of the NCAC...you'll not know how good they are until the tournament.  Unfortunately, that's just the way it is.  I don't think playing in the NCAC precludes a team from being really, really good.   You just don't have a good measuring stick until the postseason. 

Looking forward to the return trip to Alliance.  Should be a fun weekend with some top shelf football. 

[wrdad]

So what happened to north central??? Last I heard they were winning 28-7. So when I left the stadium I was thinking Mount was finally going to face this team that was suppose to be the "next powerhouse" but when I got home I heard they lost 29-28 Wabash will still be a very tough opponent for the purple raiders!!!

Even though the path to the stagg bowl is a lot tougher this year, I love that mount is being challenged by a good team in round 2, while whitewater is playing "mounts playoff schedule" Maybe that'll help mount more if/when mount meets whitewater in the stagg bowl AGAIN!!!!!

[mr_mom]

Results of the OAC Playoff Pick-Em have been posted.  Congrats to B.W.Jacket, joelmama, and "yours truly" for wringing 12 points out of a wild day.

[HScoach]

Sounds like we're going to have a real battle next week.  Assumed it was going to be NCC, especially once they went up 21-0 a the half, but what a comeback for Wabash.  Was very cool watching the last minute of that game as we were wrapping up the post game.   Hope those still listening didn't mind us doing play-by-play off the internet feed

Not sure what to expect in Round 3.  Wabash bringing a team that is playing with great confidence and which made play after play against a very good NCC team that I know can play some serious defense going against a Mount team that has been very inconsistent and has let a few teams (Capital, BW and Centre) hang around.  One of these days it's going to cost Mount victory.  Mount had a few chances in the first half to blow Centre off the field and just missed.  Luckily for Mount that the younger Osterman dropped an easy TD and then had the 4th down pass batted at the line or we might have needed a BW-like comeback.    Weird game.  Unfortunately I've thought that way too many times this season.

If Mount is going to win any more playoff games this season, they're going to need to play MUCH better than they have the last few weeks.  Centre and Benedictine were average OAC level opponents and Mount made them look like quality teams.

[formerd3db]

HScoach:
I think you are right, although Mount keeps finding a way to win and that is just how the program "mindset" has been ingrained over the years.  Right now, I do think next week will be a hard fought game, but if you get by Wabash, I think Mount will have a good chance at getting back to the Stagg once again.  Should Wesley beat UMHB, they (Wesley) have yet to prove that they can win "the big game" when it counts as they seem to faulter when in the playoffs, when of paper, they would seem to have an easier time.  While they still are a good team, I will believe they're a real contender when I see it.  Ah, but I am getting ahead too much; as always, each team has to take it one week at a time and overlooking next week's game for anyone is a good recipe for disaster.

 

[Raider 68]

Thoughts on the Raider game, IMHO :

1. I was impressed with the support and turnout of the Centre fans today.

2. Is J. Murray Ok, did not see him much after he came off the field favorable his leg?

3. The Raider WR's had a poor day, except AJ, no seperation and lack of crisp routes.

4. M. Piloto had an Ok day, except for the pick and early throws.

5. The defense was strong when they really needed to be.

6. The officials do not know how to spot the ball (Wow)!

7. HSCoach's point is correct and the Raiders need to elevate their game if they want more games!

8. Centre was a solid team, but the lack of consistant play by the Raiders gave them extra momentum.

9. Does anyone remember the last time the Raiders had a screen pass? They should do it a little more
    as well as the inside screen.

10. Did the Raiders take Centre "too" lightly, or not?

[wrdad]

Also Centre didn't have a single turnover all game. easy logic... if you don't turn the ball over, you will not get blown out!

Idk who the RB was on the 3rd and 1 plays but as a running back on 3rd and 1 when you get the ball you should drive straight ahead. Not stutter stepping in the backfield! If your running straight ahead without no hesitation on 3rd and 1 and don't get it, then it's your offensive lines fault but if your stutter stepping and don't get it, then it's your fault!

[purpled]

HScoach you're right on the money...if I remember correctly there was about 3 minutes left in the 3rd and we had stopped Centre and we're up 23-10 and we run the ball 3 times and then punt. If ever there was a time to go for the throat that was it.

Whoever #30 is, he no longer has a head as LK chewed it off.

[wesleydad]

hey mount guys.  looks like if you guys win this week I will be making my annual trip to Alliance for the semis.  It will not matter to me, of course I would rather see Wesley, seeing Mount play either team should be a good game.  I have no game close enough to drive to this weekend, darn Del Val, Mount would be the closest, but I will wait a week for the semis.  Sounds like you guys are a little disappointed in the Raiders play thus far in the playoffs.  Tough crowd when you are used to near perfection.

[HScoach]

2. Is J. Murray Ok, did not see him much after he came off the field favorable his leg?

My opinion only, but Skilliter has been playing better than Murray the last few weeks and that might have more to do with it than Murray potentially being banged up.  Wonder if Murray has been nursing a leg injury that last few weeks as he's looked slow and timid.  Skilliter has always been a little quicker, but the last 3 weeks it has been a marked difference between Blair and Jeremy.