FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[HScoach]

HS Coach,
Isn't it about time for a posting lesson?

Sorry, but I'm on summer break.   

[HScoach]

Stagg Bowl Replay on Tonight on ESPNU @ 12:00am Eastern

I'm curious if folks have any additional thoughts on the game now that some have watched it a few times.
I'm not looking to pump up UWW - just wondering if any new observations can be shared.
One thing I noticed is it didn't seem like Mt made many defensive adjustments at the line of scrimmage. There was a trap play that UWW ran consistently in the 3rd (maybe 4th) qtr- and not exaggerating -it worked every time.

The more I watch Burke the more impressed I am w his accuracy- especially on the run. He fit some throws in perfectly behind lb's/in front of db's that couldn't be handed off more accurately.

I've watched it a couple times and here's my thoughts to your questions.

1.   Hard to make noticeable adjustments when you're getting physically manhandled up front.   And UWW choosing to run the ball was a win for the defense as they had no answer for Kumerow and Co.   

2.   Burke is a witch.   Most people will look at the Stagg and box score and simply say that Burke isn't that good or didn't play well but I very strongly disagree.   He moved that chains with very little to no protection and fed the ball to receivers that couldn't create separation.   His scrambling pass on the out-and-up to start the 3rd quarter was inches from being a 60+/- yard TD to get Mount back in the game (at least emotionally).   I have no illusions that Mount would have been able to hang for 4 quarters as UWW was physically dominant, but that play had a chance to breath life into a shocked Mount team that needed a big play to give them hope.   Instead Mount turned it over back to UWW and the game was over.

Still think Leipold's rope-a-dope game plans thru the playoffs were UWW's version of LK's hiding Micheli's passing ability in 2006.   Well done.

[ExTartanPlayer]

His scrambling pass on the out-and-up to start the 3rd quarter was inches from being a 60+/- yard TD to get Mount back in the game (at least emotionally).   I have no illusions that Mount would have been able to hang for 4 quarters as UWW was physically dominant, but that play had a chance to breath life into a shocked Mount team that needed a big play to give them hope...

I think this is fair.  I can recall several games, both as a player and fan, where it seemed that one crucial play could have changed the flow of the game; even when one team was physically dominant and destined to win, the game(s) that I recall could/would have been competitive much deeper into the game.  It's perfectly reasonable to suggest that without implying that the other team was lucky to win...of course, there's also the Sammy Baugh school of thought:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1940_NFL_Championship_Game

"Redskins quarterback Sammy Baugh was interviewed after the game, and a sportswriter asked him whether the game would have been different had Malone not dropped the tying TD pass. Baugh reportedly quipped, "Sure. The final score would have been 73–7."

[badgerwarhawk]

of course, there's also the Sammy Baugh school of thought:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1940_NFL_Championship_Game

"Redskins quarterback Sammy Baugh was interviewed after the game, and a sportswriter asked him whether the game would have been different had Malone not dropped the tying TD pass. Baugh reportedly quipped, "Sure. The final score would have been 73–7."

That's a great quote. +1

[ExTartanPlayer]

of course, there's also the Sammy Baugh school of thought:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1940_NFL_Championship_Game

"Redskins quarterback Sammy Baugh was interviewed after the game, and a sportswriter asked him whether the game would have been different had Malone not dropped the tying TD pass. Baugh reportedly quipped, "Sure. The final score would have been 73–7."

That's a great quote. +1

Always thought it was one of the best dry quips I've ever heard.

We (Carnegie Mellon) played Wesley in the playoffs in 2006.  We got the ball first, drove to about their 15-yard line with a nice, methodical, grind-it-out drive, and turned it over on downs.  They scored in three plays, led 21-0 at halftime, and eventually beat us 37-0.  I've often wondered what would have happened if we had actually scored on that opening drive.  Part of me goes with the "Sure, the final score would have been 37-7" thought, but there's some small part of me clinging to the belief that we would have hung around longer with a TD to start the game.  Wesley's physical advantage was undeniable and I'm sure they would have beaten us anyway, but I've always thought we might have lost something like 28-14 if we scored right away.  Of course, it's possible that TD would have given them a real kick in the ass and they would have beaten us down twice as badly because the initial TD woke them up.

Anyways, that's my digression, but that anecdote is why I think HScoach's comment about Burke's throw was poignant.  Even in cases where the ultimate outcome would have been no different, I do believe that a game's momentum can shift rather drastically on a single play or two, and that even lopsided results could be significantly different with one or two breaks going differently.

[emma17]

I think it's perfectly reasonable to suggest there would have been an emotional lift with a quick TD strike in the third. Momentum plays a significant role in sport.

Burke was the Mt offense- I don't think he should lose any credit for how highly he was regarded.

The sideline play reminded me to bring up the play of UWW CB Marcus McLin. He was on the side of most of the pass completions. It's probably easy for a casual observer to think he didn't have a strong game. No doubt he got beat a couple times- but for the most part he showed great closing speed and technique. There were a couple balls that Burke completed that seemed to pass right through Mclin's arm. He was a busy guy on the defensive left side.

[bceagle80]

Stagg Bowl Replay on Tonight on ESPNU @ 12:00am Eastern

I'm curious if folks have any additional thoughts on the game now that some have watched it a few times.
I'm not looking to pump up UWW - just wondering if any new observations can be shared.
One thing I noticed is it didn't seem like Mt made many defensive adjustments at the line of scrimmage. There was a trap play that UWW ran consistently in the 3rd (maybe 4th) qtr- and not exaggerating -it worked every time.

The more I watch Burke the more impressed I am w his accuracy- especially on the run. He fit some throws in perfectly behind lb's/in front of db's that couldn't be handed off more accurately.

While I did not have a chance to view the game, I can speak from experience the best way to stop the Trap play is to have an absolute stud on the line at tackle who plays with great technique and an extremely low center of gravity. This is the simplest way to counter it. The second best way is to counter it is the other tackle or nose guard needs to follow the pulling guard blasting through whoever gets in his way. If you encounter a team which you are over matched by in personnel, it is then up to the coaches to make adjustments as you alluded to in your comments.

To defeat UW-W in the future, the coaches have to do a great job recruiting (which I believe they have done), create defensive line stunts to disrupt blocking schemes that are successful for UW-W (taking away their most successful plays) and keep Kevin Burke healthy (and get his back-ups experience). Based on comments I have read, the three linebackers they had this past year were seniors and were absolutely great. This tells me their pursuit and reactions were top notch. To nuetralize this,  power running is the key, finesse has its place but establishing the run up the gut where it is all about strength, size, technique, speed and power. One of the things that makes both UW-W and Mount Union great defensively is the speed they play the game with versus most opponents. When two great teams meet, it usually comes down to how they play the game (technique) and who plays the most error free football. Errors happen when people get tired but they also happen when one team establishes physical dominance over another. I am positive Mount Union is getting bigger, faster and stronger in the trenches. This in no way is intended as a slight against current or past football players. I have seen with my own eyes how good Matt Fechko, Tom Lally and Ted Roslava and company are. The passion, focus and attitude of the coaches is an inherent part of the team and these terrific young men are a tribute to the coaches and to Mount Union. Lookout UW-W!! The Mount Union team is hungry and is ready for you!

[badgerwarhawk]

Lookout UW-W!! The Mount Union team is hungry and is ready for you!

We never assumed that they were anything but. 

[bceagle80]

Lookout UW-W!! The Mount Union team is hungry and is ready for you!

We never assumed that they were anything but.

It should be another great contest this year for both sides, assuming, of course, both teams once again wade through the competition in the brackets. I am looking forward to multiple contests during my son's tenure at the school.

[bleedpurple]

Lookout UW-W!! The Mount Union team is hungry and is ready for you!

We never assumed that they were anything but.

It should be another great contest this year for both sides, assuming, of course, both teams once again wade through the competition in the brackets. I am looking forward to multiple contests during my son's tenure at the school.

Not looking to ruffle feathers here but Mount needs to get their defensive mojo back big time if there are going to be more Stagg Bowl rematches.  Their defense wasn't just "bad for Mount Union". It was bad. And not just against UW-W but for the last 3 games. In my opinion, the physicality gap between the two teams last year was stunning.  No doubt Mount will be hungry. Ready for UW-W? I guess we will find out. 

[HScoach]

^ I couldn't agree more.   That defense was bad all season, just Burke & Company hid it from the casual observer.  Especially along the defensive line which was supposed to be their strength.  Not sure why either.   They returned a decent core from 2012 that was very good throughout the season and dominated UST in the Stagg, so one would expect the 2013 version to be comparable.   With LK retiring and only 1 starter on offense returning, I would have guessed the O would be the weak link and that the defense would have to carry them to Virginia.    Guess not.

2014 will be very big for VK and Mount.   It's the first good indicator of what the post-LK future is going to really look like.   Then 2015 is even bigger once Burke graduates.   LK has proven over the years that he can find and coach QB's to be great.   Wonder if VK can do the same?   Here's to hoping the answer is a resounding 'yes'.

[Dr. Acula]

As someone who sat through the Wesley game I can tell you I agree that the defense felt just plain bad those last 3 games.  I've never experienced that feeling before where I felt like Burke HAD to put a TD up because Wesley was throwing at will and the only way to win was going to be scoring ourself.

My glass half full outlook going into this year is that it turned out the core of the D was that soph class. They took some lumps, but hopefully they learned and grew from it.  In addition it was VK's first go round as HC. I'm sure that impacted how he interacted with his D.  He's already made one big change moving Chris Kappas to DC. 

Bottom line is they have to get much better D line play.  That was a pedestrian D line last year and that is not Mount-like. 

[emma17]

Outside observer's perspective: great decision by VK to assign the DC role to another coach.
IMO that alone will significantly improve the chances of Mt's D making a comeback.

[bceagle80]

Lookout UW-W!! The Mount Union team is hungry and is ready for you!

We never assumed that they were anything but.

It should be another great contest this year for both sides, assuming, of course, both teams once again wade through the competition in the brackets. I am looking forward to multiple contests during my son's tenure at the school.

Not looking to ruffle feathers here but Mount needs to get their defensive mojo back big time if there are going to be more Stagg Bowl rematches.  Their defense wasn't just "bad for Mount Union". It was bad. And not just against UW-W but for the last 3 games. In my opinion, the physicality gap between the two teams last year was stunning.  No doubt Mount will be hungry. Ready for UW-W? I guess we will find out.

No feathers ruffles here. I was looking to make good conversation. I agree completely physicality is what Mount Union needs. They are fast. They need to be big, fast and strong. While I do not know who will play defense on the line of the incoming freshman, they do have good sized guys coming in (265 lbs. to 290 lbs.) who are strong (multiple 500 lb., one 600 lb. plus squat maximums and multiple 350 lbs. to 455 lbs. maximums), one kid even runs a 4.7 40 yd. dash.

I can speak for the ability of my son. He was considered one of the best lineman in the area. Offensively, he played left guard, had lots of pancake blocks, and down field blocks in every game. He pulled a lot as well. He knows those techniques and he knows how to beat them. He played at 245 lbs. - 250 lbs. last season and was dominate on every play against most high school competition. He has worked hard to get bigger, faster and stronger. He is currently 265 lbs. and looks to put on another 5-10 lbs.  of muscle for the season. He also has a defensive mindset and attitude. As good as he was on offense, he slammed the door shut on offenses who would run his way last season. Two plays standout. I call them car crashes. Playing right defensive tackle, he took on a double team who could not budge him as inch, then a fullback and pulling guard and then the ball carrier. They could not move him out and both plays failed to gain any yardage. Both teams he did this against were successful in the state playoffs and one double team had a young man who went D1 at left tackle.

Bottom line: I believe this freshman team will be the key to some of the future success of Mount Union. If the other young men have half the dedication, focus and tenacity my son has (obviously bragging  ), then Mount Union will do very well against UW-W.

[bceagle80]

^ I couldn't agree more.   That defense was bad all season, just Burke & Company hid it from the casual observer.  Especially along the defensive line which was supposed to be their strength.  Not sure why either.   They returned a decent core from 2012 that was very good throughout the season and dominated UST in the Stagg, so one would expect the 2013 version to be comparable.   With LK retiring and only 1 starter on offense returning, I would have guessed the O would be the weak link and that the defense would have to carry them to Virginia.    Guess not.

2014 will be very big for VK and Mount.   It's the first good indicator of what the post-LK future is going to really look like.   Then 2015 is even bigger once Burke graduates.   LK has proven over the years that he can find and coach QB's to be great.   Wonder if VK can do the same?   Here's to hoping the answer is a resounding 'yes'.

I know he has multiple freshman QBs coming in loaded with ability, confidence and competitive experience. I think part of the reason LK was at spring practices was to help in the QB transition after Burke is gone. LK is a great teacher and part of the reason I think he is helping is to "train the trainers" (the coaches) to be successful with building solid collegiate football players long after he is gone. He already has a great legacy. His impact could last generations at colleges throughout the country.