FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[mr_mom]

I don't know what else you are looking for Raiderpa?  The rankings according to K&J state that Mount Union has the #1 ranked defense in yards and points per game.

The effect of the Heidelberg game ...

Before      Heidelberg      After
#1   4   Scoring Defense   6.2   #3
#1   137   Total Defense   182   #2
#1   73   Passing Defense   110   #3
#6   64   Rushing Defense   72   #8

For comparison, JCU is #2, #1, #2, and #9 in those defensive statistics. 

[bleedpurple]

Dr. Acula, I'm with you on the 1st place vote thing. I know Mount didn't have one, had one, didn't have one, and now have it back.  I'm wondering if it's the same voter.  Maybe the voter wishes he could split his vote and this is his way of doing that.

This is their first, first place vote bleed. UMHB had the other one before.

Wow, you're right. My mistake.  That is even more odd to me. Probably a different voter who has them very close and has now seen enough cumulatively to put Mount on top now.  I agree wtih Dr. Acula's overall point. I believe that however I ranked the top 3 coming into the season, I would probably not have changed any rankings based on results so far.  None of them have remotely been tested. It's been nothing other than a beauty contest so far.

[HScoach]

I don't know what else you are looking for Raiderpa?  The rankings according to K&J state that Mount Union has the #1 ranked defense in yards and points per game.

The effect of the Heidelberg game ...

Before      Heidelberg      After
#1   4   Scoring Defense   6.2   #3
#1   137   Total Defense   182   #2
#1   73   Passing Defense   110   #3
#6   64   Rushing Defense   72   #8

For comparison, JCU is #2, #1, #2, and #9 in those defensive statistics.

JCU had a better defense than Mount in '13 and I would expect '14 to be the same.   This version of Mount's D appears to be a little better than last year, but not significantly so.   Week 10 should be a shootout.

[Dr. Acula]

I said it last year and it remains true thus far this year to me...the Mount D is still searching for that difference making superstar that they always seemed to have.  I have no doubt that they have 11 good players on that defense.  What they don't have right now is a Driskill, Diesel, Kostelnik, etc.  Guys that elevate the entire unit individually with their play making ability.  Guys like that make big plays in big spots and get the defense off the field. 

[Raider 68]

Dr. Acula,

I agree with you and to some extent HScoach, but in 2013 the Raiders got to the Stagg with a very good offense and a not
so good defense. JCU had a very good offense in 2013, but only won one playoff game. So the question is, are the Raiders
better as a team in 2014 vs. 2013, Yes they are. The offense is better than very good, with a great passing attack and a
far better running game  than in 2013. The stats indicate that. The defense is better as a whole, and in 2014, there is a pass rush
with more aggressive play. The secondary is still a concern going into the playoffs. The special teams in 2014 are much improved
vs. 2013. Let's not forget Heidelberg's QB Mees is a good mobile QB. What we do not know, is how many more QB's of his
caliber will the Raider's face other than M. Myers with a cannon as an arm, but not mobile or a runner. I am hoping
the Raiders will be able to take the Heidelberg game as a building point on what they have to improve upon. When you lead
all of D3 on offense, and are consistent( except for the rare fumbles), it is clear to me that this team has more potential in 2014
versus 2013, but we will see over the 5 weeks.

[Toph]

Dr. Acula,

I agree with you and to some extent HScoach, but in 2013 the Raiders got to the Stagg with a very good offense and a not
so good defense. JCU had a very good offense in 2013, but only won one playoff game. So the question is, are the Raiders
better as a team in 2014 vs. 2013, Yes they are. The offense is better than very good, with a great passing attack and a
far better running game  than in 2013. The stats indicate that. The defense is better as a whole, and in 2014, there is a pass rush
with more aggressive play. The secondary is still a concern going into the playoffs.

For the record, JCU didn't win any playoff games last year.  JCU's playoff loss was due in part to the snow really starting to fly.  Early on in the SJF game it looked like the Streaks were going to waltz to the next round.  Then Fisher's D adjusted, and the snow and wind really started to pick up.  Carroll had 126 yards of total offense in the second half (275 in the first).  It's a problem they could run into again, being a pass first team.

Week 10 should be a lot of fun.  JCU appears to be clicking on all cylinders, Mount certainly is rolling offensively.  If the purple secondary is a slight weakness...there's a gleam, men.  There's a gleam.

[Raider 68]

Dr. Acula,

I agree with you and to some extent HScoach, but in 2013 the Raiders got to the Stagg with a very good offense and a not
so good defense. JCU had a very good offense in 2013, but only won one playoff game. So the question is, are the Raiders
better as a team in 2014 vs. 2013, Yes they are. The offense is better than very good, with a great passing attack and a
far better running game  than in 2013. The stats indicate that. The defense is better as a whole, and in 2014, there is a pass rush
with more aggressive play. The secondary is still a concern going into the playoffs.

For the record, JCU didn't win any playoff games last year.  JCU's playoff loss was due in part to the snow really starting to fly.  Early on in the SJF game it looked like the Streaks were going to waltz to the next round.  Then Fisher's D adjusted, and the snow and wind really started to pick up.  Carroll had 126 yards of total offense in the second half (275 in the first).  It's a problem they could run into again, being a pass first team.

Week 10 should be a lot of fun.  JCU appears to be clicking on all cylinders, Mount certainly is rolling offensively.  If the purple secondary is a slight weakness...there's a gleam, men.  There's a gleam.

Toph,

It will be a great game, but as someone mentioned early on, the real difference may be the depth of each team and the Raiders have an edge. The running game for this game, while not discussed  a lot, could make a real difference.

[Sir Battlescars]

I don't know what else you are looking for Raiderpa?  The rankings according to K&J state that Mount Union has the #1 ranked defense in yards and points per game.

The effect of the Heidelberg game ...

Before      Heidelberg      After
#1   4   Scoring Defense   6.2   #3
#1   137   Total Defense   182   #2
#1   73   Passing Defense   110   #3
#6   64   Rushing Defense   72   #8

For comparison, JCU is #2, #1, #2, and #9 in those defensive statistics.

JCU had a better defense than Mount in '13 and I would expect '14 to be the same.   This version of Mount's D appears to be a little better than last year, but not significantly so.   Week 10 should be a shootout.

There's no way this game will be a shootout. Both defenses are too good.

[mr_mom]

Spreads for Week #8 of the OAC Pick-Em have been posted.

With only one close game in the conference this week, the OAC home teams are giving a total of 205.5 points over the five games.  I fear it may not be enough. 

But hopefully it will help me improve on the poor distributions I had last week.

[pradierguy]

I don't know what else you are looking for Raiderpa?  The rankings according to K&J state that Mount Union has the #1 ranked defense in yards and points per game.

The effect of the Heidelberg game ...

Before      Heidelberg      After
#1   4   Scoring Defense   6.2   #3
#1   137   Total Defense   182   #2
#1   73   Passing Defense   110   #3
#6   64   Rushing Defense   72   #8

For comparison, JCU is #2, #1, #2, and #9 in those defensive statistics.

JCU had a better defense than Mount in '13 and I would expect '14 to be the same.   This version of Mount's D appears to be a little better than last year, but not significantly so.   Week 10 should be a shootout.

There's no way this game will be a shootout. Both defenses are too good.

Disagree. Neither team has played a decent offense. I think there will be 100+ combined points scored.

[boobyhasgameyo]

Dr. Acula,

I agree with you and to some extent HScoach, but in 2013 the Raiders got to the Stagg with a very good offense and a not
so good defense. JCU had a very good offense in 2013, but only won one playoff game. So the question is, are the Raiders
better as a team in 2014 vs. 2013, Yes they are. The offense is better than very good, with a great passing attack and a
far better running game  than in 2013. The stats indicate that. The defense is better as a whole, and in 2014, there is a pass rush
with more aggressive play. The secondary is still a concern going into the playoffs.

For the record, JCU didn't win any playoff games last year.  JCU's playoff loss was due in part to the snow really starting to fly.  Early on in the SJF game it looked like the Streaks were going to waltz to the next round.  Then Fisher's D adjusted, and the snow and wind really started to pick up.  Carroll had 126 yards of total offense in the second half (275 in the first).  It's a problem they could run into again, being a pass first team.

Week 10 should be a lot of fun.  JCU appears to be clicking on all cylinders, Mount certainly is rolling offensively.  If the purple secondary is a slight weakness...there's a gleam, men.  There's a gleam.

Yes, it didn't look promising early on for Fisher after the first few drives.  Thankfully football games aren't a quarter long.  John Carroll was outscored 25-3 after the first quarter, that's a considerable statistic.  Also, if my memory serves, I think both offenses had to play in the snow that day.  One QB was able to make the necessary throws without issue or blame of the elements, the only problem the Fisher offense encountered that day was a talented defense.  The other QB was confused by masked coverages and blitz packages that led to 4 interceptions.  It's a nice thought to say you couldn't throw in the weather that day without having the ball get hung up and picked off.  Fenti proved you could however.  I remember him carving up the secondary in the 4th quarter on a key scoring drive.  Meyers was throwing the ball with great velocity that day, he just looked genuinely confused by our 3-3 stacked defense.  One of the biggest turning points of the game came when Fisher failed to convert on 4th and goal.  JCU takes over on downs, Meyers drops back, must have saw the safety playing over the top and thought he had the underneath, totally missed a db jumping the route.  Pick six. 

Same story the following week after John Carroll.  Fenti was efficient enough, and our defense forced the opposing QB into multiple interceptions.  His efficiency continues this year with 16 touchdowns to 0 interceptions.  Not earth shattering but very reliable. 

I look forward to the home and home between Fisher and JCU beginning next year.  It sometimes feels like we are an honorary member of the OAC.  Go Ohio State!  Go Cleveland Cavaliers! 

[bceagle80]

JCU had a better defense than Mount in '13 and I would expect '14 to be the same.   This version of Mount's D appears to be a little better than last year, but not significantly so.   Week 10 should be a shootout.
[/quote]

It is interesting to see the comments each week and the debate on how good Mount Union really is. Keep in mind each team is comprised of some new faces each year and every team every year needs to learn how to win. The gifted athletes on Mount Union's football team are, most likely, learning just like every team does. The real question is how do they take it to the top level this year. I agree with Dr. Acula that a few young men need to emerge as game changing difference makers. Who will they be and when will we see it happen? I expect it will happen over the next few weeks before the JC game.

FYI: JV won against Baldwin Wallace 40-0 this past Sunday.

[SaintsFAN]

Dr. Acula,

I agree with you and to some extent HScoach, but in 2013 the Raiders got to the Stagg with a very good offense and a not
so good defense. JCU had a very good offense in 2013, but only won one playoff game. So the question is, are the Raiders
better as a team in 2014 vs. 2013, Yes they are. The offense is better than very good, with a great passing attack and a
far better running game  than in 2013. The stats indicate that. The defense is better as a whole, and in 2014, there is a pass rush
with more aggressive play. The secondary is still a concern going into the playoffs.

For the record, JCU didn't win any playoff games last year.  JCU's playoff loss was due in part to the snow really starting to fly.  Early on in the SJF game it looked like the Streaks were going to waltz to the next round.  Then Fisher's D adjusted, and the snow and wind really started to pick up.  Carroll had 126 yards of total offense in the second half (275 in the first).  It's a problem they could run into again, being a pass first team.

Week 10 should be a lot of fun.  JCU appears to be clicking on all cylinders, Mount certainly is rolling offensively.  If the purple secondary is a slight weakness...there's a gleam, men.  There's a gleam.

Yes, it didn't look promising early on for Fisher after the first few drives.  Thankfully football games aren't a quarter long.  John Carroll was outscored 25-3 after the first quarter, that's a considerable statistic.  Also, if my memory serves, I think both offenses had to play in the snow that day.  One QB was able to make the necessary throws without issue or blame of the elements, the only problem the Fisher offense encountered that day was a talented defense.  The other QB was confused by masked coverages and blitz packages that led to 4 interceptions.  It's a nice thought to say you couldn't throw in the weather that day without having the ball get hung up and picked off.  Fenti proved you could however.  I remember him carving up the secondary in the 4th quarter on a key scoring drive.  Meyers was throwing the ball with great velocity that day, he just looked genuinely confused by our 3-3 stacked defense.  One of the biggest turning points of the game came when Fisher failed to convert on 4th and goal.  JCU takes over on downs, Meyers drops back, must have saw the safety playing over the top and thought he had the underneath, totally missed a db jumping the route.  Pick six. 

Same story the following week after John Carroll.  Fenti was efficient enough, and our defense forced the opposing QB into multiple interceptions.  His efficiency continues this year with 16 touchdowns to 0 interceptions.  Not earth shattering but very reliable. 

I look forward to the home and home between Fisher and JCU beginning next year.  It sometimes feels like we are an honorary member of the OAC.  Go Ohio State!  Go Cleveland Cavaliers!

Thats one thing about SJF -- they aren't afraid to play anyone.  I'm hearing they are headed down to Crestview Hills next year also to return the game with Thomas More played two years ago.

[emma17]

JCU had a better defense than Mount in '13 and I would expect '14 to be the same.   This version of Mount's D appears to be a little better than last year, but not significantly so.   Week 10 should be a shootout.

It is interesting to see the comments each week and the debate on how good Mount Union really is. Keep in mind each team is comprised of some new faces each year and every team every year needs to learn how to win. The gifted athletes on Mount Union's football team are, most likely, learning just like every team does. The real question is how do they take it to the top level this year. I agree with Dr. Acula that a few young men need to emerge as game changing difference makers. Who will they be and when will we see it happen? I expect it will happen over the next few weeks before the JC game.

FYI: JV won against Baldwin Wallace 40-0 this past Sunday.
[/quote]

Bceagle- I know you have a son on JV so congrats on their continued victories.
On the other side of that coin- isn't it a bit depressing to see the never ending blow outs?  Wouldn't it be better to see some really tight scores or even losses so that the conference has hope for greater balance in the future? 

Nothing Mt can do I know. But I'm not even an OAC guy and I get frustrated with the failure of the other programs to improve.
We get some of that in the WIAC- just not to the degree of disparity.

[bleedpurple]

Bceagle- I know you have a son on JV so congrats on their continued victories.
On the other side of that coin- isn't it a bit depressing to see the never ending blow outs?  Wouldn't it be better to see some really tight scores or even losses so that the conference has hope for greater balance in the future? 

Nothing Mt can do I know. But I'm not even an OAC guy and I get frustrated with the failure of the other programs to improve.
We get some of that in the WIAC- just not to the degree of disparity.

Emma, my man! Your taking this line of thought to the OAC now?  Wow, good luck with that.  Yes, a Mount parent is going to think it's better for his son's school to take some losses for the hope of greater balance in the future. RIIIIGGGHT.

I know where you are going with that 17, but really it's up to the rest of the conference teams to step it up. (And of course I know that's what you are really talking about).  But it is a bit much to ask fans of UW-W or Mount to root for a loss.   I probably shouldn't put this in writing, but in a sense, it is UW-W and Mount's mission to DESTROY parity and balance. It's up to everyone else to keep them from doing it.