FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[Craft_Beermeister]

Though this might be the best Wesley team to make the trip to Alliance, I'm strangely not too worried.

Last year's game was a shootout, but some of Wesley's score were on pretty sloppy plays, blown coverage late in the game etc.Mount's older, battle tested more mentally tough defense should be able to eliminate those and if they can play as well as they did against JCU should be able to keep the Wesley offense in check.

On the other side, the Purple Raiders shredded the Wesley Defense last year and this year that defense has to deal with Two new offensive threats in Namdar and Taurice Scott.

It'll be a story of which Defense has improved more and which one comes to play.

Mount Union 42 , Wesley 21

Looking at the Mount/JCU games.  Mount 33.5 - 26.  So if Wesley has a better defense than JCU and I believe they do then Mount getting to about 30 is ok with me.  If Wesley has a better offense than JCU and I again believe they do than Wesley getting to 30 is also well within the realm of possibility.  I know that JCU has the familiarity with Mount going for them, but by now I think Wesley is pretty familiar with Mount too.  This game could end up a blowout as these type of games sometimes do, but I would be stunned if either team wins by 21.  If Wesley keeps Mount under 30, and I do think that is possible then I really like their chances because I think they can get into the 30's.

At least we are talking about the football game now.

Should be a good close game though I don't think Wesley is better than JCU

[thewaterboy]

I really think Wesley has the capability to pull this off if they can win, or even be close in the turnover battle. Looking at the past 3 games between Mount and Wesley, it has really been the turnovers that have barred Wesley from winning in Alliance, and its not just one turnover.
                   
2013: WES: 6 turnovers (4 INTs including a pick 6, 2 Fumbles). MU: 0 turnovers. Margin of victory for Mount: 3 pts.
2011: WES: 6 turnovers (4 INTs incl. two in endzone, 2 Fumbles. MU: 3 turnovers. Margin of victory for Mount: 7 pts.
2009: WES: 4 turnovers (3 INTs, 1 Fumble). MU: 2 turnovers. Margin of victory for Mount: 21 pts.

Looking at the 2011 and 2013 games. You take away one turnover and its a totally different game and maybe a Wesley win. Just goes to show that you cant afford to give the ball up in opportune situations when you're playing Mount. Wesley has proven they can hang on to the ball (+35 turnover margin leads D3), so hopefully that trend continues Saturday.

[jaypeter]

I don't know...looking at the way things go, maybe Wesley needs to turn it over more.  6 turnovers and a growing turnover margin equalled a 7 and 3 point loss.  I suggest they hand the ball over to Mount as often as Mount hands the ball to their running backs.  Sounds like a good plan to me!   

[reality check]

The fact that you guys are discussing him just feeds the voices inside his head.  He's simply the reincarnation of 70'sRaider in a bad, faded leisure suit.  Ignore him.

I like to think that the leisure suit doesn't separate them in any way.  Not even 100% sure they're not the same person. 

I always pictured seventiesraider typing away at the public library computer in his faded polysester rayon blend (thinking there was some dark purple trim too) with an AOL chat window open to break down Mount Union with raider68 and an adult beverage concealed expertly in a brown paper bag.  And in between emails debating the inherent goodness of Smucker's jelly with some parolee named stoonk, he shares his whit and wisdom with all of us on the OAC board.  That's the utopia I will always picture in my head anyways.

[Spurrier]

Thanks d3db.

desertraider

I believe she had someone in mind or she hoped to bring in but the job sat unclaimed for five months.  One of the only reasons cited was a desire for an on-campus coach.  Never was I asked about moving over as a teacher.  The new guy is also off-campus.  So clearly the plan changed or was all BS.  I was also notified I wasn't returning via email.  Class act all the way.  LOL.

OK, despite you being a CJ grad... I like you.  So as a result, I'm going to give you some advice:  GET OUT OF ARIZONA, dude.  Seriously.  You got screwed in football also.  I know you're a good coach -- because you care.  And because you care, you have been in a couple crappy situations.  I know coaching can be a transient life until you get settled and thats my point -- take this as a lesson and get out of Arizona.  I don't want to disparage the people of Arizona, but look around you.  You're not in the Midwest.  Look at the crime reports in Phoenix -- I know because I sold police equipment in the West and besides CA, by far my biggest accounts were in the Phoenix Metro area.  Places like Maryvale and Sun City are downright scary and you have a growing family.  Yes, you live way outside of the Metro area but with the Cartels coming across the border -- now is the time to get out of AZ for the Schreels.  I'm serious.

Oh no! Someone needs to tell Spurrier there's a polar bear lost in the desert!

F-L-O-R-I-D-A

[rscl70]

The fact that you guys are discussing him just feeds the voices inside his head.  He's simply the reincarnation of 70'sRaider in a bad, faded leisure suit.  Ignore him.

I like to think that the leisure suit doesn't separate them in any way.  Not even 100% sure they're not the same person. 

I always pictured seventiesraider typing away at the public library computer in his faded polysester rayon blend (thinking there was some dark purple trim too) with an AOL chat window open to break down Mount Union with raider68 and an adult beverage concealed expertly in a brown paper bag.  And in between emails debating the inherent goodness of Smucker's jelly with some parolee named stoonk, he shares his whit and wisdom with all of us on the OAC board.  That's the utopia I will always picture in my head anyways.

Sorry to ruin your vision, but I know for a fact that '70's does not drink.

[reality check]

Then what was his excuse?!?   

[Craft_Beermeister]

The fact that you guys are discussing him just feeds the voices inside his head.  He's simply the reincarnation of 70'sRaider in a bad, faded leisure suit.  Ignore him.

I like to think that the leisure suit doesn't separate them in any way.  Not even 100% sure they're not the same person. 

I always pictured seventiesraider typing away at the public library computer in his faded polysester rayon blend (thinking there was some dark purple trim too) with an AOL chat window open to break down Mount Union with raider68 and an adult beverage concealed expertly in a brown paper bag.  And in between emails debating the inherent goodness of Smucker's jelly with some parolee named stoonk, he shares his whit and wisdom with all of us on the OAC board.  That's the utopia I will always picture in my head anyways.

Sorry to ruin your vision, but I know for a fact that '70's does not drink.

Whatever happened to seventiesraider?  I remember seeing him in the past standing by the fence in the south end of the field in Alliance.

[SaintsFAN]

Whatever happened to seventiesraider?  I remember seeing him in the past standing by the fence in the south end of the field in Alliance.

That's where I assume I'll see him tomorrow.   Is anyone else going to Pancho's tomorrow morning from this board?


skunkssidekick -- did you get my PM?  I tried texting you today, but not sure if you still have the same number. 

EDIT:  Question answered.  I had another phone number for you.  See you tomorrow. 

[reality check]

A quick look at seventies' facebook indicates he's doing just fine and still being "seventiesraider".

[skunks_sidekick]

Wesleydad - I would be shocked to see Wesley hold Mount to under 30 points.  My prediction.....

35-34

As I did the previous week, I am not saying who has what.   

Just don't let Mount have the ball at the end of the game with a win in reach.  Burke has been the best I've seen in those situations.

70's Raider is still around.  I think he keeps a much lower profile these days.  He doesn't want to steal any of Suit's awesomeness!   

[rscl70]

A quick look at seventies' facebook indicates he's doing just fine and still being "seventiesraider".

Yep.

[mr_mom]

And then there were four!

The voices in my head are telling me to remind you to get your picks in.   

[Bartman]

Having seen Wesley play Hobart last week, I think they have some great athletes at the skill positions and will give Mount Union all they can handle. These are some observations based on line play in last game and the game implications:

        Wesley Offensive Line: Wesley had a hard time running against the Hobart DLine so they had to resort to passing on a bad weather day. The Hobart line did get 4 sacks on Callahan , so he can be rattled, but when the weather cleared and Coleman was out of the game at the end of the 3rd  they protected and connected. Weather is clear tomorrow so if Callahan has time, watch out.
        Wesley Defensive Line: They stopped the run against a very strong Hobart OLine, but never sacked  QB. If this happens, Burke may have to go to the air early and often and should have a nice day with time to pass to his talented receiver corp .However,the Wesley pass defenders are very athletic , so I see a couple of picks.
   I would be surprised if either team gets the run game going in a dominating way, so it should be arena  style football. Wesley was very disciplined and never panicked when Hobart got back in the game in the third quarter, so I doubt that they will be intimidated by the "environment" in Alliance after last year's comeback. I actually picked Wesley before the tournament to win it all, but based on the 2 games I watched Mount Union play JCU  and the live Wesley game I saw , I think Mount Union has a slight edge, and should win 45-38. Good luck to both teams tomorrow, it can go either way.

[Desertraider]

So let's see if I have this straight. Mount v. Wesley; Keith picking against Mount, Pat and Ryan picking Mount in a nail biter; Spurrier still doesn't know where his polar bears at, apparently one is in Arizona; seventiesraider wears leisure suits; and aprof wants to trade hats. Wow. Did I miss anything? Oh - wesleydad and thewaterboy give Wesley a shot, but Raiderplaybyplay isn't worried. And Emma may, or may not have used the "haven't seen a team like this" line, but thinks Mount will be lucky to survive if Wesley doesn't give away a ton of TOs   ? (Kidding Emma) Ok now I am up to speed.

I am picking Mount - because I am a Mount fan. Even if I think Wesley has a shot - I won't admit it, I am a stubborn Mount fan. Even if Wesley worries me - I won't admit it (in person), because I am a hard-headed, stubborn Mount fan. And because I have no idea what will happen (I said Mount needed Lally to stop the run and get pressure against W&J - I was waaay wrong) and have no clear read on this game...I will pick Mount in a landslide. Mount 55 Wesley 17 - If I am going to be wrong - I would rather be really wrong. Please don't think I disrespect Wesley - I don't. But I am a Mount fan, and Mount is THE Mount in my mind. 55-17 Raiders.

Having said that - I wish both teams an injury and incident free game. Safe travels to all.