FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[Dr. Acula]

Surprising to me that Mike Drass of Wesley has not won the Coach of Year in East Region in the past 10 years...
He really has done a great job, year in and year out, and one would assume he would have been selected...Not that the winners are not deserving, but Mike has been a model of consistency.

Don't forget that Wesley was in the South Region previously.  I think I recall Drass winning it at least a couple times there. 

[skunks_sidekick]

I wish I'd have known Mount had nothing to prove those other years before the game.  Would have saved me a long drive to VA.

Dayum!  I was so dumb for thinking different!

Don't get me wrong, I am hoping that Mount finds some "other level" to deal with UWW.  Because the fact remains, in the last five meetings they needed it badly.  I do believe every year is different, but with these two teams...is it?  Early in the year I really thought with the new coach, the lack of offense, and the general just "ok" play from UWW that they were going to suffer a possible down year.  OH WAIT...NOPE!  Here they are again with a strong O-line, very strong D-line (front seven), they have their big RB back, and the QB is now making enough plays that you can't totally sell-out on the run. 

I have seen this story before...and before...and before.

I do believe this is a huge test for VK, as I thought he hit just a bit of the panic mode at the end of the first half in the Stagg last year.  Although putting the ball into the hands of your senior, all everything, amazing QB is usually a good move.

[raiderpa]

I believe that unlike any game thus far, Mount will be facing an offensive line that is the equal of their defensive line.  This leads me to worry about stopping the run and if Mt has to commit extra to the run, play action passing with the outstanding receiver #7..

WWW D will be most likely the best faced, so Mount will have to be patient and not worry if they do not have the quick success that they are used to.

I watched the press conference of WWW after last week and the players were visibly and vocally excited to come to Mount Union.  They are looking forward to meeting Mount on Purple Raider turf.  Nor many teams are that excited to come to Alliance.  They were smiling and I could almost picture them rubbing their hands together in anticipation about stepping into the Kehres back yard.

Should be a great game.

[HScoach]

The only question in my mind for Saturday is Taurice Scott.  Can he handle the pressure?   Both the physical pressure applied by the UWW pass rush and the mental pressure of the moment.

If yes, Mount has a 50/50 shot.
If no, they have no shot.

The question is whether Scott is capable.    He might be, or he might piss down his leg.  We just haven't seen it yet as Mount hasn't been pushed.  Wesley was 15 yards away from being that first mental test, but the D made the stop and Nemeth finished it.  Wesley was never good enough to be a physical test that UWW or UST will be.

Time will tell if Scott is a really good QB that is athletic,  or if he's a really good athlete playing QB.  I have my opinion, but what do I know.  I'm just a washed up Oline coach......

[ExTartanPlayer]

Surprising to me that Mike Drass of Wesley has not won the Coach of Year in East Region in the past 10 years...
He really has done a great job, year in and year out, and one would assume he would have been selected...Not that the winners are not deserving, but Mike has been a model of consistency.

Don't forget that Wesley was in the South Region previously.  I think I recall Drass winning it at least a couple times there.

Six times, actually.

Drass has gotten his due.

EDIT: Pat has since posted the correct number of times he won the d3fb award.  I admit to being lazy and just googling a story (incidentally, it was a game preview on the Mount Union page that cited Drass as having won the South Region Coach of the Year award six times...

http://athletics.mountunion.edu/sports/fball/2014-15/releases/20141209axw8sf

"Mike Drass has 199 wins at Wesley and is the 2014 South Region Coach of the Year for the sixth time in his career"

[Pat Coleman]

He's won our award three times -- started in 2005.

[formerd3db]

Random question on a different topic...any one have any thoughts as to why the somewhat dismal attendance numbers for the playoff games?  Other than the Whitewater/Oshkosh game, the others playoff games have had low counts.  Obviously, Mount Union travels well and assuming they will get back to the Stagg Bowl this year, I'm sure they will have a very good contingent there as usual.

Conversely, as it is a very long way for Linfield or St. Thomas, I sense their following will not be a huge number and thus, the Stagg Bowl attendance for this year overall to be quite less than it has been in some years.  Of course, this depends on which teams from where get to the championship game each year and varies.  Speculative thoughts anyone?

[AO]

Random question on a different topic...any one have any thoughts as to why the somewhat dismal attendance numbers for the playoff games?  Other than the Whitewater/Oshkosh game, the others playoff games have had low counts.  Obviously, Mount Union travels well and assuming they will get back to the Stagg Bowl this year, I'm sure they will have a very good contingent there as usual.

Conversely, as it is a very long way for Linfield or St. Thomas, I sense their following will not be a huge number and thus, the Stagg Bowl attendance for this year overall to be quite less than it has been in some years.  Of course, this depends on which teams from where get to the championship game each year and varies.  Speculative thoughts anyone?

Tommie-Johnnie2 had 8025 in attendance, better than was expected for thanksgiving weekend.  It certainly would make sense to move the game farther West, but it's tough to switch the site away from a reliable host like Salem.

[D O.C.]

And it would be a headache to rotate the game just for fans of different teams. If it's not broke, leave it alone.
Speaking of alone, that's what we are West of the Rockies.

[raiderpa]

My opinion on the attendance is two-fold. First, the students are off campus at many places during this time. Secondly, the fans of many ultra successful programs are a bit spoiled and only attend when they feel the game will be worth it.  I think a lot of Mount fans pass on the first round or two because of the past blowouts, at least a few that I have talked to feel that way.

If there is not an attendance record at this game Saturday, I would be surprised and very disappointed.  This is a game that is unlike any played at Mount, maybe ever.  The Raiders will need the home support for this one, I believe that they may be considered underdogs by many.  I also feel that WWW may bring a horde as they travel well and the Stagg is not guaranteed.

The weather factor will be non existent is the forecast is for 63 degrees and a slight chance of showers, last I checked, however as stated by
Mark Twain, "No matter how famous or important you may have been, the number of people attending your funeral will be determined by the weather."  (Not exact, but close, sorry Sam)

[purple]

 HS Coach has an interesting point of view on Mount's QB. My take on Scott is that he has already overcome great adversity getting to this point. I'm not talking about football, I'm talking about a young man coming out of Alliance Ohio, doing the academic work to get to his senior year, staying out of trouble (the downfall of nearly all his friends from town,and I mean nearly all), and handling the tough coaching of LK. He has life experiences that prepare him well. Also, athletes from Alliance who get to where he is, and there are so very few, have a mental toughness and confidence about them. I predict he will be the difference in the game, and Mount will prevail.

[Desertraider]

My opinion on the attendance is two-fold. First, the students are off campus at many places during this time. Secondly, the fans of many ultra successful programs are a bit spoiled and only attend when they feel the game will be worth it.  I think a lot of Mount fans pass on the first round or two because of the past blowouts, at least a few that I have talked to feel that way.

If there is not an attendance record at this game Saturday, I would be surprised and very disappointed.  This is a game that is unlike any played at Mount, maybe ever.  The Raiders will need the home support for this one, I believe that they may be considered underdogs by many.  I also feel that WWW may bring a horde as they travel well and the Stagg is not guaranteed.

The weather factor will be non existent is the forecast is for 63 degrees and a slight chance of showers, last I checked, however as stated by
Mark Twain, "No matter how famous or important you may have been, the number of people attending your funeral will be determined by the weather."  (Not exact, but close, sorry Sam)

As pro-Mount as I am - Mount is an underdog. UWW has beaten them when they had the better team, and when Mount had the better team (IMHO). Until Mount beats UWW - UWW is the favorite. I thought Mount had the better team last year and UWW found a way to win. I have a ton of respect for UWW. I look at this game like the Mount-Wesley game. Wesley came in knowing they had not beaten Mount despite putting up great numbers and playing all out (2 years ago). Now, Mount has UWW coming in and it is the one team that this group of Mount players has to say they have not beaten.

[emma17]

My opinion on the attendance is two-fold. First, the students are off campus at many places during this time. Secondly, the fans of many ultra successful programs are a bit spoiled and only attend when they feel the game will be worth it.  I think a lot of Mount fans pass on the first round or two because of the past blowouts, at least a few that I have talked to feel that way.

If there is not an attendance record at this game Saturday, I would be surprised and very disappointed.  This is a game that is unlike any played at Mount, maybe ever.  The Raiders will need the home support for this one, I believe that they may be considered underdogs by many.  I also feel that WWW may bring a horde as they travel well and the Stagg is not guaranteed.

The weather factor will be non existent is the forecast is for 63 degrees and a slight chance of showers, last I checked, however as stated by
Mark Twain, "No matter how famous or important you may have been, the number of people attending your funeral will be determined by the weather."  (Not exact, but close, sorry Sam)

As pro-Mount as I am - Mount is an underdog. UWW has beaten them when they had the better team, and when Mount had the better team (IMHO). Until Mount beats UWW - UWW is the favorite. I thought Mount had the better team last year and UWW found a way to win. I have a ton of respect for UWW. I look at this game like the Mount-Wesley game. Wesley came in knowing they had not beaten Mount despite putting up great numbers and playing all out (2 years ago). Now, Mount has UWW coming in and it is the one team that this group of Mount players has to say they have not beaten.

Mt has excellent athletes on the O that requires great defensive discipline.
Mt has an excellent defensive line that played the UWW run pretty well last year.
UWW does not have the multiple threats at receiver they had last year.
UWW's LB's are a year better than last year, and they struggled a bit in the Stagg w the outside stuff.
UWW again has a strong O Line.

Like several have said, will the UWW D be able to get pressure on Scott that results in bad decisions?
Much uncertainty.

[purpled]

Tom Lally, Mike Furda, Hank Spencer, Alex Kocheff, Tre Jones = All-Region 1st Team...Sorry Skunks but  with these guys I don't see any issues with our D.

[New Tradition]

My opinion on the attendance is two-fold. First, the students are off campus at many places during this time. Secondly, the fans of many ultra successful programs are a bit spoiled and only attend when they feel the game will be worth it.  I think a lot of Mount fans pass on the first round or two because of the past blowouts, at least a few that I have talked to feel that way.

If there is not an attendance record at this game Saturday, I would be surprised and very disappointed.  This is a game that is unlike any played at Mount, maybe ever.  The Raiders will need the home support for this one, I believe that they may be considered underdogs by many.  I also feel that WWW may bring a horde as they travel well and the Stagg is not guaranteed.

The weather factor will be non existent is the forecast is for 63 degrees and a slight chance of showers, last I checked, however as stated by
Mark Twain, "No matter how famous or important you may have been, the number of people attending your funeral will be determined by the weather."  (Not exact, but close, sorry Sam)

As pro-Mount as I am - Mount is an underdog. UWW has beaten them when they had the better team, and when Mount had the better team (IMHO). Until Mount beats UWW - UWW is the favorite. I thought Mount had the better team last year and UWW found a way to win. I have a ton of respect for UWW. I look at this game like the Mount-Wesley game. Wesley came in knowing they had not beaten Mount despite putting up great numbers and playing all out (2 years ago). Now, Mount has UWW coming in and it is the one team that this group of Mount players has to say they have not beaten.

Mt has excellent athletes on the O that requires great defensive discipline.
Mt has an excellent defensive line that played the UWW run pretty well last year.
UWW does not have the multiple threats at receiver they had last year.
UWW's LB's are a year better than last year, and they struggled a bit in the Stagg w the outside stuff.
UWW again has a strong O Line.

Like several have said, will the UWW D be able to get pressure on Scott that results in bad decisions?
Much uncertainty.

I love when emma busts out his Yoda impression!