FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[skunks_sidekick]

Oh the decision has been made, but there is no need to implement it at this point.  More experience for everyone at this point.

How in the HECK can the OAC actually be this bad?  YIKES! 

[Alliance72]

Hey Mount fans, hope all is well.  Wanted to get your opinion on your QB situation.  When will Coach decide on just 1 or will he?  Is it a positive or negative in your opinion to switch back and forth?  Has 1 looked better than the other and with no real fear of losing Coach is having a look see?  Can Mount win if the QB situation remains the same?  Any other thoughts on the situation are welcome.  Thanks all.

I'll share my observations/opinion, but to be open and honest, I have a dog in this hunt.

Camp opened with 15 QBs, and as of this weekend there are now 6:  one senior (Peyakov) and five freshmen (Poorman, Fulford, Davis, Taitt, Reid).  Through the first two weekends, six freshmen split the varsity/JV snaps with no one getting much more than half a game.  Probably the most athletic freshman QB (VanHavel) switched to defense and has the ability to be a big-time contributor in the future.

I think there are actually three of the freshmen being evaluated closely (Poorman, Fulford, Davis).  For the first time this weekend, Davis didn't get snaps in the varsity game, but took all the snaps in the JV game (his first JV appearance).  LK attended the JV game for the first time, which I'm assuming to be an explanation for the extended look.

I can't make an educated guess as to whether this extended audition is good or bad for Mount.  They've certainly not suffered on the scoreboard, and it doesn't appear they will be tested until the JCU game in the final conference game.  I think the fact they can make it through their regular-season unscathed without settling on one QB is the very reason for the extended look.

My prediction:  I don't think they'll settle on a starter by the end of the season.

One note that speaks well of the program:  despite the competition for snaps, nearly all of these young QBs get along very well.  They've been supportive of one another regardless of who is getting snaps.  Despite the fact that all five of these freshmen could earn snaps at all but a few D3s in the region, I wouldn't expect a rash of transfers over the next year.

Since they're freshmen,  I don't think there's any hurry to pick a starter.  I think LK would be comfortable with the sharing situation because he did it as a player for at least a year.  I remember going to games in high school and LK shared the QB duties for a whole season with I believe a guy named Ungar (?).  I always went in free at halftime and I remember always seeing a different QB-they must've each played a half rather than switching at quarters or after a certain number of drives. Also,  Florida won a national championship by basically sharing the position between Leak and Tebow.
   

[Dr. Acula]

Posting thoughts on the game on Monday would have been fashionably late.  I'm not sure what posting them on Tuesday is, but here they are nonetheless:

Let's get this out of the way first, BW is not very good.  They lack playmakers at the skill positions for, as HScoach noted, the umpteenth year since Dan Larlham graduated.  They just don't have the horses to score against good defenses.  Defensively they seem above average, but nothing special.  Mount's O line dominated them.  The O line was supposed to be the strength of the team, but they were running at will on BW.

I don't think the QB rotation has ended.  I fully expect to see both guys get multiple meaningful series at ONU.  To me neither guy looked great throwing down field and both looked good on the short/intermediate stuff at BW.  Poorman showed nice touch on the first TD pass.  Fulford showed a gun on a couple crossing routes.  Raiderpa mentioned Fulford's fumble, but Poorman threw a pick in BW territory and also fumbled too (he recovered it).  Both guys need to take better care of the ball.  The good news to me is that I'd be happy with either of those guys as our starter if we only had one or the other.  We have both.  What a luxury to get to choose (and have depth).

I wasn't as down on the D as some.  I thought they played well after the first couple of series.  They once again completely shut down the run.  The D line does a nice job against the run.  Against the pass it seemed like they got pressure once they dialed up some blitzes, but not really with just 4 guys rushing.  They're not getting enough pressure from the DE's IMO.  Lally was a beast, but they're also searching for a new Furda.  He caused problems for opponents.

Austin White is going to be a good one at S.  I'm excited to watch him develop.  And I like that he's 6'2".  For the old guys he kind of reminds me of Sotcan.  Tall, athletic dude roaming the back end of the D.

[Dr. Acula]

Hey Mount fans, hope all is well.  Wanted to get your opinion on your QB situation.  When will Coach decide on just 1 or will he?  Is it a positive or negative in your opinion to switch back and forth?  Has 1 looked better than the other and with no real fear of losing Coach is having a look see?  Can Mount win if the QB situation remains the same?  Any other thoughts on the situation are welcome.  Thanks all.

I'll share my observations/opinion, but to be open and honest, I have a dog in this hunt.

Camp opened with 15 QBs, and as of this weekend there are now 6:  one senior (Peyakov) and five freshmen (Poorman, Fulford, Davis, Taitt, Reid).  Through the first two weekends, six freshmen split the varsity/JV snaps with no one getting much more than half a game.  Probably the most athletic freshman QB (VanHavel) switched to defense and has the ability to be a big-time contributor in the future.

I think there are actually three of the freshmen being evaluated closely (Poorman, Fulford, Davis).  For the first time this weekend, Davis didn't get snaps in the varsity game, but took all the snaps in the JV game (his first JV appearance).  LK attended the JV game for the first time, which I'm assuming to be an explanation for the extended look.

I can't make an educated guess as to whether this extended audition is good or bad for Mount.  They've certainly not suffered on the scoreboard, and it doesn't appear they will be tested until the JCU game in the final conference game.  I think the fact they can make it through their regular-season unscathed without settling on one QB is the very reason for the extended look.

My prediction:  I don't think they'll settle on a starter by the end of the season.

One note that speaks well of the program:  despite the competition for snaps, nearly all of these young QBs get along very well.  They've been supportive of one another regardless of who is getting snaps.  Despite the fact that all five of these freshmen could earn snaps at all but a few D3s in the region, I wouldn't expect a rash of transfers over the next year.

+k for the insight.  Thank you.  It's mind boggling to me that they have zero So/Jr QB's.  That's incredible.  And a testament to the freshmen class.

Also, kudos to VanHavel.  These kids were all star QB's in HS so to assess the situation and decide to move to defense already shows a lot of maturity.

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

Hey Mount fans, hope all is well.  Wanted to get your opinion on your QB situation.  When will Coach decide on just 1 or will he?  Is it a positive or negative in your opinion to switch back and forth?  Has 1 looked better than the other and with no real fear of losing Coach is having a look see?  Can Mount win if the QB situation remains the same?  Any other thoughts on the situation are welcome.  Thanks all.

I'll share my observations/opinion, but to be open and honest, I have a dog in this hunt.

Camp opened with 15 QBs, and as of this weekend there are now 6:  one senior (Peyakov) and five freshmen (Poorman, Fulford, Davis, Taitt, Reid).  Through the first two weekends, six freshmen split the varsity/JV snaps with no one getting much more than half a game.  Probably the most athletic freshman QB (VanHavel) switched to defense and has the ability to be a big-time contributor in the future.

I think there are actually three of the freshmen being evaluated closely (Poorman, Fulford, Davis).  For the first time this weekend, Davis didn't get snaps in the varsity game, but took all the snaps in the JV game (his first JV appearance).  LK attended the JV game for the first time, which I'm assuming to be an explanation for the extended look.

I can't make an educated guess as to whether this extended audition is good or bad for Mount.  They've certainly not suffered on the scoreboard, and it doesn't appear they will be tested until the JCU game in the final conference game.  I think the fact they can make it through their regular-season unscathed without settling on one QB is the very reason for the extended look.

My prediction:  I don't think they'll settle on a starter by the end of the season.

One note that speaks well of the program:  despite the competition for snaps, nearly all of these young QBs get along very well.  They've been supportive of one another regardless of who is getting snaps.  Despite the fact that all five of these freshmen could earn snaps at all but a few D3s in the region, I wouldn't expect a rash of transfers over the next year.

+k for the insight.  Thank you.  It's mind boggling to me that they have zero So/Jr QB's.  That's incredible.  And a testament to the freshmen class.

Also, kudos to VanHavel.  These kids were all star QB's in HS so to assess the situation and decide to move to defense already shows a lot of maturity.

RE: Zero So/Jr QBs.

They had Burke for 3+ Years with and then Scott.  Harder to recruit a QB during those times. 

[wesleydad]

Oh the decision has been made, but there is no need to implement it at this point.  More experience for everyone at this point.

How in the HECK can the OAC actually be this bad?  YIKES!

Thanks skunks.  On your point, is it really as bad as it looks?

[wesleydad]

Hey Mount fans, hope all is well.  Wanted to get your opinion on your QB situation.  When will Coach decide on just 1 or will he?  Is it a positive or negative in your opinion to switch back and forth?  Has 1 looked better than the other and with no real fear of losing Coach is having a look see?  Can Mount win if the QB situation remains the same?  Any other thoughts on the situation are welcome.  Thanks all.

I'll share my observations/opinion, but to be open and honest, I have a dog in this hunt.

Camp opened with 15 QBs, and as of this weekend there are now 6:  one senior (Peyakov) and five freshmen (Poorman, Fulford, Davis, Taitt, Reid).  Through the first two weekends, six freshmen split the varsity/JV snaps with no one getting much more than half a game.  Probably the most athletic freshman QB (VanHavel) switched to defense and has the ability to be a big-time contributor in the future.

I think there are actually three of the freshmen being evaluated closely (Poorman, Fulford, Davis).  For the first time this weekend, Davis didn't get snaps in the varsity game, but took all the snaps in the JV game (his first JV appearance).  LK attended the JV game for the first time, which I'm assuming to be an explanation for the extended look.

I can't make an educated guess as to whether this extended audition is good or bad for Mount.  They've certainly not suffered on the scoreboard, and it doesn't appear they will be tested until the JCU game in the final conference game.  I think the fact they can make it through their regular-season unscathed without settling on one QB is the very reason for the extended look.

My prediction:  I don't think they'll settle on a starter by the end of the season.

One note that speaks well of the program:  despite the competition for snaps, nearly all of these young QBs get along very well.  They've been supportive of one another regardless of who is getting snaps.  Despite the fact that all five of these freshmen could earn snaps at all but a few D3s in the region, I wouldn't expect a rash of transfers over the next year.

+k for the insight.  Thank you.  It's mind boggling to me that they have zero So/Jr QB's.  That's incredible.  And a testament to the freshmen class.

Also, kudos to VanHavel.  These kids were all star QB's in HS so to assess the situation and decide to move to defense already shows a lot of maturity.

Thanks for the insight kdets. +1

[HScoach]

Oh the decision has been made, but there is no need to implement it at this point.  More experience for everyone at this point.

How in the HECK can the OAC actually be this bad?  YIKES!

Thanks skunks.  On your point, is it really as bad as it looks?

Unfortunately, yes.

[Desertraider]

Saw this from the Repository:

http://www.cantonrep.com/sports/20160926/father-larry-kehres-influence-jim-ballards-record-setting-football-career

[raiderpa]

from my perspective, if we could just get HSCoach  to give his opinions more often, I would feel better.  I hate to admit I have never questioned or doubted his insight.  It is usually right on.

Mucho thanks to whomever is  putting the JV games on youtube.  I have really enjoyed watching and look forward to them.  It means a great deal to those (me) who don't get the chance to attend.
Greatly appreciated!!

Fulford does remind me of Taurice Scott and I believe could be as great a weapon, given time.  That being said, I do think that Poorman is the better choice at the moment.  He throws a much better long ball.  Seems to have a better feel for it right now.  If Fulford does not work out at QB, he has to see the field somewhere. He appears a stud athlete. 

I too, worry about Mitchell at RB into the playoffs.  His juking and cutting back will not be effective against better teams with better athletes and his size may preclude him from taking a beating over the long season.  That being said, I do not know who may be "the man" at the position if BJ goes on the DL.

[wesleydad]

from my perspective, if we could just get HSCoach  to give his opinions more often, I would feel better.  I hate to admit I have never questioned or doubted his insight.  It is usually right on.

Mucho thanks to whomever is  putting the JV games on youtube.  I have really enjoyed watching and look forward to them.  It means a great deal to those (me) who don't get the chance to attend.
Greatly appreciated!!

Fulford does remind me of Taurice Scott and I believe could be as great a weapon, given time.  That being said, I do think that Poorman is the better choice at the moment.  He throws a much better long ball.  Seems to have a better feel for it right now.  If Fulford does not work out at QB, he has to see the field somewhere. He appears a stud athlete. 

I too, worry about Mitchell at RB into the playoffs.  His juking and cutting back will not be effective against better teams with better athletes and his size may preclude him from taking a beating over the long season.  That being said, I do not know who may be "the man" at the position if BJ goes on the DL.

agree with your point on HSCoach.  Always on point and worth the read.  Shame the league has dropped off so much, tough being at the top when you play no one until the quarters or semis.

[section13raiderfan]

If you want Mitchel to be effective at playoff time all you have to do is buy a tarp for the field. It isnt the defenses that make him less effective, its not being able to plant his spikes on a wet surface. The turf is plastic and will hold moisture on its surface until it evaporates. Another option is to get a helicopter to hover over the field to speed up the moisture removal process. Ive seen it done before... But not at UMU. Better still, develop a real downhill runner. Nothing better for Ohio winter football.

[Dr. Acula]

A couple things on Mitchell:

1.  In a season where they're trying out freshmen QB's he has been lights out as the focal point of the offense so far.  Of course it hasn't been against good defenses, but he's done exactly what he should against them.  175 yds/gm, 9.1 ypc, 6 TD.  I'm not saying this makes him one of the best ever, but it deserves credit for doing exactly what you want your senior RB to do in a situation like this.  Take the ball, move the chains and let the kids taking snaps get their bearings without having to win games with their arms.

2.  As for the playoffs I think last year's Stagg Bowl was the perfect situation for him.  Not the featured back pounding it 30 carries, but the change of pace guy that blitzes a tired defense with his fresh legs and quickness.  10-12 carries.  He had 63 yds on 9 carries against UST.  That's perfect, especially when they played him and Nemeth together.  You have to account for his quickness on the read option.

Here's a semi related question though...are either of the freshmen serious threats to run on the read option?  I would say Fulford looks quicker than Poorman for sure, but IMO neither is Taurice Scott quick.  Perhaps the read option has been kept to a minimum in an attempt to keep the offense a little more basic early on?  A little less overwhelming for them out of the gate.  I'd be interested to hear what you guys think on that one.   

[Desertraider]

Good point on the read option Dr. A. I would like to put in the LK philosophy: players, formations, plays. Maybe read option is minimal because none of the QBs are ideally suited as Taurice and Burke were. Similarly we have wondered about a downhill, power runner - and maybe they don't have one. With that being said I have to wonder why they run BJ inside so often. I understand keep em' honest but inside is not BJs skill set. Cheers-

[HScoach]

Good point on the read option Dr. A. I would like to put in the LK philosophy: players, formations, plays. Maybe read option is minimal because none of the QBs are ideally suited as Taurice and Burke were. Similarly we have wondered about a downhill, power runner - and maybe they don't have one. With that being said I have to wonder why they run BJ inside so often. I understand keep em' honest but inside is not BJs skill set. Cheers-

If I was calling the plays against an average or lesser team I'd be PURPOSELY calling plays and formations I never intend to use against a really good team.   Make the future opponents prepare for as much diversity as possible.   I'd even slant the frequency of which plays I called when and where against what my preference would be.   That's the advantage of the OAC being absolute crap right now.   The down side of conference weakness is you never find out if your bread & butter stuff really works because you never get tested physically, which leads me to my overall thoughts about the '16 team.   

It's still early and someone could emerge as a stud, but this team very much reminds me of the 2004 group with Zac Bruney at QB / Strauch and Ciccone at RBs.  Good team that rolled thru the regular season because the overall team was deeper and more talented as a whole than the rest of the OAC, but they didn't have a consistent passing game and no difference makers for crunch time or either O or D.   For those that are too young to remember, '04 was the team that allowed MHB to come back from 17 down in the 4th quarter because Bruney couldn't hit the broadside of a barn and the RB's were very average.   They'd have been in the Stagg against Linfield if they could have gotten a single first down in either of their last 2 drives. 

Or if free safety Jesse Clum hadn't gotten hurt in the 4th.   He'd have been nice to have playing center field against the answered prayer the MHB heaved into the endzone......