FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[mr_mom]

Spreads for Week 1 of the 2016 OAC Post-Season Pick-Em have been posted.

As I mentioned before, all are welcome ... everyone starts from scratch.

And I did adjust the UMU and JCU spreads based on the comments on this board.   

[Craft_Beermeister]

Luke Poorman on Saturday posted on his twitter account

@DoMiNiC_DaViS8 like Friss said, no need to apologize. You played the best you could. Proud of you bro! #RedDragons

Good sign for Mount Union that QBs have each other's back.  I think Purple Raiders will rebound this Saturday with a very strong showing.

[Craft_Beermeister]

Another interesting Luke Poorman post today that I saw was   pic.twitter.com/wYywAURppq

[ITH radio]

For MUC fans travelling to Geneva -

The Finger Lakes may not be as picturesque in November as it is in September, but it's still a very nice area to visit. I'd advise families looking for lodging in Canandaigua which is just outside Rochester. Nice city center, plenty of good restaurants, etc. Geneva will likely be fairly booked up b/c of the NCAA's in other sports already packing the limited number of local hotels. You can travel into Geneva from the west on Rts 5&20 (aka Hamilton Street) in less than 30 mins.

Parking at Boz isn't large and is usually reserved for boosters / alums. There is a large mall / parking area a short walk nearby (I think some folks also will and do park at the Wegman's lot - famous sandwiches there btw) and some folks will be able to find some spots on St Clair St (runs parallel to 5&20 to the south of campus) near the O'dell's Pond student housing / town homes south of the stadium.

For those not wanting to tailgate in the elements, Dana's Time Out is a relatively newer restaurant across the street from the Boz that has good bar type food. Downtown Geneva (accessible via 5&20 east bound) also has a lot of good options like Parker's, Eddie O'Brien's (according to Ali Marpet '15 Eddie's has the best wings in town) and so on.

For audiophiles, Area Records is a gem of a music store (there aren't many left like them anymore). Geneva has also added some wine bars (Microclimate) and upscale sandwich / soup places like Opus and/or Taverns like the Red Dove on Castle St. Beef & Brew is more of a student place at night, but serves good food and drink during the daytime.

Wkd forecast looks like rain so prepare accordingly.

[Dr. Acula]

I know nothing about Hobart so I nosed around their website at lunch...

Good news:  I would be shocked if they can run the ball on Mount.  They average just 3.3 ypc.  Mount has been predictably pretty stout against the run.
Bad news:  That's largely because they throw it a lot.  Something they do very well (317 ypg).

Given the inconsistent pass defense the thing that should scare us the most is the QB/WR duo of Sweeney and Shed.  Sweeney has very impressive numbers (3145 yds, 33 TD, 4 INT, 62%).  He does not appear to be much of a runner with only 141 yards gained on the season (his net rushing being much lower due to sacks).  Shed is 6'4", 205 and averaging almost 18 yds/rec for his 1241 yds.  Oh, and he also has 17 TD.

They have a very solid #2 WR in Pfohl (668 yds, 9 TD).  He's 6'3", 210 so our corners are definitely at a size disadvantage.

Their lone loss was to 5-5 RPI.  Quite frankly, it looks a little flukey.  They more than doubled RPI's yardage, but RPI used a long kick return to set up a TD and was aided by a roughing the kicker call on a missed FG to set up another TD.  No magic formula to beat them that I saw.

[ITH radio]

Check out gohobart.blogspot.com tmw. Should have a game preview up by then. Lots of other Hobart info on there if any Mount fan is interested.

[ITH radio]

I know nothing about Hobart so I nosed around their website at lunch...

Good news:  I would be shocked if they can run the ball on Mount.  They average just 3.3 ypc.  Mount has been predictably pretty stout against the run.
Bad news:  That's largely because they throw it a lot.  Something they do very well (317 ypg).

They barely have run the ball compared to prior seasons. OC have changed and Coach Drach is a West MI QB by background so he airs it out. In the past Hobart was a traditional (if not old) I formation run-first type of team. Barfield is a good back but he hasn't had many opportunities this season.

My guess is Hobart will attempt about 50 passes in this one and hope for the best.

[JCUStreaks70]

JCU, favored over Olivet (4 TDs)

JCU, favored over Wesley (3 TDs)

JCU ... OK, it's Whitewater.

But why are you b*tching?  JCU is 2nd in their own division.  BP, it's just you.

The biggest obstacle I see for jcu is - they just beat Mount. Something Arth the player never saw. They just got an 800lb gorilla off their back. The hangover is their biggest opponent in Round 1. I know Tom was already looking at prospective opponents and game planning on the drive back to University Heights (he did afterall breakdown film for Peyton Manning). But those players have a tough task - forget about beating Mount. Whatever they do - it had better not be crap down their leg in round 1. If Mount has to travel because of a loss to jcu - they had better at least win a couple until...well Whitewater.

Exactly, I spoke about this yesterday. I do believe that this team however will be able to regroup and get to work, because for us, the Playoffs had started on Saturday in Alliance.

Mount will get more from this loss than they did from the previous 9 wins (IMHO). On the bright side: Mount lost a regular season game in 1994, another one in 2005, a third in 2016....so I guess we will talk about this again in 2027?

BTW: Is this what it feels like every week for a Browns fan?

Agreed. I think Mount goes farther now, because of the loss.

[Bartman]

I know nothing about Hobart so I nosed around their website at lunch...

Good news:  I would be shocked if they can run the ball on Mount.  They average just 3.3 ypc.  Mount has been predictably pretty stout against the run.
Bad news:  That's largely because they throw it a lot.  Something they do very well (317 ypg).

Given the inconsistent pass defense the thing that should scare us the most is the QB/WR duo of Sweeney and Shed.  Sweeney has very impressive numbers (3145 yds, 33 TD, 4 INT, 62%).  He does not appear to be much of a runner with only 141 yards gained on the season (his net rushing being much lower due to sacks).  Shed is 6'4", 205 and averaging almost 18 yds/rec for his 1241 yds.  Oh, and he also has 17 TD.

They have a very solid #2 WR in Pfohl (668 yds, 9 TD).  He's 6'3", 210 so our corners are definitely at a size disadvantage.

Their lone loss was to 5-5 RPI.  Quite frankly, it looks a little flukey.  They more than doubled RPI's yardage, but RPI used a long kick return to set up a TD and was aided by a roughing the kicker call on a missed FG to set up another TD.  No magic formula to beat them that I saw.

Dr.....This is a pretty fair assessment,+k, the only thing I would say is Hobart's running game improved in the last few games as there was an emphasis to get ready for the playoffs and their best back Ty Barfield has struggled with injuries...that said ,running against UMU is probably wishful thinking , but Hobart's short passing game is pretty solid and if you pressure at the line to take it away they can break away deep...so it will all be up to your DB's and outside LB's to stop Hobart ...our OC, John Drach (QB at Western Michigan) runs this offense and I know they have some surprises for the game...this is a coaching staff that will gamble, not out of desperation like in 2008 when you guys had Kmic( 37 for 235 yds), Micheli(14-22, 223 yrds) and Cecil Shorts(awesome team).....so 8 years later I think this Hobart team is better and UMU does not have the talent of the 2008 team...it should be closer than 42-7....one thing Hobart has total confidence in is scoring under pressure when the game is on the line or fighting back when behind.....they are the Cardiac kids which should serve them well, if Hobart is  fortunate enough to keep it close this Saturday...Good Luck to the Raiders....we promise not to pull the fire alarm the night before

[SaintsFAN]

How well Hobart runs the ball depends on one thing:  are they a straight ahead power rushing team or not?  Mount Union's defense will be the fastest defense Hobart sees in their 11 games.  We've seen too many teams go to Alliance and try to crease the Mount D on the outside and it just doesn't work.  UMHB, Whitewater and Wesley (for 4 plays in 2014) all had success running straight at Mount Union. 

The question will become:  does Hobart have the personnel for that? 

I know the secondary is said to be a weak point for Mount Union.  I still don't believe you can "throw it 50 times" and expect to beat them. 

[ITH radio]

Hobart did do some it's "old" power I formation last Saturday vs. Rochester. That was probably mostly due to the fact the Yellow Jackets rush defense is terrible than the Statesmen were dusting it off, but they could probably use it Saturday.

To your question, Hobart does run straight ahead (if/when they do run) and will use their FBs (both are about 6'0"-1" and 220) to lead the way. The Hobart TBs are short (5'7"-8") so they have a lower center of gravity and probably use the tall bodies of their OL to "hide" until they hit the hole behind the FBs. The OL averages 6'3" and about 290lbs so they have some beef up front. Question is whether or not they can get any push on the quickness of the MU DL which I am sure is very fast.

[Bartman]

How well Hobart runs the ball depends on one thing:  are they a straight ahead power rushing team or not?  Mount Union's defense will be the fastest defense Hobart sees in their 11 games.  We've seen too many teams go to Alliance and try to crease the Mount D on the outside and it just doesn't work.  UMHB, Whitewater and Wesley (for 4 plays in 2014) all had success running straight at Mount Union. 

The question will become:  does Hobart have the personnel for that? 

I know the secondary is said to be a weak point for Mount Union.  I still don't believe you can "throw it 50 times" and expect to beat them.

Hobart has the theoretical size to run between the tackles, but the line is better skilled at pass protection.......I don't think Hobart will be successful on a steady diet of runs, but I know they would like to have some balance ....I am assuming the UMU DL's LB's and CB's are faster than anyone Hobart has seen and will plug any holes quickly....but we will see as they feel each other out on the first 2 possessions....personally I would like to see Hobart go no huddle and put pressure on early , and surprise UMU...they did it early in the season....Sweeney is very comfortable with making quick decisions and loves a fast game ....I don't think this will be a slow pace, keep the ball away from the Raiders and shorten the game and play it safe...it is not in Hobart's DNA this year.... some times you just gotta say.....what the ****

[SaintsFAN]

How well Hobart runs the ball depends on one thing:  are they a straight ahead power rushing team or not?  Mount Union's defense will be the fastest defense Hobart sees in their 11 games.  We've seen too many teams go to Alliance and try to crease the Mount D on the outside and it just doesn't work.  UMHB, Whitewater and Wesley (for 4 plays in 2014) all had success running straight at Mount Union. 

The question will become:  does Hobart have the personnel for that? 

I know the secondary is said to be a weak point for Mount Union.  I still don't believe you can "throw it 50 times" and expect to beat them.

Hobart has the theoretical size to run between the tackles, but the line is better skilled at pass protection.......I don't think Hobart will be successful on a steady diet of runs, but I know they would like to have some balance ....I am assuming the UMU DL's LB's and CB's are faster than anyone Hobart has seen and will plug any holes quickly....but we will see as they feel each other out on the first 2 possessions....personally I would like to see Hobart go no huddle and put pressure on early , and surprise UMU...they did it early in the season....Sweeney is very comfortable with making quick decisions and loves a fast game ....I don't think this will be a slow pace, keep the ball away from the Raiders and shorten the game and play it safe...it is not in Hobart's DNA this year.... some times you just gotta say.....what the ****

They will need balance.  JCU didn't chuck it all over the yard.  They had a RB get over 100 with an 80 yard TD.  Mount Union is still Mount Union, despite what their fans are saying.  They may not be Walnut & Bronze quality this year, but they are certainly a big favorite on Saturday.

[ITH radio]

Spoke to Lenny today and although he was complementary to Bart, he did compare us to NC Wesleyan (who lost by 35).

The RB and LB differential will be the deciding factor in my opinion. Hobart may hang in for a while but if the offense stalls, it's going to be a long day.

[resqdog]

Lots of comments about Hobart's offense and Mount's D but how about when they go the other way?  How is Hobart's D and what defensive alignment do they use?  What do Mount fans think are the offensive strengths at this point in the season and will they show any new wrinkles?

Does anyone know the status of Hargrove?  I like Hill's athletic plays but he's a minus overall when he takes dumb penalties, fumbles, and drops the easy ones.  Would love to see BJ break a long one or two on Saturday. 

Oh, and how about those JV films?  Or is it still too early to ask?