FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[Raider 68]

Returning 3/11 Defensive Starters
Returning 2/11 (3/11 if Shorts comes back) Offensive Starters a

Should be an interesting year.

It's pretty much a given Mount Union will reload, they always do. Losing Micheli and Kmic, and they make it to the Stagg.

But for those interested, as far as the Stagg Bowl Starters, UW-W returns:

7 starters on offense
6 starters on defense

Not sure what Linfield or Wesley has coming back.

Wesley returns their QB and he is a good one! For UWW replacing Donovan
will not be easy and that position is the key. It has been for the Raiders
over the years.

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, great job on your blog Bleedpurple!

[BoBo]

Returning 3/11 Defensive Starters
Returning 2/11 (3/11 if Shorts comes back) Offensive Starters a

Should be an interesting year.

But for those interested, as far as the Stagg Bowl Starters, UW-W returns:

7 starters on offense
6 starters on defense

For UWW replacing Donovan will not be easy and that position is the key.

The leading candidate might be #15 Matt Blanchard 6-3 228 So Lake Zurich, IL.
The surname and hometown might be familiar sounding with Mount fans.

[Small but Slow]

I've been ruminating about my first post since the Stagg Bowl now for a few days.  WWW did what they had to do when it mattered most, but didn't have the game on ice until the last field goal. Hats off to the Warhawks on an outstanding game.  At 28-28 in the fourth felt MUC had the momentum but the turnovers were costly.  Thought WWW could have put the game away with 4th and short on first drive of 2nd half, but allowed Mount back in by punting.  Donovan was outstanding in the first half and solid in 2nd half.  That was one of the most competitve games I've ever seen.  Really glad we were able to brave the elements to experience it in person.  Both sides were a bit chippy early but were disciplined enough to keep from losing composure.  Would not be at all surprised if 2010 isn't part six of this contest in Salem.

[Blutarsky]

I've been ruminating about my first post since the Stagg Bowl now for a few days.  WWW did what they had to do when it mattered most, but didn't have the game on ice until the last field goal. Hats off to the Warhawks on an outstanding game.  At 28-28 in the fourth felt MUC had the momentum but the turnovers were costly.  Thought WWW could have put the game away with 4th and short on first drive of 2nd half, but allowed Mount back in by punting.  Donovan was outstanding in the first half and solid in 2nd half.  That was one of the most competitve games I've ever seen.  Really glad we were able to brave the elements to experience it in person.  Both sides were a bit chippy early but were disciplined enough to keep from losing composure.  Would not be at all surprised if 2010 isn't part six of this contest in Salem.

IMHO, there is a HUGE separation between MUC/UWW and the rest of Division III.  This "last dance" could continue for awhile.

[TooForRaider]

I agree. There may be 2 or 3 teams that could upset either team int he playoffs, but that won't happen until AT LEAST the final 8.

[Raider 68]

I agree. There may be 2 or 3 teams that could upset either team int he playoffs, but that won't happen until AT LEAST the final 8.

On the OAC for 2010, we could see the following;

Mount Union, start-off slower as they really start to really click by Game 4 - ONU

ONU- biggest challenge for Mount, and a good chance for the playoffs
         in 2010

Capital- a good season but for a 8-2 or 7-3 year

Otterbein- same as Capital

The Berg- more improvement with a 5-5 year

B-W, JCU- a little better but not by much, 5-5 would be good

Muskingum- good improvement from -'09

Wilmington/Marietta- about the same

We will see what happens with top recruits and up and coming
underclassmen!

[OldOtter]

Should be interesting to see who steps in as D coordinator for OC next season. Not sure if they're going to bring someone new in or hire within the current staff. Randy Moore took the HC job at Hiram. The D has struggled the last few years keeping teams out of the endzone. Man, next season is a long ways away!

[reality check]

Is it funny that the guy responsible for a defense you just described as "not very good keeping teams out of the endzone" was just hired to take the reigns at Hiram? 

[bleedpurple]

Returning 3/11 Defensive Starters
Returning 2/11 (3/11 if Shorts comes back) Offensive Starters a

Should be an interesting year.

It's pretty much a given Mount Union will reload, they always do. Losing Micheli and Kmic, and they make it to the Stagg.

But for those interested, as far as the Stagg Bowl Starters, UW-W returns:

7 starters on offense
6 starters on defense

Not sure what Linfield or Wesley has coming back.

Wesley returns their QB and he is a good one! For UWW replacing Donovan
will not be easy and that position is the key. It has been for the Raiders
over the years.

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, great job on your blog Bleedpurple!

Thanks  68. And Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!

[OldOtter]

Is it funny that the guy responsible for a defense you just described as "not very good keeping teams out of the endzone" was just hired to take the reigns at Hiram? 

Yea, it was a bit surprising that he got an HC job. He's had prior HC experience at the DIII level over the past, but I think Hiram looked more at OC's results as of recently rather than his numbers leading the defense.

[HURFMUC]

Hiram is use to giving up a lot of points so they got the right HC

[rscl70]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

[Acky]

Same from me...Merry Christmas to one and all.

[wesleydad]

hurfmuc, i will take your advice and put the ohio nortern game on the itinerary.

mount folks, merry christmas and happy new year.

[SaintsFAN]

Merry Christmas to everyone on this board.  .  .