FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[Desertraider]

Just got back from Mount-Ott and was not impressed. The Mount D was solid - but got lucky on 2 plays that could have been 14 points. 1st qtr Ott hit a WR (I think) coming across the middle and he flat out dropped the ball with nothing in front of him except green. 3rd qtr on the halfback pass - the ball was overthrown by 6 inches. Again - nothing but green in front of him. Bottom line is that this was 2 plays from a 28-24 nailbiter.

HOWEVER - Mount seemed to freeze on offense where in years previous they would slam the door shut. How do you get the ball 1st and 10 at OTTs 15 (maybe closer) after picking off an OTT pass and not score any points?? Penalties and poor execution. Or Jasper muffing the punt deep in Mount territory? What was he thinking? Seaman was off most of the day and holds the ball way to long. He just did not look in control. While the game was 2 OTT plays from 28-24 it was also 2 or 3 Mount plays from 42/49-10. I hope the bugs get out of the system before BW because playing this way at BW could result in that rare Mount loss.

[purpled]

For this Mount fan it was..."I'm ready to pull out my hair if they..." So, don't need a barber for a while. Very frustrating!

[Kehresma]

Just got back from Mount-Ott and was not impressed...

HOWEVER - Mount seemed to freeze on offense where in years previous they would slam the door shut. How do you get the ball 1st and 10 at OTTs 15 (maybe closer) after picking off an OTT pass and not score any points??

That one was Ferara's 2nd pick,  I believe, and he ran it to their 7 yd line, but no mu score from that possession. Craziness.Ha Ha I even had my 35-10 post ready to send, but had to (del)eat it.

[jaypeter]

Obviously, things can change in the playoffs, however, I don't see Mount having much of a problem there.  Really, so far, it doesn't seem like any team, including UW-W is being a "steamroller" like any of them have been in recent years.  But...I think we'll see most of the same participants for the playoffs as usual.   

I've been seeing similar comments to this throughout the season, along the lines of how Mount Union won't be tested until at least the third round of the playoffs, but games like today make me wonder if that's going to be true this year.  Yes, Mount Union has had an amazing playoff run and has a ton of experience when it comes to that level of competition.  However, in my eyes (that have only been able to read about the games on the internet--not see anything in person), it seems like there is something lacking in this Mount Union team that leaves them vulnerable in even the earlier rounds of the playoffs.  They have struggled to put away teams where the starters normally play only a half (Wilmington).  They have failed to drive the nail in the coffin and finally put a game out of reach, even if the other team makes a couple of key plays (Otterbein).  These sorts of things leave me nervous about what might come up during the second season. 

It seems a little odd to be concerned about these sorts of things considering one of the main concerns most years is whether Mount is battle-tested in close games heading into the playoffs.  I know I just need to sit back and trust that Kehres will have the team ready to go, but there's just something getting in the way of my feeling good about this playoff run.  I know they can't always be the best team ever, but it feels sometimes like this team has more question marks than most of Mount Union's "down" or "rebuilding" years (and yes, I know how successful those years have been).   

[Kehresma]

Otterbein's punter can let go of his unfortunate punt today. The Gopher just topped his with an 11 yarder. 

Quotable quote: "It's starting to get away from the gophers."

[B38W]

Looking forward to next weeks game. Like to see a big crowd and a close game. Dont think we can get in a shoot out or come back from down 21 but who knows. Guess thats why they play the game.

[bleedpurple]

For this Mount fan it was..."I'm ready to pull out my hair if they..." So, don't need a barber for a while. Very frustrating!

Interesting that this seems to reflect the feelings of a lot of the Raiders' faithful.  In some ways, Mount's performance either exceeded or mirrored UW-Whitewater's today:

Mount/UWW

Opponent: Otterbein/UWSP

MOV: 18/13
Total yards: 361/426
Yards allowed: 138/231
Completions allowed: 10/10
QB: 13-25-1/16-24-0
Sacks by: 4-(-22)/ 4-(-44)
Fumbles lost: 1/0

It seems to me, Mount's defense (and UW-W's) carried the day. I will say that Mount will not likely lose a playoff game if they allow only 60 yards rushing and 10 completed passes.  

In many ways, UWW and Mount gave similar performances.  I am actually fine with UW-W's performance.  I'm trying to figure out what causes such different reactions. Maybe it's because UW-W was 5-5 in scoring in the Red Zone (3 TD, 2 FG). The Mount site doesn't have Red Zone stats, but there seemed to be some frustration in that regard by Mount fans (maybe it was only one REALLY good chance they didn't score on).  Maybe it's because UW-W didn't have a turnover and Mount had two.  Maybe it's cumulative in that Mount hasn't dominated with huge wins over the course of the season as they have in the past.  Or maybe the 15 years (or whatever it's been) of complete dominance leaves the Raiders fandom with higher expectations than I've got of UW-W. Maybe it's because two years ago I watched Point win at UW-W.  Or maybe most Mount fans are fine with what happened today and the only people who posted so far are the people with frustrations.  Any thoughts?  

[country buoy]

Ive got a thought OTTS D looked better than good today Only gave up one long drive of 73 yds,then 40yds,and 15 yds,(hope I used my commas correctly),all in the second qtr In the fourth qtr Murray goes 38 yds on one play (he looks for real to me) He was hit good by 3 defenders(got to wrap up) If not for that ,Mount may not have scored in the secound half Mount seemed like they had a short field for most of the game Im pretty sure they were inside the 20 at least 3 times and came up empty GO D As for OTTS O they need to keep the linebackers honest and learn you cant block 7 with 5 They still looked good at times(first half) Very disappointed with just under 7 minutes,down 18,we ran up the middle All in all it was a great game til the fourth qtr Cardinal forever   GO CARDS

[Raider 68]

From Bleedpurple:

"In many ways, UWW and Mount gave similar performances.  I am actually fine with UW-W's performance.  I'm trying to figure out what causes such different reactions. Maybe it's because UW-W was 5-5 in scoring in the Red Zone (3 TD, 2 FG). The Mount site doesn't have Red Zone stats, but there seemed to be some frustration in that regard by Mount fans (maybe it was only one REALLY good chance they didn't score on).  Maybe it's because UW-W didn't have a turnover and Mount had two.  Maybe it's cumulative in that Mount hasn't dominated with huge wins over the course of the season as they have in the past.  Or maybe the 15 years (or whatever it's been) of complete dominance leaves the Raiders fandom with higher expectations than I've got of UW-W. Maybe it's because two years ago I watched Point win at UW-W.  Or maybe most Mount fans are fine with what happened today and the only people who posted so far are the people with frustrations.  Any thoughts? "

Most fans are not happy with the Raider's win over Otterbein including the OAC posters, but, some forget a few things:

1. This young Raider team has played 5 out of 8 games away!

2. The " best player" has missed 3 of those games.

3. Since 1993, the Raiders have not ever had this many sophomores as this
   who are starters. The experience of other Mount teams is not there as
   yet, therefore the "expected" consistency is still a work-in-progress.

4. The B-W game tell most everyone , where the Raiders are heading into
   the playoffs, IMHO.

[bleedpurple]

Well, I guess it wasn't a blowout by Mount as expected.  However, perhaps Otterbein might possibly have made it even closer (or that rare chanced at an upset) had they not self-destructed as you mention.  Mount still wins another on their way to the playoffs and I guess that is what counts in the bottom line. 

Obviously, things can change in the playoffs, however, I don't see Mount having much of a problem there.  Really, so far, it doesn't seem like any team, including UW-W is being a "steamroller" like any of them have been in recent years.  But...I think we'll see most of the same participants for the playoffs as usual.   

This really could be a year that a team peaking at the right time could find themselves in the Stagg Bowl.  I do think Mount and UWW are really good, though. I don't think THINK either of them will let a fluke will beat them.  But a good team peaking may be able to pull it off. 

[seventiesraider]

From the guy who left the Wooster-BW season opener because they were both so bad, I'm having trouble believing were talking about the Flamin' Pile like they have a chance.

I know today wasn't pretty, but we're still missing some guys and some players like Wes Ryder are obviously not up to speed again yet. Another coach might have put the ball in the air more and tried harder to score a couple of more times. The Otterbien announcers saw it differently and wondered why we still had the first O on the field. Lets remember that early in the fourth quarter Murray had more total offense than Otterbein. Slow start and a Seaman that looked like the one I saw last year, yes.

And BTW, B-Dubs was lucky they got enough offense in the 2nd half to beat MUSKINGUM.

I for one, see a young team, but have no fear of a BW upset. I actually pity them, because this year you don't want to be the team we play after we have an off week.

[bushman]

Mt. has a young team,  youth play inconsistent at times, the seniors will lead during the really important games.   They should have a good showing against BW.   I have watched BW play on the tube.   Mt. over all team speed much faster than BW.   This game should not be close.  However, turn overs could even this game if Mt.'s youth gets too anxious.   Coach will have them ready for BW, you can bet on that.  GO RAIDERS!

[Shark]

From Bleedpurple:

"In many ways, UWW and Mount gave similar performances.  I am actually fine with UW-W's performance.  I'm trying to figure out what causes such different reactions. Maybe it's because UW-W was 5-5 in scoring in the Red Zone (3 TD, 2 FG). The Mount site doesn't have Red Zone stats, but there seemed to be some frustration in that regard by Mount fans (maybe it was only one REALLY good chance they didn't score on).  Maybe it's because UW-W didn't have a turnover and Mount had two.  Maybe it's cumulative in that Mount hasn't dominated with huge wins over the course of the season as they have in the past.  Or maybe the 15 years (or whatever it's been) of complete dominance leaves the Raiders fandom with higher expectations than I've got of UW-W. Maybe it's because two years ago I watched Point win at UW-W.  Or maybe most Mount fans are fine with what happened today and the only people who posted so far are the people with frustrations.  Any thoughts? "

Most fans are not happy with the Raider's win over Otterbein including the OAC posters, but, some forget a few things:

1. This young Raider team has played 5 out of 8 games away!

2. The " best player" has missed 3 of those games.

3. Since 1993, the Raiders have not ever had this many sophomores as this
   who are starters. The experience of other Mount teams is not there as
   yet, therefore the "expected" consistency is still a work-in-progress.

4. The B-W game tell most everyone , where the Raiders are heading into
   the playoffs, IMHO.

Raider 68

Excellent points. Consistency over last 15-20 years certainly raises our expectations of every game and team being handled as they were in the past. This is a different group and they need to find their own identity and leaders. It is a process that takes time and there will be some inconsistencies along they way. It's still hard to complain about being unbeaten and #2 in the country with such a young team. The future is still very bright.

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

Ive got a thought OTTS D looked better than good today Only gave up one long drive of 73 yds,then 40yds,and 15 yds,(hope I used my commas correctly),all in the second qtr In the fourth qtr Murray goes 38 yds on one play (he looks for real to me) He was hit good by 3 defenders(got to wrap up) If not for that ,Mount may not have scored in the secound half Mount seemed like they had a short field for most of the game Im pretty sure they were inside the 20 at least 3 times and came up empty GO D As for OTTS O they need to keep the linebackers honest and learn you cant block 7 with 5 They still looked good at times(first half) Very disappointed with just under 7 minutes,down 18,we ran up the middle All in all it was a great game til the fourth qtr Cardinal forever   GO CARDS

Didn't use the commas correctly Ron, but that's ok Country Buoy!  LOL

Was Kenny injured for the season in September or was he able to come back and play?

[country buoy]

Oh well,in my defense,a friend of mine,Jim Beam,-proof-read(ha ha)my post and said it looked fine to him.K totally dislocated his elbow and had to undergo Tommy Johns surgery.We were allowed to observe the surgery but I wouldnt recommend that if you dont have a strong stomach.Special thanks to Dr Timothy Kremchek.Without Doc Hollywood K wouldnt have played ball again.K has 10 to 12 months of rehab and cant wait to get back on the field.Real tough kid and great lineman if I say so myself.Thanks for asking.