FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[seventiesraider]

Not expecting the banter from Minnesota to be as warm and fuzzy as that which we experienced from Alfred

[Raider 68]

All good points and here is another. The Raiders could have won the Stagg last year, but 2 4th quarter TO's to a top notch UWW team caused them to fall short. It should be no surprize that some key seniors returned in hope of reaching Salem again, when many thought this young team would not make it this far. IMHO, Wesley, UWW and Mount are all about equal and no doubt the Raiders have had the easier path to Salem. Those are the cards they were delt now can they take advantage it, we'll see. Their play has caused many to rethink the premise that this could be a down year. I would not bet against them!

[skunks_sidekick]

In a year where the challege of Mount Union getting back to Salem seemed to be steeper than any time in at least the last several years, this playoff bracket has worked out to fall perfectly in their favor.  Probably frustrating for all the d3 fans out there who'd like to see someone other than the Purple Raiders in the championship.

Yesterday, with the top six team playing, UMU played the only unranked team.  Next week, they play the 14th ranked team and 6th seed from the West bracket; while on the other side of the bracket, the defending national champ is traveling to the #3.  Not to say that Bethel won't be a challenge, but if you were to have a choice of who you'd rather play out of the other final four, they're the easy choice.  Maybe it's divine intervention?

That's one way of looking at it. The other way of looking at it is that if the final is UWW/UMU (as many in the stands at North Central were hoping for), UWW will be a lot more battle tested than UMU which could be helpful, where (at least so far) UMU has just cruised through the bracket playing average East Region teams.

Or,.... UWW will be beat up and wore out after the long slog to Salem.    Maybe we'll get to find out in a couple weeks.  I will concede that after a fairly easy roll through the playoffs in 2003, the Purple Raiders did not seem prepared for the challenge they faced in the Stagg.  We don't want to see that happen again.

This team DOES NOT resemble the 2003 team in any way.  Way more talent on this team, and a much better work ethic and attitude.  The athletic talent at DB and WR is about as good as we have seen, even if most are young.

[Kehresma]

Wasn't impressed with #8 - actually isn't the first time I have felt that way. Doesn't keep his eye on the ball. Watch the tape again.  Offense needs to step it up or you just might meet your match.  

Junior had an off day yesterday, but that one leaping grab on the sideline was great.  I had assumed it was Cecil until I saw Junior's number 8 as he ran back.  I wondered if we were seeing signs of some of the sophomore jitters against a better defense yesterday, and increasingly more at stake.  And, as Runyr reminded yesterday, it was cold.  But you're right, he appeared not to be focused on the catch yesterday.  O needs to tighten up (loosen up?) all around.

[Kehresma]

In a side note: Larry thought it was funny that they might have to fly to St Paul because several players (including Cecil) have never been on an airplane.

Get used to it, Cecil!

[seventiesraider]

If it's Whitewater on the other side, at least Jim Zebrowski won't be over there

[seventiesraider]

Here's a couple of good quotes about the game today.
http://www.cleveland.com/sports/college/index.ssf/2010/12/defensive_dominance_keeps_moun.html

Wasn't impressed with #8 - actually isn't the first time I have felt that way. Doesn't keep his eye on the ball. Watch the tape again.  Offense needs to step it up or you just might meet your match. 

I was impressed with 8A, Isaiah Scott with 2 tackles and a breakup. Jasper was part of the mix and over his 14 yrd per catch average.

I was and continue to be impressed with Wes Ryder. I seldom question the Master, but why don't why see more of him?

[Kehresma]

In a year where the challege of Mount Union getting back to Salem seemed to be steeper than any time in at least the last several years, this playoff bracket has worked out to fall perfectly in their favor.  Probably frustrating for all the d3 fans out there who'd like to see someone other than the Purple Raiders in the championship.

Yesterday, with the top six team playing, UMU played the only unranked team.  Next week, they play the 14th ranked team and 6th seed from the West bracket; while on the other side of the bracket, the defending national champ is traveling to the #3.  Not to say that Bethel won't be a challenge, but if you were to have a choice of who you'd rather play out of the other final four, they're the easy choice.  Maybe it's divine intervention?

I guess what Mount Union will have to do is win here on out, then, to calm concerns that other teams should have had this opportunity... or that God  is a Raider fan  

[Kehresma]

I was impressed with 8A, Isaiah Scott with 2 tackles and a breakup. Jasper was part of the mix and over his 14 yrd per catch average.

I was and continue to be impressed with Wes Ryder. I seldom question the Master, but why don't why see more of him?

Wes showcased yesterday what you have long affirmed, Seventies.

(Man, this posting is easier at the desk than on the Droid!  But must go back to Kringle baking for tomorrow's District Christmas brunch.. I'd invite y'all to Sandusky for quiche, but I suppose some of you don't touch the stuff, at least on principle.)

[seventiesraider]

Little known facts: In the 2007 Bethel-Mount Union playoff game, QUARTERBACK Cecil Shorts had a 28 yard touchdown run, long after most of us had gone home

[AUPepBand]

Not expecting the banter from Minnesota to be as warm and fuzzy as that which we experienced from Alfred

Pep always appreciates the opportunity to meet a fellow d3football poster. Was great meeting you, 70sraider...and theaprof!

While Pep had paid a preseason visit to Mount Union a few years back and was therefore familiar with the facilities, the crowd interaction was interesting. Let's just say there was a lot of purple in Mount Union Stadium and, on the "visitor" side, Pep saw a lot of purple-clad fans that were not of the Alfred persuasion. Yet, from what Pep saw, all were respectful of one another. All in all, a great day.

Best of luck....hope to see you all again real soon.

On Saxon Warriors!


P.S. Pep's pops was at the game yesterday. On Thursday, Dec. 2, he celebrated his 83rd birthday. I wrote in his birthday card that for his gift, I had personally arranged for the Alfred football season to be extended by a few games. He has been a Saxon football fan since first attending a game at Merrill Field when he was 10 years old and Alex Yunevich had just been hired as AU coach...in 1937. He has missed THREE Alfred home games since.... (who in their right mind would get married during football season?). This was the first time Alfred had played a game AFTER his birthday. Thanks, Saxons!

[seventiesraider]

Pep, here's hoping it was as good as an experience as could have been expected. Still gotta get that dog to stand still for a picture with his Band-anna.

Your fans were top notch, as was your team.

I listened to the press conference on the way home and Larry had a lot of nice things to say about Alfred.

FOR EVERYONE: be sure to catch the Mount students on extreme makeover tonight

[bleedpurple]

If it's Whitewater on the other side, at least Jim Zebrowski won't be over there

Oh, we'll manage. 

[seventiesraider]

If it's Whitewater on the other side, at least Jim Zebrowski won't be over there

Oh, we'll manage. 

Oh, we will see

[UMUplayerdad]

. 
[/quote]

I was impressed with 8A, Isaiah Scott with 2 tackles and a breakup. Jasper was part of the mix and over his 14 yrd per catch average.

I was and continue to be impressed with Wes Ryder. I seldom question the Master, but why don't why see more of him?
[/quote]

I don't like second guessers myself, but two things I'll always gripe about, fumbles and play calling. Did anyone else notice that the offense was trying to run into the teeth of 5 (2 d linemen and 3 linebackers) and block with 3 o-lineman on many running downs?
when I'd film for high school team, I'd have to leave my audio out of coach copies-and In my defense, my complaints/gripes would always be made PRE-snap, not after a play tanked...  " Oh god, not THAT flipping play now" -or "oh great, the tricky dbl reverse w old butterfingers"   again, BEFORE the snap not after--heck, even my wife knows AFTER something bad happens