FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[SaintsFAN]

sidekick:  your overall differential 28 points could very well happen, but I'll wager a $100 in Monopoly money that it won't be 35-7.  Bethel as no kicking game.  None.  


And Wing Whorehouse on Friday night sounds good to me.  Already cleared it with the Boss Lady.  Though she is still pissed about Bethel eliminating my trip to Minnesota this weekend.  She was counting on St Thomas for getting her out of my company Christmas party on Saturday night.

http://some.ly/ft9afA

[02 Warhawk]

I think the score could easily be something like 35-7.

Unless their coach sounds off about "Smacking Mount in the mouth and running it down their throats", in which case another 61 is not unlikely 

Completely out of context. Coach J went on record as saying our goal as a team was always to play smash mouth football, play physical and punch the opponent in the mouth. He acknowledged Mt's great D and their talent, but very appropriately said we weren't going to change who we were just because it was Mount. Did it work out that way...not one bit. We took it on the chin. But our goal will be the same, play to our strength. We might fail again, but we aren't going to give up before it even starts by trying to become a passing team just to avoid a very good Mount Union rush D.

----------

What can we expect from Mt as a team? We know about Lambert and Shorts, but anything else to add? What makes this years squad unique from past teams?

Wish I could make the trip but I'll be working Saturday morning and relegated to the video feed. Thanks for the invite to your wing night though!

an ol' fashion butt kicking...

[HScoach]

What can we expect from Mt as a team? We know about Lambert and Shorts, but anything else to add? What makes this years squad unique from past teams?

Wish I could make the trip but I'll be working Saturday morning and relegated to the video feed. Thanks for the invite to your wing night though!

Here's the 2010 Raiders in a nutshell:

Offensive strength is the WR corps.  Shorts is a freaking stud, TE Kyle Miller is probably the best player on the team and the rest of the receivers (Collins & Brown) are very good.  The starting RB's are good receivers too.

The O-line is good, but not dominant.  Much better at pass blocking than run blocking.

Running game is led by sophomore Jeremy Murray who is a pretty good back, but has been inconsistent.  And definitely NOT what you saw the last time Bethel came to town.  FB Wes Ryder is a 230 pound SOB at lead blocker and he might be the Raider's best rushing threat.

Sophomore QB Neal Seaman has shown flashes of really good play and really poor play (first quarter and a half against Alfred).  Usually accurate on the intermediate throws and underneath.  Decent athlete that can hurt you with his legs if you forget about him tucking it in and running.  Won't look to run, but can.  He hasn't been put in a position yet this season to have to make an incredible play himself because of the strength of the receiving corps.  With Shorts & Company, all it usually takes is some simple crossing routes for the big play to happen with Mount's speed at receiver.  
 
Defensive line is young with 6 of first 7 in the rotation being either freshman or sophomores.  DE Budzinski moves inside to DT in passing situations where he is pretty much unblockable with his speed at 6-3 / 245 lbs.   DE on opposite side is a very athletic 230 lbs sophomore that also plays some LB in passing situations where Mount is playing games with zone blitzes and stunts.  Neither of which you're probably see against the Bethel offense.  DT's are solid.  If Bethel can't push around Mount's young D-line, it's over.  Period.

LB's are senior stud Sam Kershaw (6-1/245 lbs) and junior Arthur Smith (6-0/245 lbs).  Mount doesn't blitz much with their LB's, though they move around a lot.  Most blitzes come from the secondary.

Strength of the defense is the 5 DB's.  All are fast and very aggressive near the line of scrimmage in run support.  Especially sophomore SS Nick Driskill.  If Bethel tries screens or options, you'll get introduced to Driskill in a hurry.  I'd be very surprised if Bethel gets many (if any) runs over 15 yards due to the speed in the secondary.  Mount's defense is under-sized at most positions except LB, but is very fast.  



IMHO, for Bethel to make this a game into the 4th quarter they're either going to have to dominate in the run game for something like 200+ yards or force Mount (i.e. the QB) into mistakes.  If Neal Seaman plays like he's capable of and is making accurate and timely throws, Mount's receivers are going to kill you.

[skunks_sidekick]

Our "fun" will be a $5 errrrr.....5 credit entry fee, winner-take-all pot.  Any ties will split the credits.

So let's see....

Skunk_Sidekick
Skunk
Jr.
theaprof
HSCoach (tell her you need an extra 5 for a "work fee") 
Raiderguy?
70's?
Hurf?
Mt. Fan?

Raid the piggy bank, and we will get this all put to together on Friday. 

[HScoach]

TV listing for semi-final:

WIVM Ch. 52 (Tape Delay - Sat. Dec. 11 at 6 pm, Sun. Dec. 12 at 1 pm)
SportsTime Ohio (Tape Delay - Sat. Dec. 11 at 6 pm; Sun. Dec. 12 at Noon)

[Toph]

That was...quick.

http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/McDaniels-Relieved-of-Duties/7867f9a0-741f-406c-ab5a-ad136195d994

[Acky]

From the University of Mount Union game notes for this week's game v. Bethel

KEHRES NAMED AFCA REGIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR

Larry Kehres was named American Football Coaches Association Regional Coach of the Year for a record 15th time.

Kehres has led the Purple Raiders to their 19th straight and 22nd overall OAC championship and a 16th straight appearance in the NCAA Playoff semifinals. He also became the 11th coach in college football history to win 300 career games this season and is currently 302-22-3 in his 25th season as head coach.

It was also a record for consecutive regional coach of the year honors (5) and Mount Union as a school now has a record 16 selections (Ken Wable 1, Larry Kehres 15).

Kehres is also the current president of the AFCA.

[Mr. Ypsi]

From the University of Mount Union game notes for this week's game v. Bethel

KEHRES NAMED AFCA REGIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR

Larry Kehres was named American Football Coaches Association Regional Coach of the Year for a record 15th time.

Kehres has led the Purple Raiders to their 19th straight and 22nd overall OAC championship and a 16th straight appearance in the NCAA Playoff semifinals. He also became the 11th coach in college football history to win 300 career games this season and is currently 302-22-3 in his 25th season as head coach.

It was also a record for consecutive regional coach of the year honors (5) and Mount Union as a school now has a record 16 selections (Ken Wable 1, Larry Kehres 15).

Kehres is also the current president of the AFCA.

Aha!  I knew the fix was in!

[mtfan]

Something got UMUplayerdad's panties all up in a bunch.

I couldn't understand his posts either...

I still don't know if I understand them.   

UMU uses "coach speak" when posting on the board.  Well......."coach speak" if he is a disciple of Bobby Bouche's defensive coordinator in that great movie The Waterboy.   

Lol skunksidekick you bust me up!  Hey bobby.....lmao

[formerd3db]

Well, unfortunately, the "ax just dropped" on DIII'er Josh McDaniels as the Denver Broncos owner fired him as head coach - breaking news just now on Comcast and other sports outlets.

[Freebird]

From my observations on Saturday, it appeared that Alfred blitzed almost every play.  It was almost like a run blitz (mind you I don't know the difference between a run vs. pass blitz), and they were continually able to stuff the run.  It did leave a HUGE gap in the middle of the field, and once Neal re-calibrated the sight on his rifle (arm), it was an easy pitch and catch most of the day. 

I may be looking at the game with Bethel too simplistically, but I can't see them holding Mount to less than mid-20's in points (and I am being generous).  That being the case, I don't think the Bethel offense scores enough to make this a two touchdown game.  And, if the wind isn't howling, and Seaman plays solid, I think the score could easily be something like 35-7.

I know "on any given day" team B can beat team A, but it just doesn't compute.  I think Mount's defense is playing its best football, and in my opinion the offense needs to be just "ok". 

Oh...and 8 PM on Friday night works for me.  I was thinking about putting together a little friendly betting pool (purely for FUN of course).     You pick the winner, and the score.  We use differential to pick a winner.  Anyone interested?

Skunks,

IMHO, Your score is probably correct. Bethel is a true running team and does not rely on the passing game or kicking game for that matter. Since the Raiders's run defense only give up 68 yards per game, I am not seeing how Bethel stays in this game, especially if they are playing from behind. Hopefully, the Raiders come out it healthy and with a win.

What the game does for Mount in terms of preparation is that it focuses them to face another team (maybe) from up North that has a top notch running game and another top RB!

Everyone keeps talking about Bethel's kicking game but when has any team relied on their kicking game opposed to running or passing? I know that is probably out of context of what you meant '68 and I know this is more of a general statement but Bethel's kicking seems to be most peoples dig on this team and to me it just seems trite.

[seventiesraider]

Being able to score from anywhere inside the 30 is hardly trite. Granted kicking takes a back seat to passing and rushing, but damn handy to have in a close game.

I think that we need to look at Bethel's defense to understand how they got here.


The exact quote from four years ago was "punching Mount Union in the mouth." Great bulletin board fodder and hardly what you want to say before a big game. Plenty of time to make remarks like that if you win.

[theaprof]

From my observations on Saturday, it appeared that Alfred blitzed almost every play.  It was almost like a run blitz (mind you I don't know the difference between a run vs. pass blitz), and they were continually able to stuff the run.  It did leave a HUGE gap in the middle of the field, and once Neal re-calibrated the sight on his rifle (arm), it was an easy pitch and catch most of the day. 

I may be looking at the game with Bethel too simplistically, but I can't see them holding Mount to less than mid-20's in points (and I am being generous).  That being the case, I don't think the Bethel offense scores enough to make this a two touchdown game.  And, if the wind isn't howling, and Seaman plays solid, I think the score could easily be something like 35-7.

I know "on any given day" team B can beat team A, but it just doesn't compute.  I think Mount's defense is playing its best football, and in my opinion the offense needs to be just "ok". 

Oh...and 8 PM on Friday night works for me.  I was thinking about putting together a little friendly betting pool (purely for FUN of course).     You pick the winner, and the score.  We use differential to pick a winner.  Anyone interested?

Skunks,

IMHO, Your score is probably correct. Bethel is a true running team and does not rely on the passing game or kicking game for that matter. Since the Raiders's run defense only give up 68 yards per game, I am not seeing how Bethel stays in this game, especially if they are playing from behind. Hopefully, the Raiders come out it healthy and with a win.

What the game does for Mount in terms of preparation is that it focuses them to face another team (maybe) from up North that has a top notch running game and another top RB!

Everyone keeps talking about Bethel's kicking game but when has any team relied on their kicking game opposed to running or passing? I know that is probably out of context of what you meant '68 and I know this is more of a general statement but Bethel's kicking seems to be most peoples dig on this team and to me it just seems trite.

I don't know how trite it will feel if you are running the ball well but we consistently manage to stop you on the 15 or 20 and you can't get any points because you can't kick the field goal.  Mount's running D, while tough all the time, really tightens up in the red zone.

[Freebird]

What can we expect from Mt as a team? We know about Lambert and Shorts, but anything else to add? What makes this years squad unique from past teams?

Wish I could make the trip but I'll be working Saturday morning and relegated to the video feed. Thanks for the invite to your wing night though!

Here's the 2010 Raiders in a nutshell:

Offensive strength is the WR corps.  Shorts is a freaking stud, TE Kyle Miller is probably the best player on the team and the rest of the receivers (Collins & Brown) are very good.  The starting RB's are good receivers too.

The O-line is good, but not dominant.  Much better at pass blocking than run blocking.

Running game is led by sophomore Jeremy Murray who is a pretty good back, but has been inconsistent.  And definitely NOT what you saw the last time Bethel came to town.  FB Wes Ryder is a 230 pound SOB at lead blocker and he might be the Raider's best rushing threat.

Sophomore QB Neal Seaman has shown flashes of really good play and really poor play (first quarter and a half against Alfred).  Usually accurate on the intermediate throws and underneath.  Decent athlete that can hurt you with his legs if you forget about him tucking it in and running.  Won't look to run, but can.  He hasn't been put in a position yet this season to have to make an incredible play himself because of the strength of the receiving corps.  With Shorts & Company, all it usually takes is some simple crossing routes for the big play to happen with Mount's speed at receiver.
 
Defensive line is young with 6 of first 7 in the rotation being either freshman or sophomores.  DE Budzinski moves inside to DT in passing situations where he is pretty much unblockable with his speed at 6-3 / 245 lbs.   DE on opposite side is a very athletic 230 lbs sophomore that also plays some LB in passing situations where Mount is playing games with zone blitzes and stunts.  Neither of which you're probably see against the Bethel offense.  DT's are solid.  If Bethel can't push around Mount's young D-line, it's over.  Period.

LB's are senior stud. Sam Kershaw (6-1/245 lbs) and junior Arthur Smith (6-0/245 lbs).  Mount doesn't blitz much with their LB's, though they move around a lot.  Most blitzes come from the secondary.

Strength of the defense is the 5 DB's.  All are fast and very aggressive near the line of scrimmage in run support.  Especially sophomore SS Nick Driskill.  If Bethel tries screens or options, you'll get introduced to Driskill in a hurry.  I'd be very surprised if Bethel gets many (if any) runs over 15 yards due to the speed in the secondary.  Mount's defense is under-sized at most positions except LB, but is very fast.  



IMHO, for Bethel to make this a game into the 4th quarter they're either going to have to dominate in the run game for something like 200+ yards or force Mount (i.e. the QB) into mistakes.  If Neal Seaman plays like he's capable of and is making accurate and timely throws, Mount's receivers are going to kill you.

These guys sound unstoppable!!! I think Bethel should give up in order to save themselves from injury and make sure the Mount guys don't inadvertently hurt themselves in their last warm up game  before the Stagg bowl!   

[theaprof]

What can we expect from Mt as a team? We know about Lambert and Shorts, but anything else to add? What makes this years squad unique from past teams?

Wish I could make the trip but I'll be working Saturday morning and relegated to the video feed. Thanks for the invite to your wing night though!

Here's the 2010 Raiders in a nutshell:

Offensive strength is the WR corps.  Shorts is a freaking stud, TE Kyle Miller is probably the best player on the team and the rest of the receivers (Collins & Brown) are very good.  The starting RB's are good receivers too.

The O-line is good, but not dominant.  Much better at pass blocking than run blocking.

Running game is led by sophomore Jeremy Murray who is a pretty good back, but has been inconsistent.  And definitely NOT what you saw the last time Bethel came to town.  FB Wes Ryder is a 230 pound SOB at lead blocker and he might be the Raider's best rushing threat.

Sophomore QB Neal Seaman has shown flashes of really good play and really poor play (first quarter and a half against Alfred).  Usually accurate on the intermediate throws and underneath.  Decent athlete that can hurt you with his legs if you forget about him tucking it in and running.  Won't look to run, but can.  He hasn't been put in a position yet this season to have to make an incredible play himself because of the strength of the receiving corps.  With Shorts & Company, all it usually takes is some simple crossing routes for the big play to happen with Mount's speed at receiver.
 
Defensive line is young with 6 of first 7 in the rotation being either freshman or sophomores.  DE Budzinski moves inside to DT in passing situations where he is pretty much unblockable with his speed at 6-3 / 245 lbs.   DE on opposite side is a very athletic 230 lbs sophomore that also plays some LB in passing situations where Mount is playing games with zone blitzes and stunts.  Neither of which you're probably see against the Bethel offense.  DT's are solid.  If Bethel can't push around Mount's young D-line, it's over.  Period.

LB's are senior stud. Sam Kershaw (6-1/245 lbs) and junior Arthur Smith (6-0/245 lbs).  Mount doesn't blitz much with their LB's, though they move around a lot.  Most blitzes come from the secondary.

Strength of the defense is the 5 DB's.  All are fast and very aggressive near the line of scrimmage in run support.  Especially sophomore SS Nick Driskill.  If Bethel tries screens or options, you'll get introduced to Driskill in a hurry.  I'd be very surprised if Bethel gets many (if any) runs over 15 yards due to the speed in the secondary.  Mount's defense is under-sized at most positions except LB, but is very fast.  



IMHO, for Bethel to make this a game into the 4th quarter they're either going to have to dominate in the run game for something like 200+ yards or force Mount (i.e. the QB) into mistakes.  If Neal Seaman plays like he's capable of and is making accurate and timely throws, Mount's receivers are going to kill you.

These guys sound unstoppable!!! I think Bethel should give up in order to save themselves from injury and make sure the Mount guys don't inadvertently hurt themselves in their last warm up game  before the Stagg bowl!   

I think HScoach had lots of "if"s in there. If Mount plays up to their potential, I think it will not be close--but Seaman had a lot of troubles in the first part of last week's game and Murray has had slippery hands during several games this season.

If Bethel can capitalize on those situations it could be a close game.  But hey, those of us on the board aren't the ones playing the game on Saturday.  St. John's beat a very good Mount team just a few years ago--they played a great game and we didn't.

Good luck to both teams--play clean and stay healthy!