FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[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.

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.

Does any really think Bethel has a chance to win this game even if they make four 50 yard field goals? Ummm no. My point is the kicking game keeps getting highlighted as why this Bethel team can't win but that hasn't stopped them vs UST, Wheaton, Wartburg, St Johns, etc.

[wesleydad]

ok mount friends, as you have read i have cheered for uww against you guys the last couple of stagg bowls.  just wanted to see someone else win.  that being said, all this talk about the wing warehouse and part of me wishes the seedings had turned out as they should have with mount 2 and wesley 3, i would have been on the road by 230 and there by 830.  i know i have not lost my status as a mount friend, since i do bring some good beer to the stagg as bribery.  good luck this week, i think wesley has a real good chance.  i think uww is missing something with all the points they are giving up.  we shall see.

[Pat Coleman]

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.

Does any really think Bethel has a chance to win this game even if they make four 50 yard field goals? Ummm no. My point is the kicking game keeps getting highlighted as why this Bethel team can't win but that hasn't stopped them vs UST, Wheaton, Wartburg, St Johns, etc.

It did in the first meeting.

[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.

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.

Does any really think Bethel has a chance to win this game even if they make four 50 yard field goals? Ummm no. My point is the kicking game keeps getting highlighted as why this Bethel team can't win but that hasn't stopped them vs UST, Wheaton, Wartburg, St Johns, etc.

It did in the first meeting.

I thought that loss goes off the books since Bethel won the rematch? 

[CobberHawkeye]

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.

Does any really think Bethel has a chance to win this game even if they make four 50 yard field goals? Ummm no. My point is the kicking game keeps getting highlighted as why this Bethel team can't win but that hasn't stopped them vs UST, Wheaton, Wartburg, St Johns, etc.

It did in the first meeting.

It didn't cost them the victory in the first matchup v. UST, but rather the chance for it.  They missed a FG and had a PAT blocked. The closest they got other than that was UST's 22, which ended in a pick. After that, it was the UST 37 ( or a 54-yd FG, not a chip shot by any means).

Should BU have converted those kicks, we're looking at OT. Anything can happen then.

While kicking has been sketchy, I wouldn't necessarily hang that loss on the kicker's foot.

[skunks_sidekick]

I think the point that many are making is that IF Bethel is in this game, then there is a very good chance a field goal here and there can make ALL the difference in the world.  To assume that Bethel will succeed going for it on 4th down when they are in field goal range (for most) is just not realistic. 

I have seen so many times a team drive down the field on Mount, get in the red zone, and then come away with 0 points.  That takes the momentum right out of a team, and if Mount knows it's always "four down territory", that is a huge advantage. 

However, I agree that odds are Bethel's lack of a kicking game will not matter.   

[seventiesraider]

I'll bet St Johns wishes we didn't have a kicking game in 2000

[Freebird]

I'll bet St Johns wishes we didn't have a kicking game in 2000

Haha nice! 

[Atticus Finch]

Hey there Purple People....She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed has issued the proper clearance.....I am looking for my flight to Ohio.  I am also looking forward to some very hot wings, a good IPA at Wings Warehouse, and some good 'jawing' with the Purple faithfull!  If I make it....the first round is on me!

Royals live and die by "smash mouth" football.  We have been living by it this year....and sometimes it aint pretty!  No matter, we're still in the ballgame!  If BU gets smashed in the mouth on Saturday, as it seems most expect...well, thats how Coach J wants BU to play.

By the way, since the MIAC gets no respect (except St. John's, who is home recruiting this year) you probably dont know and cant appreciate that Coach J is a class act!  If you get a chance to hear him speak.....dont miss it.  Coach J embodies what D-III stands for.....and, if you dont mind me saying so, what Faith means to the BU football program!

Go Royals!

[Pat Coleman]

Does any really think Bethel has a chance to win this game even if they make four 50 yard field goals? Ummm no. My point is the kicking game keeps getting highlighted as why this Bethel team can't win but that hasn't stopped them vs UST, Wheaton, Wartburg, St Johns, etc.

It did in the first meeting.

It didn't cost them the victory in the first matchup v. UST, but rather the chance for it.  They missed a FG and had a PAT blocked. The closest they got other than that was UST's 22, which ended in a pick. After that, it was the UST 37 ( or a 54-yd FG, not a chip shot by any means).

Should BU have converted those kicks, we're looking at OT. Anything can happen then.

While kicking has been sketchy, I wouldn't necessarily hang that loss on the kicker's foot.

It stopped them. That was what was said.

[Freebird]

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 

I would question any team that is an underdog, run focused, and on the road if they didn't take a smack em in the mouth and run the ball hard mentality into the game. Frankly it has been the mentality of pretty much every game for Bethel since Kirkoff graduated in '03.   

[skunks_sidekick]

Hey AF.......safe journeys and it will be great to meet you.  I won't warn you about the cold since you DID go to Bethel, so somewhere in your gene pool you have that "cold weather resilience".   

You can join our "for fun only" betting pool, and somehow I think your pick might be unique amongst us Mount faithful.      If Bethel does pull off the upset, you will get the thrill of being there, and some coin...errr...credits in your pocket. 

[theaprof]

Hey there Purple People....She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed has issued the proper clearance.....I am looking for my flight to Ohio.  I am also looking forward to some very hot wings, a good IPA at Wings Warehouse, and some good 'jawing' with the Purple faithfull!  If I make it....the first round is on me!

Royals live and die by "smash mouth" football.  We have been living by it this year....and sometimes it aint pretty!  No matter, we're still in the ballgame!  If BU gets smashed in the mouth on Saturday, as it seems most expect...well, thats how Coach J wants BU to play.

By the way, since the MIAC gets no respect (except St. John's, who is home recruiting this year) you probably dont know and cant appreciate that Coach J is a class act!  If you get a chance to hear him speak.....dont miss it.  Coach J embodies what D-III stands for.....and, if you dont mind me saying so, what Faith means to the BU football program!

Go Royals!

Glad you may be able to join us!  MIAC gets respect--we've played you guys twice (if you count this Saturday) and St John's a few times and always deep into the playoffs--you don't get that far if you ain't good.

I'm sure Coach J is a good man and a class act--so is Coach LK.  He is always much more impressed by a good young man than by a good football player who is not a good young man.  I think that is part of the "secret" to his unbelievable success as a coach.  Our best players have always been solid students and good citizens.

Let's enjoy the jawin' and rivalry and remember that win or lose it's only a game.  The real battle that we should be worried about is half way around the world where young men (and women), who should be worried about football and dates are instead worried about whether they will be able to come home in one piece.  Win or lose, we all get to come back tomorrow.

$5--er, I mean 5 credits gets you into our winner takes all pool for the game.  Look for the rowdy group with a really loud big guy with a pony tail and straw hat!!

[pradierguy]

I don't know about anyone else, but my personal favorite that seems to come out every year about this time just hit the board. The trusty "Well we might as well do everyone a favor and not even play and risk injury" gem gets better and better every year.

[Freebird]

I don't know about anyone else, but my personal favorite that seems to come out every year about this time just hit the board. The trusty "Well we might as well do everyone a favor and not even play and risk injury" gem gets better and better every year.

Well thank you praiderguy!   

It must be super tough supporting a program like Mount Union and have to deal with comments like that so often! You guys have it harder than I thought over here