FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[thewaterboy]

I guess what Im saying is: Wesley has found ways to win. Thats the bottom line. Whether they can do it or not Saturday will be seen. You can't read too much into stats at this point and automatically say Wesley will get their heads handed to them. We are down to the 4 best teams in D3, stats are useful yes. But they dont tell the whole story at all. These teams have gone through the regular season and postseason tests and passed all of them. That doesnt just happen. They know how to win games better than anyone else in Division III. This will clearly be Wesley's toughest opponent, and IMO, it will be Mount's too.

Also, I agree with DE Wesley Fan, Mount must be respected. Not feared. Wesley had a little fear in 2009.

[purpled]

Perhaps this Mount team has not faced a QB like McSweeny but in 26 + years of coaching don't you think LK has? That's all I have to say about that.

ROLL RAIDERS ROLL!!

[mr_mom]

Don't forget to get your Pick-Em selections in.  It's still almost anyone's race.   

[joelmama]

BashDad,
No single RB has ran for more that 100 yards against Wesley, and further McSweeny IMO is the best QB at the D3 level. He put up those numbers against teams whose defenses had their number 1 priority as "Stop Shane McSweeny." Wesley has used whatever has worked to get the job done in this playoffs. And right now Shane McSweeny is working. OC Chip Knapp and everyone else knows it. Why stop?

Mount hasnt gone up against a team like Wesley believe it or not. Benedictine, Centre, and Wabash arent quite in that 2nd Tier of Division III. Wesley has played tougher competition throughout the playoffs as well. They took on Linfield, who they have never seen before and had zero common opponents, that makes it tougher for both teams to get a feel of each other, but Wesley did figure it out in the 2nd half. Linfield also threw the ball 40 some times, which makes it a little easier to pick up yards. Dont forget that they made Linfield 1 dimensional. Then they played UMHB, who they are very familiar with, so it kind of makes sense that the game played out the way it did. But in the end, all that matters is the W. So to say that the game wont be close might not be entirely correct. Wesley has found different ways to win all season. Thats what it will come down to on game day. Who can find the way to win. It doesnt matter what the stats are.

A few numbers for you to chew on.  Average yards given up my UMU 182/game Average by Wesley 274  As for Wesley playing such a tough schedule compared to UMU  Overall record of Wesley opponents 74-63 .540  Overall record of UMU opponents 73-58 .557  Average score for Wesley 41-15 Average score for UMU 40-7  Not that these mean anything by themselves.  But you can stop with whining how UMU doesn't play anyone and hasn't seen anyone like Wesley.   These guys because of UMU tradition play these types of games every year multiple times.  Also you may want to compare some of the OAC teams (at least those in the upper echelon) to some of those that Wesley has played.

[BashDad]

You can't read too much into stats at this point and automatically say Wesley will get their heads handed to them.

Yes. You. Can. I can understand your personal reluctance and, also, the difficulty from the rest of us to get over the idea that a game this late could be anything but close, but dude: we're not two games into the season, we're not 8 games into the season. Both these teams have 13 games worth of data. That's enough to form a pretty good idea of a team and its relative strengths and weaknesses in relation to another, so long as you pick the right categories to freight with meaning. You saying the numbers don't matter may allow you to be more excited about the game, but it doesn't make it so.

And before you get cute, don't confuse this with an argument for "not playing the game" or something equally stupid. I'm not a moron. If I'm refusing to acknowledge that crazy things happen it's because it's been a long, long time since anyone other than the better team beat UMU. A long time. Stats don't always paint a clear picture (in this case, I think they do) and there's always the opportunity for humans to screw up interpreting them (in this case, I don't think I am) or for team's to start new and unexpected trends. I get it. After all, Tim Tebow exists. He just doesn't play for you.

[HScoach]

Please. I'm not "Mount's biggest supporter." I'm also not just a "Wabash guy." I can take my ball and go home if you'd prefer it, but from where I'm sitting the argument for why Wesley keeps this game close--or wins--is riddled with weak spots. Most of this board is taken up with the usual non-analysis shrugging of "I guess it'll be a good'n!" and that **** is boring. Sue me.

No offense meant.  Just thought it was funny.

FYI, I think your spot on. 

[thewaterboy]

I will still respectfully disagree here. I may be wrong. Stats still, at the end of the day, dont prove the whole thing. Mount and Wesley have no common opponents, therefore schedules and the competition sometimes skew stats, as well as weather situations, key injuries, or other variables. They are both great teams and there is a tad bit of familiarity there. You can put stock into stats if you want, but I still caution you not to put too much into them. It's going to come down to the execution on gameday. Who wants it more. Theres no stat for that. No matter what way you try to slice it. Wesley is certainly capable of winning this game. I have seen them all season long and live about 40 minutes away from Mount, and have seen their games on STO. They definitely have the tools to do it. But they must execute. Just like Mount Union.
Like I said, its gonna come down to the drive and the heart each team has. No stats for those either.

And true Tim Tebow doesnt play for us. We have a guy named Shane McSweeny. A quarterback that can throw as good as any and has the capabilities to break off some runs that are Herschel Walker-esque. And takes every chance he can to hit someone.

[PurpleSuit]

Hershal Walker huh? That's a new one. 

[BashDad]

We have a guy named Shane McSweeny. A quarterback that can throw as good as any and has the capabilities to break off some runs that are Herschel Walker-esque. And takes every chance he can to hit someone.

And makes a mean beef stroganoff.

[skunks_sidekick]

Considering BashDad did play the game (and at a high level), I think his opinion bears consideration.  And quite honestly, almost EVERYONE on this board said NCC was ready to replace one of the purple powers.  Funny thing about that.......Wabash beat the alleged heir apparent, so does that mean WABASH is ready to crack the top tier with UWW/UMU?

As I said at the beginning of the week, until Wesley actually beats UWW or UMU, they are just one of the also-rans.  They have had multiple chances and could not get it done.  Now THAT is fact.

I think Wesley's defense is average, and their offense is way too one-dimensional.  Now they could change that tomorrow and play a great game to beat Mount.  I just don't think it's likely.

Raiderguy.....WesleyDad.......anyone else......10 AM for margs & mex.  See you there!   

[Craft_Beermeister]

I'm feeling good about tomorrows game.  from what i heard Mount should have 4 QBs dressed  and ready to go. They should have a full playbook for tomorrow.  I'm guessing Burke plays in 4th quarter.

[PA_wesleyfan]

 Waterboy stand by your convictions.. Don't let these people get to you!!! I too think Wesley can win this game. Will they win ? We will find out tomorrow.

[DE Wesley Fan]

I'm on board with you too waterboy.  We all know MU is one of the top 2 big boys, and until we beat them we have to listen to all the arguments about how much better they are than us.  This time tomorrow all will be said and done - one good team done for the year and another on the way to Salem.  May the best team win (and may that be the Wub). Win or lose Wesley fans know this is one of the most special teams we've had and it's been an awesome ride.

[Olinemom]

Making a Karma run and want to wish LK AND THE BOYS best of luck tomorrow in the game!! I am looking forward to seeing lots of purple next week!  I ordered the brownies today.  Since the broken elbow I have someone else make them with my recipes.  I 'm having 40 dozen, a big box for both teams, of course, and the rest for the Stone Station tail gate where I hope to see many of you next Friday!!  Skunk, Theaprof, Seventiesraider Hscoach, Raiderpa, everybody.  Planning to have a great time!!  Leave that damn snow up north PLEASE!  Oh, Cecil looked good on Sunday, making that TD!! I have seen that action before, many times.  I leave for Salem on Tuesday in order to enjoy the Gagliardi trophy presentation, the Teams dinner and all the fun on Friday.  Hope to see you all next week!!!

[country buoy]

what time is the game tomorrow