FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[Raider 68]

On the QB debate, I'm with Dr Acula.  With the defense we have and the talent at WR, we don't need the QB to win the game.  Just don't lose it.  And that is Piloto's problem.  He's as likely to make a perfect throw as he is a terrible throw.  And as a coach that would drive me nuts.  Given the roster that Mount has, I'd rather play with a less physically gifted QB that is also less likely to make the big mistake.

Honestly I don't think either QB has the combination of physical and mental attributes to be great, but I firmly believe LK knows which one he'd rather play with.  NEAL SEAMAN.  And who am I to question his decision?   

Piloto might have a big arm, but the playoffs the last two years have proven that he's just a tall guy with a strong arm that can't handle the pressure.


And on the Burke question, go back and watch his game in the finals against Wayne HS.  He has the potential.  My Lord, he took St Ed's to a state title, not St Iggies. 

The other young QB to keep an eye is Namdar out of TX.  That kid is a freak athlete. 

My guess right now is that Seaman is the starter next year with Piloto getting passed by one if not both of the young'ins.

HScoach,

While I agree with many of your points and instincts, many forget it was M. Piloto who led the team in the final drive to beat B-W and win the conference. If the Raiders lost that game, then the playoff line-up would have been different. I do not agree that Piloto is automatically relegated to 3rd string unless he has a terrible off-season, spring and summer camp. Although Seaman may be Coach Kehres's first choice, a new factor has emerged that being Seaman has unfortunately become injury prone. That fact, makes having Piloto receiving enough snaps to take over.

Whatever happen to the QB from Kentucky and who else could be coming in? While highly regarded, Burke is not a proven QB as yet. 

[BashDad]

With the defense we have and the talent at WR, we don't need the QB to win the game.  Just don't lose it.

This is precisely what I find so interesting. You know who usually make these kinds of arguments or trust that kind of philosophy? Teams that don't play for national championships.

[skunks_sidekick]

If there is one thing you just HAVE to know about LK is.....HE HATES TURNOVERS!

He has given Piloto two years to prove himself in the Stagg Bowl, and quite honestly he has failed miserably.  B-W ain't UWW, and although Piloto did a nice job in that game, he has shown to date he cannot handle the kind of pressure UWW brings in the Stagg.  You either have to be able to scramble (which is never going to be him), or be smart/savvy enough to know where/when to check down to an outlet, or to throw the ball away.  To date, he can do neither. 

Did I mention how much LK HATES TURNOVERS?

Raider 68...you have made it clear from the beginning of the season you are a Piloto fan.  If you have followed Mount football as long as you have, then you should know that LK believes in second chances (once in a while), but I doubt he will give Piloto much of a leash in this coming year.  Just review the Jorris situation as an example of how he felt about interceptions.  Admittedly, it was a lot easier to make that decision with a Micheli in waiting. 

The Kentucky kid realized after his freshman year that life is different in college football, and just maybe being the "Kentucky Heisman" winner isn't enough to compete against the quality of players at Mount.  He ended up transferring to a NAIA school in Kentucky (I think), and I heard he had a good season. 

[Raider 68]

If there is one thing you just HAVE to know about LK is.....HE HATES TURNOVERS!

He has given Piloto two years to prove himself in the Stagg Bowl, and quite honestly he has failed miserably.  B-W ain't UWW, and although Piloto did a nice job in that game, he has shown to date he cannot handle the kind of pressure UWW brings in the Stagg.  You either have to be able to scramble (which is never going to be him), or be smart/savvy enough to know where/when to check down to an outlet, or to throw the ball away.  To date, he can do neither. 

Did I mention how much LK HATES TURNOVERS?

Raider 68...you have made it clear from the beginning of the season you are a Piloto fan.  If you have followed Mount football as long as you have, then you should know that LK believes in second chances (once in a while), but I doubt he will give Piloto much of a leash in this coming year.  Just review the Jorris situation as an example of how he felt about interceptions.  Admittedly, it was a lot easier to make that decision with a Micheli in waiting. 

The Kentucky kid realized after his freshman year that life is different in college football, and just maybe being the "Kentucky Heisman" winner isn't enough to compete against the quality of players at Mount.  He ended up transferring to a NAIA school in Kentucky (I think), and I heard he had a good season. 

skunks_,

Its not that I am so much a Piloto fan as I am one that believes that the Raiders success has been led a passing QB first and a combination second. I agree TO's kill the ability to win the biggest games. The Raiders have been able to overcome them even in some of the playoff games. While I trust Coach Kehres judgement, I do not think we have anything close to a Greg Micheli, even including an untested Burke. I hope I am wrong about all this in 2012 and the Raiders not only get back to the Stagg but win it.

While Piloto (according to HScoach) just has a strong arm, Seaman has not improved as a QB, IMHO, so that leaves the Raiders with the same scenario for 2012. The Oline and running game will have to be better and we will have to assume that a short/medium range passing game will complement it enough.

All the discussion points to the fact that Raider fans are just airing their concerns for 2012, and I for one
think number #11 should have happen in 2011.

[Knightstalker]

Billy Kilmer threw wounded ducks.

Sonny Jurgensen threw lasers.

With his off-hand.

Behind his back.

Upside-down.

On his back.

With his eyes closed.

While drunk.

Underneath a pile of women.

I remember Sonny Jurgeson from his last couple of seasons with the Redskins and his arm was not that great as I remember but he just won.  From what an Uncle told me Sonny and Bobby Lane were two of a kind, he loved Bobby Lane, his favorite player of all time.  Of course Uncle Frank like to tip back a drink or twenty.

[formerd3db]

Interesting discussion you've all had regarding Mount's QB situation.  While I only saw one game (the playoff game vs. Wabash) and, IMO, none of them played that well, obviously, none of my opinion regarding their past performances overall means anything at all as obviously, you all have seen them on a regular basis.  It is apparent from what you've all opined/observed that you all, for the most part, agree that each of the QB's have their advantages (strengths) and disadvantages (weaknesses). However, as you have also said, it is apparent that the bottom line is that one of them simply needs to step up and take the helm and win the starting job outright for next year.  Although spring practices might give a slight indication, I doubt that will be able to be determined until the actual start of pre-season next August, since DIII spring sessions do not have any full contact practice sessions.  Without question, your head coach LK will make the decision that is best for Mount in getting your team back to the top level they have been in past years, back to the Stagg Bowl and the ultimate goal of regaining the Stagg Bowl National Championship trophy.  At the same time, whoever ends up winning the competition/being the top choice, there will be a couple of disappointed others, however, that is the just the nature of the game as we all well know.  It will be interesting to see what eventually happens.

Also, from what you all describe, I take it that the consensus is you alll desire/need better/bigger Olinemen and/or Oline play and perhaps a couple of replacements on defense to keep up the great level that Mount had on that latter side of the ball this year, which was the big strength. 

Anyway, good discussion/debate, gentlemen.

[Raider 68]

Interesting discussion you've all had regarding Mount's QB situation.  While I only saw one game (the playoff game vs. Wabash) and, IMO, none of them played that well, obviously, none of my opinion regarding their past performances overall means anything at all as obviously, you all have seen them on a regular basis.  It is apparent from what you've all opined/observed that you all, for the most part, agree that each of the QB's have their advantages (strengths) and disadvantages (weaknesses). However, as you have also said, it is apparent that the bottom line is that one of them simply needs to step up and take the helm and win the starting job outright for next year.  Although spring practices might give a slight indication, I doubt that will be able to be determined until the actual start of pre-season next August, since DIII spring sessions do not have any full contact practice sessions.  Without question, your head coach LK will make the decision that is best for Mount in getting your team back to the top level they have been in past years, back to the Stagg Bowl and the ultimate goal of regaining the Stagg Bowl National Championship trophy.  At the same time, whoever ends up winning the competition/being the top choice, there will be a couple of disappointed others, however, that is the just the nature of the game as we all well know.  It will be interesting to see what eventually happens.

Also, from what you all describe, I take it that the consensus is you alll desire/need better/bigger Olinemen and/or Oline play and perhaps a couple of replacements on defense to keep up the great level that Mount had on that latter side of the ball this year, which was the big strength. 

Anyway, good discussion/debate, gentlemen.

former3db,

From the Raider perspective, the discussion is a continuation of one held a year ago after the 2010 Stagg Bowl on what if.............. Now after 2011, we are talking again about who/what and how it could have been different. You are right, Coach Kehres will, as he always has, make the right calls. For 2011, injuries a the skilled positions slowed down the Raider offense, but the defense was that good to compensate. In 2012, I hope the offense can improve to a point where they can score at will on anyone and keep the TO's to a minimum!

[Dr. Acula]

Whatever happen to the QB from Kentucky and who else could be coming in? While highly regarded, Burke is not a proven QB as yet. 

Here you go, 68.  HScoach was correct...NAIA Union College.  Looks like he started for a 2-9 squad. 

2011 Stats

[BashDad]

OK, I don't want to pile on...but...Piloto does *not* have a big arm. Not from where I'm sitting. He has a really slow release, and when you touch him anywhere on his body during the epic motion that puts the ball in the air, he sails a pass into oblivion. That's why he throws picks when he plays good teams that hit him.

Further clarification: being able to make most of the throws necessary does not mean Piloto is an amazing physical specimen. He's just better physically than Seaman.

[formerd3db]

Whatever happen to the QB from Kentucky and who else could be coming in? While highly regarded, Burke is not a proven QB as yet. 

Here you go, 68.  HScoach was correct...NAIA Union College.  Looks like he started for a 2-9 squad. 

2011 Stats

As a tangent to this, it is interesting that NAIA Union College played FCS DI University of Tennessee-Martin of the revitalized Missouri Valley Conference this year, although they got smashed 63-0.  Some of that might not be surprising in a sense, since Union was only 2-9 overall as you mention in their own NAIA league.  That league has some fairly good teams, BTW.

[Dr. Acula]

Whatever happen to the QB from Kentucky and who else could be coming in? While highly regarded, Burke is not a proven QB as yet. 

Here you go, 68.  HScoach was correct...NAIA Union College.  Looks like he started for a 2-9 squad. 

2011 Stats

Sorry, that was Skunks that pointed that out not hscoach. 

[section13raiderfan]

Rumor has it that the Wadsworth running back that outshone a certain Ohio State bound running back from Canton Glenoak is considering UMU. He broke Glenoaks hearts in the playoffs, and according to those that attended the game who I talked to, was the better back. Not the bigger back...but the better back...at least that night. The kid is known to be an overachiever. Somebody send him some Kmic films please. Snowball is his name. Keep your fingers crossed.

Is Ohio States Oline a bigger concern than UMUs? I think so. Not real well prepared for a bowl game if you ask me. A classic example of a QB who is incompatable with his line. The spread blocking schemes will befuddle those linemen. They need to practice with UMU to learn the spread offense.

[Raider 68]

Rumor has it that the Wadsworth running back that outshone a certain Ohio State bound running back from Canton Glenoak is considering UMU. He broke Glenoaks hearts in the playoffs, and according to those that attended the game who I talked to, was the better back. Not the bigger back...but the better back...at least that night. The kid is known to be an overachiever. Somebody send him some Kmic films please. Snowball is his name. Keep your fingers crossed.

Is Ohio States Oline a bigger concern than UMUs? I think so. Not real well prepared for a bowl game if you ask me. A classic example of a QB who is incompatable with his line. The spread blocking schemes will befuddle those linemen. They need to practice with UMU to learn the spread offense.

section13raiderfan,

You know what they say about a "snowball" its gets bigger and carries more momentum! That would be great if your rumor is correct.

Missed the OSU/Florida game, but the Bucks were never in it. Good thing Meyer is coming since it is obvious that Fickle is not ready for a big time HC, IMHO!

[PurpleSuit]

securing Jack Snowball would be a huge get for Mount.  I would equate Snowball with Jim Luther from Lake a couple of years ago.  The injury his junior year is the only thing keeping him from the D1 level.  I dont know what it is with Akron and Kent and Stark County, but their loss is hopefully Mount's gain.  I hope Mount is actively going after the QB Riley from Northwest as well.  I'd watch for Ashland and maybe Malone and Walsh.  Even though that is some terrible football, scholarship money talks.

[Dr. Acula]

securing Jack Snowball would be a huge get for Mount.  I would equate Snowball with Jim Luther from Lake a couple of years ago.  The injury his junior year is the only thing keeping him from the D1 level.  I dont know what it is with Akron and Kent and Stark County, but their loss is hopefully Mount's gain.  I hope Mount is actively going after the QB Riley from Northwest as well.  I'd watch for Ashland and maybe Malone and Walsh.  Even though that is some terrible football, scholarship money talks.

I hope they're keeping in touch w/ Jimmy.  He was listed as a slot back his freshmen year and had zero carries.  There were 2 other freshmen slot backs that had the most and tied for 2nd most carries including the team's leading rusher (834 yds/13 TD).  Maybe the turf is greener in Alliance?  In the meantime, let's get Snowball in there.  How's that for greedy?