FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[ExTartanPlayer]

And, oh, by the way, how crazy nuts are the last four weeks of the season setting up to be on a national basis?

Agreed.  Check out the number of games featuring ranked teams that are virtually guaranteed to affect both teams' playoff chances, as well as the trickle-down affects each could have to the Pool C field.

Week 9 has Mount-Heidelberg, Linfield-Willamette, North Central-Illinois Wesleyan, and UW-Platteville vs. UW-Whitewater.

Week 10 has Heidelberg-John Carroll, North Central-Wheaton, St. Thomas vs. Concordia-Moorhead, Wittenberg-Wabash.

Week 11 has Mount-John Carroll (virtually guaranteed to be something related to Pool A/C at stake here), Bethel-St. John's (if SJ wins the next few games this game will have a slew of Pool A/C implications, also depending on what happens to St. Thomas and Concordia-Moorhead between now & then), UW-Platteville vs. UW-Oshkosh (either WIAC title or Pool C likely at stake for one or both teams).  Wow!

And that's just a sampling.  If Pacific keeps the momentum rolling from their undefeated start and manages to upset Pacific Lutheran, they'll be playing big games with Linfield and Willamette in Weeks 10 and 11 (the Western version of the OAC triumvirate's faceoff).

[pradierguy]

Danny Woodhead:
5'8" 197
4.35 40 Time coming out of College

Nate Kmic:
5'9" 195
4.47 40 Time coming out of College

Why didn't Kmic get a shot?

Was thinking this same thing while watching the game last night. Regardless of times, measurements, etc. I do think Nate could have made it in the NFL in a role similar to Woodhead's.

Plus, I find it hard to believe Woodhead is 197 lbs 

[Toph]

By the way... No where in my post above did I say that H-berg was not good.  In fact, I think they are very good.  I said I wasn't as impressed as I thought I'd be.   Based upon the hype I was expecting them to look significantly better than JCU.  Having seen both in back-to-back weeks I didn't see much separation.  I think JCU's defense looked better when we played them.  H-berg had more speed at the skill positions, better special teams, and maybe more talent overall on offense.   I think the game between the two will be a good one.  It will be interesting to see of JCU's defense can slow H-berg's offense.   

Lucky me...I'll get to see Mt. Union this week.  Then I can compare  the three.

The last 3 weeks of the season will tell, but I have a feeling that JCU is signifcantly better than expected which is causing you to under value Heidi.

Would be very curious to hear your thoughts after seeing Mount on Saturday.

JCU seems to be clicking on all cylinders.  I don't think anyone expected the defense to be playing this well.  Again, not that they've had the stiffest competition, but they are putting up crazy numbers on both sides of the ball.  They have the best QB in the conference, depth at running back, and an aggressive offense that takes a lot of shots downfield (not unlike when Arth was a player).  From the defensive side, when I saw them, what impressed me was the speed of the front seven.  We'll see what it's like when they run against Heidelberg and Mount, but I saw the front seven really doing a nice job moving from sideline to sideline and keeping everything in front of them.

Assuming they get through the next three without hiccups, the games in November are going to be very interesting.

[pradierguy]

JCU seems to be clicking on all cylinders.  I don't think anyone expected the defense to be playing this well.  Again, not that they've had the stiffest competition, but they are putting up crazy numbers on both sides of the ball.  They have the best QB in the conference, depth at running back, and an aggressive offense that takes a lot of shots downfield (not unlike when Arth was a player).  From the defensive side, when I saw them, what impressed me was the speed of the front seven.  We'll see what it's like when they run against Heidelberg and Mount, but I saw the front seven really doing a nice job moving from sideline to sideline and keeping everything in front of them.

Assuming they get through the next three without hiccups, the games in November are going to be very interesting.

I must question if you have forgotten about one Mr. Burke. I don't want to sound like a homer here, but come on...

- Myers is only averaging 5 yards more per game than Burke, but has more attempts
- Burke is tied for the lead in OAC for TD's (4 more than Myers)
- Burke is also the 3rd leading rusher in the OAC
- JCU is over 100 yards behind Mount Union in total offense per game

Not taking anything away from Myers, he is a great QB, and JCU's best since Arth, but let's pump the brakes a bit on the "best OAC QB talk."

All of that being said, I am really hoping everyone takes care of their business to setup one of the best OAC finishes in some time.

[Toph]

JCU seems to be clicking on all cylinders.  I don't think anyone expected the defense to be playing this well.  Again, not that they've had the stiffest competition, but they are putting up crazy numbers on both sides of the ball.  They have the best QB in the conference, depth at running back, and an aggressive offense that takes a lot of shots downfield (not unlike when Arth was a player).  From the defensive side, when I saw them, what impressed me was the speed of the front seven.  We'll see what it's like when they run against Heidelberg and Mount, but I saw the front seven really doing a nice job moving from sideline to sideline and keeping everything in front of them.

Assuming they get through the next three without hiccups, the games in November are going to be very interesting.

I must question if you have forgotten about one Mr. Burke. I don't want to sound like a homer here, but come on...

- Myers is only averaging 5 yards more per game than Burke, but has more attempts, and also has less talent around him
- Burke is tied for the lead in OAC for TD's (4 more than Myers), with a better offensive line and receivers
- Burke is also the 3rd leading rusher in the OAC with a better offensive line
- JCU is over 100 yards behind Mount Union in total offense per game with more talent on the offensive side of the ball

Not taking anything away from Myers, he is a great QB, and JCU's best since Arth, but let's pump the brakes a bit on the "best OAC QB talk."

All of that being said, I am really hoping everyone takes care of their business to setup one of the best OAC finishes in some time.

I made some corrections to your stats, see above.  Put Myers on Mount Union and see how he looks.  The QB doesn't exist in a vacuum.  I don't think anyone would argue that JCU's level of talent overall is inferior to Mount Union.

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

MTU returned 1 Offensive Starter from last year (Burke).  Their OL has been the weak point all season (as described by others who have gone to the games).  MTU's RBs have not been anything spectacular and Roman Namdar (who was slated to take over at WR this year) has not seen a down of football due to off the field incident.

I doubt that MTUs OL and supporting cast is that much better (if at all) than JCU.

[pradierguy]

JCU seems to be clicking on all cylinders.  I don't think anyone expected the defense to be playing this well.  Again, not that they've had the stiffest competition, but they are putting up crazy numbers on both sides of the ball.  They have the best QB in the conference, depth at running back, and an aggressive offense that takes a lot of shots downfield (not unlike when Arth was a player).  From the defensive side, when I saw them, what impressed me was the speed of the front seven.  We'll see what it's like when they run against Heidelberg and Mount, but I saw the front seven really doing a nice job moving from sideline to sideline and keeping everything in front of them.

Assuming they get through the next three without hiccups, the games in November are going to be very interesting.

I must question if you have forgotten about one Mr. Burke. I don't want to sound like a homer here, but come on...

- Myers is only averaging 5 yards more per game than Burke, but has more attempts, and also has less talent around him
- Burke is tied for the lead in OAC for TD's (4 more than Myers), with a better offensive line and receivers
- Burke is also the 3rd leading rusher in the OAC with a better offensive line
- JCU is over 100 yards behind Mount Union in total offense per game with more talent on the offensive side of the ball

Not taking anything away from Myers, he is a great QB, and JCU's best since Arth, but let's pump the brakes a bit on the "best OAC QB talk."

All of that being said, I am really hoping everyone takes care of their business to setup one of the best OAC finishes in some time.

I made some corrections to your stats, see above.  Put Myers on Mount Union and see how he looks.  The QB doesn't exist in a vacuum.  I don't think anyone would argue that JCU's level of talent overall is inferior to Mount Union.

Not going to fight this battle, but put Burke on JCU's team and I think they would be better than they are now.

While no one will argue over the  talent levels between the two teams in the past 10-15 years, but let's not forget all the "talent" around Burke is brand new this year. Completely new offensive line, new RB (who hadn't played in over a year), all new WR's (without the pre-season #1, Namdar). This year is not the year where Mount returns 6 or 7 All-OAC selections on the offensive side of the ball.

[Raider 68]

JCU seems to be clicking on all cylinders.  I don't think anyone expected the defense to be playing this well.  Again, not that they've had the stiffest competition, but they are putting up crazy numbers on both sides of the ball.  They have the best QB in the conference, depth at running back, and an aggressive offense that takes a lot of shots downfield (not unlike when Arth was a player).  From the defensive side, when I saw them, what impressed me was the speed of the front seven.  We'll see what it's like when they run against Heidelberg and Mount, but I saw the front seven really doing a nice job moving from sideline to sideline and keeping everything in front of them.

Assuming they get through the next three without hiccups, the games in November are going to be very interesting.

I must question if you have forgotten about one Mr. Burke. I don't want to sound like a homer here, but come on...

- Myers is only averaging 5 yards more per game than Burke, but has more attempts, and also has less talent around him
- Burke is tied for the lead in OAC for TD's (4 more than Myers), with a better offensive line and receivers
- Burke is also the 3rd leading rusher in the OAC with a better offensive line
- JCU is over 100 yards behind Mount Union in total offense per game with more talent on the offensive side of the ball

Not taking anything away from Myers, he is a great QB, and JCU's best since Arth, but let's pump the brakes a bit on the "best OAC QB talk."

All of that being said, I am really hoping everyone takes care of their business to setup one of the best OAC finishes in some time.

I made some corrections to your stats, see above.  Put Myers on Mount Union and see how he looks.  The QB doesn't exist in a vacuum.  I don't think anyone would argue that JCU's level of talent overall is inferior to Mount Union.

Not going to fight this battle, but put Burke on JCU's team and I think they would be better than they are now.

While no one will argue over the  talent levels between the two teams in the past 10-15 years, but let's not forget all the "talent" around Burke is brand new this year. Completely new offensive line, new RB (who hadn't played in over a year), all new WR's (without the pre-season #1, Namdar). This year is not the year where Mount returns 6 or 7 All-OAC selections on the offensive side of the ball.

praiderguy,

Agree, IMHO Burke is thus far the top offensive OAC player without the cast around from a year ago. He will no doubt be the difference maker in the final three games this year! Both JCU and Heidelberg have their stars, so it will be interesting.

[Toph]

MTU returned 1 Offensive Starter from last year (Burke).  Their OL has been the weak point all season (as described by others who have gone to the games).  MTU's RBs have not been anything spectacular and Roman Namdar (who was slated to take over at WR this year) has not seen a down of football due to off the field incident.

I doubt that MTUs OL and supporting cast is that much better (if at all) than JCU.

We haven't had a discussion like this in awhile.  Read what you just wrote.  You just made the argument that JCU (#20 in the country, preseason unranked) beating Mount (#1 in the country, preseason #1) wouldn't be much of an upset, if an upset at all. 

You didn't use those exact words, but that's the case you just made, and it doesn't make any sense.

[ExTartanPlayer]

JCU seems to be clicking on all cylinders.  I don't think anyone expected the defense to be playing this well.  Again, not that they've had the stiffest competition, but they are putting up crazy numbers on both sides of the ball.  They have the best QB in the conference, depth at running back, and an aggressive offense that takes a lot of shots downfield (not unlike when Arth was a player).  From the defensive side, when I saw them, what impressed me was the speed of the front seven.  We'll see what it's like when they run against Heidelberg and Mount, but I saw the front seven really doing a nice job moving from sideline to sideline and keeping everything in front of them.

Assuming they get through the next three without hiccups, the games in November are going to be very interesting.

I must question if you have forgotten about one Mr. Burke. I don't want to sound like a homer here, but come on...

- Myers is only averaging 5 yards more per game than Burke, but has more attempts, and also has less talent around him
- Burke is tied for the lead in OAC for TD's (4 more than Myers), with a better offensive line and receivers
- Burke is also the 3rd leading rusher in the OAC with a better offensive line
- JCU is over 100 yards behind Mount Union in total offense per game with more talent on the offensive side of the ball

Not taking anything away from Myers, he is a great QB, and JCU's best since Arth, but let's pump the brakes a bit on the "best OAC QB talk."

All of that being said, I am really hoping everyone takes care of their business to setup one of the best OAC finishes in some time.

I made some corrections to your stats, see above.  Put Myers on Mount Union and see how he looks.  The QB doesn't exist in a vacuum.  I don't think anyone would argue that JCU's level of talent overall is inferior to Mount Union.

Not going to fight this battle, but put Burke on JCU's team and I think they would be better than they are now.

While no one will argue over the  talent levels between the two teams in the past 10-15 years, but let's not forget all the "talent" around Burke is brand new this year. Completely new offensive line, new RB (who hadn't played in over a year), all new WR's (without the pre-season #1, Namdar). This year is not the year where Mount returns 6 or 7 All-OAC selections on the offensive side of the ball.

Fair enough.  Burke's outstanding and has kept the offense humming with an all-new supporting cast, I don't disagree with that, but we have to put it all in context.  Sure, Mount didn't return 6 all-OAC guys on offense, but neither did John Carroll.  JCU lost their leading WR and has three new OL starters.  Does that compare to losing 10 guys?  Not quite, but again, Mount's team last year was an awful lot better than Carroll's team.

I am not saying one is better than the other.  Both are great.  But to compare the two, you can't JUST say that Burke is doing it with an all-new cast without mentioning that Myers also lost key pieces from a team that was not nearly as good Mount Union's team.

[HScoach]

I won't get into the who's better argument, but all I know is that I'd love to have Mark Myers at Mount.   Much like Arth, he's a stud.

[pradierguy]

JCU seems to be clicking on all cylinders.  I don't think anyone expected the defense to be playing this well.  Again, not that they've had the stiffest competition, but they are putting up crazy numbers on both sides of the ball.  They have the best QB in the conference, depth at running back, and an aggressive offense that takes a lot of shots downfield (not unlike when Arth was a player).  From the defensive side, when I saw them, what impressed me was the speed of the front seven.  We'll see what it's like when they run against Heidelberg and Mount, but I saw the front seven really doing a nice job moving from sideline to sideline and keeping everything in front of them.

Assuming they get through the next three without hiccups, the games in November are going to be very interesting.

I must question if you have forgotten about one Mr. Burke. I don't want to sound like a homer here, but come on...

- Myers is only averaging 5 yards more per game than Burke, but has more attempts, and also has less talent around him
- Burke is tied for the lead in OAC for TD's (4 more than Myers), with a better offensive line and receivers
- Burke is also the 3rd leading rusher in the OAC with a better offensive line
- JCU is over 100 yards behind Mount Union in total offense per game with more talent on the offensive side of the ball

Not taking anything away from Myers, he is a great QB, and JCU's best since Arth, but let's pump the brakes a bit on the "best OAC QB talk."

All of that being said, I am really hoping everyone takes care of their business to setup one of the best OAC finishes in some time.

I made some corrections to your stats, see above.  Put Myers on Mount Union and see how he looks.  The QB doesn't exist in a vacuum.  I don't think anyone would argue that JCU's level of talent overall is inferior to Mount Union.

Not going to fight this battle, but put Burke on JCU's team and I think they would be better than they are now.

While no one will argue over the  talent levels between the two teams in the past 10-15 years, but let's not forget all the "talent" around Burke is brand new this year. Completely new offensive line, new RB (who hadn't played in over a year), all new WR's (without the pre-season #1, Namdar). This year is not the year where Mount returns 6 or 7 All-OAC selections on the offensive side of the ball.

Fair enough.  Burke's outstanding and has kept the offense humming with an all-new supporting cast, I don't disagree with that, but we have to put it all in context.  Sure, Mount didn't return 6 all-OAC guys on offense, but neither did John Carroll.  JCU lost their leading WR and has three new OL starters.  Does that compare to losing 10 guys?  Not quite, but again, Mount's team last year was an awful lot better than Carroll's team.

I am not saying one is better than the other.  Both are great.  But to compare the two, you can't JUST say that Burke is doing it with an all-new cast without mentioning that Myers also lost key pieces from a team that was not nearly as good Mount Union's team.

Completely agree. +K -- I don't mean to take anything away from Myers. I think he really is a great player. It is him and Burke at the head of the class, and we get to see them battle this year and next...and hopefully in the playoffs as well!

[reality check]

MTU returned 1 Offensive Starter from last year (Burke).  Their OL has been the weak point all season (as described by others who have gone to the games).  MTU's RBs have not been anything spectacular and Roman Namdar (who was slated to take over at WR this year) has not seen a down of football due to off the field incident.

I doubt that MTUs OL and supporting cast is that much better (if at all) than JCU.

We haven't had a discussion like this in awhile.  Read what you just wrote.  You just made the argument that JCU (#20 in the country, preseason unranked) beating Mount (#1 in the country, preseason #1) wouldn't be much of an upset, if an upset at all. 

You didn't use those exact words, but that's the case you just made, and it doesn't make any sense.

doeder's hacking accounts again and posting nonsense...

[skunks_sidekick]

Well OF COURSE I would prefer to have Mike Myers!  I mean have you ever watched those Halloween movies?  The dude is invincible, and just won't ever DIE!  And Halloween is just around the corner........oh wait.......his name is Mark. 

Never mind............

Burke is the best pound for pound QB in the country.  END.....OF.....DISCUSSION (well at least for me...I have to get back to work).

[badgerwarhawk]

Not going to fight this battle, but put Burke on JCU's team and I think they would be better than they are now.

Just out of curiousity how can they be better than undefeated?