FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[skunks_sidekick]

Couple of things.....

1.  Burke is 1st team AA, OAC, All-World, Grand Poobah.  I would think Burke was a bit ahead going into this game, and when you look at the stats, Burke wins this because of this game. 

2.  Bottom line.....Arth has done an amazing job at JCU.  HOWEVER.....he had TWO time-outs when they got down there.  CALL A TIME OUT...no need to spike.  That was a rookie mistake that I bet he doesn't make a few years from now.  That whole sequence is on him and his QB...NOT the refs.

3.  I think JCU gives whatever bracket they're in a run for the money.  I am a HUGE JCU fan for these play-offs.  I would love for Mount not to potentially have to meet JCU until the semi's.  I think it's a good possibility. 

4.  TOPH.......you go you blue and gold colored glasses sumbeech!   

[reality check]

I would give Arth my vote in a close one.  I think the thought is that VK inherited more in terms of state of the program.  VK will win his share I'm sure and it might sound bad, but I think that the voters will think that too. I'm too lazy to look this up but I bet that many of the OAC at large teams in the playoffs have also gotten COY honors during LK's years.

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

I didn't see the game (listened to Mark and Ric from FL) and I wear Purple Colored Glasses. but my vote goes with Burke.  He was the LONE returning starter on the team and had unproven talent at WR and RB.

Meacham, Nicholls and Gainer (at times) have been excellent, and Mitchell has come on as of late, but Burke was the key to the Undefeated Season.  Especially with Namdar out (as he was supposed to be the next great QB to WR convert at MTU (and still can be)).

[HScoach]

COY is Tom Arth.     By a wide margin.

Heidi was supposed to be good.   Even good enough to challenge Mount for the OAC title.   But they finished in 3rd.   Hence no vote for Hallett.

VK has done a nice job, but inherited THE program.   Yes Mount had a lot of holes to fill, but if LK was still the coach, does anyone of us think he would have deserved COY for going 10-0?   Not a chance.   And therefore VK doesn't get the vote.

Arth lead a team predicted to finish in the middle of the OAC to a playoff spot.   And was 15 yards away from potentially taking Mount to overtime.   Arth wins COY in a landslide.   

[bleedpurple]

To all those critics who say that Mount Union gets to the playoffs because all the teams in their conference are weak.....Keep your eye on John

Who says this? Ever?

In his defense, I have seen this argument advanced before (seldom by particularly astute fans).  I think it's nonsense but occasionally some rocket scientist says that Mount benefits from a weak conference. I remember compiling the history of OAC runners up in the playoffs before to illustrate that the OAC runner up is typically on par with top teams from other conferences.

But to be fair, ETP, you are actually citing a different argument. To say Mount "benefits from a weak conference" is miles apart from saying "Mount gets to the playoffs because all the teams in their conference are weak."  There is much benefit in terms of building depth, giving young players experience, and keeping starters healthy when, in a typical year, only one or two teams can come within four TD"s of you.  I don't find that particularly unreasonable.  However, to say that is "why Mount makes the playoffs" is preposterous." I've not seen that argument, but I suppose anything is possible.  At any rate, I doubt anyone will underestimate John Carroll.  I'm pretty sure they have earned the respect of the entire field.

[mr_mom]

UMU hosts Washington & Jefferson.

JCU hosts St. John Fisher

[HScoach]

If JCU plays well, the could be facing MHB in the regional final.   Unfortunately that game is in Belton TX, home of 40 MPH winds......

[edward de vere]

So, if I understand this right, both John Carroll and Whitewater are on the other half of the bracket from Mount Union?

Cool!

[Upstate]

I was so hoping that if Fisher got in that I would get to avoid this section of the woods. Thought for sure Fisher would be going to MUC but get to face MUC lite in JCU.

Strengths/Weaknesses of JCU?

[raiderpa]

From my seat, Mount gets the best draw of the top five teams. John Carroll getds respect and gets to host a game and they would not see MOunt until the Stagg, but the Streaks definitely got the difficult side of the bracket.

[raiderpa]

John Carroll passing game is one of nation's best, and although Mount exposed their defense, I think they are good enough to get to MHB then who knows...

[HScoach]

Interesting.   Mount vs Witt in Round 2.

[02 Warhawk]

From my seat, Mount gets the best draw of the top five teams. John Carroll getds respect and gets to host a game and they would not see MOunt until the Stagg, but the Streaks definitely got the difficult side of the bracket.

When isn't that the case each year?

[purpled]

Mr. Coleman,

Would it be possible to have a printable bracket that you don't need a microscope to read...please. Thank you! 

[Craft_Beermeister]

If JCU plays well, the could be facing MHB in the regional final.   Unfortunately that game is in Belton TX, home of 40 MPH winds......

I've been to Belton several times over the last few years and i think Alliance is by far more windy than Belton.