FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[Raider 68]

I for one, sat in the cold to watch my alma mater and still appreciated the fact that it was was a playoff
game not regular season. When I played, playoffs were a dream. While I understand
the comparisons to other Raider teams, I realize as we all do that each team is different from
the last and good or not great is what this team is for this year. This game should not have
been as close as the final score:

1. 3 potential picks dropped.

2. A rare "somewhat" off day for Kevin Burke

3. Allowing the "circus type catches today and last week with tight coverage

4. Having a 10 man front on a critical 3rd down that W & J converted into a long play
    (almost a TD)

Now some positives:

1. A return of a good running game, BJ Michell is getting better each week.

2. Winning when you have 4 TO's ( one of which was a Hail Mary pass with 5 seconds left in the half)

3. Having a WR have a great game (Wilkinson) when he has been silent for several games.

4. Controlling the clock with some longer drives.

Wittenberg will indeed be up and ready for the Raiders. but the Raiders will be as well. It will be a good game, but this year's  team must play to their potential for 4 quarters.

[HScoach]

I actually like that Witt drilled Leb Valley and Mount was sloppy.    Zero chance of Mount not paying attention this week.   

[Desertraider]

I actually like that Witt drilled Leb Valley and Mount was sloppy.    Zero chance of Mount not paying attention this week.

In my best Darth Vader voice: "I find your optimism disturbing". I would like to agree but just not sure I can. I thought that the Heidi game was going to see a 100% dialed in Mount team - but they were about 85% dialed in. Same for JCU. I really thought that with this being the playoffs Mount would come out, show dominance, and play focused. Again, it was about 80-85% and by that I mean it was just good enough for today. Regardless, I have decided to focus on the positives.
1. Mount won...that's a positive.
2. Mount played sloppy and still won.
3. Mount has yet to play all 4 qtrs, yet still won.
4. Mounts best game must be in front of them, cuz it can't be behind them.
5. Mount finally has a legit RB...that's a positive.

That is about all I got right now.

[rscl70]

I for one, sat in the cold to watch my alma mater and still appreciated the fact that it was was a playoff
game not regular season. When I played, playoffs were a dream. While I understand
the comparisons to other Raider teams, I realize as we all do that each team is different from
the last and good or not great is what this team is for this year. This game should not have
been as close as the final score:

1. 3 potential picks dropped.

2. A rare "somewhat" off day for Kevin Burke

3. Allowing the "circus type catches today and last week with tight coverage

4. Having a 10 man front on a critical 3rd down that W & J converted into a long play
    (almost a TD)

Now some positives:

1. A return of a good running game, BJ Michell is getting better each week.

2. Winning when you have 4 TO's ( one of which was a Hail Mary pass with 5 seconds left in the half)

3. Having a WR have a great game (Wilkinson) when he has been silent for several games.

4. Controlling the clock with some longer drives.

Wittenberg will indeed be up and ready for the Raiders. but the Raiders will be as well. It will be a good game, but this year's  team must play to their potential for 4 quarters.

I agree with your positves.  The running game is much improved.  What I liked today was the way Willkinson showed up.  Last week it was Meacham and the week before that Nicholls.  Looks like the receivers have gotten to the point where the opp. has to cover all three or get burned.  Other than those two things, today's performance was disappointing in less than ideal conditions.

[Craft_Beermeister]

I for one, sat in the cold to watch my alma mater and still appreciated the fact that it was was a playoff
game not regular season. When I played, playoffs were a dream. While I understand
the comparisons to other Raider teams, I realize as we all do that each team is different from
the last and good or not great is what this team is for this year. This game should not have
been as close as the final score:

1. 3 potential picks dropped.

2. A rare "somewhat" off day for Kevin Burke

3. Allowing the "circus type catches today and last week with tight coverage

4. Having a 10 man front on a critical 3rd down that W & J converted into a long play
    (almost a TD)

Now some positives:

1. A return of a good running game, BJ Michell is getting better each week.

2. Winning when you have 4 TO's ( one of which was a Hail Mary pass with 5 seconds left in the half)

3. Having a WR have a great game (Wilkinson) when he has been silent for several games.

4. Controlling the clock with some longer drives.

Wittenberg will indeed be up and ready for the Raiders. but the Raiders will be as well. It will be a good game, but this year's  team must play to their potential for 4 quarters.

Wow  Raider 68 you took some great notes while out in the cold. 

1.  I too struggle with the circus catches the last two weeks where the Db was right there and didn't seem to make a strong play on the ball.

2.  I agree that freshman BJ Michell coming of age is huge.  Even with his small stature Michell can get the tough yards often going low at the first tackle attempt spilling under the tackle and getting 2 to 4 more yards.  A few weeks back Burke was Mounts only legitimate running option that other teams had to try to scheme for.  now they have much more to spend time try to devise a way to stop.

3.  Wilkinson's breakout was big also.  Mount has a lot of weapons at WRs though losing Gainer late in the game might heart some because of his level of experience, but It looks like Mount has a lot of options for WR.  Does anyone know the status of Gainer?  He was taken of the field on a golf cart.  A shame to get hurt on a kick return when he was part of the hands team because of concerns about a second on side kick attempt in a game that should have been put away before that point in the game.

[section13raiderfan]

The attendance was pretty good considering the elements. I suppose some thought it was better to stay home and just watch the game on replay. I didnt see any cameras at this one though. Must be filming highschool playoff games instead. Hardly anyone was in the stands for the Star Spangled Banner but the stands soon filled for the game itself. Thats playoff savvy. We have been there, done that, and have frozen before.

Wow! 4 ints in a losing home playoff effort. Geeeez JC! Nothing left in the tank after last week?

In reference to the circus catches ( and near misses), A certain unnamed DB is fast becoming known as the Designated Victim for his propensity to run with his back to the play. It is obvious to me that opponents coaches are wise to it. Unfortunately the only way to learn here is gonna be the HARD way. Anybody think he can be coached out of it in a week?

BJ Mitchell is a ton of fun to watch run. Somehow though , I wish we had a bigger smash mouth runner type to finish off games like yesterdays. The snow just nullifies his cutting ability. We could use a downhill running type sometimes. You cant be at the mercy of the weather this time of year.

[ExTartanPlayer]

Agreed Tiger, first playoff game for many starters playing and perhaps overlooking what many assumed was an overmatched and undermanned opponent. Playoffs are a pass/fail and by getting the W- move on with much to improve between now and next Saturday. No risk of overconfidence in Raidernation one would hope and who isn't sky high coming into Alliance?

This is the best way to look at it.  As noted, a first-round blowout can be nice, but scrapping for a while isn't such a bad thing and the W is ultimately what counts.  Either the team is talented enough to win the Stagg or it's not - that isn't going to change between now and then - but assuming that the talent is there, a tough first-round game is, or should be, a good outcome because it should theoretically refocus the team.

I made this point once previously but I'll bring it up again: what makes me wonder if Mount is really a national title team this year is their troubling propensity to let decent opponents back into games after opening a big lead.  I may be overstating W & J's competitiveness in yesterday's game, but that's now four teams this year that they've gotten out to a big lead against and sort-of let back into the game (Franklin and JCU were probably the only ones you could say really threatened to WIN the game, but still, given that JCU was bounced in yesterday's first round and Franklin needed a TD in the final minute to beat WashU, presumably one of the lesser teams in the field...neither of those teams appears to be a top-10-level juggernaut).  Will they be able to get away with that against a fellow Purple Power?  UWW, Linfield, UMHB, etc.  Or is there another level in this Mount team that we just haven't seen yet, that they will unleash in the latter rounds?

I know that I'm really picking nits in an undefeated returning national champion with a new head coach and a bunch of new starters.  My point is not a criticism so much as an observation.

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

3.  Wilkinson's breakout was big also.  Mount has a lot of weapons at WRs though losing Gainer late in the game might heart some because of his level of experience, but It looks like Mount has a lot of options for WR.  Does anyone know the status of Gainer?  He was taken of the field on a golf cart.  A shame to get hurt on a kick return when he was part of the hands team because of concerns about a second on side kick attempt in a game that should have been put away before that point in the game.

Gainer is ONLY a Sophomore. 

Meacham is a Junior and Nicholls and Wilkinson are all Seniors.

Gainer played at a HS about 20 miles from me and I NEVER heard about him down here.  Another Diamond in the rough find for Mount Union.

[ohiofan1954]

hopefully next year the Wilmington football team can use some of that magic their basketball team had  yesterday.

[amonachino]

looking at the stats of other teams that played in windy cold weather games yesterday shows that no QB blew away with great production or running back with the exception of B.J..  home teams were 13-3.   It was a difficult day to play in and JC found out with dire consequences.  Like some race horses who do poorly in the mud or off track, you can put them in that box.. I think you will see a little more of Nemeth, like a Jake Simon back.  Mount plays as Burke plays.  If he is on then look out.  yesterday was not a great day.  You then have to survive.  They did.  If you look at all the purple teams potentially in our way you will see very good teams.  I find it hard to see WWW as strong as they have been.  UMHB has lost a lot of talent from last yr.  Linfield has a team with many very good players, yet, not a super player.  This is a wide open race for the Stagg, more then in the last 5-10 years. First , is Witt.  Once again a good team, yet their level of teams played is not very close to Mount's.  This week will give a good indication where Mount is and will they be able to steel the stagg. with such a team in transition and so young.  Burke's play has to be top notch to make up for a def. that is not ready for prime time.  That is how it was in the mid 1990's.  the offense would score alot to give the def. the advantage.  Burke is the super star in the field of 16.  I do think mount has the ingredients to win a 12th championship.  Now we will see if they can bake the cake.   

[SaintsFAN]

I actually like that Witt drilled Leb Valley and Mount was sloppy.    Zero chance of Mount not paying attention this week.

I think this game will be won or lost in the first quarter.  If one team takes the lead and gains confidence -- it could carry them through the 2nd half in what is sure to be a battle.

I think this could be the game where Mount finds its killer instinct.  I also think it could be the game the guys on the NCAC page have been waiting for. 

I'm going to see about making my annual trip up to Alliance an early one this year.  I have to button up some things at work on Monday and Tuesday before I make a final determination.

[SaintsFAN]

hopefully next year the Wilmington football team can use some of that magic their basketball team had  yesterday.

Absolute craziness.  Some of my buddies who played at Miami are among the ones who insist that D3 Athletics is "glorified high school ball".  As you can probably imagine, I've been giving them a VERY hard time to the tune of "how do you like me now?!"   

[mr_mom]

hopefully next year the Wilmington football team can use some of that magic their basketball team had  yesterday.

Wow!  The Quakers were 19 point underdogs and only got 6 free throws the entire game. 

Way to represent D3.

[emma17]

looking at the stats of other teams that played in windy cold weather games yesterday shows that no QB blew away with great production or running back with the exception of B.J..  home teams were 13-3.   It was a difficult day to play in and JC found out with dire consequences.  Like some race horses who do poorly in the mud or off track, you can put them in that box.. I think you will see a little more of Nemeth, like a Jake Simon back.  Mount plays as Burke plays.  If he is on then look out.  yesterday was not a great day.  You then have to survive.  They did.  If you look at all the purple teams potentially in our way you will see very good teams.  I find it hard to see WWW as strong as they have been.  UMHB has lost a lot of talent from last yr.  Linfield has a team with many very good players, yet, not a super player.  This is a wide open race for the Stagg, more then in the last 5-10 years. First , is Witt.  Once again a good team, yet their level of teams played is not very close to Mount's.  This week will give a good indication where Mount is and will they be able to steel the stagg. with such a team in transition and so young.  Burke's play has to be top notch to make up for a def. that is not ready for prime time.  That is how it was in the mid 1990's.  the offense would score alot to give the def. the advantage.  Burke is the super star in the field of 16.  I do think mount has the ingredients to win a 12th championship.  Now we will see if they can bake the cake.   

Funny that all the big scores came from the Bethel bracket.  Next Saturday will be interesting to see how the remaining four play against each other.
You're right about UWW in that the offense lacks consistency and certainly lacks the methodical "pound the rock" style that they had in the past.  As a UWW fan, every game, even one like St. Norbert, has the potential to become a defensive battle. 
I agree that this year is one of the most balanced in a long time.  It sure makes the playoffs fun. 
"The level of teams Witt played isn't very close to Mt's"?  After JCU yesterday and last year's first round Hedi exit, can't we let this rest? It's at least just as likely that Mt's level of teams played isn't "very close to Witt's" isn't it?  Fortunately for Mt, the strength of the OAC doesn't matter as they prove it in the playoffs.
Burke is the star for sure.  I would love to hear from D coordinators all the different ideas they've had to contain him, only to end up in frustration.   

[middlerelief]

looking at the stats of other teams that played in windy cold weather games yesterday shows that no QB blew away with great production or running back with the exception of B.J..  home teams were 13-3.   It was a difficult day to play in and JC found out with dire consequences.  Like some race horses who do poorly in the mud or off track, you can put them in that box.. I think you will see a little more of Nemeth, like a Jake Simon back.  Mount plays as Burke plays.  If he is on then look out.  yesterday was not a great day.  You then have to survive.  They did.  If you look at all the purple teams potentially in our way you will see very good teams.  I find it hard to see WWW as strong as they have been.  UMHB has lost a lot of talent from last yr.  Linfield has a team with many very good players, yet, not a super player.  This is a wide open race for the Stagg, more then in the last 5-10 years. First , is Witt.  Once again a good team, yet their level of teams played is not very close to Mount's.  This week will give a good indication where Mount is and will they be able to steel the stagg. with such a team in transition and so young.  Burke's play has to be top notch to make up for a def. that is not ready for prime time.  That is how it was in the mid 1990's.  the offense would score alot to give the def. the advantage.  Burke is the super star in the field of 16.  I do think mount has the ingredients to win a 12th championship.  Now we will see if they can bake the cake.   

Funny that all the big scores came from the Bethel bracket.  Next Saturday will be interesting to see how the remaining four play against each other.
You're right about UWW in that the offense lacks consistency and certainly lacks the methodical "pound the rock" style that they had in the past.  As a UWW fan, every game, even one like St. Norbert, has the potential to become a defensive battle. 
I agree that this year is one of the most balanced in a long time.  It sure makes the playoffs fun. 
"The level of teams Witt played isn't very close to Mt's"?  After JCU yesterday and last year's first round Hedi exit, can't we let this rest? It's at least just as likely that Mt's level of teams played isn't "very close to Witt's" isn't it?  Fortunately for Mt, the strength of the OAC doesn't matter as they prove it in the playoffs.
Burke is the star for sure.  I would love to hear from D coordinators all the different ideas they've had to contain him, only to end up in frustration.   

Emma's on point with this one -- OAC was top heavy, after the top 3 programs it was very sub-ordinary . . at least on paper.  Is it fair to say that MUCs toughest game this year was a non-OAC opponent? 

Wittenberg is a strong program and unlike in prior seasons, this year's MUC team has had its hands full and games in doubt when playing higher quality teams (. . . all um, 2 of them this year anyway) and they will challenge the Raider's, but Purple should be favored as defending champ until someone beats them.