FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[HScoach]

I will add that this year's Mount Union team is in a reload and rebuilt mode this year and that they have achieved much more this year than those in the know expected. 

This statement surprises me. Who do you mean by "in the know"? From what I remember, after LK retired a couple of pretty knowledgeable posters referred to the Purple Raiders as "loaded". Maybe it was just about the offense or the defense, but I thought the overall tone was that LK handed over the team in good shape for VK to continue the Stagg Bowl run. What were the expectations by those in the know? To lose an OAC game? To get eliminated in the second round?

I was assuming just the opposite. It seems to me like this is a big game for VK. This week seems like a classic case of a game LK would find a way to win.

I don't qualify as "in the know", but I thought an OAC crown and semifinal appearance would be a huge accomplishment for VK.    Simply because to keep the string going that LK built.   I didn't want VK's first season to be  the first in 20 years that Mount wasn't one of the final 4 teams standing.    Figured the D would have to carry the team until a new O coordinator and 10 new starters settled in.   Guess I was wrong about that.

[edward de vere]

Last year's Mount Union team had something like FIVE (FIVE!) guys get NFL tryouts, a completely insane number for a D3 team.

This year's team won't be making that boast.  Maybe no D3 team EVER AGAIN will make that boast.

[bleedpurple]

I will add that this year's Mount Union team is in a reload and rebuilt mode this year and that they have achieved much more this year than those in the know expected. 

This statement surprises me. Who do you mean by "in the know"? From what I remember, after LK retired a couple of pretty knowledgeable posters referred to the Purple Raiders as "loaded". Maybe it was just about the offense or the defense, but I thought the overall tone was that LK handed over the team in good shape for VK to continue the Stagg Bowl run. What were the expectations by those in the know? To lose an OAC game? To get eliminated in the second round?

I was assuming just the opposite. It seems to me like this is a big game for VK. This week seems like a classic case of a game LK would find a way to win.

I don't qualify as "in the know", but I thought an OAC crown and semifinal appearance would be a huge accomplishment for VK.    Simply because to keep the string going that LK built.   I didn't want VK's first season to be  the first in 20 years that Mount wasn't one of the final 4 teams standing.    Figured the D would have to carry the team until a new O coordinator and 10 new starters settled in.   Guess I was wrong about that.

I think that perspective is fascinating and kind of cool, but am not sure quite what to make of it. I think many of those OUTSIDE Mount (not all, but many) may have higher expectations of Mount than Mount faithful. I know the two of you don't speak for all Mount posters, but if that that is the general thought, then I think it's very possible that Mount followers may actually be more prepared for the dynasty to end than much of the rest of the country.  (And by dynasty ending, I do NOT mean Mount won't consistently be a top 5 team with many semi and Stagg appearances. I just mean they may actually lose in the quarters or semis half the time or so).

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

I will add that this year's Mount Union team is in a reload and rebuilt mode this year and that they have achieved much more this year than those in the know expected. 

This statement surprises me. Who do you mean by "in the know"? From what I remember, after LK retired a couple of pretty knowledgeable posters referred to the Purple Raiders as "loaded". Maybe it was just about the offense or the defense, but I thought the overall tone was that LK handed over the team in good shape for VK to continue the Stagg Bowl run. What were the expectations by those in the know? To lose an OAC game? To get eliminated in the second round?

I was assuming just the opposite. It seems to me like this is a big game for VK. This week seems like a classic case of a game LK would find a way to win.

I don't qualify as "in the know", but I thought an OAC crown and semifinal appearance would be a huge accomplishment for VK.    Simply because to keep the string going that LK built.   I didn't want VK's first season to be  the first in 20 years that Mount wasn't one of the final 4 teams standing.    Figured the D would have to carry the team until a new O coordinator and 10 new starters settled in.   Guess I was wrong about that.

I think that perspective is fascinating and kind of cool, but am not sure quite what to make of it. I think many of those OUTSIDE Mount (not all, but many) may have higher expectations of Mount than Mount faithful. I know the two of you don't speak for all Mount posters, but if that that is the general thought, then I think it's very possible that Mount followers may actually be more prepared for the dynasty to end than much of the rest of the country.  (And by dynasty ending, I do NOT mean Mount won't consistently be a top 5 team with many semi and Stagg appearances. I just mean they may actually lose in the quarters or semis half the time or so).

I won't speak for others but after close games vs Franklin, Heidelberg, JC and the playoffs I just have tempered expectations for another championship. Offense looks up to the task but defense, especially pass defense, is very vulnerable right now.

Hoping VK has a great gameplan ready for this weekend so I can make the trek from Tampa to Salem again this year.

[wesleydad]

Skunk-sidekick, HsCoach, Ric and others,
Planning on our semi-final get together for Friday night at Rey's about 7:00 if that works! 
PM me if your planning to come so I can get a count for wings and things! See you guys then!

Skunk & I will be there!

I will be there in spirit.  enjoy the wings and the game.  I think it will be a good one and a close one.  hope mount finds a way to defend the pass or this could be a tough one too.  not sure how good the receivers are for NCC but the stats look like they are pretty good.  Have read that they give up yardage to the run so that will be an advantage for Mount.  The X factor will be Burke, can NCC contain him like Wesley did, if so the game gets interesting in my opinion.  Will be watching one espn3.

Me too.

Me too.

[Raider 68]

I will add that this year's Mount Union team is in a reload and rebuilt mode this year and that they have achieved much more this year than those in the know expected. 

This statement surprises me. Who do you mean by "in the know"? From what I remember, after LK retired a couple of pretty knowledgeable posters referred to the Purple Raiders as "loaded". Maybe it was just about the offense or the defense, but I thought the overall tone was that LK handed over the team in good shape for VK to continue the Stagg Bowl run. What were the expectations by those in the know? To lose an OAC game? To get eliminated in the second round?

I was assuming just the opposite. It seems to me like this is a big game for VK. This week seems like a classic case of a game LK would find a way to win.

I don't qualify as "in the know", but I thought an OAC crown and semifinal appearance would be a huge accomplishment for VK.    Simply because to keep the string going that LK built.   I didn't want VK's first season to be  the first in 20 years that Mount wasn't one of the final 4 teams standing.    Figured the D would have to carry the team until a new O coordinator and 10 new starters settled in.   Guess I was wrong about that.

I think that perspective is fascinating and kind of cool, but am not sure quite what to make of it. I think many of those OUTSIDE Mount (not all, but many) may have higher expectations of Mount than Mount faithful. I know the two of you don't speak for all Mount posters, but if that that is the general thought, then I think it's very possible that Mount followers may actually be more prepared for the dynasty to end than much of the rest of the country.  (And by dynasty ending, I do NOT mean Mount won't consistently be a top 5 team with many semi and Stagg appearances. I just mean they may actually lose in the quarters or semis half the time or so).

Bleedpurple,

Over the past several years I have always recognized the best programs in D3 and as you know, I have the highest regard for UWW and many of the Warhawk faithful. While I have become more critical this year of the Raiders, I do think that many of the Mount Union faithful see this year as one that is different. On the one hand, an OAC title for the 1st year coach, winning 3 games thus far in the playoffs is great and follows the norm for Mount Union. On the other hand, the uncertainty that exists that this team will not advance to the Stagg Bowl, much less winning it.

IMHO, I think this young team can still win it all if, and it is a big if, they have that determination to lay it all out on each play no matter how young they may be. It is also true of a young HC doing the same. As we all know, it not always if you win or lose, it is how you play the game. How Mount Union plays the game will determine how much they really want to achieve their goal. I believe the glass is half full, not half empty. We will see on Saturday!

[Craft_Beermeister]

I will add that this year's Mount Union team is in a reload and rebuilt mode this year and that they have achieved much more this year than those in the know expected. 

This statement surprises me. Who do you mean by "in the know"? From what I remember, after LK retired a couple of pretty knowledgeable posters referred to the Purple Raiders as "loaded". Maybe it was just about the offense or the defense, but I thought the overall tone was that LK handed over the team in good shape for VK to continue the Stagg Bowl run. What were the expectations by those in the know? To lose an OAC game? To get eliminated in the second round?

I was assuming just the opposite. It seems to me like this is a big game for VK. This week seems like a classic case of a game LK would find a way to win.

The guy that would be in the best position to know.

[bleedpurple]

I will add that this year's Mount Union team is in a reload and rebuilt mode this year and that they have achieved much more this year than those in the know expected. 

This statement surprises me. Who do you mean by "in the know"? From what I remember, after LK retired a couple of pretty knowledgeable posters referred to the Purple Raiders as "loaded". Maybe it was just about the offense or the defense, but I thought the overall tone was that LK handed over the team in good shape for VK to continue the Stagg Bowl run. What were the expectations by those in the know? To lose an OAC game? To get eliminated in the second round?

I was assuming just the opposite. It seems to me like this is a big game for VK. This week seems like a classic case of a game LK would find a way to win.

I don't qualify as "in the know", but I thought an OAC crown and semifinal appearance would be a huge accomplishment for VK.    Simply because to keep the string going that LK built.   I didn't want VK's first season to be  the first in 20 years that Mount wasn't one of the final 4 teams standing.    Figured the D would have to carry the team until a new O coordinator and 10 new starters settled in.   Guess I was wrong about that.

I think that perspective is fascinating and kind of cool, but am not sure quite what to make of it. I think many of those OUTSIDE Mount (not all, but many) may have higher expectations of Mount than Mount faithful. I know the two of you don't speak for all Mount posters, but if that that is the general thought, then I think it's very possible that Mount followers may actually be more prepared for the dynasty to end than much of the rest of the country.  (And by dynasty ending, I do NOT mean Mount won't consistently be a top 5 team with many semi and Stagg appearances. I just mean they may actually lose in the quarters or semis half the time or so).

Bleedpurple,

Over the past several years I have always recognized the best programs in D3 and as you know, I have the highest regard for UWW and many of the Warhawk faithful. While I have become more critical this year of the Raiders, I do think that many of the Mount Union faithful see this year as one that is different. On the one hand, an OAC title for the 1st year coach, winning 3 games thus far in the playoffs is great and follows the norm for Mount Union. On the other hand, the uncertainty that exists that this team will not advance to the Stagg Bowl, much less winning it.

IMHO, I think this young team can still win it all if, and it is a big if, they have that determination to lay it all out on each play no matter how young they may be. It is also true of a young HC doing the same. As we all know, it not always if you win or lose, it is how you play the game. How Mount Union plays the game will determine how much they really want to achieve their goal. I believe the glass is half full, not half empty. We will see on Saturday!

That makes a lot of sense.  What I like about it is that, at least to a degree, it takes VK out of the "no win" predicament a coach finds himself in when he follows a legend. If a new coach wins the championship, the legend gets the credit. If the new coach doesn't win it, all hell breaks loose. Now don't get me wrong, a lot of people (including part of me) wouldn't mind at all "all hell breaking loose" in Mount Union. You have certainly dished enough of it out!  (on the field I mean)

But on a personal level, it's good to see people appreciating what the 2013 Raiders already have accomplished.

Good luck to both teams and no injuries on Saturday.

OK, enough of this Mount talk for tonight. I suddenly feel like I need to take a shower. 

[mr_mom]

Spreads for the Fourth Round of the Post-Season OAC Pick-Em are posted.

The computers are worthless ... NCC-UMU spread ranges from +17 to -9, UWW-MHB game by -7 to +4.  So my numbers this week are based on psychology instead of mathematics.  Four points for each game.

And for you "chess" players  , 2-point bonus [each] for getting closest to the actual margins.

[Craft_Beermeister]

I will add that this year's Mount Union team is in a reload and rebuilt mode this year and that they have achieved much more this year than those in the know expected. 

This statement surprises me. Who do you mean by "in the know"? From what I remember, after LK retired a couple of pretty knowledgeable posters referred to the Purple Raiders as "loaded". Maybe it was just about the offense or the defense, but I thought the overall tone was that LK handed over the team in good shape for VK to continue the Stagg Bowl run. What were the expectations by those in the know? To lose an OAC game? To get eliminated in the second round?

I was assuming just the opposite. It seems to me like this is a big game for VK. This week seems like a classic case of a game LK would find a way to win.

I don't qualify as "in the know", but I thought an OAC crown and semifinal appearance would be a huge accomplishment for VK.    Simply because to keep the string going that LK built.   I didn't want VK's first season to be  the first in 20 years that Mount wasn't one of the final 4 teams standing.    Figured the D would have to carry the team until a new O coordinator and 10 new starters settled in.   Guess I was wrong about that.

I think that perspective is fascinating and kind of cool, but am not sure quite what to make of it. I think many of those OUTSIDE Mount (not all, but many) may have higher expectations of Mount than Mount faithful. I know the two of you don't speak for all Mount posters, but if that that is the general thought, then I think it's very possible that Mount followers may actually be more prepared for the dynasty to end than much of the rest of the country.  (And by dynasty ending, I do NOT mean Mount won't consistently be a top 5 team with many semi and Stagg appearances. I just mean they may actually lose in the quarters or semis half the time or so).

Mount Union was ranked #1 all season in the polls and earned it on its reputation not on the fact that all of last year's starters graduated except for one gusty and talented QB.  With a significant lack of returning starters the team had a lot of developing to do and they achieved a lot so far.  Make no mistake, Mount fans have high expectations for their team every year, why shouldn't they.  As you referenced in your post many on the outside looking in have high expectations of Mount Union or should we say fear that has made many wet down their leg.  You also use the reference to word dynasty while those on the INSIDE prefer to reference to The Machine. 

What is a football dynasty?  Alabama Crimson Tide, nope not by your measuring stick,  Alabama got beat and haven't yet won enough championships, 11 is too high of a bar.  Maybe the Sooners would measure up to your football dynasty definition because didn't they win 47 games in a row but probably not .... not enough post season wins during the streak plus in the 3 years of their win streak the Sooners were only invited to one post season bowl game while the other 2 years each year other 8 teams were invited ahead of them to post season bowl games.  Both were great football programs over a specific time periods, but is a dynasty.

If a football dynasty means wining by a large margin more football championships than anyone else and having the two longest wining streaks in college football then maybe Mount Union earns the Dynasty acknowledgement from those on the outside while for us INSIDERS it will always be the The Machine. 

Advancing to the semifinals with a team with only one returning starter and having a legitimate shot to win it all again this year while having a rookie coach taking over for the winningest coach in college football and bettering his mentor's first season record sounds like The Machine has reloaded and will continue to roll for years to come.  Impressive achievement don't you think?

[Desertraider]

I watched the replay of the game Saturday and have some things I must point out.
1. Seriously? The QB for Wesley is not listed on 1st, 2nd, 3rd team All Region?? Are you kidding me? He just got my vote for All-World after that performance.

2. Mount pass D wasn't really that bad (yes as I typed that I felt a little sick to my stomach). The Wesley QB put the ball where it had to be - from the 2nd quarter on. In addition - Mounts DB were covering downfield and alot of those passes were screens that went long. I fault VK for not making the adjustments. Yes - they did go deep a few times - but most of the passing was the result of not getting the sack (the pressure was there) and the LBs and DBs downfield in coverage. Wesley saw a gap and hit it all day long.

3. Having said the pass D was not as bad as I thought - the DBs gotta step up their game and be aggressive. I will pick on no one individually  but someone not only needs to get their head around to see the ball - but they also need to go up and fight for it when they have a shot. That TE/FB/OL/Beast (the really BIG guy - #44?) that caught the ball at the 5(ish) and it took Mounts entire D and the sidelines to stop him (didn't tackle him mind you) had 2 Mount defenders right there and they pulled a Wilmington. The Mount DBs turned, watched as the ball came down (didn't even make an attempt to knock it away or go up for it) and wrapped around the guys waist.

I hav more - but exams are at 8AM. Have a good night all-

[bleedpurple]

I will add that this year's Mount Union team is in a reload and rebuilt mode this year and that they have achieved much more this year than those in the know expected. 

This statement surprises me. Who do you mean by "in the know"? From what I remember, after LK retired a couple of pretty knowledgeable posters referred to the Purple Raiders as "loaded". Maybe it was just about the offense or the defense, but I thought the overall tone was that LK handed over the team in good shape for VK to continue the Stagg Bowl run. What were the expectations by those in the know? To lose an OAC game? To get eliminated in the second round?

I was assuming just the opposite. It seems to me like this is a big game for VK. This week seems like a classic case of a game LK would find a way to win.

I don't qualify as "in the know", but I thought an OAC crown and semifinal appearance would be a huge accomplishment for VK.    Simply because to keep the string going that LK built.   I didn't want VK's first season to be  the first in 20 years that Mount wasn't one of the final 4 teams standing.    Figured the D would have to carry the team until a new O coordinator and 10 new starters settled in.   Guess I was wrong about that.

I think that perspective is fascinating and kind of cool, but am not sure quite what to make of it. I think many of those OUTSIDE Mount (not all, but many) may have higher expectations of Mount than Mount faithful. I know the two of you don't speak for all Mount posters, but if that that is the general thought, then I think it's very possible that Mount followers may actually be more prepared for the dynasty to end than much of the rest of the country.  (And by dynasty ending, I do NOT mean Mount won't consistently be a top 5 team with many semi and Stagg appearances. I just mean they may actually lose in the quarters or semis half the time or so).

Mount Union was ranked #1 all season in the polls and earned it on its reputation not on the fact that all of last year's starters graduated except for one gusty and talented QB.  With a significant lack of returning starters the team had a lot of developing to do and they achieved a lot so far.  Make no mistake, Mount fans have high expectations for their team every year, why shouldn't they.  As you referenced in your post many on the outside looking in have high expectations of Mount Union or should we say fear that has made many wet down their leg.  You also use the reference to word dynasty while those on the INSIDE prefer to reference to The Machine. 

What is a football dynasty?  Alabama Crimson Tide, nope not by your measuring stick,  Alabama got beat and haven't yet won enough championships, 11 is too high of a bar.  Maybe the Sooners would measure up to your football dynasty definition because didn't they win 47 games in a row but probably not .... not enough post season wins during the streak plus in the 3 years of their win streak the Sooners were only invited to one post season bowl game while the other 2 years each year other 8 teams were invited ahead of them to post season bowl games.  Both were great football programs over a specific time periods, but is a dynasty.

If a football dynasty means wining by a large margin more football championships than anyone else and having the two longest wining streaks in college football then maybe Mount Union earns the Dynasty acknowledgement from those on the outside while for us INSIDERS it will always be the The Machine. 

Advancing to the semifinals with a team with only one returning starter and having a legitimate shot to win it all again this year while having a rookie coach taking over for the winningest coach in college football and bettering his mentor's first season record sounds like The Machine has reloaded and will continue to roll for years to come.  Impressive achievement don't you think?

Absolutely. I think we are saying the same thing in different ways.

Impressive? Absolutely.
Exceeded expectations?  Apparently those "in the know", but not mine.

However, I will say that if the Purple Raiders win the Stagg Bowl they will exceed my expectations. 

See ya' in Salem.

[Desertraider]

Okay then. Students taking exams so on to the important stuff - Mount football. A few other things I noticed from the replay of the game.
4. Mount needs a bruising back - someone that can grind it out. Mitchell is great in space but in the 4th quarter he did very little, especially the last few possessions. BJ finished with 127 yards but only had 20 in the second half on 13 carries and 12yds in 4th quarter when Mount really wanted to grind the clock (score yes - but take time off the clock). They could have used a back like Simon and a 9 minute game killing drive.
5. This team goes as far as Burke can carry them. He is THE reason Mount is where it is. However, its football and Mount went through a couple years where the QB was banged up and they got hurt in playoffs. Burke took a shot to the head late (I understand why they flagged it but didn't think it was intentional) in the Wesley game and was shaken up. They are that close to the season ending. Bottom line is if Burke couldn't come back after that hit - Wesley moves on.

On the Burke note: no way he came out of that hit without a concussion. I know he threw a TD pass on next play but his head got lit up. Both hands on helmet, on his knees, facemask on the turf, rocking back and forth - been there, had that. Didn't see if anyone was checking him out on sidelines - maybe someone who was at the game has more info.

On the semis - it was noted before that a team won't beat Mount unless they run the ball as well. Well after a little (very little) checking on NCC's stats - they can run it. For the season they have over 3200 yds rushing (avg of 5.6 per rush and 246 per game). To go with that they have thrown it over 3300 yds (258 per game). Mount compares with 3546 yds rushing and 3431 passing. In other words NCC has Mount like balance on Offense. Running against Mount is damn near impossible (at least it has been) but NCC has (IMHO) the most balanced O Mount has seen thus far.

[dedragon]

I watched the replay of the game Saturday and have some things I must point out.
1. Seriously? The QB for Wesley is not listed on 1st, 2nd, 3rd team All Region?? Are you kidding me? He just got my vote for All-World after that performance.

2. Mount pass D wasn't really that bad (yes as I typed that I felt a little sick to my stomach). The Wesley QB put the ball where it had to be - from the 2nd quarter on. In addition - Mounts DB were covering downfield and alot of those passes were screens that went long. I fault VK for not making the adjustments. Yes - they did go deep a few times - but most of the passing was the result of not getting the sack (the pressure was there) and the LBs and DBs downfield in coverage. Wesley saw a gap and hit it all day long.

3. Having said the pass D was not as bad as I thought - the DBs gotta step up their game and be aggressive. I will pick on no one individually  but someone not only needs to get their head around to see the ball - but they also need to go up and fight for it when they have a shot. That TE/FB/OL/Beast (the really BIG guy - #44?) that caught the ball at the 5(ish) and it took Mounts entire D and the sidelines to stop him (didn't tackle him mind you) had 2 Mount defenders right there and they pulled a Wilmington. The Mount DBs turned, watched as the ball came down (didn't even make an attempt to knock it away or go up for it) and wrapped around the guys waist.

I hav more - but exams are at 8AM. Have a good night all-

Can someone in the know please let me know where to see a replay?

[Desertraider]

Having said all of this I just took Mount by 31 in pick ems. If I am right and get the extra 2 points - it won't matter - and if I am wrong it won't matter. I figure Mount has been back and forth with good games and bad on D. I firmly believe that Mounts D will rise to the occasion and be The Machine! Remember: The Autumn Wind is a Raider!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzEYK_XjyLg