FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[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-

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

The replay was on Sports Time Ohio on Saturday night at 10PM, Monday at like noon. Have not seen any additional listings. Gee if only Mount had streaming video of the games. Why..nevermind

[Desertraider]

Wow. Exam is taking longer than expected. Oh well time for useless "Hiram College Knowledge".

1.    Hiram College Football has an award for "Passion Most Valuable Player." As opposed to all those MVPs who have no passion?
2.    Hiram's all-time winningest Coach is Joe Malmisur (1969-82) with a record of 51-68-2. Funny that LK has more playoff wins than any Hiram coach has total wins.
3.    Hiram last football Coach with a winning record was Carl Brown in 1907. He was 4-2. I am sure he was let go to avoid the stigma of being a "football factory".
4.    Hiram's last Coach to not post a losing record was Ed Chupa 1954-55. His record was 7-7. Again - no football factory!
5.    Steve Belichick (Bill's dad) was Hiram's coach from 1946-48 and posted a record of 8-12-2
6.    Hiram's all-time coaching leader has a winning percentage of .460
7.    Hiram's Bobby Thomas (1991-2000) averaged 1-9 for 10 consecutive years. As Sam Rutigliano once said "One time baby! One time!"

For those wondering the reason for this rant - just got an alumni mailer to support Hiram athletics. Kind of hard to do after looking at this. And before the Hiram guy from the NCAC board comes over here and cries - I am a Hiram alum too. 

[PurpleSuit]

Are we really talking about Mount being an underdog at home?  Let's all take a deep breath.  NCC is a damn good team, like all teams in the final four.  But until Kevin Burke loses a game in the past 4 years, I'm going to pick him to win.  Mount's defense sucked on Saturday , but are we expecting Tre Jones and the D- Line to blow again?  That Wesley WR has killed us in the past.  Mount will score 40+, are we expecting a QB named Spencer to kill Mount?  Mount 52-21.  VK is too good of a defense mind to let this go on too much longer, regardless Burke could get us at 72-70 win if needed 

Sorry for being a "giant douchebag" to the old smoker "lady", term uses lightly,  a couple of weeks ago, what a b.....

[pradierguy]

Are we really talking about Mount being an underdog at home?  Let's all take a deep breath.  NCC is a damn good team, like all teams in the final four.  But until Kevin Burke loses a game in the past 4 years, I'm going to pick him to win. 

Couldn't agree more.

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

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?

Dish Network: Sports Time Ohio

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

Are we really talking about Mount being an underdog at home?  Let's all take a deep breath.  NCC is a damn good team, like all teams in the final four.  But until Kevin Burke loses a game in the past 4 years, I'm going to pick him to win.  Mount's defense sucked on Saturday , but are we expecting Tre Jones and the D- Line to blow again?  That Wesley WR has killed us in the past.  Mount will score 40+, are we expecting a QB named Spencer to kill Mount?  Mount 52-21.  VK is too good of a defense mind to let this go on too much longer, regardless Burke could get us at 72-70 win if needed 

Sorry for being a "giant douchebag" to the old smoker "lady", term uses lightly,  a couple of weeks ago, what a b.....

Mount's defense was not just bad on Saturday.  Here are the Stats vs. Playoff and Playoff Caliber Teams:

Vs. Franklin:
27 Pts. Given Up, 88 Rushing Yards, 208 Passing Yards

Vs. Heidelberg:
34 Pts. Given Up, 98 Rushing Yards, 327 Passing Yards

Vs. JCU:
34 Pts. Given Up, 94 Rushing Yards, 451 Passing Yards

Vs. W & J:
20 Pts. Given Up, 67 Rushing Yards, 216 Passing Yards

Vs. Wittenberg:
21 Pts. Given Up, 36 Rushing Yards, 327 Passing Yards

Vs. Wesley:
59 Pts. Given Up, 2 Rushing Yards, 633 Passing Yards

That is an average of:
32.5 Points Per Game
64.2 Rushing Yards Per Game
360.3 Passing Yards Per Game
454.5 Total Yards Per Game

I Like the Run YPG Given Up, but that is probably deflated because the teams are Passing so well against the D.

I think that NCC is probably better than all these teams, so that is why I am feeling apprehensive of another trip to VA next week.

Again I hope I'm wrong, but these aren't typical #'s by The Machine.

But as VK said in his post conference, a Win is a Win and we are still 1 of 4 Teams playing so I am grateful for that.

[New Tradition]

Are we really talking about Mount being an underdog at home?  Let's all take a deep breath.  NCC is a damn good team, like all teams in the final four.  But until Kevin Burke loses a game in the past 4 years, I'm going to pick him to win.  Mount's defense sucked on Saturday , but are we expecting Tre Jones and the D- Line to blow again?  That Wesley WR has killed us in the past.  Mount will score 40+, are we expecting a QB named Spencer to kill Mount?  Mount 52-21.  VK is too good of a defense mind to let this go on too much longer, regardless Burke could get us at 72-70 win if needed 

Sorry for being a "giant douchebag" to the old smoker "lady", term uses lightly,  a couple of weeks ago, what a b.....

THAT'S more like it!  I was becoming concerned with all the Raider hand-wringing that was going on.   

[PurpleSuit]

Are we really talking about Mount being an underdog at home?  Let's all take a deep breath.  NCC is a damn good team, like all teams in the final four.  But until Kevin Burke loses a game in the past 4 years, I'm going to pick him to win.  Mount's defense sucked on Saturday , but are we expecting Tre Jones and the D- Line to blow again?  That Wesley WR has killed us in the past.  Mount will score 40+, are we expecting a QB named Spencer to kill Mount?  Mount 52-21.  VK is too good of a defense mind to let this go on too much longer, regardless Burke could get us at 72-70 win if needed 

Sorry for being a "giant douchebag" to the old smoker "lady", term uses lightly,  a couple of weeks ago, what a b.....

Mount's defense was not just bad on Saturday.  Here are the Stats vs. Playoff and Playoff Caliber Teams:

Vs. Franklin:
27 Pts. Given Up, 88 Rushing Yards, 208 Passing Yards

Vs. Heidelberg:
34 Pts. Given Up, 98 Rushing Yards, 327 Passing Yards

Vs. JCU:
34 Pts. Given Up, 94 Rushing Yards, 451 Passing Yards

Vs. W & J:
20 Pts. Given Up, 67 Rushing Yards, 216 Passing Yards

Vs. Wittenberg:
21 Pts. Given Up, 36 Rushing Yards, 327 Passing Yards

Vs. Wesley:
59 Pts. Given Up, 2 Rushing Yards, 633 Passing Yards

That is an average of:
32.5 Points Per Game
64.2 Rushing Yards Per Game
360.3 Passing Yards Per Game
454.5 Total Yards Per Game

I Like the Run YPG Given Up, but that is probably deflated because the teams are Passing so well against the D.

I think that NCC is probably better than all these teams, so that is why I am feeling apprehensive of another trip to VA next week.

Again I hope I'm wrong, but these aren't typical #'s by The Machine.

But as VK said in his post conference, a Win is a Win and we are still 1 of 4 Teams playing so I am grateful for that.

I know that you can only see the Raiders on STO on satelite, but the sky is not falling.

I would disregard the Franklin game, that was how many weeks ago?  and Mr. Mitchell was not running the football, could be a big difference in score had Mount had any running game in week one.

I would also toss out the W&J game, Mount cruised and then a blizzard happened with the home team becoming super conservative.

'Berg was a game played in sloppy conditions where the Student Princesses were aided by a few "questionable" calls...i.e. forward pass = fumble.  Both 'Berg and JCU were solid teams playing their hearts out and leaving it all on the field, as evidence by their next games.  Mount totally dominated both, before relaxing at halftime.

Wittenberg was a blowout, Mount played their best second half of the year.  It was the opposite of their games all year.

Wesley was a great offense after the 2nd half, but Mount had chances to step on the neck and crush them. 

The passing #'s arent skewed b/c the other team can't run, but because they are too far down to run.  This is a young Mount team that hasn't developed the killer mentality of teams in the past.  They have the talent, but second half adjustments have been the issue.  Is it a problem that could bite them? Absolutely.  But the young team and coach have a wild card at QB that will be tough to beat. 

The machine = wins, not necessarily 70-0 wins.  The machine is still rolling.  If the secondary keeps playing like this all it will do is give Mount fans more chest pains than normal on the way to title #12.  The defense will get it together, if not Burke will lead the way.  I'd be more concerned about the halftime adjustments before the play of either side of the ball.

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

Are we really talking about Mount being an underdog at home?  Let's all take a deep breath.  NCC is a damn good team, like all teams in the final four.  But until Kevin Burke loses a game in the past 4 years, I'm going to pick him to win.  Mount's defense sucked on Saturday , but are we expecting Tre Jones and the D- Line to blow again?  That Wesley WR has killed us in the past.  Mount will score 40+, are we expecting a QB named Spencer to kill Mount?  Mount 52-21.  VK is too good of a defense mind to let this go on too much longer, regardless Burke could get us at 72-70 win if needed 

Sorry for being a "giant douchebag" to the old smoker "lady", term uses lightly,  a couple of weeks ago, what a b.....

Mount's defense was not just bad on Saturday.  Here are the Stats vs. Playoff and Playoff Caliber Teams:

Vs. Franklin:
27 Pts. Given Up, 88 Rushing Yards, 208 Passing Yards

Vs. Heidelberg:
34 Pts. Given Up, 98 Rushing Yards, 327 Passing Yards

Vs. JCU:
34 Pts. Given Up, 94 Rushing Yards, 451 Passing Yards

Vs. W & J:
20 Pts. Given Up, 67 Rushing Yards, 216 Passing Yards

Vs. Wittenberg:
21 Pts. Given Up, 36 Rushing Yards, 327 Passing Yards

Vs. Wesley:
59 Pts. Given Up, 2 Rushing Yards, 633 Passing Yards

That is an average of:
32.5 Points Per Game
64.2 Rushing Yards Per Game
360.3 Passing Yards Per Game
454.5 Total Yards Per Game

I Like the Run YPG Given Up, but that is probably deflated because the teams are Passing so well against the D.

I think that NCC is probably better than all these teams, so that is why I am feeling apprehensive of another trip to VA next week.

Again I hope I'm wrong, but these aren't typical #'s by The Machine.

But as VK said in his post conference, a Win is a Win and we are still 1 of 4 Teams playing so I am grateful for that.

I know that you can only see the Raiders on STO on satelite, but the sky is not falling.

I would disregard the Franklin game, that was how many weeks ago?  and Mr. Mitchell was not running the football, could be a big difference in score had Mount had any running game in week one.

I would also toss out the W&J game, Mount cruised and then a blizzard happened with the home team becoming super conservative.

'Berg was a game played in sloppy conditions where the Student Princesses were aided by a few "questionable" calls...i.e. forward pass = fumble.  Both 'Berg and JCU were solid teams playing their hearts out and leaving it all on the field, as evidence by their next games.  Mount totally dominated both, before relaxing at halftime.

Wittenberg was a blowout, Mount played their best second half of the year.  It was the opposite of their games all year.

Wesley was a great offense after the 2nd half, but Mount had chances to step on the neck and crush them. 

The passing #'s arent skewed b/c the other team can't run, but because they are too far down to run.  This is a young Mount team that hasn't developed the killer mentality of teams in the past.  They have the talent, but second half adjustments have been the issue.  Is it a problem that could bite them? Absolutely.  But the young team and coach have a wild card at QB that will be tough to beat. 

The machine = wins, not necessarily 70-0 wins.  The machine is still rolling.  If the secondary keeps playing like this all it will do is give Mount fans more chest pains than normal on the way to title #12.  The defense will get it together, if not Burke will lead the way.  I'd be more concerned about the halftime adjustments before the play of either side of the ball.

Alas, I have Verizon FIOS, not Dish Network, so I don't get to see MTU play at all.  I did see the Heidelberg Game since they Live Streamed it.  Felt Good about the team then.  Hopefully you are right and I am just an old worry wart.

[PurpleSuit]

Are we really talking about Mount being an underdog at home?  Let's all take a deep breath.  NCC is a damn good team, like all teams in the final four.  But until Kevin Burke loses a game in the past 4 years, I'm going to pick him to win.  Mount's defense sucked on Saturday , but are we expecting Tre Jones and the D- Line to blow again?  That Wesley WR has killed us in the past.  Mount will score 40+, are we expecting a QB named Spencer to kill Mount?  Mount 52-21.  VK is too good of a defense mind to let this go on too much longer, regardless Burke could get us at 72-70 win if needed 

Sorry for being a "giant douchebag" to the old smoker "lady", term uses lightly,  a couple of weeks ago, what a b.....

Mount's defense was not just bad on Saturday.  Here are the Stats vs. Playoff and Playoff Caliber Teams:

Vs. Franklin:
27 Pts. Given Up, 88 Rushing Yards, 208 Passing Yards

Vs. Heidelberg:
34 Pts. Given Up, 98 Rushing Yards, 327 Passing Yards

Vs. JCU:
34 Pts. Given Up, 94 Rushing Yards, 451 Passing Yards

Vs. W & J:
20 Pts. Given Up, 67 Rushing Yards, 216 Passing Yards

Vs. Wittenberg:
21 Pts. Given Up, 36 Rushing Yards, 327 Passing Yards

Vs. Wesley:
59 Pts. Given Up, 2 Rushing Yards, 633 Passing Yards

That is an average of:
32.5 Points Per Game
64.2 Rushing Yards Per Game
360.3 Passing Yards Per Game
454.5 Total Yards Per Game

I Like the Run YPG Given Up, but that is probably deflated because the teams are Passing so well against the D.

I think that NCC is probably better than all these teams, so that is why I am feeling apprehensive of another trip to VA next week.

Again I hope I'm wrong, but these aren't typical #'s by The Machine.

But as VK said in his post conference, a Win is a Win and we are still 1 of 4 Teams playing so I am grateful for that.

I know that you can only see the Raiders on STO on satelite, but the sky is not falling.

I would disregard the Franklin game, that was how many weeks ago?  and Mr. Mitchell was not running the football, could be a big difference in score had Mount had any running game in week one.

I would also toss out the W&J game, Mount cruised and then a blizzard happened with the home team becoming super conservative.

'Berg was a game played in sloppy conditions where the Student Princesses were aided by a few "questionable" calls...i.e. forward pass = fumble.  Both 'Berg and JCU were solid teams playing their hearts out and leaving it all on the field, as evidence by their next games.  Mount totally dominated both, before relaxing at halftime.

Wittenberg was a blowout, Mount played their best second half of the year.  It was the opposite of their games all year.

Wesley was a great offense after the 2nd half, but Mount had chances to step on the neck and crush them. 

The passing #'s arent skewed b/c the other team can't run, but because they are too far down to run.  This is a young Mount team that hasn't developed the killer mentality of teams in the past.  They have the talent, but second half adjustments have been the issue.  Is it a problem that could bite them? Absolutely.  But the young team and coach have a wild card at QB that will be tough to beat. 

The machine = wins, not necessarily 70-0 wins.  The machine is still rolling.  If the secondary keeps playing like this all it will do is give Mount fans more chest pains than normal on the way to title #12.  The defense will get it together, if not Burke will lead the way.  I'd be more concerned about the halftime adjustments before the play of either side of the ball.

Alas, I have Verizon FIOS, not Dish Network, so I don't get to see MTU play at all.  I did see the Heidelberg Game since they Live Streamed it.  Felt Good about the team then.  Hopefully you are right and I am just an old worry wart.

At least you'll be able to catch them on ESPN for the Stagg Bowl

[mr_mom]

At least you'll be able to catch them on ESPN for the Stagg Bowl

And this weekend on ESPN3 online.

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

At least you'll be able to catch them on ESPN for the Stagg Bowl

And this weekend on ESPN3 online.

This weekend on ESPN3 and then next weekend LIVE AND IN Person in Salem!

[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?

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.

I agree that i think we are saying the same thing, but probably from a different prescriptive. 

[Craft_Beermeister]

They are projecting snow in Alliance for Saturday, but I'll bet you that if it snows the night before the field will be clear on Saturday especially if LK is out there again at 4:30AM directing the field prep activities.

[badgerwarhawk]

  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. 

No offense intended but I think it hilariously funny that you actually might think UMU is that frightening.