FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[Ric]

The 1 being MHB in '04

And that loss came on a 4th down Hail Mary in the final minute after leading by 17 going into the final period. That 4th quarter was similar to last weeks.

[jaypeter]

And also last years semifinal.

[Stagg Again!!]

For what it is worth.

@JeffZupReview: Mount Union has never played North Central. @purpleraiders are 31-1 vs first-time opp in playoffs since 1993. Avg. score is 46-13

Beermeister, I'll take the under on that 33 point spread this coming weekend for $100.  At the same time, I'll take the over on NCC's total points being higher than 13 for another $100.  Exactly how confident are you in the Raiders? 

[bleedpurple]

  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.

I find it more hilarious that you think Mount isn't frightening.  Its not like the Raiders didn't make the playoffs and lost to some scrub team from NY last year.  Mount might have played some close games score-wise in 2013 but you're also looking at the most battle tested Mount team in a while.  They have shown the ability to keep composure and pull out tight games.  Are they the best Mount team? Probably not, but they are good enough to win the NC.  I'd be more frightened about UMHB getting the tapes of the multiple losses UWW had in one season, I wonder what that is like, than the real D3 dynasty having a couple of close games.  No offense intended

I have to admit that, while at work, if I see that Purple Suit has added to the OAC thread, I typically look it up.......he's entertaining.  Sometimes a little over the top, but entertaining.

I do the same.  His schtick has got me hooked.  Whatever it is Suit is going to post, for the most part we know it will trigger emotions and generate conversation.

I don't argue the wetting the leg theory.  Obviously the choice of words has a tendency to call into question a man's fortitude.  But hey, I was figuratively wetting my leg the first time I had to present to a group of adults.  Now that I've done it a few times, it's like UWW facing Mt, ain't no thing anymore.

And to top it all off, he is usually right, as in this specific conversation.

He's right? He's implying that a UW-W fan should be afraid of Mount. That's FUNNY (which PS can be), but it certainly isn't right.  No one at UW-W has any fear of Mount and everyone at Mount knows it.  And that's what grinds your little purple clown. 

[Craft_Beermeister]

ATOMIC FOOTBALL PREDICTIONS

12/14   UW-Whitewater   23   Mary Hardin-Baylor   26   
12/14   North Central   32   Mount Union   34   

http://www.al.com/atomic-football/index.ssf?d3-predictions

[bleedpurple]

ATOMIC FOOTBALL PREDICTIONS

12/14   UW-Whitewater   23   Mary Hardin-Baylor   26   
12/14   North Central   32   Mount Union   34   

http://www.al.com/atomic-football/index.ssf?d3-predictions

And Massey Ratings:

UW-W 28  UMHB  24
Win Probability: UW-W 63% UMHB 37%

North Central 42  Mount Union 30
Win Probability: North Central 83%  Mount Union 17%

[skunks_sidekick]

ATOMIC FOOTBALL PREDICTIONS

12/14   UW-Whitewater   23   Mary Hardin-Baylor   26   
12/14   North Central   32   Mount Union   34   

http://www.al.com/atomic-football/index.ssf?d3-predictions

And Massey Ratings:

UW-W 28  UMHB  24
Win Probability: UW-W 63% UMHB 37%

North Central 42  Mount Union 30
Win Probability: North Central 83%  Mount Union 17%

You aren't serious are you?  I will bet you any amount of money that NCC doesn't beat Mount by 12 points.  Are you actually serious right now?  That's the biggest flaming pile of joke I have ever seen.  And it's 83% certain?  YAHHHH.....SURE....IT'S SCIENCE!!   

[bleedpurple]

ATOMIC FOOTBALL PREDICTIONS

12/14   UW-Whitewater   23   Mary Hardin-Baylor   26   
12/14   North Central   32   Mount Union   34   

http://www.al.com/atomic-football/index.ssf?d3-predictions

And Massey Ratings:

UW-W 28  UMHB  24
Win Probability: UW-W 63% UMHB 37%

North Central 42  Mount Union 30
Win Probability: North Central 83%  Mount Union 17%

You aren't serious are you?  I will bet you any amount of money that NCC doesn't beat Mount by 12 points.  Are you actually serious right now?  That's the biggest flaming pile of joke I have ever seen.  And it's 83% certain?  YAHHHH.....SURE....IT'S SCIENCE!!   

I'm not taking that bet, that's for sure! I disagreed with both of them and picked UW-W and Mount (silly me, that never happens!).  Ratings and projections are fun fodder for conversation, but at the end of the day they are as meaningless as the fun and spirited jabs we take at one another on this board. It's about what happens on the field, thank God!

[Desertraider]

There was some banter about Mount and creating fear in some teams...reference was made to "peeing down their leg" yada yada yada. Some found that ridiculous (Badgerwarhawk). Well from the D3football.com (I hear they are an authority on D3 football  ) frontpage comes an article about NCC with the following:

"One of the things about the Mount Unions and Whitewaters is that they beat teams before they even step on the field," Dierking said. "They have their national championships and tradition. We have to know that we can play with them in all phases of the game – offense, defense and special teams. We can't allow ourselves to be intimidated by who they are. That's going to give us an opportunity to play the best and beat the best."

About sums it up for me.

As for the predictions - Atomic football is a joke. They have Mount currently ranked 4th behind all other teams still playing - and aren't they the ones that had Mount ranked like 10th (or worse) last year? As far as Massey in concerned - there is one thing worth posting from that site: http://www.masseyratings.com/map.php?s=199231&t=11620

But then again it appears they have been correct in every round with the winner(s). So I guess Mount will lose so why play the game? Oh right - cuz "The Autumn Wind is a Raider"! Roll Raiders!

[Raider 68]

ATOMIC FOOTBALL PREDICTIONS

12/14   UW-Whitewater   23   Mary Hardin-Baylor   26   
12/14   North Central   32   Mount Union   34   

http://www.al.com/atomic-football/index.ssf?d3-predictions

And Massey Ratings:

UW-W 28  UMHB  24
Win Probability: UW-W 63% UMHB 37%

North Central 42  Mount Union 30
Win Probability: North Central 83%  Mount Union 17%

You aren't serious are you?  I will bet you any amount of money that NCC doesn't beat Mount by 12 points.  Are you actually serious right now?  That's the biggest flaming pile of joke I have ever seen.  And it's 83% certain?  YAHHHH.....SURE....IT'S SCIENCE!!   

I'm not taking that bet, that's for sure! I disagreed with both of them and picked UW-W and Mount (silly me, that never happens!).  Ratings and projections are fun fodder for conversation, but at the end of the day they are as meaningless as the fun and spirited jabs we take at one another on this board. It's about what happens on the field, thank God!

Agree, looking forward to a snowy Saturday. The ground crew will be busy!

[emma17]

Regarding this whole intimidation factor thing (which I do believe exists to different degrees)- I don't think UWW ever reached the status of Mt's abilities to make the opposition lose control of their collective bladders.

Maybe it's because UWW is a less high powered, blow the opponent away type team. Mt has had so many big score blowouts over the years that I can see how lesser teams may come in with the feeling that the beating is inevitable.
It seems the teams UWW plays usually play like they have a legit shot at winning. At least it makes for a more exciting game for us to watch.

Anyway- there are a lot of cliches related to what % of the game is mental vs physical. Whatever the mix actually is, it's a major factor and if NCC or any other team isn't mentally strong enough to overcome the Mt lore, they aren't strong enough to be champion.

[ncc58]

Regarding this whole intimidation factor thing (which I do believe exists to different degrees)- I don't think UWW ever reached the status of Mt's abilities to make the opposition lose control of their collective bladders.

Oh, Emma. UWW was certainly at that level during the Beaver/Coppage years. The first time that North Central played UWW, it was like playing a D-I team. UWW was so much bigger, stronger, and faster. NCC was hoping to keep the game somewhat respectable and learn how far they needed to go in order to be a real contender. Most fans came away with a "Wow" expression, about the size and speed of the Warhawks. NCC has become bigger and stronger, although they are hardly a big team. Playing the WIAC schedule  this season has given them experience and confidence against big, strong teams.

Although the UWW offense didn't scare many teams this season, the defense sure did.

[HScoach]

Don't know if anyone else has been paying attention to the weather forecast for Saturday, but it's trending toward a winter wonderland.   Which both teams have played in this post season.  So I'm calling it right now.  NO WEATHER EXCUSES ALLOWED FOR EITHER TEAM.

Really interested in seeing which Mount team shows up and how NCC compares.   From Augie to Wheaton to now NCC, I've always had great respect for the CCIW.   I don't know what to expect from Mount schematically or personnel-wise on defense, but this much I know, VK will have something changed for this week.  Don't have a clue if it will ultimately work, but it won't be simply the same thing we saw against Wesley and hoping for better results.  Is it Saturday yet?

[WarhawkDad]

Regarding this whole intimidation factor thing (which I do believe exists to different degrees)- I don't think UWW ever reached the status of Mt's abilities to make the opposition lose control of their collective bladders.

Oh, Emma. UWW was certainly at that level during the Beaver/Coppage years. The first time that North Central played UWW, it was like playing a D-I team. UWW was so much bigger, stronger, and faster. NCC was hoping to keep the game somewhat respectable and learn how far they needed to go in order to be a real contender. Most fans came away with a "Wow" expression, about the size and speed of the Warhawks. NCC has become bigger and stronger, although they are hardly a big team. Playing the WIAC schedule  this season has given them experience and confidence against big, strong teams.

Although the UWW offense didn't scare many teams this season, the defense sure did.

And that has been outstanding.  Opponents underestimate the offenses explosiveness and it works to the UWW advantage.   While UWW had an off year last year, with many underlying factors, many of which were internal and self made, it was a learning experience for a high quality program.   In the long term scheme of things, I think it will play out more like a hiccup than anything else.

WHD

[edward de vere]

The Autumn Wind has become The Arctic Wind.

And, frankly, I'm sick of it.

Is it April yet?