FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[New Tradition]

Just back from the game . The best team won today. The conditions seemed to help NCC . NCC had two long kickoff returns,a long punt return and recovered a fumble in the end zone when our punter dropped the ball. Those led to four NCC touchdowns. Burke for the Gag. The defense played very well and got us a key TD in the first half. Call me crazy,but this is the reincarnation of the 1998 team.

I agree that the best team did win, today, but watching the game, UMU was CLEARLY out hit all game. I don't think there was nearly as much of a disparity as you're making it seem. Burke was the difference. And until the final minute and a half, I think Stanek was every bit as good. And the kicking game, too. Though the footing was the same for both kickers, so I think that's a much smaller factor than Burke delivering when he needed to.

[skunks_sidekick]

What a crazy game!  Two years in a row with the crazy ending.

NCC gave Mount all they wanted, and more.  Kevin Burke just kept answering with amazing play after amazing play.

Weather was totally suckish, and the boys & I traded up for seats under the overhang.  THAT WAS NICE!   

Anyone that thought Mount got calls their way in this game, wasn't really watching the same game anyone else was.

Officials were "ok", and really didn't affect the outcome when all was said and done.  Funny hearing the East coast accent when the ref spoke on the microphone.

See some of you down at the Stagg.  I think Jr. & I are making the trip.

[Craft_Beermeister]

Mount getting breaks early with the flags going their way.  Brings back a TD and nullifies an INT.  Offenses having no issues moving the ball.

I was at the game up in the Dom Capers press box provides a great view of the game and the two calls you referenced were clearly seen by all in the press box.  There were many obvious holding calls by ncc that we're not called especially the 4th goal touchdown to the north end zone in which the back was able to clear the end of the line of scrimmage after the Mount defender was tackled.

Overall the game was a good fought battle by two D3 heavyweights and officiating didn't impact the overall outcome

[bushman]

Great win today.  Both teams were entertaining to say the least.  These Raiders are the new Cardiac Kids.

[02 Warhawk]

Now we have to play these jerks again.

    

[skunks_sidekick]

Not THOSE ARSE $%^$s AGAIN!! !! 

[bushman]

Warhawks should be the favorites to win.

[edward de vere]

Since Mr. Mom is on record as ALWAYS taking the good defense over the good offense, I predict his line will be Whitewater minus one quarter of one point.

Or less.

[USee]

Congrats to the Raiders on a big win. I actually thought these two teams were pretty equal and UMU made one more play than NCC did. It's too bad one of these teams had to lose. Some great clutch plays by a lot of different players on both teams and both sides of the ball. Given the conditions, I thought it was a very well played game and the outcome hinged on just a few plays that could have gone either way right to the end.

Good luck in the Stagg! Purple rules again.

[Dr. Acula]

Now we have to play these jerks again.

   

There will surely be a lot of eye rolling at yet another Purple Bowl, but the playoffs this year showed that these aren't the usual dominant editions steamrolling the playoffs. These are two teams that fought and clawed and came back against good teams.  This trip to Salem has been earned big time.

[02 Warhawk]

Now we have to play these jerks again.

   

There will surely be a lot of eye rolling at yet another Purple Bowl, but the playoffs this year showed that these aren't the usual dominant editions steamrolling the playoffs. These are two teams that fought and clawed and came back against good teams.  This trip to Salem has been earned big time.

Crazy good defense against the best offense player in D3. Should be a hoot.

[Craft_Beermeister]

And Kevin Burke has "Jim Ballard type" leadership and poise.   The kid has IT.

I agree that Kevin Burke is something very special.  He might not have the physician tools that others have, but he has both mental and physical toughness.  Kevin is a real gamer and a strong leader.  I agree with HScoach that the kid has IT.  I had the privilege of watch the game Kevin's grandma and uncle.  They and everyone in the room were excited so excited  when did what we all asked him to do...orchestrate a touchdown drive with 1:38 left on the clock and darn if he didn't do it in 31 seconds of clock.

[Raider 68]

First all Congrats to North Central, well played game from a very strong team. Second Congrats to
UW Whitewater on getting to the Stagg yet again.

A few thoughts on the game today:

1. Hats off to all the volunteers and physical plant of Mount Union for battling winter's elements
    since 5 AM this morning!

2. Agree, the officials were OK, but missed so much.

3. The Raider  Defense played much better, but NC took advantage of great field positions on kick-offs
    and punts. Here the weather helped them. The Raiders did not do as well.

4. For a cold snowy day, the fans were into the game early.

5. NC is a talented senior heavy team, and it showed

6. I thought the Offense was geared a little too much to Kevin Burke on runs, but in the end he showed
    why he is the best player on the field and in D3 for that matter.

7. For Mount vs. UWW, we have started all the dialogue now, but it comes down to a great Offense
    vs. great Defense. Will defense will  the day, maybe, but the key will be again as it has
    this year and last year KEVIN BURKE! If he is stopped, then UWW can will their 5th, if not then
    the Raiders will win their 12th.

8. IMHO, I was worried about NC and justifibly so, and I thought UMHB would get to the Stagg. It
    comes down to a game of inches or just 1 point.

[section13raiderfan]

Inserting Nemeth into the fray late in the game was the right call, and waaaaaay too late. Burke and Mitchell were struggling to work their magic via the run option plays. You cant cut upfield in a quick, strong move in that slop. Nemeth was an immediate improvement with his running style, not to mention his blocking was better. Burke ran it in with Nemeth lead blocking for him when earlier he couldnt get much going on the usual cut back runs. I wonder what Mitchell might have done following Nemeth up the middle. The line can only do so much in the snow. And we werent using the receivers anyway, so you might as well take one out and bring in another back for extra protection. Nothing against Mitchell, hes awesome, but sometimes you have got to just grab another tool when your favorite one isnt working out the best for you.

Salute to Kevin Burke, hes got the spirit of a champion. Heres hoping he wins the Gagliardi award. 

Pffffffffftttttttt! on Friday Stagg Bowl games. Who is going to lose a days pay to travel to see that live?

GO RAIDERS. Squeak out just one more

[WarhawkDad]

Warhawks should be the favorites to win.

That's Laughable!!!!