FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[bluenote]

After watching both games today IMHO Linfield would have beaten Whitewater at home and NCC would have beaten MUC at home. I know it's a would of should of thing but that's what home field advantage does. UMHB didn't look that good to me. They deserved to loose at home. Especially when they kicked the field goal with 3 minutes left being down by 4 on the 4 yard line....they should have a play for that for the score....just my opinion.

BTW....I'm picking MUC for the title...there is no stopping your QB. Whitewater is very vanilla.

[bleedpurple]

After watching both games today IMHO Linfield would have beaten Whitewater at home and NCC would have beaten MUC at home. I know it's a would of should of thing but that's what home field advantage does. UMHB didn't look that good to me. They deserved to loose at home. Especially when they kicked the field goal with 3 minutes left being down by 4 on the 4 yard line....they should have a play for that for the score....just my opinion.

BTW....I'm picking MUC for the title...there is no stopping your QB. Whitewater is very vanilla.

Of course, you picked NCC vs UMHB to be in the Stagg Bowl. And that was after your original Linfield pick was eliminated. Nothing personal, but you don't seem to do too well picking the winners of football games. 

[Dr. Acula]

Mount is actually probably better on the road. They haven't lost a road game in basically 2 decades (34-33 at Albion in the 94 playoffs is the last one).

[bleedpurple]

Mount is actually probably better on the road. They haven't lost a road game in basically 2 decades (34-33 at Albion in the 94 playoffs is the last one).

Good point. Didn't see any evidence at all that being at NCC would have changed the outcome of that game. It was a great game and NCC deserves a ton of credit, but Mount deserved to win. Burke is special.

[Dr. Acula]

When you have a target on your back I think the guys almost relish going on the road and proving it again and again.  UWW is the same mentality I bet because they have that same bullseye on their back.

[bluenote]

Have they been on the road for any quarter or semi finals vs. any WIAC, CCIW, MIAC, IIAC or NWC teams?

....the ansswer is ...No...."sandbaggers"....... 

[Dr. Acula]

As for Burke, I'm running out of things to say. You said he's special. Indeed he is. HScoach said he has "it".  No question about that. Purplesuit said he wasn't picking against Burke.  Sage advice we should have all listened to.

While I think we can all agree that both the skill guys and line are better than we ever thought they would be early on make no mistake about it....Burke carries this team.  His poise, his playmaking ability, his seemingly never ending supply of clutch throws or runs are the reason they're here.  This entire team has showed great heart. They're battle tested for darn sure.  But they need that one guy to look to when plays are made to win or lose games and we lucked out big time on that by having #10 with the ball in his hands.

[bluenote]

Of course, you picked NCC vs UMHB to be in the Stagg Bowl. And that was after your original Linfield pick was eliminated. Nothing personal, but you don't seem to do too well picking the winners of football games. 

I didn't "pick" them....that's just who I wanted, other than the 2 other boring teams. But....... I was "NWC Pickem" Champion a few years ago!   

[Desertraider]

BTW....I'm picking MUC for the title...there is no stopping your QB. Whitewater is very vanilla.

This does not make me feel good since everyone else you wanted...lost. As far as Whitewater being vanilla, well I would prefer them to be not good, not talented, sloppy, stupid, or unmotivated. Vanilla ain't bad if you can execute - and UWW can. It will be a battle.   

[mtfan]

First off, congrats to NCC on a terrrific season and representing the CCIW that has always proved to be a great conference.

Over the past 34 yrs that I've watched the Raiders play, we have been truly blessed with some of the best QBs to play at the D3 level, from Ballard, Borchert, Micheli and the likes, they were all quite talented and pretty proficient passers. But I got to admit Kevin Burke has demonstrated the "moxie" that makes him stand among the very best as a leader and probably the most  multi-talented qb the Raiders have seen. Many Mount Qbs had a specific unique skill level that they mastered, generally their passing skills, but KB has become so multi-dimensional it's like he's setting a new standard. Way to go Kevin, i hope he's the Gagliardi winner but i know more important to him is to finish the job this friday and retain the walnut and bronze.
This Raiders team is something special, a new Head Coach, a young team, and holding up to a proven track record from the past teams of commitment and determination. Bring #12 home friday in Salem!

[mtfan]

BTW....I'm picking MUC for the title...there is no stopping your QB. Whitewater is very vanilla.

This does not make me feel good since everyone else you wanted...lost. As far as Whitewater being vanilla, well I would prefer them to be not good, not talented, sloppy, stupid, or unmotivated. Vanilla ain't bad if you can execute - and UWW can. It will be a battle.

Nothing vanilla about UWW. they've made the gauntlet and are familiar friends in Salem. Should be a great game!

However, i know the UWW faithful had to love the 4th down call by UMHB with just over 3 minutes left and they are on the 3 yard line!
I mean WTH was that call?  who in their right mind makes a decision to get less points than you need to win and then give your opponent better field position with a NORMAL kickoff?? WOW, way way to strange a call with the clock working against you.
Yes, i know they were hoping for a stop on UWW and getting the ball back with time but making it 97 yards for UWW for pay dirt is far tougher than playing fumblruski with 1 second left and trying to get 70+ yards to win!

[runyr]

Congratulations to the Purple Raiders and Warhawks! I was able to watch both games. Never a dull moment and great D3 football.

I also watched an excellent film tonight on ESPN called "Youngstown Boys." A lot of you have probably seen stories about it, but see it for yourself. It's well worth the viewing, especially for anybody from Ohio who has an interest in football. 
If you haven't heard about you can read about it here:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1889251-espn-30-for-30-youngstown-boys-complete-preview-for-maurice-clarett-documentary

[Small but Slow]

Mount has faced the gauntlet since 1985. The first few times Augustana stood in the way, then it was LaCrosse. In '93 they made it to the top of the hill. It took a few years to rebuild then it was a matter of reloading each year. In that time there have been a number of challengers gunning for them. 11 titles in 20 years isn't a fluke. Last year UMHB had our number, but Burke and company wouldn't let it happen.
With 1:38 to go down five I thought this may be the year the string was over. Burke found a way to get it done in three plays and the defense was able to hold it down. Win or lose, this team has overcome the battle of attrition and earned its opportunity to play for a national championship. The coaching staff and team has done more than anyone can comprehend. I could not feel any better about what this team has accomplished to this point.  Win or lose Friday, the Machine continues to battle on. Their achievements are formidable and the opportunities to fail have been there. Perseverance and determination are still a huge part of the program. I am amazed at the ability of Burke and company to overcome any obstacle in the way. Weather and outstanding competition have not been able to deny them the opportunity to compete for a national title.
Burke is not imposing in any one facet of the game, but he is the best player in D3. He has whatever IT is and always gives his team the chance to win. UWW is a great team and win or lose Mount Union should feel proud to have climbed to the top of the heap one more time.

[jaypeter]

Wow, two exciting games yesterday.  I was at Belton and the updates of the Mount Union game on the scoreboard were a few minutes ahead of the radio feed.  It was driving me nuts to see one team score while I'm listening to the other team with the ball!  Then, one of Mount Union's scores came during the beginning of the national anthem.  Hard to be patriotic and a fan at that moment!

Was glad to see a guy from my hometown make the winning catch.  Sort of got me wondering if catching a couple of these western New York guys has anything to do with playing g STJ in Rochester a few years ago. 

I'll say that  if Mount Union ever has/gets to play down in Belton, don't even think about it...just go.  Amazing stadium, great tailgate, and really great fans.  I'll share a little of my experience later tonight but wanted to check in after a great Purple Raiders win!

[section13raiderfan]

I heard at the game that ncc pulled out all stops to prep for the game.  Apparently on journey to the Alliance  they stopped at Notre Damn and rented out their practice facility.

Yes, and also at Massillon's indoor practice facility.

Why would Jason Hall a former Raider linebacker and present Massillon Tiger Head Coach do such a thng? If this is true then history will be made when every real estate sign from Alliance shows up in Halls yard. This usually only happens only when Massillon loses to McKinley, and the signs dont come from across the county!

Actually it was suggested before the game that the indoor facility should be offered by Hall to show support for his alma mater. No bleachers....but its better to stand and be warm and dry IMHO.