FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[Desertraider]

Do you guys think that the way Mount has just demolished the first two teams they saw in the playoffs will work against them in the event of a close game? Or will Carroll just be another victim of Mount getting into its post-season swing?

It didn't work against them when they played JCU 3 weeks ago. I don't see why it would work against them now. Mount has played close games in the past (UMHB, NCC, Wesley, JCU) so its not like they don't know how to grind out the clock when they have to and score when the game is on the line. However, I want to see JCU be another victim tossed into the Machine.

[raiderpa]

I hope we get a scheme that will block #55 for JCU...We sure did not get it done a few weeks ago.  He was the biggest disruption to the Mount offense that I saw.  But if Burke can be protected, he will light it up.  That is easier said than done against JCU.
Another interesting note today is that Jake Kumerow is back for WWW.  This increases their offensive firepower by major proportions.

[rscl70]

The Thunder were very good hosts, they simply would not allow John Caroll to lose.

Mount has opened up the offense.  They are much more diverse and much more agressive than they were in week 10.  Whether that is by design or just due to weaker oposition remains to be seen.  JCU had their opportunity.  I do not think they will come that close again.

[mr_mom]

On a week where you had some questionable spreads to work with    most of you did quite well, with Sir Battlescars reeling in a perfect 16 points.

After two rounds, Conventional Wisdom is in the lead with 27 points.  One point behind are human players MasterJedi, Raider 68, raider-in-law, and Shark.

[Better quality] spreads for Round Three will come out Monday night.

[formerd3db]

Well, it appears the game was not as interesting as you had thought it might be!  I had no doubt that Mount would win, however, was again surprised that W & J did not have a better showing against them, just like the Adrian poor showing last week.   With the scores and momentum that Mount appears to be having, I think this would seem to indicate they are improving back to their usual high standards/level of play.  That can do nothing but be a huge plus to them as they continue in the playoffs.

They really do seem to be hitting their typical post-season stride. Hearing JCU nearly lose at home (apparently the kick had the distance but was about a yard outside) and the way the Mount defense is playing I wouldn't be all that surprised to see an anti-climactic blow-out next week.

It's not like you can blame W&J's poor performance to the Mount Union intimidation factor either, they faced us two years ago and are pretty familiar with us, and they were coming off a win against a solid Wittenberg win...

I may be over optimistic, but the signs are pointing towards a much larger margin in the rematch.

So what then, exactly, are you attributing W & J's such poor performance to?  No one (including me) is questioning that Mount is a good team and starting to improve, yet are you then saying that W & J was not a good team?  While they have played Mount in intense games in the past, IMO, there still is that Mount intimidation factor to a degree, even to them.   I'm sure that Adrian experienced the latter, although I tend to think that W & J was an overall better team than Adrian, yet the both still got pulverized.  You might think it doesn't exist (i.e. the I.F.), but I believe it does.     

[Desertraider]

Well, it appears the game was not as interesting as you had thought it might be!  I had no doubt that Mount would win, however, was again surprised that W & J did not have a better showing against them, just like the Adrian poor showing last week.   With the scores and momentum that Mount appears to be having, I think this would seem to indicate they are improving back to their usual high standards/level of play.  That can do nothing but be a huge plus to them as they continue in the playoffs.

They really do seem to be hitting their typical post-season stride. Hearing JCU nearly lose at home (apparently the kick had the distance but was about a yard outside) and the way the Mount defense is playing I wouldn't be all that surprised to see an anti-climactic blow-out next week.

It's not like you can blame W&J's poor performance to the Mount Union intimidation factor either, they faced us two years ago and are pretty familiar with us, and they were coming off a win against a solid Wittenberg win...

I may be over optimistic, but the signs are pointing towards a much larger margin in the rematch.

So what then, exactly, are you attributing W & J's such poor performance to?  No one (including me) is questioning that Mount is a good team and starting to improve, yet are you then saying that W & J was not a good team?  While they have played Mount in intense games in the past, IMO, there still is that Mount intimidation factor to a degree, even to them.   I'm sure that Adrian experienced the latter, although I tend to think that W & J was an overall better team than Adrian, yet the both still got pulverized.  You might think it doesn't exist (i.e. the I.F.), but I believe it does.   

I hate to say it - but I don't think WJ was that good. They come off as a Ohio Northern type of a team. They have some really solid players at skill positions, but I was expecting more. With a 3000yd QB and a 1500yd RB and a top 5 offense - I was expecting more (we all were). I understand the I.F. but to me that would equate more to sloppy play (i.e. TO's, sacks, penalties). WJ had 2 TO's, didn't give up a sack, and were even in penalties. When teams have the I.F. they tend to self destruct (IMHO) and WJ did not do that today. By the same token - Mount did not really do anything special on defense (again IMHO). It was just a solid effort by the Mount D (they did not play "out of their minds" - but up to what they have all year). I saw a Mount team that played a Mount game - very good at times, but missed opportunities as well (a lot of punts, and a lot of 3rd downs). I just didn't see that WJ was that good. They didn't have a deep threat and could not run it - which they have to do for their offense. So everything was underneath and Mount didn't allow alot of YAC. WJ just didn't have depth - shut down 1 or 2 guys and you can stop them. Unfortunately for WJ, Mount has alot of talent on D and could shut down those 2 guys without using 3 or 4 guys to do it.

3 of the final 4 are set: UWW, Linfield, Wesley are in. Mount (again IMHO) is the only one with a game next week.

[section13raiderfan]

Frankly Im not at all surprised at BJs dwindling carries. His running style is hampered quite a bit by Ohio November weather and resulting field conditions. If traction is superb, then BJ is superb. You have to plant the cleats firmly to do what he does so well....and he cant now. The downhill runners and one cut types are way more reliable this time of year. Cover the field all week and watch what happens. Plus he has a spy on him all day.

Im a Linfield fan all of a sudden!

Wheatons D must be pretty good...gotta see what UMU learns from the tape

[Mr. Ypsi]

Oh brother.....this should be a lively board the next 7 days.

(Making popcorn)

Except for the dearth of JCU posters (the same could be said about the WIAC board, save for the dearth of Wartburg posters).  Perhaps some of the many, many posters who would welcome fresh faces in Salem will step into the breach.

No offense to either UMU or UWW, but for this week I am a JCU and Wartburg fan.  I have doubts either WILL do it, but have no doubts that both COULD do it.  (I currently have them at #5 and #6 on my fan ballot.)

[shepherd]

Oh brother.....this should be a lively board the next 7 days.

(Making popcorn)

Except for the dearth of JCU posters (the same could be said about the WIAC board, save for the dearth of Wartburg posters).  Perhaps some of the many, many posters who would welcome fresh faces in Salem will step into the breach.

No offense to either UMU or UWW, but for this week I am a JCU and Wartburg fan.  I have doubts either WILL do it, but have no doubts that both COULD do it.  (I currently have them at #5 and #6 on my fan ballot.)

I have Wartburg at a slight advantage.
They will win the line of scrimmage and they just beat the second fastest team in d3 they are the fastest overall.

[BoBo]

I hope we get a scheme that will block #55 for JCU...We sure did not get it done a few weeks ago.  He was the biggest disruption to the Mount offense that I saw.  But if Burke can be protected, he will light it up.  That is easier said than done against JCU.
Another interesting note today is that Jake Kumerow is back for WWW.  This increases their offensive firepower by major proportions.

He played sparingly but did catch 3 passes (targeted maybe 4 times) for 75 yards, one a TD pass.  It appears even less than 100%, D3 DB's have a difficult time guarding him.

[Dr. Acula]

No offense to either UMU or UWW, but for this week I am a JCU and Wartburg fan.  I have doubts either WILL do it, but have no doubts that both COULD do it.  (I currently have them at #5 and #6 on my fan ballot.)

I have Wartburg at a slight advantage.
They will win the line of scrimmage and they just beat the second fastest team in d3 they are the fastest overall.

^^^ Did anyone understand this?  I didn't. 

[raiderpa]

I thought that overall speed was the major difference in the Mount - WJ game.  The Mount DBs had no trouble covering as WJ wr's could not separate and create openings for Coughlin to throw to.
Also, many Mount plays were successful simply because they out ran defenders who could not catch up or keep up.
No contest in the speed/quickness department made for no contest on the field.
The LB #19 for WJ played as good a game against Mount as I have seen.  Was a great presence.  Someone said he was a transfer from Colgate and expect him to be academic all american. He was the lone bright spot for WJ (IMO)

[shepherd]

No offense to either UMU or UWW, but for this week I am a JCU and Wartburg fan.  I have doubts either WILL do it, but have no doubts that both COULD do it.  (I currently have them at #5 and #6 on my fan ballot.)

I have Wartburg at a slight advantage.
They will win the line of scrimmage and they just beat the second fastest team in d3 they are the fastest overall.

^^^ Did anyone understand this?  I didn't.

All I was saying IMHO:
is that the overall speed of Wartburg is the fastest in D3.  Everybody who plays them says "they are fast.
The linemen are huge 6'4-6'5 - extremely fast and strong.  The best offensive line I have ever seen in D3.  On one play they pushed st Thomas d lineman to the back of the end zone.  These factors make me to believe they will give UWW a hard time.  That is why I have Wartburg beating UWW in a very close game.  We shall see next week. 
The other reference was to them beating St Johns who was giving teams trouble because of their speed.
I have watched these two teams as much as Wheaton this year.  I posted about both their teams speed a month or more ago.

[formerd3db]

No offense to either UMU or UWW, but for this week I am a JCU and Wartburg fan.  I have doubts either WILL do it, but have no doubts that both COULD do it.  (I currently have them at #5 and #6 on my fan ballot.)

I have Wartburg at a slight advantage.
They will win the line of scrimmage and they just beat the second fastest team in d3 they are the fastest overall.

^^^ Did anyone understand this?  I didn't.

All I was saying IMHO:
is that the overall speed of Wartburg is the fastest in D3.  Everybody who plays them says "they are fast.
The linemen are huge 6'4-6'5 - extremely fast and strong.  The best offensive line I have ever seen in D3.  On one play they pushed st Thomas d lineman to the back of the end zone.  These factors make me to believe they will give UWW a hard time.  That is why I have Wartburg beating UWW in a very close game.  We shall see next week. 
The other reference was to them beating St Johns who was giving teams trouble because of their speed.
I have watched these two teams as much as Wheaton this year.  I posted about both their teams speed a month or more ago.

Regarding your observations/comments/opinion on Wartburg's linemen.  That is really saying something if they are as good as you mention-and I'm certainly not saying you are wrong.  Obviously, I have not seen them play.  The best DIII line I have personally ever seen, either as a player, coach or spectator, has been the Mount Union 2001 team (with the University of Indianapolis 1977 line a close second).  The Mount Union Stagg Bowl lines that year were huge and fast.  However, Wartburg's line sounds most impressive from your description and if they continue their current performance, I can't imagine they won't be able to give UWW some real problems.  Perhaps this is the year for Wartburg.  UWW is a great team, of course.   

[MasterJedi]

No offense to either UMU or UWW, but for this week I am a JCU and Wartburg fan.  I have doubts either WILL do it, but have no doubts that both COULD do it.  (I currently have them at #5 and #6 on my fan ballot.)

I have Wartburg at a slight advantage.
They will win the line of scrimmage and they just beat the second fastest team in d3 they are the fastest overall.

^^^ Did anyone understand this?  I didn't.

All I was saying IMHO:
is that the overall speed of Wartburg is the fastest in D3.  Everybody who plays them says "they are fast.
The linemen are huge 6'4-6'5 - extremely fast and strong.  The best offensive line I have ever seen in D3.  On one play they pushed st Thomas d lineman to the back of the end zone.  These factors make me to believe they will give UWW a hard time.  That is why I have Wartburg beating UWW in a very close game.  We shall see next week. 
The other reference was to them beating St Johns who was giving teams trouble because of their speed.
I have watched these two teams as much as Wheaton this year.  I posted about both their teams speed a month or more ago.

While it's certainly possible that Wartburg is really fast, I can't really believe they're as fast or as strong as the UWW, UMU, UMHB, Wesley and Linfield level yet until I see it, but as I said, it's certainly possible. Wartburg will also be playing the best team they have all year and the most complete with a great QB and the best WR in D3 football, who so far has been uncoverable.

Now, not to say that Wartburg can't win, because they are a great team in their own right and have a great chance to do it, but I still think they lose by 14-21. Also, this is not the board to talk about this either, this is the UMU/JCU death match board this week!