FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[shepherd]

It also seems to really overstate D3 RB height. Maybe this is just a mount union thing, but their stereotypical back is usually around 5'7 175.

There are nine RB's currently listed on Mount's roster.

5-10
5-6
6-0
5-7
5-10
5-9
6-0
5-11
6-0

Precisely two of them are (listed) shorter than 5-9.  So you might want to rethink the use of "typical" there. 

I have my own doubts about the validity of the study data, but I think it's a fairly reasonable characterization.  My sample is a bit of a convenience sample, but in 43 varsity games against 20 different opponents (one perk, if you will, of playing in a small conference was that we played against a lot of different teams over the years), I'd venture that the opposition's primary RB was between 5'9" and 6'0" in at least 35 of those games.  Offhand, I can only think of two specific instances where we played against an RB that was definitely shorter than 5'8" who was the primary ballcarrier (Wesley 2004 and Gettysburg 2007).  In four years, I played with five RB's who saw 50+ rushing attempts in at least one season and all were between 5'10" and 6'0" tall.  That, also, is anecdotal, and there are surely plenty of 5'8" and 5'9" backs in Division III, but there are also plenty of 5'10" and 5'11" ones.

Since someone will no doubt misinterpret this, I'm not saying "short backs can't be good" - I am saying that the typical D3 running back height of 5'10" seems about right to me, and I'm surprised someone would think 5'7" is "typical" because Mount has had a few short ones of late.

You believe roster height.  They are a pack of TALL exaggerations.  Subtract 1-2" for the real height.
Heck lets do a test and take the D3 NFL players height in D3 vs the NFL.  They seem to shrink 1-2".

[Raiderplaybyplay]

Ok, football talk time.  What does Mount have to do to win the game?  What concerns do you have with Wesley?  Only 3 days, might as well generate some talk about what looks like it could be a real good game.

For Mount to win the game they must:

1. Open the playbook

2. Use Nemeth more at RB with quick hit running plays and control the temp  of the game when they
     have the ball, no huddle.

3. The Oline needs to give K. Burke time, minimal sacks.

4. Use all the WR's to keep the Wesley D honest.

5. On defense, crowd the line, since Wesley will throw 80% of the time.

6. Cover #88 like a blanket, but do not lose track of the other receivers at all times.

7. Play with controlled emotions and keep the penalties to a minimum for 4 quarters.

8. Keep the turnovers to none if possible, good decisions, since Wesley have scored a lot off TO's

Wesley will try to do many of  the same things. There are fast like Mount, have top receivers and a top QB. Although J.
Callahan does not run  much 134 yds in 13 games, he is more mobile than M. Myers. They will try to keep their penalties
at a minimum, but their high emotion could have an impact with penalties. The winner of this game will be the team that plays
smart, since they are both very talented.

Though this might be the best Wesley team to make the trip to Alliance, I'm strangely not too worried.

Last year's game was a shootout, but some of Wesley's score were on pretty sloppy plays, blown coverage late in the game etc.Mount's older, battle tested more mentally tough defense should be able to eliminate those and if they can play as well as they did against JCU should be able to keep the Wesley offense in check.

On the other side, the Purple Raiders shredded the Wesley Defense last year and this year that defense has to deal with Two new offensive threats in Namdar and Taurice Scott.

It'll be a story of which Defense has improved more and which one comes to play.

Mount Union 42 , Wesley 21

[reality check]

Thanks d3db.

desertraider

I believe she had someone in mind or she hoped to bring in but the job sat unclaimed for five months.  One of the only reasons cited was a desire for an on-campus coach.  Never was I asked about moving over as a teacher.  The new guy is also off-campus.  So clearly the plan changed or was all BS.  I was also notified I wasn't returning via email.  Class act all the way.  LOL.

[thewaterboy]

Raiderplaybyplay's statements can be applied to both teams. Both these teams are equally battle-tested, and Mount isnt necessarily more experienced. Some of Mount scores were "sloppy" too. The punt return TD, and Mitchell's first TD of the game come to mind where our safety was totally out of position (either way I really don't think you can say any of the scores are sloppy when it comes to teams of this caliber). The Raider D got shredded too, maybe even moreso.

Some of those blown coverages resulted when Callahan was able to extend the play when things broke down and the receivers did a nice job of getting open. He's not a runner like Burke, but has a very uncanny knack for avoiding pressure. The commentator at UNC-Charlotte called him "Houdini."

[DE Wesley Fan]

Ok, football talk time.  What does Mount have to do to win the game?  What concerns do you have with Wesley?  Only 3 days, might as well generate some talk about what looks like it could be a real good game.

For Mount to win the game they must:

1. Open the playbook

2. Use Nemeth more at RB with quick hit running plays and control the temp  of the game when they
     have the ball, no huddle.

3. The Oline needs to give K. Burke time, minimal sacks.

4. Use all the WR's to keep the Wesley D honest.

5. On defense, crowd the line, since Wesley will throw 80% of the time.

6. Cover #88 like a blanket, but do not lose track of the other receivers at all times.

7. Play with controlled emotions and keep the penalties to a minimum for 4 quarters.

8. Keep the turnovers to none if possible, good decisions, since Wesley have scored a lot off TO's

Wesley will try to do many of  the same things. There are fast like Mount, have top receivers and a top QB. Although J.
Callahan does not run  much 134 yds in 13 games, he is more mobile than M. Myers. They will try to keep their penalties
at a minimum, but their high emotion could have an impact with penalties. The winner of this game will be the team that plays
smart, since they are both very talented.

True, Callahan doesn't run much but when he does you won't find a tougher, more determined running QB.  He's done a good job all year of moving around to keep plays alive, sliding away from pressure to give our receivers more time to get free but isn't afraid to lower his shoulder and run over somebody when needed.  Our offensive line started coming together late last year and has done a very good job this year, both of protecting the QB and opening up holes for an improved running game.  Need to stop the stupid false starts and not get caught holding though.  Looking forward to a great game.

[Raiderplaybyplay]

Raiderplaybyplay's statements can be applied to both teams. Both these teams are equally battle-tested, and Mount isnt necessarily more experienced. Some of Mount scores were "sloppy" too. The punt return TD, and Mitchell's first TD of the game come to mind where our safety was totally out of position (either way I really don't think you can say any of the scores are sloppy when it comes to teams of this caliber). The Raider D got shredded too, maybe even moreso.

Some of those blown coverages resulted when Callahan was able to extend the play when things broke down and the receivers did a nice job of getting open. He's not a runner like Burke, but has a very uncanny knack for avoiding pressure. The commentator at UNC-Charlotte called him "Houdini."

That's true, I've got to try and keep my bias in check. If it wasn't for JCU twice this year I'd even argue that Wesley is more battle tested with a tougher schedule especially with that FCS game on their schedule. Not to mention the fact that Wesley has been in this position before and certainly won't be intimidated by coming to "the machine".

However, I don't see any way they'll be able to stop Mount's offense, but I can see Mount's Defense stepping up. It'll be a good game, but not as close as last week's IMO.

[SaintsFAN]

Thanks d3db.

desertraider

I believe she had someone in mind or she hoped to bring in but the job sat unclaimed for five months.  One of the only reasons cited was a desire for an on-campus coach.  Never was I asked about moving over as a teacher.  The new guy is also off-campus.  So clearly the plan changed or was all BS.  I was also notified I wasn't returning via email.  Class act all the way.  LOL.

OK, despite you being a CJ grad... I like you.  So as a result, I'm going to give you some advice:  GET OUT OF ARIZONA, dude.  Seriously.  You got screwed in football also.  I know you're a good coach -- because you care.  And because you care, you have been in a couple crappy situations.  I know coaching can be a transient life until you get settled and thats my point -- take this as a lesson and get out of Arizona.  I don't want to disparage the people of Arizona, but look around you.  You're not in the Midwest.  Look at the crime reports in Phoenix -- I know because I sold police equipment in the West and besides CA, by far my biggest accounts were in the Phoenix Metro area.  Places like Maryvale and Sun City are downright scary and you have a growing family.  Yes, you live way outside of the Metro area but with the Cartels coming across the border -- now is the time to get out of AZ for the Schreels.  I'm serious.

[SaintsFAN]

Though this might be the best Wesley team to make the trip to Alliance, I'm strangely not too worried.

Last year's game was a shootout, but some of Wesley's score were on pretty sloppy plays, blown coverage late in the game etc.Mount's older, battle tested more mentally tough defense should be able to eliminate those and if they can play as well as they did against JCU should be able to keep the Wesley offense in check.

On the other side, the Purple Raiders shredded the Wesley Defense last year and this year that defense has to deal with Two new offensive threats in Namdar and Taurice Scott.

It'll be a story of which Defense has improved more and which one comes to play.

Mount Union 42 , Wesley 21

I think alot of people would also say the 31-0 spread after 15 minutes was mostly self-inflicted wounds on the part of Wesley.  Yes, Mount had to capitalize on them but 2 out of their 3 possessions started deep in Wesley territory as a result of turnovers.  Callahan threw two picks - one returned for a TD and the other set them up for business.  Of course, there was the opening play 67 yard TD run by Mitchell.  There was also a drive that started at the Wesley 23 (resulted in a TD) and the Wesley 14 (FG).  I think we can all agree it was an awful start by the Wesley group.

I get that Mount has great weapons at WR -- as does Wesley (and I think Wesley has gone 1's vs 1's this week in practice to try to simulate what Mount is going to bring).  I think the defensive backfield, which has been very well represented on the South Region team, has the experience with 6 seniors on the two deep at the DB positions and 3 senior LBs.  I think it will be the match up of Mount Union WR's vs Wesley Secondary is the 2nd most important match up for Mount Union in this game. 

Also of interest is the leaders on the team in PBU's is Petrose (at 6'4'')and Rose (at 6'3'').  They have 29 knocked down passes between them.  So on the plays when they aren't able to get to the QB -- they get their hands up.  Not only does the Mount offensive line need to protect Burke well -- they are also going to be responsible for creating the lanes Burke will need to deliver the ball. 


I think this game will come down to whether or not Wesley will have another quarter like that.  IMO - Mount usually has one quarter where they bury the opposing team.  Last year, Wesley came back from that and made it a game.  So which Wesley team shows up?

Ric and Gross are right:  If Mount is within a score at the end, Burke has the uncanny ability to will Mount to wins.  He's only lost to Whitewater.  I wouldn't bet against him despite my feelings about Wesley's defense.  In the end, I think we see a thriller -- with some drama much like UMHB in 2012.   44-42  -- I'm just not sure who wins.

[Dr. Acula]

The 2nd half of last year's Wesley game may have been the worst half of defensive football I've seen Mount play in 20 years.  Callahan carved them up.  It looked like a video game.  Let's start with avoiding anything resembling that.  I think playing JCU last week was great preparation for Wesley.  Obviously there are differences, but they're both offenses centered around their outstanding pocket QB and his deep WR corps.

[reality check]

Saintsfan

Unfortunately the wife has great job security because of all that stuff you just mentioned.  She works in the forensics unit at Mesa PD.  And she makes bank and I'm the poor teacher/coach.  We've looked at moving back numerous times but she would be taking major paycuts and the cost of living doesn't necessarily jive.  We will see I suppose.

[Craft_Beermeister]

The Wesley QB is not what you would call a running quarterback, Mount must get pressure on him.  Wesley on the hand needs to bottle up Burke and commit to spying on him which is a risk because it leaves less people for coverage, but other than turnovers IMO these are the keys to each teams primary needs other than protecting the ball.

Last year Wesley passed about 73% of their plays.  Mainly because we couldn't stop them.  They run ok but that is not their strength.  Mount needs to make them run.  Sounds kind of backwards but I think that is the case this week.

I missed the Mount Union Wesley game last year because I was flying back from a business trip to Poland, but I do remember when I landed in US I was able to get a score which was probably late in 3rd quarter or early 4th and Mount was ahead comfortably I thought.  Get is cell reception or WFI in busy airports is very hit and miss so i wasn't able to get frequent updates but when I did it seemed like some wild scoring going on.  I'll be there Saturday with my eyes glued on the action.  It should be a great game between two great teams that have slugged it out 3 times in the past.

Wesley getting behind early by a significant margin surely impacted the amount of passing plays Wesley ran last year and I expect they will try for a little more balance this year. 

[wesleydad]

Though this might be the best Wesley team to make the trip to Alliance, I'm strangely not too worried.

Last year's game was a shootout, but some of Wesley's score were on pretty sloppy plays, blown coverage late in the game etc.Mount's older, battle tested more mentally tough defense should be able to eliminate those and if they can play as well as they did against JCU should be able to keep the Wesley offense in check.

On the other side, the Purple Raiders shredded the Wesley Defense last year and this year that defense has to deal with Two new offensive threats in Namdar and Taurice Scott.

It'll be a story of which Defense has improved more and which one comes to play.

Mount Union 42 , Wesley 21

Looking at the Mount/JCU games.  Mount 33.5 - 26.  So if Wesley has a better defense than JCU and I believe they do then Mount getting to about 30 is ok with me.  If Wesley has a better offense than JCU and I again believe they do than Wesley getting to 30 is also well within the realm of possibility.  I know that JCU has the familiarity with Mount going for them, but by now I think Wesley is pretty familiar with Mount too.  This game could end up a blowout as these type of games sometimes do, but I would be stunned if either team wins by 21.  If Wesley keeps Mount under 30, and I do think that is possible then I really like their chances because I think they can get into the 30's.

At least we are talking about the football game now.

[emma17]

Ok, football talk time.  What does Mount have to do to win the game?  What concerns do you have with Wesley?  Only 3 days, might as well generate some talk about what looks like it could be a real good game.

As for Wesley- it's the same answer it's always been- make Mt beat you.
The incredible amount of unforced errors that teams commit vs Mt is flabbergasting. Don't get me wrong Mt fans- Mt is to be credited w a tremendous amount of forced mistakes.
Eliminate the self inflicted wounds (dropped snaps/fumbled exchanges, stupid penalties, forced throws, etc) so that you don't lose the field position game-especially in the first quarter.

IMO if Wesley forces Mt to beat them by playing smart this should be a heck of a game.

[PurpleSuit]

Sounds like Mount has never seen a team like Wesley before....sounds familiar

Hopefully the Wolverines will make enough mistakes so Mount can have a shot at winning on Saturday.  I can't believe how lucky Mount has been to play so many games against teams not playing smart football.  It's flabbergasting

[emma17]

Sounds like Mount has never seen a team like Wesley before....sounds familiar

Hopefully the Wolverines will make enough mistakes so Mount can have a shot at winning on Saturday.  I can't believe how lucky Mount has been to play so many games against teams not playing smart football.  It's flabbergasting

Come on now, that's not what I'm talking about.  Besides, we know how it works out when you drop the ol Mt. hasn't seen a team like you know who before.

You were the one last year, if I recall, that was all about teams peeing down their legs in fear of Mt. 
Mt is great enough on their own that they don't need help from the competition making stupid mistakes.  That's all I'm saying.  To have a chance at Mt, eliminate the unforced errors because Mt is too good at forcing them.