FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[HScoach]

In my less than humble opinion the deciding factor in the Stagg is the Mount O and D line play.   I don't expect Mount to win the LOS battle, they never do against UWW, they just need to compete and not get dominated at the point of attack.   If UWW has a slight advantage up front, Mount wins because of their skill people.   If UWW manhandles the Mount lines, it won't matter what Burke does offensively or how much better the Mount secondary is.   

[jaypeter]

Completely agree, HSCoach.  I don't remember as clearly back to the years that Mount was winning these matchups, but certainly UWW's lines have been the biggest factor the last number of years.  Outside of the last game, I haven't heard much conversation about Mount Union's lines being particularly great.  I haven't heard they're bad--it's more of a situation of no news.  My concern is that I haven't heard kudos being sent their way.

I'm a nervous fan by nature, and rarely feel confident going into a big game, but I've seen this play before...Mount Union rolls through most of the playoffs with maybe one close game, UWW wins by 1 or 2 scores most of the way, and then UWW wins the Stagg Bowl in a game that isn't quite as close as the final score may indicate.  I think one year UWW won by 10, but Mount Union scored all their points in about a 5 minute span or so and were shut out the rest of the game (2010?).  But UWW stayed calm, stuck to their game plan, and pulled away in the 4th and the game to me never felt that close. 

My fear is the same type of game again this year. Last time I felt confident going into the Stagg was 07.  Yeah, that worked well for me.  Before that, it was after my Giants beat Minnesota 41-0 in the NFC Championship.  I was positive they could score enough on the Ravens defense to outscore Trent Dilfer.  Giants didn't score a point on offense. 

[SaintsFAN]

MUC 57.....I think Saints Fan has an unbiased view of who/what/where Mount is at this point.  Where do you get that SF indicated Mount was "bad"?  That is just flat out wrong, and has no basis in reality. 

This.  Come on, 57.  I have all the respect in the world for Mount Union's program -- go ahead, ask around.  HScoach, skunkssidekick and even Ric know the respect that I have for what has been accomplished in Alliance.  That said, this year's version of the Purple Raiders are very much driven by what happened last year (52-14).  You see it in VK's defensive adjustments, that Pat and I talked about after the game Saturday.  You see it in VK's answers to questions about his defense in Ryan Tipps' article today on the front page.  You see it in the way the individual players have worked hard to be better players, like Tre Jones.  I respect ALL of that and wish for that mindset to become the norm at my alma mater. 

But like skunkssidekick and HScoach have said -- this comes down to the big uglies on the lines.  If this was a 7 on 7 skelly drill on Friday night, Mount Union would be able to name the score.  But there are linemen involved.  Linemen of Scandinavian Descent who populate the state of Wisconsin. 

I don't know what happens on Friday night, for my friends at Mount Union -- I hope its a big win.  But as skunkssidekick said, I'm completely unbiased.  He probably laughed at me (on the inside out of being polite) when I sat at Pancho's eating breakfast and talking about how big of an opportunity it was for a great Wesley team - mostly because I drank the kool aid on their skill people.   I should've saved time and just ate my words instead of the omlette. 

I do think it will be just like HScoach said -- one of those two scenarios.  The other thing NOBODY is talking about is how opportunistic the Purple Raider defense is -- they are fast and have playmakers everywhere on the field and all over their two-deep.  Look, if they force a couple early turnovers -- and the OL gives Burke time, Whitewater is in serious trouble.  The best timing for such a "Mount Union run" in my opinoin would be the late 2nd Quarter.  I feel they need to make Whitewater one-dimensional. 

Thats my unbiased line of thought for how Mount can win this game. 

Are they the (slight) underdog?  Yes.  Can they win?  Yes

[wesleydad]

MUC 57.....I think Saints Fan has an unbiased view of who/what/where Mount is at this point.  Where do you get that SF indicated Mount was "bad"?  That is just flat out wrong, and has no basis in reality. 

This.  Come on, 57.  I have all the respect in the world for Mount Union's program -- go ahead, ask around.  HScoach, skunkssidekick and even Ric know the respect that I have for what has been accomplished in Alliance.  That said, this year's version of the Purple Raiders are very much driven by what happened last year (52-14).  You see it in VK's defensive adjustments, that Pat and I talked about after the game Saturday.  You see it in VK's answers to questions about his defense in Ryan Tipps' article today on the front page.  You see it in the way the individual players have worked hard to be better players, like Tre Jones.  I respect ALL of that and wish for that mindset to become the norm at my alma mater. 

But like skunkssidekick and HScoach have said -- this comes down to the big uglies on the lines.  If this was a 7 on 7 skelly drill on Friday night, Mount Union would be able to name the score.  But there are linemen involved.  Linemen of Scandinavian Descent who populate the state of Wisconsin. 

I don't know what happens on Friday night, for my friends at Mount Union -- I hope its a big win.  But as skunkssidekick said, I'm completely unbiased.  He probably laughed at me (on the inside out of being polite) when I sat at Pancho's eating breakfast and talking about how big of an opportunity it was for a great Wesley team - mostly because I drank the kool aid on their skill people.   I should've saved time and just ate my words instead of the omlette. 

I do think it will be just like HScoach said -- one of those two scenarios.  The other thing NOBODY is talking about is how opportunistic the Purple Raider defense is -- they are fast and have playmakers everywhere on the field and all over their two-deep.  Look, if they force a couple early turnovers -- and the OL gives Burke time, Whitewater is in serious trouble.  The best timing for such a "Mount Union run" in my opinoin would be the late 2nd Quarter.  I feel they need to make Whitewater one-dimensional. 

Thats my unbiased line of thought for how Mount can win this game. 

Are they the (slight) underdog?  Yes.  Can they win?  Yes

I was going to defend Saintsfan, but I can see that was not needed.  All teams have issues that they need to overcome to win a game.  Just because someone points them out does not mean that they think said team stinks.  Some people are way too sensitive when it comes to their team.

[ExTartanPlayer]

I should've saved time and just ate my words instead of the omlette. 

I'm not sure that hot air is a very satisfying breakfast.

You're probably better off with the omelette.  Hopefully there was bacon involved, too.

[wally_wabash]

But there are linemen involved.  Linemen of Scandinavian Descent who populate the state of Wisconsin. 

Probably the omega of any meaningful game analysis right there.  That's the sum total of the whole deal right there.  Whitewater has enormous dudes that (proudly) serve pancakes all day.  If you can't figure out how to not get bulldozed by those guys, you have a shot.  Otherwise, probably not. 

[Raider 68]

In my less than humble opinion the deciding factor in the Stagg is the Mount O and D line play.   I don't expect Mount to win the LOS battle, they never do against UWW, they just need to compete and not get dominated at the point of attack.   If UWW has a slight advantage up front, Mount wins because of their skill people.   If UWW manhandles the Mount lines, it won't matter what Burke does offensively or how much better the Mount secondary is.   

I agree to a point, but unlike 2013 UWW has not blown all these teams out, based upon each of the box scores over the
last 14 games. The Raider Defense is getting back to where it used to be, so the D line and having a good DC has really
helped this year. In 2013, the Raiders did not have as many weapons, an in-experienced O Line and a worn out not
very deep defense. Going into the 2013, UWW was much stronger than the Raiders and it showed in the score.
This year in my very humble opinion UWW is not as strong as 2013 and the Raiders have improved in so many categories.
This game could be like so many of them, a close hard fought game, but I do not believe it will be.

[wally_wabash]

This game could be like so many of them, a close hard fought game, or not close at all.

Sound, solid prediction here.  I think you're going to be right.   

[jaypeter]

This game could be like so many of them, a close hard fought game, or not close at all.

Big, bold statement, there!  The game will either be close or it won't be.  You might almost be maybe starting to get too far out on limb there...or maybe not.   

I can't really say much as I rarely say anything definitive.  Well, except when I do.

[jaypeter]

Wally just beat me to it!

[02 Warhawk]

In my less than humble opinion the deciding factor in the Stagg is the Mount O and D line play.   I don't expect Mount to win the LOS battle, they never do against UWW, they just need to compete and not get dominated at the point of attack.   If UWW has a slight advantage up front, Mount wins because of their skill people.   If UWW manhandles the Mount lines, it won't matter what Burke does offensively or how much better the Mount secondary is.   

I agree to a point, but unlike 2013, UWW has not blown all these teams out, based upon each of the box scores over the
last 14 games. The Raider Defense is getting back to where it used to be, so the D line and having a good DC has really
helped this year. In 2013, the Raiders did not have as many weapons, an in-experienced O Line and a worn out not
very deep defense. Going into the 2013, UWW was much stronger than the Raiders and it showed in the score.
This year in my very humble opinion UWW is not as strong as 2013 and the Raiders have improved in so many categories.
This game could be like so many of them, a close hard fought game, but I do not believe it will be.

UWW struggled in 2013 as well in the playoffs. We had a good chance of losing the MHB, and was down 17-0 to Linfield.

[SaintsFAN]

I should've saved time and just ate my words instead of the omlette. 

I'm not sure that hot air is a very satisfying breakfast.

You're probably better off with the omelette.  Hopefully there was bacon involved, too.

Bacon.  The meat candy.  The answer is YES.

[bceagle80]

Happy Thanksgiving!   

I wish all D3boarders a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Bceagle80 I always enjoy reading your post and the insight you share about your son on the team.  As son being one of the freshman players on the team do they participate in the practices since the end of the regular season?  If so I would think that it would be a positive thing for their continued development, great experience gained from learning how playoff prep is done, and the additional solidarity gained as the further enhance their feelings on being part of a special team.

I woul agree. These young men have worked hard all year and would benefit from continurd work against the varsity. Not all freshman are practicing against the varsity. Some are now into their winter workouts to get bigger, faster, stronger for spring ball and next year. They all get to attend the home games on the sidelines (not in uniform).

bceagle80

When your son was being recruited was the fact that teams like Mount Union yearly go far in the playoffs year after year presenting an opportunity to get in several more weeks of quality practices have any impact in decision process?  Going up against quality players and practicing with them for several weeks has to be a plus.  I just wonder if there was any thoughts about it during recruiting.

I have not had much time to respond. Lots of work happening.

While have been reading and will comment on a few other comments being made, my son did not really see the extra practices as a plus. Looking back, it probably needs to be something new recruits should be aware of when they visit. He really keyed in on the winning tradition, the coaches and the school but necessarily in that order.

[bceagle80]

Got this from coach Jackson at Poteet a while back. Pretty interesting stuff. This is a eight-year study.

DI
QB – 6'3" 200 40–4.6
RB – 6'0" 210 40–4.5
WR – 6'2" 185 40–4.5
OL – 6'4" 285 40–5.1
DE – 6'3" 250 40–4.7
DT – 6'2" 290 40–4.9
LB – 6'1" 225 40–4.6
Corner – 5'11" 180 40–4.5
Safety – 6'0" 200 40–4.6
D2
QB – 6'2" 195 40 – 4.8
RB – 5'11" 190 40 – 4.6
WR – 6'1" 185 40 – 4.6
OL – 6'3" 290 40 – 5.4
DL – 6'3" 250 40 – 5.0
LB – 6'0" 210 40 – 4.7
DB – 5'11" 185 40 – 4.65
D3
QB – 6'0" 175 40 – 4.8
RB – 5'10" 180 40 – 4.7
WR – 6'1" 180 40 – 4.7
OL – 6'2" 275 40 – 5.5
DL – 6'1" 250 40 – 5.2
LB – 5'11" 195 40 – 4.75
DB – 5'10" 180 40 – 4.7

I'm curious how they measured this too. It really looks like d2 and d1 QB heights are a bit high. 

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.

Interesting heights, weights and speeds. I can only speak from my perspective as a former college football player and my son playing at Mount Union. When I played we averaged about 265 lbs. on the starting OL and about 260 on the DL. Speed is a something you can not teach. You can get better times with great technique bit "football" quickness is most important.

Today things are much different. The speed of the game and the quickness displayed by all players  seems to be faster. Mount Union is a school with talent in all positions. This is a credit to Larry and Vince Kehres and the rest of the coaches over a sustained period of time.

My son has DI speed for his position and is very focused on getting bigger, faster and stronger for the coming years. My son was recruited at multiple levels and is extremely pleased to be at Mount Union.

[bceagle80]

In my less than humble opinion the deciding factor in the Stagg is the Mount O and D line play.   I don't expect Mount to win the LOS battle, they never do against UWW, they just need to compete and not get dominated at the point of attack.   If UWW has a slight advantage up front, Mount wins because of their skill people.   If UWW manhandles the Mount lines, it won't matter what Burke does offensively or how much better the Mount secondary is.   

While I agree this game will be won in the trenches, the dynamic system used my Mount Union, and brought to an extreme level of play by Kevin Burke et al, makes it easier to be successful when you are an offensive lineman. The ability of the offense to score early and often will be a key indicator of the direction the game will go. Defensively, I believe taking on the power of the straight ahead blocking schemes I am sure UW-W will use directly is not in the game plan. If their strength is their running game, especially straight ahead blocking, then a coach will seek to use their strength against them. The bigger the offensive lineman are, the less quick they will be. This means Mount Union should use their quickness on the D-line to cause consistent, confusing disruption. I look for Butler and Lally to have the best game they have had thus far in their college careers. Now is the time and Salem, VA at the Stagg Bowl is the place.