FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[jaypeter]

Welcome back, bceagle80!

Your posts reminded me of a question I meant to ask at the beginning of the playoffs but had forgotten to.  I know that roster size is limited for the playoff runs, but is the roster set before the playoff game and is then the same throughout?  Or is there a chance for someone to be added to the playoff roster after they begin providing another player is dropped?

[ExTartanPlayer]

Your posts reminded me of a question I meant to ask at the beginning of the playoffs but had forgotten to.  I know that roster size is limited for the playoff runs, but is the roster set before the playoff game and is then the same throughout?  Or is there a chance for someone to be added to the playoff roster after they begin providing another player is dropped?

I think playoff rosters are set game-by-game, not fixed permanently at the start of the playoffs.

[formerd3db]

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.

That's not really a bold statement there, jaypeter.  Many people (including) myself have used that type of statement in the past when talking about what one might expect for a particular game.  I think everyone knows what is meant by that type of statement is that in a game such as the Stagg Bowls which have pitted UWW-Mount Union, most people would (actually have) expected those to be close games.  Whereas, however, one team ends up unexpectedly blowing someone out (hence the statement it is going to be close OR someone will unexpectedly blow the other out).

Such was the case with Mount Union's massive win and implosion by Wesley last weekend.  I believe that many people thought/envisioned that it was going to be a close game (at least I did), although I know many of the Mount fans thought otherwise.  Anyway, I just thought I'd chime in on the statement because I think we all know what Raider68 meant.  Perhaps when we use that in the future, a better way would be to say a close game is expected, but it will either be that or someone will unexpectedly blow it out.   To be honest, I do not expect a blow-out by either team this week in the Stagg Bowl.  But...who knows?   

[formerd3db]

Your posts reminded me of a question I meant to ask at the beginning of the playoffs but had forgotten to.  I know that roster size is limited for the playoff runs, but is the roster set before the playoff game and is then the same throughout?  Or is there a chance for someone to be added to the playoff roster after they begin providing another player is dropped?

I think playoff rosters are set game-by-game, not fixed permanently at the start of the playoffs.

ETP:

That was my understanding.  At least that is what I was told by one of the NCAA Exec Directors in charge of the Stagg a few years ago.  If that has changed since then, I missed it, although I would be surprised and doubt that it has.  Besides, how would one account for injuries during preceding playoff games?   The injured players would need to be replaced on the roster, right?

[emma17]

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.

Building upon 02's comment R68, I don't think you're on the right track when comparing UWW's offensive production this year to last year.  UWW struggled to put up big points last year and it was absolutely our (UWW fans) concern going into the Stagg Bowl.  You may recall many thought UWW was in trouble after the first round last year when they struggled a bit with St. Norbert. 

IMO the areas to compare are UWW's change in defense and Mt's changes in both D and O.  Think about it, UWW had 4 LB's make All Conference last year, and they run a 4-3 defense.  Those 4 guys played together for 3 years.  UWW lost every one of them this year, plus a couple of their backups.  This UWW LB group is brand spanking new. 

Like you said though, Mt appears to have improved pretty dramatically on both D and O.  We know with certainty Mt is faster and more athletic at receiver than they were last year.  But UWW has faced a lot of super talented Mt receivers.  From my perspective, what helps me make it through the 12 hour drive each way, is I have hope that Mt's dominance is at least equally due to the competition they've played to date.   

[BoBo]

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.

You got your countries and states mixed up. Wisconsin is mainly German descent, while Minnesota is mostly Scandinavian. But, the bottom line is the same: big, ugly, mean dudes who like to play physical.

[wesleydad]

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.

That's not really a bold statement there, jaypeter.  Many people (including) myself have used that type of statement in the past when talking about what one might expect for a particular game.  I think everyone knows what is meant by that type of statement is that in a game such as the Stagg Bowls which have pitted UWW-Mount Union, most people would (actually have) expected those to be close games.  Whereas, however, one team ends up unexpectedly blowing someone out (hence the statement it is going to be close OR someone will unexpectedly blow the other out).

Such was the case with Mount Union's massive win and implosion by Wesley last weekend.  I believe that many people thought/envisioned that it was going to be a close game (at least I did), although I know many of the Mount fans thought otherwise.  Anyway, I just thought I'd chime in on the statement because I think we all know what Raider68 meant.  Perhaps when we use that in the future, a better way would be to say a close game is expected, but it will either be that or someone will unexpectedly blow it out.   To be honest, I do not expect a blow-out by either team this week in the Stagg Bowl.  But...who knows?

We chatted about this at breakfast last week.  While myself, skunkssidekick, and saintsfan all thought the game was going to be close we were well aware that these games that look real good on paper tend to get away from one of the teams and a blowout happens.  That is why we get so excited about a game with top teams playing that actually ends up being a good game.

[bceagle80]

Welcome back, bceagle80!

Your posts reminded me of a question I meant to ask at the beginning of the playoffs but had forgotten to.  I know that roster size is limited for the playoff runs, but is the roster set before the playoff game and is then the same throughout?  Or is there a chance for someone to be added to the playoff roster after they begin providing another player is dropped?

To my knowledge, once the playoff roster is set, then that is it.

[raiderpa]

there have been slight changes each week in the playoff roster.  just two or three players

[ohiofan1954]

With the rumor that Bo Pelini will be announced head coach at Youngstown State tomorrow does anyone believe this will have a adverse affect Mt. Union recruiting?

[Craft_Beermeister]

Good news guys.  Bo Pelini is being confirmed as the new HC at Youngstown State.  So we can kill that speculatory landing spot.  Now that leaves VK to Whitewater.  We'll have to wait and see.   

UMU can keep VK, if we're getting a Kehres we'll take LK! 

You will take what you can get.

[Craft_Beermeister]

With the rumor that Bo Pelini will be announced head coach at Youngstown State tomorrow does anyone believe this will have a adverse affect Mt. Union recruiting?

Probably not much.  Possible recruiting conflict was one of 20 reasons LK wasn't going to YSU, but Kehres and Pellini won't recruit the same type of athletes. 

[pradierguy]

Nice Terry Pluto article on LK & VK http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/index.ssf/2014/12/at_mount_union_larry_kehres_wa.html

[Knight Raider]

Welcome back, bceagle80!

Your posts reminded me of a question I meant to ask at the beginning of the playoffs but had forgotten to.  I know that roster size is limited for the playoff runs, but is the roster set before the playoff game and is then the same throughout?  Or is there a chance for someone to be added to the playoff roster after they begin providing another player is dropped?

To my knowledge, once the playoff roster is set, then that is it.

The playoff roster can change up to 10 minutes before kickoff.

Per quote from D3Football website.
"Starting in 2012, the limit was increased from 52 to 58 players. That list is final 10 minutes before kickoff but can be changed until then. A team can field a different roster in each round, if it desires. Both the home and road team are limited to suiting up 58 players. The team's remaining players cannot be in the team box on the sidelines during the game."

[mr_mom]

Since this week's game is on a Friday, and many of you will be traveling, here is your weekly Friday reminder ... but on a Wednesday.

Let's get those OAC Picks in!

Safe travels to both of the Purple Nations, particularly to our Purple Helmeted Warriors!

Here's to a Great Stagg!!!