FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[bluestreak66]

JCU with the ugly win today. But a win's a win!

[ohiofan1954]

JCU with the ugly win today. But a win's a win!

No a  ugly win is either Ohio's win over Marshall or a even worse game, Ohio's win over Southeastern Louisiana. Those were painful to watch.

[Spurrier]

Think I might be bad luck...tough loss...enjoyed spending time with great family and friends...go polar bears

[Dr. Acula]

JV Raiders won at W&J today.  40-16 final.

[Dr. Acula]

I only listened to the first half, so I guess these are abbreviated thoughts about the Musky game:

This is really odd to say about a game that was 42-0 at the half, but for some reason I didn't feel like the passing game was razor sharp.  Just sounded like it was off a little.  The running game sounded great with Mitchell and Nemeth both ripping off yardage in chunks.  Mitchell is almost unfair against the lower tier teams.  The line gives him a hole and then you have him in space against guys who are just not on his level of athleticism.  Sam Bourquin dropped a couple "Wow" and "Holy cow" lines so I'm guessing it was vintage Mitchell out there.

The defense continues to overwhelm lesser opponents.  You really can't ask for anything more.  Lally sounded like he was a disruptive force again this week.  A guy I heard mentioned a couple times that was new to me was DL Elijah Berry.  His quick first step getting him in the backfield was pointed out several times.

On a big picture level, my concern after watching the JCU/Berg game is how much anyone is going to push this defense during the regular season.  Berg looked decent (Lacey specifically), but they are certainly not on the level they've been the last couple of years offensively.  I would be surprised if they score more than 14 points against Mount.  And JCU honestly didn't look a ton better.  Pruitt is definitely a good RB.  Schaefer was kind of hot and cold throwing the ball, IMO.  He had some really bad throws, but then he also had throws like the eventual game winner to Howell that was an absolute strike from 37 yards.  Howell is really good and they have a couple big TE's who can catch and run so they definitely have some talent.  But the outcomes against St. Vincent and Berg have me worried about their ability to put up big numbers like they have recently. 

[flaballcoach]

If you look at the totality of D3 players that have made an NFL roster in the last 15 years I think by position it has been dominated by receivers.  Linemen are generally shorter or lighter than most NFL players at those positions where size is helpful at receiver but there are plenty of small receivers that have been successful.  I think quarterbacks other than Johnny football and Drew Brees are pretty much 6 2" or greater.  Linebackers and D-Backs are also places where the best of D3 can also make it a bit easier.  Quarterbacks are such a longshot that even the best from D3 usually just get a passing look and that is all with the exception of Ballard but that was the mid nineties also.

If an athlete is playing d3 , in all likelihood the NFL will never be an option for over 99% + of them, even at the elite schools such as Whitewater, MU etc. . The kids playing football at this level are playing because they love the game... They love playing football and this was their chance to do what they love for 4 more years beyond high school. I am often times amazed that given that, the above mentioned get so many athletes. I understand the attraction of a winning program, but, again these kids are looking to PLAY the game they love not WATCH someone else play ahead of them for 3 and maybe 4 years......bottom line...you are not going to the league, you love being on that field PLAYING, and there are MANY d3 schools that offer a great education so why not go where you can get on the field and play.

[Desertraider]

If you look at the totality of D3 players that have made an NFL roster in the last 15 years I think by position it has been dominated by receivers.  Linemen are generally shorter or lighter than most NFL players at those positions where size is helpful at receiver but there are plenty of small receivers that have been successful.  I think quarterbacks other than Johnny football and Drew Brees are pretty much 6 2" or greater.  Linebackers and D-Backs are also places where the best of D3 can also make it a bit easier.  Quarterbacks are such a longshot that even the best from D3 usually just get a passing look and that is all with the exception of Ballard but that was the mid nineties also.

If an athlete is playing d3 , in all likelihood the NFL will never be an option for over 99% + of them, even at the elite schools such as Whitewater, MU etc. . The kids playing football at this level are playing because they love the game... They love playing football and this was their chance to do what they love for 4 more years beyond high school. I am often times amazed that given that, the above mentioned get so many athletes. I understand the attraction of a winning program, but, again these kids are looking to PLAY the game they love not WATCH someone else play ahead of them for 3 and maybe 4 years......bottom line...you are not going to the league, you love being on that field PLAYING, and there are MANY d3 schools that offer a great education so why not go where you can get on the field and play.

I agree with what you are saying but it sounds (and I want to emphasize "sounds") like you are saying MU, UWW, etc. don't offer great educations as well. I have had a number of players over the years at Mount say that they didn't just want to play meaningful games (i.e. playoffs) - they wanted to play them and win. That they didn't mind sitting for a couple of years if they had to and that the reason they didn't mind was that the education was worth it. Mount tends to get mentioned like a "football factory" - but it isn't. The education is always first - and is top notch. (Any back-up Aprof?)

[flaballcoach]

You're right never said it and NEVER thought that either. I am a big fan of both.
I know the education at both is top notch but there are others as well that offer more of an opportunity to get on field. That's all. Especially for the kids that would never really see any significant playing time over the entire 4 years. Remember what they say when you assume anything.

[Raider 68]

It will be interested to see the spread for the B-W vs. JCU game at B-W.

[bceagle80]

If you look at the totality of D3 players that have made an NFL roster in the last 15 years I think by position it has been dominated by receivers.  Linemen are generally shorter or lighter than most NFL players at those positions where size is helpful at receiver but there are plenty of small receivers that have been successful.  I think quarterbacks other than Johnny football and Drew Brees are pretty much 6 2" or greater.  Linebackers and D-Backs are also places where the best of D3 can also make it a bit easier.  Quarterbacks are such a longshot that even the best from D3 usually just get a passing look and that is all with the exception of Ballard but that was the mid nineties also.

If an athlete is playing d3 , in all likelihood the NFL will never be an option for over 99% + of them, even at the elite schools such as Whitewater, MU etc. . The kids playing football at this level are playing because they love the game... They love playing football and this was their chance to do what they love for 4 more years beyond high school. I am often times amazed that given that, the above mentioned get so many athletes. I understand the attraction of a winning program, but, again these kids are looking to PLAY the game they love not WATCH someone else play ahead of them for 3 and maybe 4 years......bottom line...you are not going to the league, you love being on that field PLAYING, and there are MANY d3 schools that offer a great education so why not go where you can get on the field and play.

My son chose Mount Union for many reasons. There are many players at the D3 level who had multiple options at D1A, D1AA and the D2 level as well. One reason he chose Mount Union is the fact the financial package at Mount Union was better than 2 D2 schools. He also was invited to walk on at 3 D1 schools. He chose Mount Union because it had the majors he is interested in. The fact they have a winning football program was part of equation but the only factor. In many ways, Mount Union is very similar to many higher athletic level schools at least in football.

In addition, the kids who play D1 love football too. They just happen to have more of the characteristics that define D1 recruits & athletes than many athletes at D2 & D3 schools.

Many players have many goals from whatever football program they play. My son wanted to be wirh a winning program no matter what level he played. Every school he considered had a winning season last year. He wanted a school he could play the game at but also wanted to earn his playing time at the same school against teammates that were better than just good. He could have gone to many other D3 programs and had a better chance to earn playing time. Most football players who play in college have healthy egos and want to be the very best. In order to be the best, must beat the best.

All this said, it is not impossible to play D3 and play in the NFL. It's just more difficult.

[ExTartanPlayer]

Berg looked decent (Lacey specifically), but they are certainly not on the level they've been the last couple of years offensively.

This really can't be emphasized enough.  Berg had a four-year starter at QB, an All-American RB and a WR who is now playing in the NFL and couldn't dent the Mount / JCU defenses last year when it counted.  I find it hard to believe that they're going to find another level this year. 

[Desertraider]

You're right never said it and NEVER thought that either. I am a big fan of both.
I know the education at both is top notch but there are others as well that offer more of an opportunity to get on field. That's all. Especially for the kids that would never really see any significant playing time over the entire 4 years. Remember what they say when you assume anything.

Not to nit-pick but I didn't assume. I stated it "sounds" and placed an emphasis on that. Had I assumed that is what you were saying I would have simply tore into the post. I guess what I am saying is...never assume anything was assumed.  Back to regular broadcasting.

[flaballcoach]

If you look at the totality of D3 players that have made an NFL roster in the last 15 years I think by position it has been dominated by receivers.  Linemen are generally shorter or lighter than most NFL players at those positions where size is helpful at receiver but there are plenty of small receivers that have been successful.  I think quarterbacks other than Johnny football and Drew Brees are pretty much 6 2" or greater.  Linebackers and D-Backs are also places where the best of D3 can also make it a bit easier.  Quarterbacks are such a longshot that even the best from D3 usually just get a passing look and that is all with the exception of Ballard but that was the mid nineties also.

If an athlete is playing d3 , in all likelihood the NFL will never be an option for over 99% + of them, even at the elite schools such as Whitewater, MU etc. . The kids playing football at this level are playing because they love the game... They love playing football and this was their chance to do what they love for 4 more years beyond high school. I am often times amazed that given that, the above mentioned get so many athletes. I understand the attraction of a winning program, but, again these kids are looking to PLAY the game they love not WATCH someone else play ahead of them for 3 and maybe 4 years......bottom line...you are not going to the league, you love being on that field PLAYING, and there are MANY d3 schools that offer a great education so why not go where you can get on the field and play.

My son chose Mount Union for many reasons. There are many players at the D3 level who had multiple options at D1A, D1AA and the D2 level as well. One reason he chose Mount Union is the fact the financial package at Mount Union was better than 2 D2 schools. He also was invited to walk on at 3 D1 schools. He chose Mount Union because it had the majors he is interested in. The fact they have a winning football program was part of equation but the only factor. In many ways, Mount Union is very similar to many higher athletic level schools at least in football.

In addition, the kids who play D1 love football too. They just happen to have more of the characteristics that define D1 recruits & athletes than many athletes at D2 & D3 schools.

Many players have many goals from whatever football program they play. My son wanted to be wirh a winning program no matter what level he played. Every school he considered had a winning season last year. He wanted a school he could play the game at but also wanted to earn his playing time at the same school against teammates that were better than just good. He could have gone to many other D3 programs and had a better chance to earn playing time. Most football players who play in college have healthy egos and want to be the very best. In order to be the best, must beat the best.

All this said, it is not impossible to play D3 and play in the NFL. It's just more difficult.

Estimated number of athletes playing d3 football in 2012:  17,000
Number of former d3 football players in NFL in 2012:  16
Not impossible, but people here who are smarter than l can do the math.
I'm a coach.....I played d1 ball and l know the value of competition with peers as opponents and as teammates.As a player l never was on a National Championship team, but l would not trade my experiences as a player, the lessons l learned, and the lifetime friends l made where l went to school for anything. Winning is great and it something any athlete worth his sweat strives for, but it isn't the only thing. The best lessons from playing football as they apply to life go far beyond winning and losing on a scoreboard.
As a coach l want to see kids have the opportunity to get on that field and play.l also am a realist.

[flaballcoach]

You're right never said it and NEVER thought that either. I am a big fan of both.
I know the education at both is top notch but there are others as well that offer more of an opportunity to get on field. That's all. Especially for the kids that would never really see any significant playing time over the entire 4 years. Remember what they say when you assume anything.

Not to nit-pick but I didn't assume. I stated it "sounds" and placed an emphasis on that. Had I assumed that is what you were saying I would have simply tore into the post. I guess what I am saying is...never assume anything was assumed.  Back to regular broadcasting.

No further assumptions made. 

[Pat Coleman]

If you look at the totality of D3 players that have made an NFL roster in the last 15 years I think by position it has been dominated by receivers.  Linemen are generally shorter or lighter than most NFL players at those positions where size is helpful at receiver but there are plenty of small receivers that have been successful.  I think quarterbacks other than Johnny football and Drew Brees are pretty much 6 2" or greater.  Linebackers and D-Backs are also places where the best of D3 can also make it a bit easier.  Quarterbacks are such a longshot that even the best from D3 usually just get a passing look and that is all with the exception of Ballard but that was the mid nineties also.

If an athlete is playing d3 , in all likelihood the NFL will never be an option for over 99% + of them, even at the elite schools such as Whitewater, MU etc. . The kids playing football at this level are playing because they love the game... They love playing football and this was their chance to do what they love for 4 more years beyond high school. I am often times amazed that given that, the above mentioned get so many athletes. I understand the attraction of a winning program, but, again these kids are looking to PLAY the game they love not WATCH someone else play ahead of them for 3 and maybe 4 years......bottom line...you are not going to the league, you love being on that field PLAYING, and there are MANY d3 schools that offer a great education so why not go where you can get on the field and play.

My son chose Mount Union for many reasons. There are many players at the D3 level who had multiple options at D1A, D1AA and the D2 level as well. One reason he chose Mount Union is the fact the financial package at Mount Union was better than 2 D2 schools. He also was invited to walk on at 3 D1 schools. He chose Mount Union because it had the majors he is interested in. The fact they have a winning football program was part of equation but the only factor. In many ways, Mount Union is very similar to many higher athletic level schools at least in football.

In addition, the kids who play D1 love football too. They just happen to have more of the characteristics that define D1 recruits & athletes than many athletes at D2 & D3 schools.

Many players have many goals from whatever football program they play. My son wanted to be wirh a winning program no matter what level he played. Every school he considered had a winning season last year. He wanted a school he could play the game at but also wanted to earn his playing time at the same school against teammates that were better than just good. He could have gone to many other D3 programs and had a better chance to earn playing time. Most football players who play in college have healthy egos and want to be the very best. In order to be the best, must beat the best.

All this said, it is not impossible to play D3 and play in the NFL. It's just more difficult.

Estimated number of athletes playing d3 football in 2012:  17,000
Number of former d3 football players in NFL in 2012:  16
Not impossible, but people here who are smarter than l can do the math.
I'm a coach.....I played d1 ball and l know the value of competition with peers as opponents and as teammates.As a player l never was on a National Championship team, but l would not trade my experiences as a player, the lessons l learned, and the lifetime friends l made where l went to school for anything. Winning is great and it something any athlete worth his sweat strives for, but it isn't the only thing. The best lessons from playing football as they apply to life go far beyond winning and losing on a scoreboard.
As a coach l want to see kids have the opportunity to get on that field and play.l also am a realist.

The math is worse than that -- we have about 25,000 people playing Division III football, and those 16 players represent the best pro players from multiple D-III graduating classes.