FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[hsbsballcoach7]

I didn't realize that freshman QB Matt Lowry got in the game Saturday and ran for 66 yards and his first collegiate TD.  Congratulations to him!  They just stockpile these dual threat QB's it seems.

After watching some of the freshmen highlight films, Lowry was definitely the one that I was most excited about. There is no question that he is an athlete. IMO, he is faster and quicker than any Mount QB I can remember, including Scott. He has a decent arm with some accuracy. My big question is his size because his game seems to be better when he is able to run, if he gets hit a couple of times, can his body take it? Also, can he throw into tight coverages and under pressure in the pocket. I hope we don't have to find out what he has this season. Scott has done well so far with what they've asked him to do and Lowry can get another year of strength and understanding of the offense.

An interesting thought I had on our WR's is that it doesn't seem that the staff has brought in a ton of WR every year that stand out, but it's interesting that so many QB's are now making the change to WR.

My big question for the season will be Mount's WR's as a whole and Scott getting them the ball. Namdar is obviously picking up where he left off, but I'm concerned about what the others can offer when Mount runs into a defense that can match up with Namdar and hold our run game. That may not happen until the later round of the playoffs, but you never know with JCU and Heidelberg.

Lot's of scattered ideas, but just some things going through my head.

[flaballcoach]

I didn't realize that freshman QB Matt Lowry got in the game Saturday and ran for 66 yards and his first collegiate TD.  Congratulations to him!  They just stockpile these dual threat QB's it seems.

After watching some of the freshmen highlight films, Lowry was definitely the one that I was most excited about. There is no question that he is an athlete. IMO, he is faster and quicker than any Mount QB I can remember, including Scott. He has a decent arm with some accuracy. My big question is his size because his game seems to be better when he is able to run, if he gets hit a couple of times, can his body take it? Also, can he throw into tight coverages and under pressure in the pocket. I hope we don't have to find out what he has this season. Scott has done well so far with what they've asked him to do and Lowry can get another year of strength and understanding of the offense.

An interesting thought I had on our WR's is that it doesn't seem that the staff has brought in a ton of WR every year that stand out, but it's interesting that so many QB's are now making the change to WR.

My big question for the season will be Mount's WR's as a whole and Scott getting them the ball. Namdar is obviously picking up where he left off, but I'm concerned about what the others can offer when Mount runs into a defense that can match up with Namdar and hold our run game. That may not happen until the later round of the playoffs, but you never know with JCU and Heidelberg.

Lot's of scattered ideas, but just some things going through my head.

Kid has ALOT of talent. Height is a valid concern.......actually looks to be 5'7"-5"8", tops, but IF he can stay healthy he will make some plays. I agree with my fellow coach above, more playing time with JV and a solid off season of lifting and Spring ball should make a difference. Don't discount this kid because of size alone. .......and l am NOT saying anyone is,....He looks to have something special.

[resqdog]

I agree with hsbsballcoach.  Not sure what to think about the other receivers either.  Better teams will bracket Namdar and then what?  Kennedy is good but is really small and has good but not great hands.  Hargrove, although he is fast, doesn't impress me with his ability to catch the ball. I have always thought that he played because of his pedigree and not his production.  Of course Mount has always loved speed but if you don't run routes and/or can't catch, how much does speed really matter? Don't yet see a guy who can catch the ball in traffic late in the year when people are hanging on them and the flags are tucked deep in the waistbands. Ask Meachum how much he got held the last few games last year including getting mugged in the Final.

Overall I have to say that I am not overly impressed with the offense so far.  I know, lots of points, but those two defenses were horrible.  Bethany was lost all day and Musky tried the street fighting approach to no avail. I believe Scott will get better every game but I don't like the play calls for him so far.  How about throwing some confidence building routes in and let  him get comfortable? I see the same thing for the future as the last few years.  No power back and a receiver they think is invincible.  Nemeth runs the way I like a back to run but he weighs less than my dog. Would love to see a 225 lb'er out there for ten runs a game.  End result, someone will stuff the run and shut down the outside guy and boom, it's  a long ride back from Virginia.  It's early...maybe some others will emerge as offensive threats.  Defensively, I think Mount is lights out and just needs to stay healthy.

[Toph]

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

EVEN! JCU is not the same team they've been the last two years.

Maybe not. But BW isn't either (losing to Bluffton and all)

Yeah I know, wouldn't it be funny if JCU lost on Saturday after all that. Haha 

If that happens, I'll eat my shoe and post the video.

[flaballcoach]

I agree with hsbsballcoach.  Not sure what to think about the other receivers either.  Better teams will bracket Namdar and then what?  Kennedy is good but is really small and has good but not great hands.  Hargrove, although he is fast, doesn't impress me with his ability to catch the ball. I have always thought that he played because of his pedigree and not his production.  Of course Mount has always loved speed but if you don't run routes and/or can't catch, how much does speed really matter? Don't yet see a guy who can catch the ball in traffic late in the year when people are hanging on them and the flags are tucked deep in the waistbands. Ask Meachum how much he got held the last few games last year including getting mugged in the Final.

Overall I have to say that I am not overly impressed with the offense so far.  I know, lots of points, but those two defenses were horrible.  Bethany was lost all day and Musky tried the street fighting approach to no avail. I believe Scott will get better every game but I don't like the play calls for him so far.  How about throwing some confidence building routes in and let  him get comfortable? I see the same thing for the future as the last few years.  No power back and a receiver they think is invincible.  Nemeth runs the way I like a back to run but he weighs less than my dog. Would love to see a 225 lb'er out there for ten runs a game.  End result, someone will stuff the run and shut down the outside guy and boom, it's  a long ride back from Virginia.  It's early...maybe some others will emerge as offensive threats.  Defensively, I think Mount is lights out and just needs to stay healthy.

My thoughts: Mount will be very successful as always, and probably make a deep run in the playoffs again, but my concern is that they are not physical ENOUGH.  DEFENSE:Last year Whitewater's o-line dominated them up front, and they also had a big back who got  key yards between the tackles almost at will. While the MU defense is seriously fast and flies to the ball, I did not see anyone delivering those crushing , in the hole type of hits that can intimidate an offense and set the tone of a game.  Against Whitewater,what I did see was a lot of holding on, dragging down, gang tackles 4-5-6 yards down the field. I know someone will point at their defensive stats and talk about how they dominated during the season, but honestly, what kind of competition are they getting in the OAC?  It's pretty easy for a team with  the talent they have to look physical and dominate against that competition. OFFENSE: resqdog made a very valid point about the MU running game. Tackle to tackle they do not have a big back that can grind out those tough yards or intimidate a defense physically. Nemeth does run hard but at 180+ ? lbs. he's not putting the fear of God in any defensive player. I honestly feel that despite all the stats MU would be better served in the LONG TERM to be winning games 30-0, and developing a physical ball control element to their game, instead of 60-0 with the pinball offense. Somewhere in the playoffs you will meet a physical team that also has comparable talent and can defend the spread offense and you have to be able to slug it out with them. I am NOT saying wholesale offense change. Keep the spread as your base offense....I AM saying develope a big back, ball control element to it. Another thought: Where is this "big back" gonna come from since MU seems to recruit smallish running backs?.....look at the freshman roster....great LB class and I guarantee you some of those physical ILB were fullback/running backs somewhere in their HS careers. You got freshman at 5'10''- 6'0",  220-225 lbs. running in the 4.6's and squatting over 500 lbs!.......you think maybe a kid like that with a LB mentality, could be intimidating to a defense?! They switch kids all the time ...especially QB to WR. why not look there?  Just saying ......I know I am talking about a change that is very unlikely to take place, but I am just giving my opinion. I always tell my kids "in the end football is simple....you have to beat the man in front of you"

[Dr. Acula]

How much of the offensive scheme is dictated by the fact that they just can't get the big Clydesdale O linemen they got years ago?  When I was in school 15 years ago my buddy was the smallest starting linemen.  He was 6'2" 285.  Today I think he might be the biggest starter.  They're just getting different kids I think.

That being said their line and Nemeth ran between the tackles with success against UWW last year so I'm not doom and gloom here.

As for the WR group I'd preach patience.  Outside of Namdar it's a work in progress.  It's going to take some game reps for everyone to get clicking.  The biggest thing to me regarding the pass game is zero interceptions.  Scott is making good decisions with the ball.  That and he's shown the knack for hitting the deep ball to Namdar in stride.  The thing that we haven't seen but will is a pass where Scott gets flushed out of the pocket and next thing you know it's a 50+ yard run.  That's coming.

 

[flaballcoach]

How much of the offensive scheme is dictated by the fact that they just can't get the big Clydesdale O linemen they got years ago?  When I was in school 15 years ago my buddy was the smallest starting linemen.  He was 6'2" 285.  Today I think he might be the biggest starter.  They're just getting different kids I think.

That being said their line and Nemeth ran between the tackles with success against UWW last year so I'm not doom and gloom here.

As for the WR group I'd preach patience.  Outside of Namdar it's a work in progress.  It's going to take some game reps for everyone to get clicking.  The biggest thing to me regarding the pass game is zero interceptions.  Scott is making good decisions with the ball.  That and he's shown the knack for hitting the deep ball to Namdar in stride.  The thing that we haven't seen but will is a pass where Scott gets flushed out of the pocket and next thing you know it's a 50+ yard run.  That's coming.

DR..........respect your opinion and look to you as most knowledgeable person here concerning things Mount Union. But given that Nemeth had 90 yds against Whitewater and a lot of it between the tackles, and, as you noted,with a smaller type of line than they used to have, I can't help but think what a 225 pounder with good speed might have done. No disrespect to Logan....I think that kid has tremendous heart and really leaves everything on the field, but it still would be nice to have a guy back there that nobody on the defense wants to have to tackle... a guy that on 4th and 1 can get you that yard even if the blocking breaks down. That's a scenario that can happen deep in the playoffs that can bite you in the @#$........not doom and gloom, just my honest opinion. I think MU has an outstanding football team and is definitely a top contender for the national title. And I think in no way should there be a change in the basic offensive scheme. But having an option of a real inside power game when needed would only be a plus.I still stand by my statement that I would like to see more physicality, ( again, consider the competition when looking at stats), on BOTH sides of the ball. More often than not, that's what wins big games. Alabama has always been noted for their physical play. So how did they lose to Ohio State last year?........Ohio State beat them physically.

[theaprof]

DR.......... and look to you as most knowledgeable person here concerning things Mount Union.

Boy-oh-boy!  Don't let Ric or HSCoach hear you say that!

[Raider 68]

All good points regarding the running game and physical size of the Raiders. A few thoughts:

- I have been a strong advocate of finding the bigger stronger O and D lines for the last several years when
  UWW was too much for the Raiders in the trenches.

- With the competitive nature of recruiting now with more D2 schools, those bigger guys are going for the scholarship
  programs. Over the last few years HScoach made this point several times.

- The Raiders have not really had a 200+ pound back since Chuck Moore, who was just a little over that, but big and fast.

- The Stagg Bowl  last year was not lost last year due to size entirely, it was all the turnovers that gave the game away.

- Dr. Acula is correct, the WR's need the reps as the season goes along to really make a contribution as a group.

-  The offense is, and will be until the bigger games, pretty plain vanilla, which is normal for the Raiders with the less 
    competitive opponents.

- QB T. Scott will continue to get a feel for the offense and his leadership and will make a huge impact as the season goes on.
   He is making good choices which shows, IMHO that he gets it.

- The Defense is probably one of the best the Raiders have ever had and their playoff run will depend on it heavily.

[ExTartanPlayer]

- With the competitive nature of recruiting now with more D2 schools, those bigger guys are going for the scholarship
  programs. Over the last few years HScoach made this point several times.

- The Raiders have not really had a 200+ pound back since Chuck Moore, who was just a little over that, but big and fast.

It's funny, I had this whole long post typed (I'll still write it below) but Raider 68 showed up and made the same basic point.  Kudos to you, 68, for saying this more succintly.

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I can't help but think what a 225 pounder with good speed might have done. No disrespect to Logan....I think that kid has tremendous heart and really leaves everything on the field, but it still would be nice to have a guy back there that nobody on the defense wants to have to tackle... a guy that on 4th and 1 can get you that yard even if the blocking breaks down.

Well, yeah.  Every team would love to have a 225 pounder with good speed.  But this is kind of an obvious red-herring...oh, you want a 225 pound back with speed?  Guess where most guys fitting that description end up?  Playing Division I football!  I'm being a little facetious, because admittedly there are some successful bigger backs that play D3 ball - I played with a very good one.  However, it's just not something that you can find off the shelf, even if you're Mount Union.  You'll get one of those once in a blue moon.

I have carefully danced around this issue a few times, but I do want to toss it out there, politely but with conviction.  I say this with some trepidation, because I love and support Division III football, I believe that the level of competition is generally higher than it's given credit for amongst the general football-watching population, and know that there is some overlap across divisions (I genuinely do believe that Mount and UWW would be low-top-25-caliber programs in Division II).  So, with all of that said:

I think that some fans of the nation's best Division III teams (please note the "some") have gotten a little disconnected from the rest of Division III, because they've been so dominant for so long, that they've forgotten they are still just a Division III program.  Guys that get Division I scholarship offers aren't just turning them down to play at Mount and UWW instead; most of the guys playing for UW-Whitewater and Mount Union would be playing Division I football if they could be.  I am quite certain that some fans would like to believe that the attraction of playing for such a winning program has overridden the desire to play on a higher level or have a scholarship, but I am guessing that for 95+ percent of the roster at Mount and UWW that isn't true.  Some guys no doubt got a few letters from Division I schools, maybe even took an official visit, but how many of them actually had an offer for a Division I scholarship in hand and turned it down to play for Mount or UWW?  Not a newspaper column that says they got a letter from a Division I coach, or went to a Division I camp, but an actual scholarship offer?  I'm guessing that's only a few.

Which brings me back to my original point: 225-pound running backs with legitimately speed just don't end up in Division III football that much.  Same thing with 300-pound linemen that can move well enough to really play.  Admittedly, there have been NFL-caliber players that have fallen through the cracks (Garcon and Shorts being the obvious recent examples); it's not impossible to end up with a Division I-caliber talent who (sometimes for inexplicable reasons) did not get noticed in high school.  I just don't think it's that easy to say "Oh, we need a bigger back with speed?  Let's just go get one!"

It's funny, this same basic discussion happened on the WIAC boards with the idea that UW-LaCrosse needs to get bigger guys.  Yeah.  We all want bigger and faster guys! 

[Dr. Acula]

The 3rd and short/4th and short situations have been an issue.  That's true.  I know it's been brought up numerous times on here over the years that it's certainly not a fan favorite to see them running out of the shotgun even on short yardage/goal line.

I'd love them to have a big back like Zurek at Wabash, but they have never really had that big of a back that I remember.  A few years ago they had a kid named Brandon McDowell who was that size, but he never made it higher than a backup role before transferring to CWRU (where he had a very good career as a starter).  They have a sophomore who plays a lot on JV and got in once on varsity so far this year (Nero) who is already 190.  A more likely event may be someone like him bulking up a little.

[Dr. Acula]

DR.......... and look to you as most knowledgeable person here concerning things Mount Union.

Boy-oh-boy!  Don't let Ric or HSCoach hear you say that!

No kidding.  There are posters on here who have forgotten more than I know.  I just post more frequently! 

[raiderpa]

Just my two cents for the Mount offense:

Although I see a fine athlete at QB, I am not sold on his passing skills.  I have seen a lot of throw it long and receivers running under it, however, have seen little zip it into a seam between defenders for a first down.  Perhaps things will improve with time, I hope.  I agree that down the line we will need a more balanced pass attack than just Namdar long, and #83 has had the "dropsies" and I question his hands, Kennedy has shown he can do it, have not seen much TE in passing game which has always been big in the playoffs.
The running game is a "jitterbug" and a small hammer, and appears to be ok.  A couple youngsters  have looked promising.
I think the defense will be ok, but the offense is not yet national championship ready, IMO.

[flaballcoach]

- With the competitive nature of recruiting now with more D2 schools, those bigger guys are going for the scholarship
  programs. Over the last few years HScoach made this point several times.

- The Raiders have not really had a 200+ pound back since Chuck Moore, who was just a little over that, but big and fast.

It's funny, I had this whole long post typed (I'll still write it below) but Raider 68 showed up and made the same basic point.  Kudos to you, 68, for saying this more succintly.










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I can't help but think what a 225 pounder with good speed might have done. No disrespect to Logan....I think that kid has tremendous heart and really leaves everything on the field, but it still would be nice to have a guy back there that nobody on the defense wants to have to tackle... a guy that on 4th and 1 can get you that yard even if the blocking breaks down.

Well, yeah.  Every team would love to have a 225 pounder with good speed.  But this is kind of an obvious red-herring...oh, you want a 225 pound back with speed?  Guess where most guys fitting that description end up?  Playing Division I football!  I'm being a little facetious, because admittedly there are some successful bigger backs that play D3 ball - I played with a very good one.  However, it's just not something that you can find off the shelf, even if you're Mount Union.  You'll get one of those once in a blue moon.

I have carefully danced around this issue a few times, but I do want to toss it out there, politely but with conviction.  I say this with some trepidation, because I love and support Division III football, I believe that the level of competition is generally higher than it's given credit for amongst the general football-watching population, and know that there is some overlap across divisions (I genuinely do believe that Mount and UWW would be low-top-25-caliber programs in Division II).  So, with all of that said:

I think that some fans of the nation's best Division III teams (please note the "some") have gotten a little disconnected from the rest of Division III, because they've been so dominant for so long, that they've forgotten they are still just a Division III program.  Guys that get Division I scholarship offers aren't just turning them down to play at Mount and UWW instead; most of the guys playing for UW-Whitewater and Mount Union would be playing Division I football if they could be.  I am quite certain that some fans would like to believe that the attraction of playing for such a winning program has overridden the desire to play on a higher level or have a scholarship, but I am guessing that for 95+ percent of the roster at Mount and UWW that isn't true.  Some guys no doubt got a few letters from Division I schools, maybe even took an official visit, but how many of them actually had an offer for a Division I scholarship in hand and turned it down to play for Mount or UWW?  Not a newspaper column that says they got a letter from a Division I coach, or went to a Division I camp, but an actual scholarship offer?  I'm guessing that's only a few.

Which brings me back to my original point: 225-pound running backs with legitimately speed just don't end up in Division III football that much.  Same thing with 300-pound linemen that can move well enough to really play.  Admittedly, there have been NFL-caliber players that have fallen through the cracks (Garcon and Shorts being the obvious recent examples); it's not impossible to end up with a Division I-caliber talent who (sometimes for inexplicable reasons) did not get noticed in high school.  I just don't think it's that easy to say "Oh, we need a bigger back with speed?  Let's just go get one!"

It's funny, this same basic discussion happened on the WIAC boards with the idea that UW-LaCrosse needs to get bigger guys.  Yeah.  We all want bigger and faster guys!

They DO have 220 and 225 lb Freshman LB's that run sub 4.7......they are probably not in D1 due to heights of 5'10" to 5'11", and being looked at as linebackers only, but I would be willing to bet that they do have past ball carrying experience...  I know it is hard to find backs that fit that description...I played D1 ball......it was just a thought as to where they could look for someone to fill that role, since they often find WR's from other original positions. Look....I'm not posting this stuff so others can prove how much smarter than me they are. I have been involved with football for over 26 years as a coach and a player, and have seen more than a few of my athletes go on to compete in D1,D2,and D3. I don't pretend to know everything but I have learned a FEW things along the way.

[badgerwarhawk]

I have carefully danced around this issue a few times, but I do want to toss it out there, politely but with conviction.  I say this with some trepidation, because I love and support Division III football, I believe that the level of competition is generally higher than it's given credit for amongst the general football-watching population, and know that there is some overlap across divisions (I genuinely do believe that Mount and UWW would be low-top-25-caliber programs in Division II).  So, with all of that said:

I think that some fans of the nation's best Division III teams (please note the "some") have gotten a little disconnected from the rest of Division III, because they've been so dominant for so long, that they've forgotten they are still just a Division III program.  Guys that get Division I scholarship offers aren't just turning them down to play at Mount and UWW instead; most of the guys playing for UW-Whitewater and Mount Union would be playing Division I football if they could be.  I am quite certain that some fans would like to believe that the attraction of playing for such a winning program has overridden the desire to play on a higher level or have a scholarship, but I am guessing that for 95+ percent of the roster at Mount and UWW that isn't true.  Some guys no doubt got a few letters from Division I schools, maybe even took an official visit, but how many of them actually had an offer for a Division I scholarship in hand and turned it down to play for Mount or UWW?  Not a newspaper column that says they got a letter from a Division I coach, or went to a Division I camp, but an actual scholarship offer?  I'm guessing that's only a few.

I have to agree with you Ex.   Over the years we've had two D1 scholarship players that I can remember.  Both running backs and both ending up in WW for reasons that had little to nothing to do with leaving the D1 program to play for us.  The D1 transfers we have gotten have typically been a walk on.  Kumerow was a walk on at Illinois.  We have a walk on who transferred from Washington State this year.  We've had others in the past also.  This scenario isn't uncommon.  We seem to get one every couple of years or so.  We lost a player who walked on at Wisconsin this year.  Personally it won't surprise me if he returns before he graduates.  The "scholarship" type players that we do get come from DII programs or have DII offers and we seem to get a few of them every year.