FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[jaypeter]

Regarding divine assistance, let's hope jaypeter got his Christmas wish list in first.

Bless you, my son, for your inquiry.

Lots of Advent prayers in HOPE for a victory, the JOY that comes from a championship, the LOVE shown to brothers-in-pads after a completed goal, and he PEACE that comes from standing at the top of the DIII mountain again and for the 12th time.

May we all be blessed by a well-played game, with the Mount fans celebrating a new toe-ring.

[AO]

Coaching and preparation will favor Mount Union, again IMO, as Kehres father and son will not be out prepared, ever.

Ever?

[rams1102]

I had an awesome D3 Football experience tonight. I was at Smokey Bones in Roanoke, Va tonight having dinner with a fellow employee tonight. I was getting ready to leave and started to put my jacket on when this lady walked by and said sorry to bump into you. I said no problem, she smiled and a large group of people kept coming by. The last guy had a black and purple jacket glasses with extensions on them and walked by. I told my friend he looks like Coach Kehres Sr. from Mt. Union. After I explained to my friend who he was I said I have to introduce myself. I was correct, told coach I was a big Montclair State fan. Played you guys in the second round some years back. We talks for a brief time. He is a class guy. I wished him and his son the best this Friday and said you will win the Stagg this year. He smiled and we shook hands. One class man.

[Alliance72]

The only QB UST has faced that is as mobile as Taurice Scott is MIAC MVP Ayrton Scott (Augsburg), who is quite possibly the best player in DIII this year (not saying he'll be an All American, just from a shear talent standpoint).

Scott closed his career as Augsburg's school record-holder for rushing attempts (722), rushing yardage (4,242) and rushing touchdowns (37), along with passing yardage (10,281) and passing touchdowns (97), while standing second in school history in passing attempts (1,238) and completions (746). In MIAC games-only through his career, he set conference records for passing yardage (8,430) and total offense (11,725), while also holding MIAC records for single-game total offense (630) and single-season total offense (3,114 in 2014).

He set a new NCAA Division III record for rushing yardage by a quarterback (4,242), while finishing second in Division III history in total offense (14,523 yards) and total offense yardage per-game (363.1). He also set a new Division III record with 31 games with 300-plus yards of total offense. In 2012, he set a Division III record for most yards gained by a first-year player (3,681). He stands 27th in Division III history in both career passing yardage (10,281) and passing touchdowns (97). Among NCAA football players in all divisions, Scott stands fifth in total offense yardage per-game (363.1) and 21st in total offense yardage (10,281).

That's pretty good, I guess.

Much better than pretty good.  It's a shame he never got to play in the playoffs.  Now, I wish I would've watched some Augsburg games on line.   I guess this was a good year to have a quarterback named Scott. 

[joelmama]

And speaking of quarterbacks, who is Mount's real next man up Friday night?   We have been told Tommies take great relish in clobbering the QB.

Can't hit what you don't see.   

[wif]

Seems like "Benchman" is leaning toward the "yes, but you have never seen a team like this before..."
Sorry, but Mount has seen it all, won a lot, lost a few..

They will not be surprised at anything that the Tommies do, and frankly will not care that your running back is "big"...so what.  Rarely will he be tackled one on one, nor IMO will he be allowed a full head of steam on most of his runs.  He may get a couple chunks, but this game will be won or lost by your QB...and your defense.

I believe that Mount Union learned by a loss to two that quickness and speed trumps size...WWW O line was huge, and got 50 yards the last three quarters...
Coaching and preparation will favor Mount Union, again IMO, as Kehres father and son will not be out prepared, ever.

As an SJU fan with some ties to the program, I was able to closely take a look at both SJU losses to UST. I said this prior to the Wabash and Linfield games - the UST defense is really good this year. Their back 7 are very physical and fast. As a testament to their coaching and execution, even for the amount of flying around they do, they never seem to get themselves out of position, and even when they do, their speed covers it up. To me, other than the addition of Roberts, this was a big change in the SJU/UST games from the previous two years. In each of those years, Sam Sura was able to hit some big running plays and lead SJU to victory. In most of those big carries, UST stunted or blitzed themselves out of position. That just didn't happen this year in either game.

I guess my point is that while the UST O Line and Roberts get most of the pub (and they deserve a bunch), their defense is really what impresses me.

I've only seen Mount play via online play-off broadcasts, so it is hard to for me to gauge them and to make a pick in the game. I have a feeling it will be low scoring, like 17-14, with the winner being the team that makes one fewer mistake.

[ExTartanPlayer]

Seems like "Benchman" is leaning toward the "yes, but you have never seen a team like this before..."
Sorry, but Mount has seen it all, won a lot, lost a few..

They will not be surprised at anything that the Tommies do, and frankly will not care that your running back is "big"...so what.  Rarely will he be tackled one on one, nor IMO will he be allowed a full head of steam on most of his runs.  He may get a couple chunks, but this game will be won or lost by your QB...and your defense.

I believe that Mount Union learned by a loss to two that quickness and speed trumps size...WWW O line was huge, and got 50 yards the last three quarters...
Coaching and preparation will favor Mount Union, again IMO, as Kehres father and son will not be out prepared, ever.

I've been on this board a long time, I get the bit. No need to start controversy where there is none. Just telling you what UST does well, and where they may struggle. Little more analytical than "Derrrrr, UST rules and Mount has never seen a team like ours."

Never know why it devolves to this? Always in search of fans that can at least offer some objectivity so I can find out more about their team. Wally Wabash is cool, most Linfield fans are great, I even get along with most SJU fans and have tailgated with them several times. I'm telling you about UST because I've watched them play 14 times this year. I know Mt. Union has a good team by virtue of the fact they're in the Stagg Bowl. So, sorry I'm not worshipping at the altar of Mount Union. I'm painfully aware they're good, but, this may come as shock, so is UST. My guess is the Raiders will be a lot more challenged than they were last week. My prediction is that it will be great game, and a better match up than 2012.

+K.

Bench was just talking about the game.  Part of the reason we have these boards is so we can chat some about the teams' strengths and weaknesses, who the best guys are, keys to the game for each team.

[bceagle80]

Beat Denison at home 35-3 in the first round then travelled to Augustana.

Don't take any reference to the past from me as looking beyond St. Thomas.  jamtoTommie, are you going to the game?  Met a few St. Thomas folks in '12.  Seemed like a bunch of nice folks.

Sadly, no. I've got 3 young kids and have to travel to Iowa for family Christmas. Someday I'll make my way to a Stagg bowl.

Obviously Jordan Roberts and the running game gets a lot of attention, but when that has been taken away John Gould has been able to pass enough to make up for it.  Not against a D as good as Mount Union though. Wabash D was tough and Gould was able to do enough to counter a slow running game and some hurting RBs, but most of those points came off of special teams.

The D has been able to slow down a couple of tough backs, Sura twice and Zurek from Wabash.  We'll see what they can do against Nemeth.  I'll try to watch some more of the MU-UWW game tonight to get a feel for Mount's style.

It is very easy to believe the UST has a great running game. The massive size of some of the linemen is literally imposing and I played division one football. Couple that with a big running back who is very successful because of his own talent as well as his o-line.

Based on the comments from this board, it seems if there is a weakness at UST, it might be in the defensive secondary. I think it will be a great game but the difference in the game will be the defense of Mount Union. The key playmakers on offense will be the qb (Scott), rb (Nemeth) and wr (Namdar). Defensively, there is no weakness unless a lot of people get hurt. It will be quite a show to watch Friday! The UST offense vs. The Mount Union defense will be the key to the game and, as they say, defense wins championships! Prediction: MU 35, UST 21.

[wally_wabash]

I've been on this board a long time, I get the bit. No need to start controversy where there is none. Just telling you what UST does well, and where they may struggle. Little more analytical than "Derrrrr, UST rules and Mount has never seen a team like ours."

Never know why it devolves to this? Always in search of fans that can at least offer some objectivity so I can find out more about their team. Wally Wabash is cool, most Linfield fans are great, I even get along with most SJU fans and have tailgated with them several times. I'm telling you about UST because I've watched them play 14 times this year. I know Mt. Union has a good team by virtue of the fact they're in the Stagg Bowl. So, sorry I'm not worshipping at the altar of Mount Union. I'm painfully aware they're good, but, this may come as shock, so is UST. My guess is the Raiders will be a lot more challenged than they were last week. My prediction is that it will be great game, and a better match up than 2012.

Probably Post of the Year™ if we're being honest.   

[thewaterboy]

Beat Denison at home 35-3 in the first round then travelled to Augustana.

Don't take any reference to the past from me as looking beyond St. Thomas.  jamtoTommie, are you going to the game?  Met a few St. Thomas folks in '12.  Seemed like a bunch of nice folks.

Sadly, no. I've got 3 young kids and have to travel to Iowa for family Christmas. Someday I'll make my way to a Stagg bowl.

Obviously Jordan Roberts and the running game gets a lot of attention, but when that has been taken away John Gould has been able to pass enough to make up for it.  Not against a D as good as Mount Union though. Wabash D was tough and Gould was able to do enough to counter a slow running game and some hurting RBs, but most of those points came off of special teams.

The D has been able to slow down a couple of tough backs, Sura twice and Zurek from Wabash.  We'll see what they can do against Nemeth.  I'll try to watch some more of the MU-UWW game tonight to get a feel for Mount's style.

It is very easy to believe the UST has a great running game. The massive size of some of the linemen is literally imposing and I played division one football. Couple that with a big running back who is very successful because of his own talent as well as his o-line.

Based on the comments from this board, it seems if there is a weakness at UST, it might be in the defensive secondary. I think it will be a great game but the difference in the game will be the defense of Mount Union. The key playmakers on offense will be the qb (Scott), rb (Nemeth) and wr (Namdar). Defensively, there is no weakness unless a lot of people get hurt. It will be quite a show to watch Friday! The UST offense vs. The Mount Union defense will be the key to the game and, as they say, defense wins championships! Prediction: MU 35, UST 21.

I'd contend that Mount's secondary is the weakness.

[wesleydad]

Mount wins 35 - 10.  I expect UST to have as much trouble scoring as every other team did this year but 1 and the UST offense is not as good as that one.  I was impressed by the game plan and execution by Mount last week.  Is the UST defense much better than UWW, not likely so Mount will score.  Wish I was making the trip but can pull it off this year, don't want to leave my coworkers short handed.  Safe travels to both teams and enjoy the game and experience, it is always fun.

[tommiegun]

Beat Denison at home 35-3 in the first round then travelled to Augustana.

Don't take any reference to the past from me as looking beyond St. Thomas.  jamtoTommie, are you going to the game?  Met a few St. Thomas folks in '12.  Seemed like a bunch of nice folks.

Sadly, no. I've got 3 young kids and have to travel to Iowa for family Christmas. Someday I'll make my way to a Stagg bowl.

Obviously Jordan Roberts and the running game gets a lot of attention, but when that has been taken away John Gould has been able to pass enough to make up for it.  Not against a D as good as Mount Union though. Wabash D was tough and Gould was able to do enough to counter a slow running game and some hurting RBs, but most of those points came off of special teams.

The D has been able to slow down a couple of tough backs, Sura twice and Zurek from Wabash.  We'll see what they can do against Nemeth.  I'll try to watch some more of the MU-UWW game tonight to get a feel for Mount's style.

It is very easy to believe the UST has a great running game. The massive size of some of the linemen is literally imposing and I played division one football. Couple that with a big running back who is very successful because of his own talent as well as his o-line.

Based on the comments from this board, it seems if there is a weakness at UST, it might be in the defensive secondary. I think it will be a great game but the difference in the game will be the defense of Mount Union. The key playmakers on offense will be the qb (Scott), rb (Nemeth) and wr (Namdar). Defensively, there is no weakness unless a lot of people get hurt. It will be quite a show to watch Friday! The UST offense vs. The Mount Union defense will be the key to the game and, as they say, defense wins championships! Prediction: MU 35, UST 21.

Possibly at safety.  Both corners are lock-down.  As someone else mentioned on this or another board, UST has been able to put 9 in the box at times over the past 2 weeks and just play 9 man football.  They've taken Wideouts completely out of the game.

Generally, I think pretty much everyone is underselling UST's D - which after watching Whitewater's playoff games I would say is much better, much, much faster than Whitewater's; and underselling Mount's O (if that is possible for the #1 Offense in the country?).

I just don't know what to expect in this one.  I expected a pretty close game last week but it was obvious after the first possession that it was going to be a rout (I'm slow as hell and hate contact... and I would have been getting 7 yds a pop going through the holes).  I would be utterly shocked if the O-Line, as good as it is, can part the seas like that against the Mount - but who the hell knows.  My heart says UST 23-20, my mind says Mount 24-17.

[jamtod]

Beat Denison at home 35-3 in the first round then travelled to Augustana.

Don't take any reference to the past from me as looking beyond St. Thomas.  jamtoTommie, are you going to the game?  Met a few St. Thomas folks in '12.  Seemed like a bunch of nice folks.

Sadly, no. I've got 3 young kids and have to travel to Iowa for family Christmas. Someday I'll make my way to a Stagg bowl.

Obviously Jordan Roberts and the running game gets a lot of attention, but when that has been taken away John Gould has been able to pass enough to make up for it.  Not against a D as good as Mount Union though. Wabash D was tough and Gould was able to do enough to counter a slow running game and some hurting RBs, but most of those points came off of special teams.

The D has been able to slow down a couple of tough backs, Sura twice and Zurek from Wabash.  We'll see what they can do against Nemeth.  I'll try to watch some more of the MU-UWW game tonight to get a feel for Mount's style.

It is very easy to believe the UST has a great running game. The massive size of some of the linemen is literally imposing and I played division one football. Couple that with a big running back who is very successful because of his own talent as well as his o-line.

Based on the comments from this board, it seems if there is a weakness at UST, it might be in the defensive secondary. I think it will be a great game but the difference in the game will be the defense of Mount Union. The key playmakers on offense will be the qb (Scott), rb (Nemeth) and wr (Namdar). Defensively, there is no weakness unless a lot of people get hurt. It will be quite a show to watch Friday! The UST offense vs. The Mount Union defense will be the key to the game and, as they say, defense wins championships! Prediction: MU 35, UST 21.

Possibly at safety.  Both corners are lock-down.  As someone else mentioned on this or another board, UST has been able to put 9 in the box at times over the past 2 weeks and just play 9 man football.  They've taken Wideouts completely out of the game.

Generally, I think pretty much everyone is underselling UST's D - which after watching Whitewater's playoff games I would say is much better, much, much faster than Whitewater's; and underselling Mount's O (if that is possible for the #1 Offense in the country?).

I just don't know what to expect in this one.  I expected a pretty close game last week but it was obvious after the first possession that it was going to be a rout (I'm slow as hell and hate contact... and I would have been getting 7 yds a pop going through the holes).  I would be utterly shocked if the O-Line, as good as it is, can part the seas like that against the Mount - but who the hell knows.  My heart says UST 23-20, my mind says Mount 24-17.

I'm with you on the heart/mind disconnect.  Would it be bad to admit that I picked this championship game for the D3 Bracket Challenge and the pick I made to win this game is not who I will be cheering for on Friday?

Scott's running ability frightens me as much as anything. I haven't seen a dual-threat QB in the UST games I've been at this year.  Would love to hear some thoughts on that.

[Alliance72]

Beat Denison at home 35-3 in the first round then travelled to Augustana.

Don't take any reference to the past from me as looking beyond St. Thomas.  jamtoTommie, are you going to the game?  Met a few St. Thomas folks in '12.  Seemed like a bunch of nice folks.

Sadly, no. I've got 3 young kids and have to travel to Iowa for family Christmas. Someday I'll make my way to a Stagg bowl.

Obviously Jordan Roberts and the running game gets a lot of attention, but when that has been taken away John Gould has been able to pass enough to make up for it.  Not against a D as good as Mount Union though. Wabash D was tough and Gould was able to do enough to counter a slow running game and some hurting RBs, but most of those points came off of special teams.

The D has been able to slow down a couple of tough backs, Sura twice and Zurek from Wabash.  We'll see what they can do against Nemeth.  I'll try to watch some more of the MU-UWW game tonight to get a feel for Mount's style.

It is very easy to believe the UST has a great running game. The massive size of some of the linemen is literally imposing and I played division one football. Couple that with a big running back who is very successful because of his own talent as well as his o-line.

Based on the comments from this board, it seems if there is a weakness at UST, it might be in the defensive secondary. I think it will be a great game but the difference in the game will be the defense of Mount Union. The key playmakers on offense will be the qb (Scott), rb (Nemeth) and wr (Namdar). Defensively, there is no weakness unless a lot of people get hurt. It will be quite a show to watch Friday! The UST offense vs. The Mount Union defense will be the key to the game and, as they say, defense wins championships! Prediction: MU 35, UST 21.

Possibly at safety.  Both corners are lock-down.  As someone else mentioned on this or another board, UST has been able to put 9 in the box at times over the past 2 weeks and just play 9 man football.  They've taken Wideouts completely out of the game.

Generally, I think pretty much everyone is underselling UST's D - which after watching Whitewater's playoff games I would say is much better, much, much faster than Whitewater's; and underselling Mount's O (if that is possible for the #1 Offense in the country?).

I just don't know what to expect in this one.  I expected a pretty close game last week but it was obvious after the first possession that it was going to be a rout (I'm slow as hell and hate contact... and I would have been getting 7 yds a pop going through the holes).  I would be utterly shocked if the O-Line, as good as it is, can part the seas like that against the Mount - but who the hell knows.  My heart says UST 23-20, my mind says Mount 24-17.

I'm with you on the heart/mind disconnect.  Would it be bad to admit that I picked this championship game for the D3 Bracket Challenge and the pick I made to win this game is not who I will be cheering for on Friday?

Scott's running ability frightens me as much as anything. I haven't seen a dual-threat QB in the UST games I've been at this year.  Would love to hear some thoughts on that.

It looks like you did well against the Augsburg Scott holding him to 51 yds on 16 carries.

[raiderpa]

With respect and apologies to UST Benchman:
My scout of the Purples from Alliance

The passing success against Mount Union has been the quick slants and outs.  The qb getting rid of the ball fast and the wr's not giving Mount time to react has worked the best.  The 5 and 7 step drops have consistently been met with strong pressure on the qb and time for very quick db's to react.  As far as the running game, the most success has been with quick traps and dives.  The sideways stretch plays are usually blown up before they get a cut upfield.
I guess, in a nutshell, you must strike quickly before Mount has time to react and respond.  Slow developing stuff is usually a loss. The backers are quick and sure tacklers.  Rarely a one on one tackle as pursuit is there .  Very few mistakes and missed assignments. Spencer is the qb on defense.  Cerebral and relentless. Kocheff was a Gagliardi semifinalist at roving db/lb ,  D-line may be Mount's best ever, stats back that up.  Lally has been double teamed most games, and still set a single season record for sacks.  At the other end Alarms has been perhaps the most improved player on D. Furda is a d=lineman who drops in coverage and  had a pick against www.  Vidal a young d=lineman who has been good at collapsing the middle.
Best cover corner, possibly in d3 is Tre Jones.  Shut out  WWW best wideout to 0 catches and yards, however has been banged up. Speed is their strength, and reading formations is a real strong suit as they many times shift into the play before it begins. Other d=backs are good, but not Jones calibre.

Defensively, if you do not fill the cut lanes against the stretch, Nemeth will have a field day.  I would put a shadow lb on Scott and make his sole responsibility to make sure Scott's scrambles are kept to a minimum.  Even that is difficult, as he is as slippery as they come and has the ability to leave you tackling air. He may be the best athlete Mount has had at the position.  He was the best athlete on the field in most games this year.  Kennedy is the possession, ala Wes Welker, receiver.  He gets short and medium yards in the clutch. Namdar is thought to be Mount's  next shot at the NFL wideout.  He will most likely get free deep on a couple occasions as he is fast and has amazing hands.  He came to Mount as a QB and a state champion hurdles man in Texas. Sneaky receiver is Hargrove.  Will get you if you are not careful.   TE, usually an afterthought in the passing game and used as a third tackle is big and has been used in past Stagg bowls as a sleeper receiver.
Back up running back is small and runs, jukes, cuts back and is a threat to break away.  He does IMO spend too much time faking and juking instead of getting upfield. He is a nice compliment to Nemeth.

Greatest disaster for Mount is the QB going down. Backup is unproven, no run threat and has not been subjected to much game experience.  Passing skills are relatively unknown.  The kid who did most of the backup is not on playoff roster. Don't know if he is hurt or they thought a frosh wasn't ready to travel to big time.
Kicking game is good, not great.  Kickoff man had 4 or five touchbacks on kickoffs last week, and punter is average, but slow. I am amazed we have not had a punt blocked, hope we don't start now. Place kicker is decent and from 40, maybe 60/40.

Hope this gives you a picture.  Again, apologies for my rabid fandom and meant no malice.  Just an senior citizen alum who loves the Raiders.
Safe travels to the game and I hope both teams play to their potential and we get the best team winning.
Mount Coaches have always been one of the best at in game and halftime adjustments.  This is a strength with such a veteran bunch.