FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[Gregory Sager]

This game could have been played in a Walmart parking lot in the middle of Indiana and would have the same intensity.

That's especially true if the Indiana parking lot in question is the one at the Walmart on U.S. 33 south of Goshen. Since the Amish frequent the store (it's the only Walmart parking lot I've ever seen that has hitching posts for customers who travel in buggies), there are cow pies in the parking lot. I can't help but think that they would only add to the intensity.

[USee]

From an outsiders perspective, the difference between NCC 2019 and 2021 version:

OL: Just as good, 2 freshmen starting
RB: Same dude, expect similar results
QB: freshman (soph academically), not as good as Rutter in pass game, very capable and talented as a runner
WR: Same group, if QB5 get's it to them, they will likely catch it. Kamienski, Hardy, Williams are all big play capable
Offense overall: Similar numbers, more run/RPO oriented so a bit different

DL: better, by a decent margin. Gilroy has elevated his game to a top level DE. He can play both run and is main QB pressure guy.
LB: similar, though injuries may take its toll. Fast and aggressive LB's that are well coached
DB's: much, much better. Quicker, better cover guys, aggressive against the run. Strength of the D, though have been down 1 starter
Defense overall: Much better than 2019, one of the strengths of this team.

Specials: Similar to 2019. Kicker is good.

The biggest differences for NCC are no Rutter, but a vastly improved defense. They aren't giving up 48 pts to anyone in my opinion. If there is a place to take advantage, its in the run game. If you can run it and force them to commit to stopping the run using secondary players, and then you can take shots off play action, that's the best formula for success in my opinion.

[robertgoulet]

From an outsiders perspective, the difference between NCC 2019 and 2021 version:

OL: Just as good, 2 freshmen starting
RB: Same dude, expect similar results
QB: freshman (soph academically), not as good as Rutter in pass game, very capable and talented as a runner
WR: Same group, if QB5 get's it to them, they will likely catch it. Kamienski, Hardy, Williams are all big play capable
Offense overall: Similar numbers, more run/RPO oriented so a bit different

DL: better, by a decent margin. Gilroy has elevated his game to a top level DE. He can play both run and is main QB pressure guy.
LB: similar, though injuries may take its toll. Fast and aggressive LB's that are well coached
DB's: much, much better. Quicker, better cover guys, aggressive against the run. Strength of the D, though have been down 1 starter
Defense overall: Much better than 2019, one of the strengths of this team.

Specials: Similar to 2019. Kicker is good.

The biggest differences for NCC are no Rutter, but a vastly improved defense. They aren't giving up 48 pts to anyone in my opinion. If there is a place to take advantage, its in the run game. If you can run it and force them to commit to stopping the run using secondary players, and then you can take shots off play action, that's the best formula for success in my opinion.

LaCrosse and RPI both left some deep pass completions on the table that I dont think Mt Union misses. Beasley is an AA CB but he's been beaten multiple times in the last 2 games (multiple vs LaCrosse, at least 1 vs RPI). If I'm NCC I want to establish the run early. Worst case is Mt Union stopping the run and getting a couple of scores, maybe making Lehnen feel a bit of pressure to bring NCC back all at once and making mistakes.

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

Mount's Run Defense is WAY Better than their Pass Defense.  Hopefully they can shut down the run and make NCC Pass.

Gotta get Petro going early.  The more carries he gets, the better he runs.

[D3fanboy]

Mount's Run Defense is WAY Better than their Pass Defense.  Hopefully they can shut down the run and make NCC Pass.

Gotta get Petro going early.  The more carries he gets, the better he runs.

I dont mind the Mount pass defense.  It's faced two pretty prolific pass offenses back-to-back and were put in hole after hole by bad punts, muffed punts, knelt punts (at least NCC and Mount dont punt), tipped INT's, etc and held enough to put the Mount offense in a position to win the game and move on. 

[MUC57]

I hope I'm not the only one that thinks Mount can win Saturday! Some thoughts, from an old alum!

The NCC QB is obviously very good. But, 2 things he might have in his head on Saturday:
              1. He's playing in the biggest game of his life - a chance to play for a national championship. (might not be a big deal at all).
              2. He's playing against the most storied program in Dlll history. (doesn't mean Mount only has to show up, they still have to play)
These things may be nothing to this young man (he's only a freshman). But, on the other hand,.............! Only HE knows.

And, we play in OUR house. I know good teams don't care where they play but ask them this question: Would you rather play at home or on the road? I think we all know the answer to that. I'll take the home field anytime. Many more of our fans, our band, our tailgaters. And the gridiron where so many playoff games have been won. Damn, I love those Purple Raiders!

NCC may win Saturday but they'll know they were in a game. This is Mount Union.

Go Purple Raiders! Go Mount Union!   

[Ice Bear]

I hope I'm not the only one that thinks Mount can win Saturday! Some thoughts, from an old alum!

The NCC QB is obviously very good. But, 2 things he might have in his head on Saturday:
              1. He's playing in the biggest game of his life - a chance to play for a national championship. (might not be a big deal at all).
              2. He's playing against the most storied program in Dlll history. (doesn't mean Mount only has to show up, they still have to play)
These things may be nothing to this young man (he's only a freshman). But, on the other hand,.............! Only HE knows.

And, we play in OUR house. I know good teams don't care where they play but ask them this question: Would you rather play at home or on the road? I think we all know the answer to that. I'll take the home field anytime. Many more of our fans, our band, our tailgaters. And the gridiron where so many playoff games have been won. Damn, I love those Purple Raiders!

NCC may win Saturday but they'll know they were in a game. This is Mount Union.

Go Purple Raiders! Go Mount Union!   

Ice Bear says + ****ing K. Ice Bear concurs in regards to the fact that he doesn't think it appropriate for anyone to underestimate the Purple ****ing Raiders in the playoffs, especially in Alliance. Ice expects nothing less than a real fight from Mighty Mount come Saturday. Ice certainly favors NCC and is admittedly rooting for them. Ice Bear says that with that being said, he would not be surprised by a Mount win here. The Bear says this program has done too much, too mother****ing often, to be overlooked by any. The Bear gives props to the passion exhibited here by MUC57 and hopes for an entertaining, injury free game.

[bleedpurple]

I hope I'm not the only one that thinks Mount can win Saturday! Some thoughts, from an old alum!

The NCC QB is obviously very good. But, 2 things he might have in his head on Saturday:
              1. He's playing in the biggest game of his life - a chance to play for a national championship. (might not be a big deal at all).
              2. He's playing against the most storied program in Dlll history. (doesn't mean Mount only has to show up, they still have to play)
These things may be nothing to this young man (he's only a freshman). But, on the other hand,.............! Only HE knows.

And, we play in OUR house. I know good teams don't care where they play but ask them this question: Would you rather play at home or on the road? I think we all know the answer to that. I'll take the home field anytime. Many more of our fans, our band, our tailgaters. And the gridiron where so many playoff games have been won. Damn, I love those Purple Raiders!

NCC may win Saturday but they'll know they were in a game. This is Mount Union.

Go Purple Raiders! Go Mount Union!   

Hey MUC57,

Hope you are doing well!

The last thing I want to do is take the suspense out of this game for anyone.  But I also know you are old and stress isn't good for you. So, I will let you in on a little secret as long as you don't tell anyone and spoil their fun. 

Don't believe the hype. Mount is going to win this game.  I would love nothing more than for UW-W to have a shot at NCC this year. But when I step back and look at the big picture, I think Mount wins this game.  They lost by a touchdown in 2019 when NCC had the best QB in their history.  And now he is gone and a freshman has replaced him.  Darn good player. But a freshman.

I would love the pleasure of de-throning the reigning champ, but I believe Mount will beat us to it.  And then the whole nation can rejoice that normalcy has returned to our world when we have yet another Mount/UW-W Stagg Bowl. 

[WRMUalum13]

I hope I'm not the only one that thinks Mount can win Saturday! Some thoughts, from an old alum!

The NCC QB is obviously very good. But, 2 things he might have in his head on Saturday:
              1. He's playing in the biggest game of his life - a chance to play for a national championship. (might not be a big deal at all).
              2. He's playing against the most storied program in Dlll history. (doesn't mean Mount only has to show up, they still have to play)
These things may be nothing to this young man (he's only a freshman). But, on the other hand,.............! Only HE knows.

And, we play in OUR house. I know good teams don't care where they play but ask them this question: Would you rather play at home or on the road? I think we all know the answer to that. I'll take the home field anytime. Many more of our fans, our band, our tailgaters. And the gridiron where so many playoff games have been won. Damn, I love those Purple Raiders!

NCC may win Saturday but they'll know they were in a game. This is Mount Union.

Go Purple Raiders! Go Mount Union!   

Hey MUC57,

Hope you are doing well!

The last thing I want to do is take the suspense out of this game for anyone.  But I also know you are old and stress isn't good for you. So, I will let you in on a little secret as long as you don't tell anyone and spoil their fun. 

Don't believe the hype. Mount is going to win this game.  I would love nothing more than for UW-W to have a shot at NCC this year. But when I step back and look at the big picture, I think Mount wins this game.  They lost by a touchdown in 2019 when NCC had the best QB in their history.  And now he is gone and a freshman has replaced him.  Darn good player. But a freshman.

I would love the pleasure of de-throning the reigning champ, but I believe Mount will beat us to it.  And then the whole nation can rejoice that normalcy has returned to our world when we have yet another Mount/UW-W Stagg Bowl. 

This is absolutely not the comment I expected from a UWW fan lol.

[02 Warhawk]

I hope I'm not the only one that thinks Mount can win Saturday! Some thoughts, from an old alum!

The NCC QB is obviously very good. But, 2 things he might have in his head on Saturday:
              1. He's playing in the biggest game of his life - a chance to play for a national championship. (might not be a big deal at all).
              2. He's playing against the most storied program in Dlll history. (doesn't mean Mount only has to show up, they still have to play)
These things may be nothing to this young man (he's only a freshman). But, on the other hand,.............! Only HE knows.

And, we play in OUR house. I know good teams don't care where they play but ask them this question: Would you rather play at home or on the road? I think we all know the answer to that. I'll take the home field anytime. Many more of our fans, our band, our tailgaters. And the gridiron where so many playoff games have been won. Damn, I love those Purple Raiders!

NCC may win Saturday but they'll know they were in a game. This is Mount Union.

Go Purple Raiders! Go Mount Union!   

Hey MUC57,

Hope you are doing well!

The last thing I want to do is take the suspense out of this game for anyone.  But I also know you are old and stress isn't good for you. So, I will let you in on a little secret as long as you don't tell anyone and spoil their fun. 

Don't believe the hype. Mount is going to win this game.  I would love nothing more than for UW-W to have a shot at NCC this year. But when I step back and look at the big picture, I think Mount wins this game.  They lost by a touchdown in 2019 when NCC had the best QB in their history.  And now he is gone and a freshman has replaced him.  Darn good player. But a freshman.

I would love the pleasure of de-throning the reigning champ, but I believe Mount will beat us to it.  And then the whole nation can rejoice that normalcy has returned to our world when we have yet another Mount/UW-W Stagg Bowl. 

This is absolutely not the comment I expected from a UWW fan lol.

His account was hacked today

[bleedpurple]

I hope I'm not the only one that thinks Mount can win Saturday! Some thoughts, from an old alum!

The NCC QB is obviously very good. But, 2 things he might have in his head on Saturday:
              1. He's playing in the biggest game of his life - a chance to play for a national championship. (might not be a big deal at all).
              2. He's playing against the most storied program in Dlll history. (doesn't mean Mount only has to show up, they still have to play)
These things may be nothing to this young man (he's only a freshman). But, on the other hand,.............! Only HE knows.

And, we play in OUR house. I know good teams don't care where they play but ask them this question: Would you rather play at home or on the road? I think we all know the answer to that. I'll take the home field anytime. Many more of our fans, our band, our tailgaters. And the gridiron where so many playoff games have been won. Damn, I love those Purple Raiders!

NCC may win Saturday but they'll know they were in a game. This is Mount Union.

Go Purple Raiders! Go Mount Union!   

Hey MUC57,

Hope you are doing well!

The last thing I want to do is take the suspense out of this game for anyone.  But I also know you are old and stress isn't good for you. So, I will let you in on a little secret as long as you don't tell anyone and spoil their fun. 

Don't believe the hype. Mount is going to win this game.  I would love nothing more than for UW-W to have a shot at NCC this year. But when I step back and look at the big picture, I think Mount wins this game.  They lost by a touchdown in 2019 when NCC had the best QB in their history.  And now he is gone and a freshman has replaced him.  Darn good player. But a freshman.

I would love the pleasure of de-throning the reigning champ, but I believe Mount will beat us to it.  And then the whole nation can rejoice that normalcy has returned to our world when we have yet another Mount/UW-W Stagg Bowl. 

This is absolutely not the comment I expected from a UWW fan lol.

His account was hacked today

It was! I have no idea how anyone could have guessed my password was "PoundTheRock". If you see any other outlandish posts please let me know!

Mt. Union 38
NCC.       35

[USee]

Having seen my fair share of North Central games and knowing them as well as anyone,  here is what I can tell you they are gonna do Saturday:

They are gonna run the ball right at you. Doesn't matter who you are, doesn't matter what you do, they are gonna try to bully you on the LOS and run it relentlessly. Even if you stop them, they won't stop running it. They run the ball 66% of their plays. This year they never had less than 36 rush attempts and only passed the ball more than 25 times once through 12 games. They ran it more than 40 times 9 games, more than 50 times in 5 games. They rushed for over 300 yards in 7 games. Only once did they rush for under 200 yards, against Wheaton, the #2 rush defense in the country 41 attempts for 126 yds; 13-20 passing). They averaged over 6 yds a carry against all but 2 teams including UWLacrosse (291 yds rushing, 6.2 ypc; UWW ran for 191 vs UWL).

They haven't asked their QB to win a game on his own, yet. He came close against Wheaton (Kamienski helped a lot). When they pass, they are gonna throw it down the field. They average 17.6 yds per completion (#8 in the country). Mt Union averages 8.8 yds per attempt. If you are going to compete with NCC you have to neutralize or win the LOS. They aim to dominate on the offensive line. Wheaton held them to 126 yds rushing (the QB ran for 66 of those) and 3.1 ypc. Mt Unions #4 ranked rush defense only gave up 100 yds rushing 2x. 160 yds vs Ohio Northern and 130 yds vs Baldwin Wallace.

So NCC is going to make you stop the run. They ran it against wheaton unsuccessfully and still won. They ran it agains UWL and won, they ran it against everybody.  If you can stop the run and keep 2 safeties back, you can beat them. If you commit an extra DB or 2 to the run by playing cover 3 or man to man, they will RPO you down the field with their WR's. When they pass they go big game hunting. Against Wheaton the kid complete 13 passes. 6 of them went for 30+ yds and were the primary reason they won in what was a 14-7 game until a minute left.

Mt Union runs the ball so they can throw it. NCC runs it so they can run it some more. The QB completes 66% of his passes with 30 TDs and 6 INT. He runs for about 40-50 yds a game. And he really isn't a freshman. He has been at NCC for 2 years and is now in his 13th game so I wouldn't count on him playing like a freshman. 

The only team I think with the right matchups and personnel to beat NCC is UWW (maybe MHB but I haven't really seen or studied them yet). They are strong in the places where NCC can be hurt. I don't see the Purple Raiders winning Saturday, despite Bleed's guess. If they do, it's because they are better up front than NCC and fast enough on the perimeter to beat their skill guys.

[bleedpurple]

Having seen my fair share of North Central games and knowing them as well as anyone,  here is what I can tell you they are gonna do Saturday:

They are gonna run the ball right at you. Doesn't matter who you are, doesn't matter what you do, they are gonna try to bully you on the LOS and run it relentlessly. Even if you stop them, they won't stop running it. They run the ball 66% of their plays. This year they never had less than 36 rush attempts and only passed the ball more than 25 times once through 12 games. They ran it more than 40 times 9 games, more than 50 times in 5 games. They rushed for over 300 yards in 7 games. Only once did they rush for under 200 yards, against Wheaton, the #2 rush defense in the country 41 attempts for 126 yds; 13-20 passing). They averaged over 6 yds a carry against all but 2 teams including UWLacrosse (291 yds rushing, 6.2 ypc; UWW ran for 191 vs UWL).

They haven't asked their QB to win a game on his own, yet. He came close against Wheaton (Kamienski helped a lot). When they pass, they are gonna throw it down the field. They average 17.6 yds per completion (#8 in the country). Mt Union averages 8.8 yds per attempt. If you are going to compete with NCC you have to neutralize or win the LOS. They aim to dominate on the offensive line. Wheaton held them to 126 yds rushing (the QB ran for 66 of those) and 3.1 ypc. Mt Unions #4 ranked rush defense only gave up 100 yds rushing 2x. 160 yds vs Ohio Northern and 130 yds vs Baldwin Wallace.

So NCC is going to make you stop the run. They ran it against wheaton unsuccessfully and still won. They ran it agains UWL and won, they ran it against everybody.  If you can stop the run and keep 2 safeties back, you can beat them. If you commit an extra DB or 2 to the run by playing cover 3 or man to man, they will RPO you down the field with their WR's. When they pass they go big game hunting. Against Wheaton the kid complete 13 passes. 6 of them went for 30+ yds and were the primary reason they won in what was a 14-7 game until a minute left.

Mt Union runs the ball so they can throw it. NCC runs it so they can run it some more. The QB completes 66% of his passes with 30 TDs and 6 INT. He runs for about 40-50 yds a game. And he really isn't a freshman. He has been at NCC for 2 years and is now in his 13th game so I wouldn't count on him playing like a freshman. 

The only team I think with the right matchups and personnel to beat NCC is UWW (maybe MHB but I haven't really seen or studied them yet). They are strong in the places where NCC can be hurt. I don't see the Purple Raiders winning Saturday, despite Bleed's guess. If they do, it's because they are better up front than NCC and fast enough on the perimeter to beat their skill guys.

Well... then there's that. lol

USee you are doing nothing to assist me in my quest to bring peace and tranquility this week to MUC57!

[USee]

Hey, the last four teams. The top of the D3.com poll. No more sugar coating, only truth telling.

This isn't meant to be arrogant, plenty of that from the fans of these last 4 teams. My post is meant to highlight who North Central is. This is a different team than 2019 when Broc Rutter ran the show and they had multiple avenues to beat you. He could read the field and they could run the ball. This team, with their young QB is a running team with an explosive pass game. Definitely not one dimensional, but with a clear focus on running. They call their freshman RT "iHop" because of all the pancakes he gets. Come on man. If that doesn't fire you up, nothing will.

North Central has faced 2 teams that could beat them and both lost by 2 scores. The remaining teams are the elite of the elite. Mt Union is no slouch and they have some absolute beasts. But I see 190 yds rushing vs ONU and 130 v BW and I think "Uh oh".

[D3fanboy]

Hey, the last four teams. The top of the D3.com poll. No more sugar coating, only truth telling.

This isn't meant to be arrogant, plenty of that from the fans of these last 4 teams. My post is meant to highlight who North Central is. This is a different team than 2019 when Broc Rutter ran the show and they had multiple avenues to beat you. He could read the field and they could run the ball. This team, with their young QB is a running team with an explosive pass game. Definitely not one dimensional, but with a clear focus on running. They call their freshman RT "iHop" because of all the pancakes he gets. Come on man. If that doesn't fire you up, nothing will.

North Central has faced 2 teams that could beat them and both lost by 2 scores. The remaining teams are the elite of the elite. Mt Union is no slouch and they have some absolute beasts. But I see 190 yds rushing vs ONU and 130 v BW and I think "Uh oh".

I appreciate your analysis and insight into NCC.  The ONU game was Mount's COVID game with a dozen or so players out, a majority on the defensive side of the ball.  A lot of dudes that typically play in the 4th quarter of blowouts had to step into significant playing time.  Shouldn't have been as close of a game, not an excuse but just the background of that game.    BW was the top rushing team in the OAC, Mount held them 100 yards under their average.  Definitely not saying that Mount will shut down the NCC rushing attack, but just giving some background for the "uh oh" numbers