FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[raiderpa]

I don't think Pat and the staff at D3Football have been unfair to the Raiders this year. I don't think any of their pickers will select Mount Union to win, but I see that not as bias but as common sense. I see us as 14-17 point underdogs. In my eyes, it depends on the weather. If we can throw the ball we have a chance, because Braxton and company aren't only good, they're lucky.

[raiderpa]

I gotta agree that the Raiders are going to be double digit dogs...  Keeping it under that will be extremely difficult and require a nearly perfect game from the Mounties.  As much as I love 'em, this squad, IMO, has overachieved and gotten some very big breaks and magical performances which would be hard to replicate.  One can hope.

[WRMUalum13]

I don't think Pat and the staff at D3Football have been unfair to the Raiders this year. I don't think any of their pickers will select Mount Union to win, but I see that not as bias but as common sense. I see us as 14-17 point underdogs. In my eyes, it depends on the weather. If we can throw the ball we have a chance, because Braxton and company aren't only good, they're lucky.

Purple makes very valid points.

With the consensus of many that the Raiders will lose by multiple touchdowns, here are some thoughts:

- Last year NC won 26-13, had almost 300 yards rushing, under 100 passing, but 80+ QB Running
- NC TOP was 38-22 over the Raiders
- Ethan Greenfield had 190 yards, penalties and turn-overs were not a factor
- Weather was fine

NC and Mount are in the top five of D3 for most categories per the NCAA.

In order for this to be a close game, the Raiders, IMHO, will have to achieve the majority of the following:

Defense

- Do not give up the big play
- Keep E. Greenfield under 150 yards
- Keep Kehnen under 250 passing and 100 yds rushing
- Keep QB pressure as much as possible
- Correct DB coverages from the Warburg game
- Warburg had a very good running game, which was stopped, but their passing game made it a close game.
- Make adjustments with the assumption that NC will run, mix and run again to control the clock

Offense

- High tempo plays, quick release throws  and mix up formations
- Run the ball as a second option ( D. Parker may not play)
- Ruby will be double covered, use the tight end more
- Protect the ball
- Keep penalties to a minimum
- Coach D needs to call a good game, no poor choices inside the 10 yard line
- make adjustments at half time.

It was pouring down rain at least years semi finals, I decided not to go but I remember seeing the raindrops on the ESPN cameras.

[Pat Coleman]

I don't think Pat and the staff at D3Football have been unfair to the Raiders this year. I don't think any of their pickers will select Mount Union to win, but I see that not as bias but as common sense. I see us as 14-17 point underdogs. In my eyes, it depends on the weather. If we can throw the ball we have a chance, because Braxton and company aren't only good, they're lucky.

They are definitely good! And yes, they did get at least one key stroke of luck this season.

[D O.C.]

the journey these outstanding student-athletes have been on climbing back to the national title game

I can't help but think if they had to go through the lower right bracket.

[hsbsballcoach7]

I don't think Pat and the staff at D3Football have been unfair to the Raiders this year. I don't think any of their pickers will select Mount Union to win, but I see that not as bias but as common sense. I see us as 14-17 point underdogs. In my eyes, it depends on the weather. If we can throw the ball we have a chance, because Braxton and company aren't only good, they're lucky.

Purple makes very valid points.

With the consensus of many that the Raiders will lose by multiple touchdowns, here are some thoughts:

- Last year NC won 26-13, had almost 300 yards rushing, under 100 passing, but 80+ QB Running
- NC TOP was 38-22 over the Raiders
- Ethan Greenfield had 190 yards, penalties and turn-overs were not a factor
- Weather was fine

NC and Mount are in the top five of D3 for most categories per the NCAA.

In order for this to be a close game, the Raiders, IMHO, will have to achieve the majority of the following:

Defense

- Do not give up the big play
- Keep E. Greenfield under 150 yards
- Keep Kehnen under 250 passing and 100 yds rushing
- Keep QB pressure as much as possible
- Correct DB coverages from the Warburg game
- Warburg had a very good running game, which was stopped, but their passing game made it a close game.
- Make adjustments with the assumption that NC will run, mix and run again to control the clock

Offense

- High tempo plays, quick release throws  and mix up formations
- Run the ball as a second option ( D. Parker may not play)
- Ruby will be double covered, use the tight end more
- Protect the ball
- Keep penalties to a minimum
- Coach D needs to call a good game, no poor choices inside the 10 yard line
- make adjustments at half time.

It was pouring down rain at least years semi finals, I decided not to go but I remember seeing the raindrops on the ESPN cameras.

I agree with many points,  however,  weather was MOST DEFINITELY a factor. It was pouring rain for a major part of the game. The wind was blowing consistently around 20 mph. I remember the field goal posts being sideways a majority of the game.

In my uneducated opinion,  defense must not miss tackles and keep Lehnen from making a huge run with a spy on him keep him under 100 yards. Strategic blitzes must used. Can't let Hardy beat you over the top. This is all easily said,  then you have Greenfield who is one of the toughest running  backs in D3 of the past 5 years who often breaks tackles.

Offense must be able to change the pace with no huddle (can be a great equalizer), but I don't think that's going to happen. I believe Dartt will try to slow the game down. Last year,  there were times that the offense would go 3 and out quickly and the defense didn't get any rest.  Plunk and Echeverry need to run the ball effectively (shocker,  I know) and keep the chains moving. I'm not sure that the big plays will be there, so you've got to be consistent catching the ball. I have faith in Ruby, Manley, Reed and Lawson to make those plays.

[D3fanboy]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crB5L23wY3k

the 2021 Semifinal is on youtube if you want to re-watch.  The weather was absolutely horrible.  20 mph is an underestimate for sure

[kiko]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crB5L23wY3k

the 2021 Semifinal is on youtube if you want to re-watch.  The weather was absolutely horrible.  20 mph is an underestimate for sure

This alone will give you a flavor, between the flags, the teetering goalpost, and the trajectory of the kick.  And my apologies for spamming the OAC board with a North Central highlight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hADUEElW4C8

[emma17]

Coach Sirianni wearing a Purple Raiders sweatshirt to his press conference today... that's the Mount Union difference

https://twitter.com/Eagles/status/1602389205879246848?s=20&t=3FSxxxM5mJ_2Hk4bXu3dtg

12 mins or so in

since the D3 guys are struggling for Mount Union content lately

Great video- my favorite part was the comment from the reporter:
"Coach, If I can just squeeze in an Eagles' question."

[Dr. Acula]

Congrats to former Raider Chris Kappas on being named FCS Asst coach of the year as DC at Austin Peay.  Next one coming from the LK tree for a D1 HC job?

[hsbsballcoach7]

Coach Sirianni wearing a Purple Raiders sweatshirt to his press conference today... that's the Mount Union difference

https://twitter.com/Eagles/status/1602389205879246848?s=20&t=3FSxxxM5mJ_2Hk4bXu3dtg

12 mins or so in

since the D3 guys are struggling for Mount Union content lately

Great video- my favorite part was the comment from the reporter:
"Coach, If I can just squeeze in an Eagles' question."

I laughed out loud when I heard the reporter say that!!

[Ralph Turner]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crB5L23wY3k

the 2021 Semifinal is on youtube if you want to re-watch.  The weather was absolutely horrible.  20 mph is an underestimate for sure

This alone will give you a flavor, between the flags, the teetering goalpost, and the trajectory of the kick.  And my apologies for spamming the OAC board with a North Central highlight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hADUEElW4C8

NOT spamming... recalling a memorable game.

When this game gets told to the grandchildren, there will have been hurricane force winds blowing across the field.   

[D3fanboy]

is d3football.com going to have any articles this week?  seems pretty light for a Stagg Bowl week

[Pat Coleman]

is d3football.com going to have any articles this week?  seems pretty light for a Stagg Bowl week

It's light so far, for sure, and we will. There was no Monday media conference sponsored by the NCAA this year, and Mount Union did not respond to our request for early-in-the-week access. But North Central did, and our story on them will go up later this afternoon.

Mount Union's appearance at Media Day at the Stagg is later this afternoon and Greg Thomas is there to get whatever he can and write tonight.

[CardinalAlum]

is d3football.com going to have any articles this week?  seems pretty light for a Stagg Bowl week

It's light so far, for sure, and we will. There was no Monday media conference sponsored by the NCAA this year, and Mount Union did not respond to our request for early-in-the-week access. But North Central did, and our story on them will go up later this afternoon.

Mount Union's appearance at Media Day at the Stagg is later this afternoon and Greg Thomas is there to get whatever he can and write tonight.

Why the media silence from Mount Union through the years?  School policy? Coach policy? Just curious. I feel like it takes away the spotlight on the UMU kids during a great week for them.