FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[D3fanboy]

I think that we all know that Dartt will never get "fired".  While I think that there is a lot to be desired as a head coach, he (like the vast, vast majority of coaches) is not doing a bang up job at being both HC and OC. 

Mount has always been loaded with assistant coaches that would become successful after Mount.  A huge problem is that it hasnt looked like there has been any Campbell's, Candles, Caponi's, Bruney's, Manning's, Watson's, Burke's etc on the staff in the past few years.  If Dartt is going to succeed, and I really, really hope that he does, he's going to need some staff help (hire a damn OC!).

The HC factory seemed to stop right around the time LK stepped back. Obviously he had been in the game a long time, was super secure with himself, and had nothing to fear. But that era of churning out super high quality former-player-turned-coaches has absolutely ended.

I don't think LK not being at the helm is the sole reason. They don't get paid much (understatement of the year), they aren't guaranteed to be coaching in the Stagg Bowl like many years passed, and many of these kids are graduating with 4+++ years of debt.

It is almost like the guys cut out for coaching simply move on, or don't even exist at all any more. 2002-2012 seemed to be a different breed of player (or in all reality were coached better), which in turn, created coaches downstream.

Maybe Dartt fears being pushed. I doubt it though.

LK and, really, VK didn't need slogans like "the standard is the standard". They built/had a culture.  The current Mount Union culture is non-existent, it's just "black-outs" and living off of the work of the past.  It might not be completely a Dartt thing, but something is definitely not right.  "Do you love football?" is supposed to be the first question asked to a recruit.  That should be powering the coaching machine, but for some reason it is stuck.  This program needs a strong leader right now.  I doubt anyone thinks that will be the son-in-law, but maybe there's a strong assistant coach or upperclassman that is tired of the status quo that can lead the boys

 

[Raider 68]

A good Athletic Director would be nice, but this guy is invisible?

[purple]

I can hardly believe what I'm reading here from the Mount Union fans. Our two starting corners were hurt. JCU had a game plan that negated the pass rush in the first half but we saw a vastly improved defense in the second half. We saw vastly improved offense in the second half. All this criticism of our head coach is misplaced. 140 freshman football players decided to attend Mount Union, that's strength of program, reputation as a winner, and a chance to be part of great teams. Give this team some time, and a few games to get seasoned. I did see a first in my 50 years as a Raider, two missed extra points in a row. The BW football team is cursed by god, they'll be no problem for the Purples.

[SPECIAL TEAMS STARTER]

https://onusports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/releases/20240923lrgd9v

[Raider 68]

I can hardly believe what I'm reading here from the Mount Union fans. Our two starting corners were hurt. JCU had a game plan that negated the pass rush in the first half but we saw a vastly improved defense in the second half. We saw vastly improved offense in the second half. All this criticism of our head coach is misplaced. 140 freshman football players decided to attend Mount Union, that's strength of program, reputation as a winner, and a chance to be part of great teams. Give this team some time, and a few games to get seasoned. I did see a first in my 50 years as a Raider, two missed extra points in a row. The BW football team is cursed by god, they'll be no problem for the Purples.

purple.

I see your points and like you I, am a 50 year+ Raider fan and former player. The defense and offense did improve in the second half enough to limit JCU and score 18 points. While I recognize that the season is young, how to explain the play calling and still  no OC coordinator with 140 new freshman from a class of 755?

Raider 68 (Class of '68)

[rscl70]

A good Athletic Director would be nice, but this guy is invisible?

Mount now has a strength and conditioning coach, something LK wanted but couldn't get done.  I wouldn't call Mike Parnell "invisible."

[Raider 68]

A good Athletic Director would be nice, but this guy is invisible?

Mount now has a strength and conditioning coach, something LK wanted but couldn't get done.  I wouldn't call Mike Parnell "invisible."

Ok, I get that, but why no OC after 4 years?

[raiderpa]

Totally agree that BW would be a great opener for JCU as a non conference opponent.  I predict you are correct that that will happen.

[Raider 68]

Going forward the BW/Mount game will become more significant, it will start on Saturday and
it will be a good game. I hope the future non-conference games like Wheaton will help fill the
void of JCU moving on. Have to look at quality teams within a reasonable distance in addition
to Wheaton in future years.

[Pat Coleman]

A good Athletic Director would be nice, but this guy is invisible?

What makes an athletic director visible, to you?

[Captainred81]

I think there has also been an underlying tone here and that every team that Mount plays is playing for their season.  They are playing a team that if they win, can and does signify a successful season.  If you look back at Alma, being the most recent, they had the best season in their schools history... it took beating Mount to do that. 

We are still here and we have the capability and the ability to win games.  We're 2 seasons removed a Stagg bowl, we have a new QB, new DL' and DB, and new WR, all replacing 3 and 4 year all American type players and we're in week 3 and just beat our most competitive conference rival. 

Moving on to BW week...

Our defense has to continue to stop/shut down the run and make this team one dimensional.  Next we need to get pressure on the QB and make him throw sooner than he wants, or sack him.  BW is going to want to sling the ball, and maybe throw it 50 times.  Press coverage, saftey over top and bring the heat. 

Offensively, more of the same... Pound the rock, use our speed and size.  Mix in some play action.  I'd really like to see some more RPO... fake hand off...quick slant. 

Finally, make the kicks... If you line up for the PAT, make it... execute, execute, execute. 

[Dr. Acula]

One thing I have not done a good job of so far is not only remembering that we have a new QB, but also a QB who wasn't even on the team last season.  It's not like he was the backup getting weeks and weeks of practice reps and mop up game reps last season.  I think Beaudrie has been fantastic all things considered.  And he's only going to get better each week.

[Raider 68]

I hope the DC has Rossy Moore playing the position that has excelled in, not playing pass defense. As mentioned B-W will sling the ball taking a page from JCU, why not? Will the Raiders have all their starters for this game?

[D3fanboy]

will be interesting to see if Helene heads towards Ohio this weekend.  Maybe a wet one on Saturday reinforces the running attack for the Raiders

3 OAC games in the eastern half of OH.  Wilma @ ONU the lone wild west game looking like a soaker as of Tues

[hsbsballcoach7]

From the sound of it, you would think Mount Union has turned into Capital, BW or Ohio Northern and the success is gone. I understand that the team may not look like they have from 20-25 years ago, but there are so many logical reasons for that (increased presence of D2 schools and ease of recruiting Ohio with internet for other local schools). I wouldn't ask people to lower expectations, but I would say to give this team a chance.

Nobody on this team gave up or showed a true lack of effort (sign of bad leadership if that happens). Players stepped up and made plays when they needed to and these players weren't asked to do that in the past. With that said, the offense scored 37 points on JCU, who has a solid defense for sure! They held the JCU run game down. I agree with others and just let Moore get after the QB, which in turn would help Kaleb Brown not get double teamed and put pressure on opposing QBs!

Offensive run game didn't dominate, but JCU has good defensive linemen too. They made plays when they needed to. Receivers got open for the most part. Beaudrie made plays with his legs and arm (missed one throw to Turner for a TD). Even the drops could've been caught but we're tough plays. I thought play calling was mixed up enough to keep defense on their toes with draws,screens,misdirection,etc.

Special teams must get more consistent out of the kicking game....snaps, kicks, decisions cost here.


Overall, I feel that the OAC is the best its been in years. Marietta, JCU and BW are going to give everyone trouble. Continue to improve and enjoy every win because we could be another school who doesn't get that privilege. Go Raiders!