FB: Midwest Conference

[blu thru n thru]

Kilts- No disagreement on the fact that holding can be called on nearly every play.  I'd say in the end of game scenario you describe, it would have to be flagrant and impactful.  Not saying it was either (flagrant or impactful). But if it is, it should be called. If ticky-tack, you're 100% correct.  Keep it in your pocket. 

I've been to the MC website. I've been to MC (Jamie visited the same weekend he visited IC).  I've seen the Turkey Bowl story.  Sounds like a fun game. 

[Redhawk Sighting]

Blu - How are these stats for Leather helmet offense?

500+ yards total Offense
27 first downs
over 35minutes of clock control
35 points

Not sure about you but that looks to me like a pretty good offensive game.....  Just saying.....

And I'm just sayin'...  Stats are sweet, but points are better.  35 was 6 shy of what was needed.  One dimensional offenses also limit your potential in 2 minute offenses or comebacks.  Dinosaurs no longer rome the earth.  And there's a reason these offenses are going the same way.  

You were actually at the game and you are going to write and say that this offense can't run a 2 minute drill?  That is what the offense is!  So tell me, did Ripon run out of time, or did they throw an INT in the end-zone?  You were there?!  I'm just saying putting up 35 points in a game with the stats that I previously posted should get you a win..  To argue that is to have no respect for the game.  Now with that being said, IC did a wonderful job and deserved the win..

To go back to the "fake punt" that was actually a bad snap that the punter decided to take off with. 

Now it's time to get ready for SNC...  That's going to be a good game.. GO BC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Roop get your boys ready for the IC game...

[tm343407]

Blu - How are these stats for Leather helmet offense?

500+ yards total Offense
27 first downs
over 35minutes of clock control
35 points

Not sure about you but that looks to me like a pretty good offensive game.....  Just saying.....

And I'm just sayin'...  Stats are sweet, but points are better.  35 was 6 shy of what was needed.  One dimensional offenses also limit your potential in 2 minute offenses or comebacks.  Dinosaurs no longer rome the earth.  And there's a reason these offenses are going the same way.  

I doubt Notre Dame thought it was too old school over the weekend, neither did the ACC last year. Also you can ask Carroll and Monmouth how limited the offense is when trying to come back late in a game. They are also #1 in the conference in scoring offense and total offense.

You are right thought stats don't necessarily win games, but I wouldn't point fingers at the offense for Saturday's results.

[larry_u]

Well Im sure FU...I mean...LU fans gave up whining about losing a long time ago. Just habit now.

Yeah...we are used to the football losses...its true.  But it gives us time to worry about academics and stuff....you know the things that lets LU grads not all become high school gym teachers....

[Kilts and Bagpipes]

Hold on...you THREW the ball against monmouth to come back.  Two years ago, when MC snuck one out against you at home, you tried to run the ball at the end of the game and it didn't work.  Yes...the option works in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd quarter, but in the 4th, if you are behind...you don't have time to run it.  Now...hopefully you aren't behind because you have scored all game and run the clock down.  The issue with all options is when they face a much better defense then we have in the MWC, quicker DBs get to the option guys faster.  Bigger lines take away the fullbacks and QBs get killed by OLBs.  I think that Ripon wins this weekend because the Norby d-line won't be able to handle the fullback.  I do think that the Ripon d will struggle with the Norby O.  I say its a 56-49 win for Ripon.

[Kilts and Bagpipes]

Well Im sure FU...I mean...LU fans gave up whining about losing a long time ago. Just habit now.

Yeah...we are used to the football losses...its true.  But it gives us time to worry about academics and stuff....you know the things that lets LU grads not all become high school gym teachers....

Ha....both of the gym teachers at the school I work at went to Lawrence...that just made my day.

[scottie]

You guys are moving way too fast for me these days....

Here's a topic:  Is the MWC stronger or weaker this year?  There are seven teams with .500 records or higher, but three teams with only one win.  Talk amongst yourselves....   

[hickory_cornhusker]

I'd say last year's champ and even runner-up would beat this year's champ and runner-up. But from 3 on down I think this year's conference is stronger than last year.

[Redmen09]

The conference isnt as lopsided anymore.  Teams that used to be an easier win are now a dogfight.  Overall talent level has risen for the conference, but I agree with cornhusker, the conference champ this year would be 3rd or 4th in the conference last year

[tm343407]

Hold on...you THREW the ball against monmouth to come back.  Two years ago, when MC snuck one out against you at home, you tried to run the ball at the end of the game and it didn't work.  Yes...the option works in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd quarter, but in the 4th, if you are behind...you don't have time to run it.  Now...hopefully you aren't behind because you have scored all game and run the clock down.  The issue with all options is when they face a much better defense then we have in the MWC, quicker DBs get to the option guys faster.  Bigger lines take away the fullbacks and QBs get killed by OLBs.  I think that Ripon wins this weekend because the Norby d-line won't be able to handle the fullback.  I do think that the Ripon d will struggle with the Norby O.  I say its a 56-49 win for Ripon.

I seem to remember Monmouth's offense struggling in the postseason the past couple years after being one of the national leaders in offense each year. Their offense doesn't fair too well either against non-MWC defenses.

You just rattled off defenses that any offense would struggle against. The option allows you to play with undersized offensive lineman and recruit kids that most programs aren't. Ripon is consistently undersized every week when comparing their O-line to D-line. It also allows them to put more size and speed on the defensive side of the ball that isn't necessarily needed or wanted on offense. Maybe that has been a reason that RC's defense is usually one of the conference's best (though they seem to have taken a step back this year).

The option allows teams like Navy to play with Notre Dame and Ohio State. If not for what I think was six turnovers against UW-Oshkosh in 2008, RC could have pulled an upset there. Granted every other year, we were killed by them,  mainly because their D-tackles couldn't be double-teamed, but how many other offenses in our conference wouldn't struggle with them?

Everyone else runs the spread. Teams prepare for it week-in-and-out. They only see the triple option once a year. I believe it to be a huge competitive advantage.

[tm343407]

I'd say last year's champ and even runner-up would beat this year's champ and runner-up. But from 3 on down I think this year's conference is stronger than last year.

Totally agree

[The Roop]

It's a proven fact that when the football team does well the alumni contributions go up. I'm not saying academic standards have been lowered for football players, because they'd have to do it for everybody, but athletic departments aren't seen as necessary evils any more.

[blu thru n thru]

Well Im sure FU...I mean...LU fans gave up whining about losing a long time ago. Just habit now.

Yeah...we are used to the football losses...its true.  But it gives us time to worry about academics and stuff....you know the things that lets LU grads not all become high school gym teachers....

Ha....both of the gym teachers at the school I work at went to Lawrence...that just made my day.

I'm not sure. Should I be embarrased that my daughter will graduate in December with a hard earned degree in Physical Education from UT?   It appears she will be teaching middle school phys ed.  The shame of it all...

[blu thru n thru]

Hey RC fan.  Relax.  You're collective senses of humor appear to be shrinking. Yall were a whole lot more hospitable and tolerant of my rant when the Blueboys were just fodder for the traditional powers. Of which you were one. 

Ya, I was at the game. And ya, I think your offense limited you in the last 2 series.  In the 2nd to last series, it's 2nd and 25 (result of a PF penalty).  Is that a situation that is well suited for the option?  Don't answer. It was a rhetorical question.  In the last series, when you've exhausted your TO's, and you got <2 min on the clock, isn't that a time you'd wish to be proficient in the passing game?  Again, rhetorical question.  All I'm sayin it that one-dimensional proficiency is limiting.  Back in the run & shoot days, as was evidenced by one of my most painful football memories (a 32 point comeback by Buffalo against my Oilers in the playoffs), the Oilers one-dimensional (passing) offense limited their ability to run out the clock.  Two inarguable limitations of one-dimensional offense built around running are; extending the clock is made more difficult, and you're typically not as proficient/skilled/successful in/with the pass.  The result in the latter case; interceptions happen with greater frequency (relative to the # of passes thrown). 

Lastly, on the blocked punt.  I must have missed the part where the snap was bad.  Me, and everyone around me.

[Redmen09]

Ripon will continue 'running'() the option regardless of the approval rating until it reflects on their record.  And that is not the case this year.