East Region Playoff Discussion

[Frank Rossi]

NostraLD's 2nd Round Predictions:

UWW - 38
Trine - 21

Mount Union - 38
Delaware Valley - 24

Wesley - 21
Montclair St. - 6

Boy, LD, you have those three games pretty close.  Why so conservative with the heavy favorites?

Well, UWW scored 21 in the 4th last week to make the score look lopsided, but 21-14 at the half and 31-21 going into the 4th wasn't overly impressive in that matchup, and Trine actually impressed me a bit with their big early lead.

I think/hope Delaware Valley can atleast give Mount a tough game.  I'm not as down on DVC as a lot are just because of the Widener game.  To me, it would be the same as if Ithaca had beaten Cortland.  It just wouldn't have really mattered to me all that much.  

Lastly, I don't look at my Montclair/Wesley prediction as being that close.  I think Montclair has a very strong defense that will be stingy, but Wesley will be in control the entire game.

My fear about DelVal is the same fear I had after the Wesley game -- the offense seems somewhat suspect again.  DelVal put up about as many points against Salisbury as Union did this season -- a banged-up Union offense.  It sounds like DelVal may be laboring a bit down the stretch here.  I hope they keep it close.  I'm just not sure if the offense can put up points against another excellent defense.  We shall see.

[Jonny Utah]

Jonny Labcoat getting into the fray:

UWW-  42
Trine- 14

Mt. Union-  44
Del Vall-     12

Wesley-  35
Montcliar- 14

Linfield -  27
St. Thomas- 24

North Central- 14
Ohio Northern- 28

Thomas Moore- 42
Mary Hardin-B-  22

Wheaton- 35
Bethel- 24

Cortland-  14
Alfred- 28

Turkey Day

Needham 28
Wellesley 14

Brookline 7
Newton North- 30

[fisheralum91]

+k for the lot of you that made me read so much!!
David-thanks for the humor.
Been a while since someone pushed a button on here like that.
And when it comes to these boards--"You dont come to las vegas and talk to a man like MO Greene like that!"
I agree with LD on a few of the picks- the UMU Del Val game will be close- and dont be suprised by the UWW outcome either.
Happy thanksgiving all- Safe travels and good luck to AU!

[HScoach]

NostraLD's 2nd Round Predictions:

UWW - 38
Trine - 21

Mount Union - 38
Delaware Valley - 24

Wesley - 21
Montclair St. - 6

Boy, LD, you have those three games pretty close.  Why so conservative with the heavy favorites?

Well, UWW scored 21 in the 4th last week to make the score look lopsided, but 21-14 at the half and 31-21 going into the 4th wasn't overly impressive in that matchup, and Trine actually impressed me a bit with their big early lead.

I think/hope Delaware Valley can atleast give Mount a tough game.  I'm not as down on DVC as a lot are just because of the Widener game.  To me, it would be the same as if Ithaca had beaten Cortland.  It just wouldn't have really mattered to me all that much.  

Lastly, I don't look at my Montclair/Wesley prediction as being that close.  I think Montclair has a very strong defense that will be stingy, but Wesley will be in control the entire game.

I wouldn't put too much stock in Whitewater's slow start against Franklin as they were starting a back-up QB that had a total of 1 career passing attempt prior to that game.  UWW's starting QB (Blanchard) slightly injured this thumb on his throwing hand and they held him out.  He warmed up and could have played if really needed, but it never got to that point.  The UWW offensive game plan was understandably very conservative to start the game with a young QB.  As the game wore on they opened it up more.   Would be shocked if Trine is within 28 points.

On the MTU/Del Val game, I think you might actually be right with the spread, though I don't think the scores will be that high.  Mount's defense is good, but very young and they just got younger as they lost a starting DE last week that was 2nd on the team in sacks (7), 2nd in tackles for loss (17) and 3rd on the team in overall tackles (62).    Offensively they're young too and banged up.  They've been shuffling the O-line all season and their #2 receiver was injured last week too.  Not a good game health-wise for the Raiders against SLU   I also think everyone is looking too much at the "Mount Union name" and not their actual season.  They're stilling winning, but this isn't anywhere near the Mount teams you guys are used to seeing.  The Mount last team this young, inconsistent and honestly limited talent-wise was 2004 or even clear back to 1994. 

If there was ever a chance to beat Mount, it's now.  That or wait until LK retires.

On Wesley/Montclair, I could see your score happening.  And I could see MSU pissing down their leg and getting drilled.  

[boobyhasgameyo]

NostraLD's 2nd Round Predictions:

UWW - 38
Trine - 21

Mount Union - 38
Delaware Valley - 24

Wesley - 21
Montclair St. - 6

Boy, LD, you have those three games pretty close.  Why so conservative with the heavy favorites?

Well, UWW scored 21 in the 4th last week to make the score look lopsided, but 21-14 at the half and 31-21 going into the 4th wasn't overly impressive in that matchup, and Trine actually impressed me a bit with their big early lead.

I think/hope Delaware Valley can atleast give Mount a tough game.  I'm not as down on DVC as a lot are just because of the Widener game.  To me, it would be the same as if Ithaca had beaten Cortland.  It just wouldn't have really mattered to me all that much.  

Lastly, I don't look at my Montclair/Wesley prediction as being that close.  I think Montclair has a very strong defense that will be stingy, but Wesley will be in control the entire game.

I wouldn't put too much stock in Whitewater's slow start against Franklin as they were starting a back-up QB that had a total of 1 career passing attempt prior to that game.  UWW's starting QB (Blanchard) slightly injured this thumb on his throwing hand and they held him out.  He warmed up and could have played if really needed, but it never got to that point.  The UWW offensive game plan was understandably very conservative to start the game with a young QB.  As the game wore on they opened it up more.   Would be shocked if Trine is within 28 points.

On the MTU/Del Val game, I think you might actually be right with the spread, though I don't think the scores will be that high.  Mount's defense is good, but very young and they just got younger as they lost a starting DE last week that was 2nd on the team in sacks (7), 2nd in tackles for loss (17) and 3rd on the team in overall tackles (62).    Offensively they're young too and banged up.  They've been shuffling the O-line all season and their #2 receiver was injured last week too.  Not a good game health-wise for the Raiders against SLU   I also think everyone is looking too much at the "Mount Union name" and not their actual season.  They're stilling winning, but this isn't anywhere near the Mount teams you guys are used to seeing.  The Mount last team this young, inconsistent and honestly limited talent-wise was 2004 or even clear back to 1994. 

If there was ever a chance to beat Mount, it's now.  That or wait until LK retires.

On Wesley/Montclair, I could see your score happening.  And I could see MSU pissing down their leg and getting drilled.  

Again HScoach you mention how vulnerable Mount Union is this year.  I feel like this is going to be a set up for if an Eastern team fails to take them out again this year you will all say how we couldn't even beat one of your weaker teams.  Not saying that is what people will say, it just feels like that is where the conversations will go next time the East clamors for respect or says we as a region are getting screwed...because let's be honest you know that conversation will take place again next year if things remain status quo this year.  So let me ask, why then if Mount Union is so vulnerable were none of the 9 Northern teams and 1 Western team able to beat them this year?  I'll throw out the bottom 3 of your conference and just assume they are terrible...but for the other 7 teams you guys faced on your schedule that proved they could win some games...if Mount Union is so down, why were none of them able to defeat Mount Union? 

[AUKaz00]

Forget whether this is a weaker Mount Union team or not, the Larries have shown us how to take down the machine.  The first two opponents need to wear them down so by the time the regional finals arrive UMU is down to their third-stringers and it'll be a game!

Also, for consideration as ammunition against the "East is weak" meme is the 2-0 record against the South this tournament.  Make it 3-0, Montclair on our way to an all-East Stagg!

[Yanks 99]

Forget whether this is a weaker Mount Union team or not, the Larries have shown us how to take down the machine.  The first two opponents need to wear them down so by the time the regional finals arrive UMU is down to their third-stringers and it'll be a game!

Also, for consideration as ammunition against the "East is weak" meme is the 2-0 record against the South this tournament.  Make it 3-0, Montclair on our way to an all-East Stagg!

I would love for Montclair to run the table to the semis...that would be a quick way to demolish the theory that the East is the weakest region, and prove that the South region has been getting a pass all along.

[Garnet]

Well done Phil, +K!  

Your reasoning holds up to classic scientific scrutiny, including Sir Bedevere's proof that a certain woman was a witch, because she weighed as much as a duck, which floats on water much like wood.  And why do we burn witches?  Because they are made of wood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrzMhU_4m-g&feature=related

[union89]

Well done Phil, +K!  

Your reasoning holds up to classic scientific scrutiny, including Sir Bedevere's proof that a certain woman was a witch, because she weighed as much as a duck, which floats on water much like wood.  And why do we burn witches?  Because they are made of wood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrzMhU_4m-g&feature=related

Doid,
You need to watch this!!!  There are some classic shots of 'Chainmail'.

[theaprof]

NostraLD's 2nd Round Predictions:

UWW - 38
Trine - 21

Mount Union - 38
Delaware Valley - 24

Wesley - 21
Montclair St. - 6

Boy, LD, you have those three games pretty close.  Why so conservative with the heavy favorites?

Well, UWW scored 21 in the 4th last week to make the score look lopsided, but 21-14 at the half and 31-21 going into the 4th wasn't overly impressive in that matchup, and Trine actually impressed me a bit with their big early lead.

I think/hope Delaware Valley can atleast give Mount a tough game.  I'm not as down on DVC as a lot are just because of the Widener game.  To me, it would be the same as if Ithaca had beaten Cortland.  It just wouldn't have really mattered to me all that much.  

Lastly, I don't look at my Montclair/Wesley prediction as being that close.  I think Montclair has a very strong defense that will be stingy, but Wesley will be in control the entire game.

I wouldn't put too much stock in Whitewater's slow start against Franklin as they were starting a back-up QB that had a total of 1 career passing attempt prior to that game.  UWW's starting QB (Blanchard) slightly injured this thumb on his throwing hand and they held him out.  He warmed up and could have played if really needed, but it never got to that point.  The UWW offensive game plan was understandably very conservative to start the game with a young QB.  As the game wore on they opened it up more.   Would be shocked if Trine is within 28 points.

On the MTU/Del Val game, I think you might actually be right with the spread, though I don't think the scores will be that high.  Mount's defense is good, but very young and they just got younger as they lost a starting DE last week that was 2nd on the team in sacks (7), 2nd in tackles for loss (17) and 3rd on the team in overall tackles (62).    Offensively they're young too and banged up.  They've been shuffling the O-line all season and their #2 receiver was injured last week too.  Not a good game health-wise for the Raiders against SLU  I also think everyone is looking too much at the "Mount Union name" and not their actual season.  They're stilling winning, but this isn't anywhere near the Mount teams you guys are used to seeing.  The Mount last team this young, inconsistent and honestly limited talent-wise was 2004 or even clear back to 1994.  

If there was ever a chance to beat Mount, it's now.  That or wait until LK retires.

On Wesley/Montclair, I could see your score happening.  And I could see MSU pissing down their leg and getting drilled.  

Again HScoach you mention how vulnerable Mount Union is this year.  I feel like this is going to be a set up for if an Eastern team fails to take them out again this year you will all say how we couldn't even beat one of your weaker teams.  Not saying that is what people will say, it just feels like that is where the conversations will go next time the East clamors for respect or says we as a region are getting screwed...because let's be honest you know that conversation will take place again next year if things remain status quo this year.  So let me ask, why then if Mount Union is so vulnerable were none of the 9 Northern teams and 1 Western team able to beat them this year?  I'll throw out the bottom 3 of your conference and just assume they are terrible...but for the other 7 teams you guys faced on your schedule that proved they could win some games...if Mount Union is so down, why were none of them able to defeat Mount Union?  

I'll chime in on this one--I agree that we (UMU) are not as strong as we have been in the past.  As a long time fan (going on 20 years now) this is one of the youngest and least experienced teams we have ever had--but remember that we are comparing this year's team to our previous teams.  It's not that this team is bad, by any means--it's just that we are not anywhere near as confident (cocky) this year as we have been in the past.  Usually we are re-loading with Jr's and Sr's with multiple years of playing experience--including post season.  This year we have a sophomore quarterback and several true freshmen playing first and second team.  It's not that we think the team is weak necessarily, just not as strong as they have been in the past.

On the other hand--with our success this year, I look forward to the next two years.  Barring anything big like LK's retirement we should be really kicking some @$$ in the next two years.

Here's to a safe and sane playoff weekend--good luck to all teams and players--

And, oh yeah, Happy Thanksgiving--and safe travels to you and yours!

[HScoach]

NostraLD's 2nd Round Predictions:

UWW - 38
Trine - 21

Mount Union - 38
Delaware Valley - 24

Wesley - 21
Montclair St. - 6

Boy, LD, you have those three games pretty close.  Why so conservative with the heavy favorites?

Well, UWW scored 21 in the 4th last week to make the score look lopsided, but 21-14 at the half and 31-21 going into the 4th wasn't overly impressive in that matchup, and Trine actually impressed me a bit with their big early lead.

I think/hope Delaware Valley can atleast give Mount a tough game.  I'm not as down on DVC as a lot are just because of the Widener game.  To me, it would be the same as if Ithaca had beaten Cortland.  It just wouldn't have really mattered to me all that much.  

Lastly, I don't look at my Montclair/Wesley prediction as being that close.  I think Montclair has a very strong defense that will be stingy, but Wesley will be in control the entire game.

I wouldn't put too much stock in Whitewater's slow start against Franklin as they were starting a back-up QB that had a total of 1 career passing attempt prior to that game.  UWW's starting QB (Blanchard) slightly injured this thumb on his throwing hand and they held him out.  He warmed up and could have played if really needed, but it never got to that point.  The UWW offensive game plan was understandably very conservative to start the game with a young QB.  As the game wore on they opened it up more.   Would be shocked if Trine is within 28 points.

On the MTU/Del Val game, I think you might actually be right with the spread, though I don't think the scores will be that high.  Mount's defense is good, but very young and they just got younger as they lost a starting DE last week that was 2nd on the team in sacks (7), 2nd in tackles for loss (17) and 3rd on the team in overall tackles (62).    Offensively they're young too and banged up.  They've been shuffling the O-line all season and their #2 receiver was injured last week too.  Not a good game health-wise for the Raiders against SLU  I also think everyone is looking too much at the "Mount Union name" and not their actual season.  They're stilling winning, but this isn't anywhere near the Mount teams you guys are used to seeing.  The Mount last team this young, inconsistent and honestly limited talent-wise was 2004 or even clear back to 1994.  

If there was ever a chance to beat Mount, it's now.  That or wait until LK retires.

On Wesley/Montclair, I could see your score happening.  And I could see MSU pissing down their leg and getting drilled.  

Again HScoach you mention how vulnerable Mount Union is this year.  I feel like this is going to be a set up for if an Eastern team fails to take them out again this year you will all say how we couldn't even beat one of your weaker teams.  Not saying that is what people will say, it just feels like that is where the conversations will go next time the East clamors for respect or says we as a region are getting screwed...because let's be honest you know that conversation will take place again next year if things remain status quo this year.  So let me ask, why then if Mount Union is so vulnerable were none of the 9 Northern teams and 1 Western team able to beat them this year?  I'll throw out the bottom 3 of your conference and just assume they are terrible...but for the other 7 teams you guys faced on your schedule that proved they could win some games...if Mount Union is so down, why were none of them able to defeat Mount Union?  

The reason they couldn't beat Mount is because a "down Mount" is still better than them.  It might not always show up in the box score, but the difference is whether easily Mount drills everyone 56-7 or whether they have struggled to beat those same teams.  They're still winning by good margins, but it's been a lot tougher to get there.  It's taken longer, more methodical drives to get their yards and points because they aren't as explosive.  Especially on the ground.  And it's taken longer into the games for them to get comfortable.  It's hard to explain, but there are different ways to beat someone 51-0.

I think you're missing my point.  I'm not saying Mount isn't good, because they are.  I'm not saying they can't win the title, because they could.  It's just that this team isn't as talented or as experienced as the ones you guys have seen over the last few years.  They're still a Top 5 team caliber team, however in my mind is they are NOT a clear #1 or #2 that is untouchable to 99% of D3.  I think there are probably 10-15 teams that would have a shot to beat this Mount team if the opponent played very well.  However there have been years that it would have taken a really off day by Mount for any other than the top 2 or 3 teams to beat them.  That probably sounds really arrogant, but after following them since before LK was the coach, I can say that there have been some great teams that weren't going to lose unless it "wasn't their day".  

Last year's team beat Wesley 24-7 by running wildcat with Cecil Shorts.  Their first 2 possession resulted in quite easy, long scoring drives which led to 10 points.  3rd drive gets QB Rocco knocked out and Mount flounders around for a while before Cecil blew the game open with his legs.  IMHO, this year's team would need every hand on deck to beat Wesley.  Not saying they COULDN'T beat Wesley, just that it will be a lot tougher than last year.  From what I saw last year, if Rocco plays the whole game then Mount wins by 28+ points.

I'm not trying to lay the ground work for some future argument.    Just simply trying to give an honest comparison of where this team stacks up against the Michlie & Kmic led teams that you're used to seeing.

However before you make your reservations for Round 3 and beyond, the '05 team was a mess in the regular season and lost to Ohio Northern to only right the ship an unknown RB with a name no one knew how to pronounce and a back-up QB that no one believed could actually throw the ball beyond 10 yards.  Luckily for us that season turned out just fine.    Which could be exactly what this season ends up being.  Or it could be like '04 where the team looked good on paper but just never seemed very consistent and lost to MHB in the semi's at home.

[rams1102]

HS Coach, per your below quote, I don't see it happening. Time will tell.

"On Wesley/Montclair, I could see your score happening.  And I could see MSU pissing down their leg and getting drilled." 

[union89]

NostraLD's 2nd Round Predictions:

UWW - 38
Trine - 21

Mount Union - 38
Delaware Valley - 24

Wesley - 21
Montclair St. - 6

Boy, LD, you have those three games pretty close.  Why so conservative with the heavy favorites?

Well, UWW scored 21 in the 4th last week to make the score look lopsided, but 21-14 at the half and 31-21 going into the 4th wasn't overly impressive in that matchup, and Trine actually impressed me a bit with their big early lead.

I think/hope Delaware Valley can atleast give Mount a tough game.  I'm not as down on DVC as a lot are just because of the Widener game.  To me, it would be the same as if Ithaca had beaten Cortland.  It just wouldn't have really mattered to me all that much.  

Lastly, I don't look at my Montclair/Wesley prediction as being that close.  I think Montclair has a very strong defense that will be stingy, but Wesley will be in control the entire game.

I wouldn't put too much stock in Whitewater's slow start against Franklin as they were starting a back-up QB that had a total of 1 career passing attempt prior to that game.  UWW's starting QB (Blanchard) slightly injured this thumb on his throwing hand and they held him out.  He warmed up and could have played if really needed, but it never got to that point.  The UWW offensive game plan was understandably very conservative to start the game with a young QB.  As the game wore on they opened it up more.   Would be shocked if Trine is within 28 points.

On the MTU/Del Val game, I think you might actually be right with the spread, though I don't think the scores will be that high.  Mount's defense is good, but very young and they just got younger as they lost a starting DE last week that was 2nd on the team in sacks (7), 2nd in tackles for loss (17) and 3rd on the team in overall tackles (62).    Offensively they're young too and banged up.  They've been shuffling the O-line all season and their #2 receiver was injured last week too.  Not a good game health-wise for the Raiders against SLU  I also think everyone is looking too much at the "Mount Union name" and not their actual season.  They're stilling winning, but this isn't anywhere near the Mount teams you guys are used to seeing.  The Mount last team this young, inconsistent and honestly limited talent-wise was 2004 or even clear back to 1994.  

If there was ever a chance to beat Mount, it's now.  That or wait until LK retires.

On Wesley/Montclair, I could see your score happening.  And I could see MSU pissing down their leg and getting drilled.  

Again HScoach you mention how vulnerable Mount Union is this year.  I feel like this is going to be a set up for if an Eastern team fails to take them out again this year you will all say how we couldn't even beat one of your weaker teams.  Not saying that is what people will say, it just feels like that is where the conversations will go next time the East clamors for respect or says we as a region are getting screwed...because let's be honest you know that conversation will take place again next year if things remain status quo this year.  So let me ask, why then if Mount Union is so vulnerable were none of the 9 Northern teams and 1 Western team able to beat them this year?  I'll throw out the bottom 3 of your conference and just assume they are terrible...but for the other 7 teams you guys faced on your schedule that proved they could win some games...if Mount Union is so down, why were none of them able to defeat Mount Union?  

I'll chime in on this one--I agree that we (UMU) are not as strong as we have been in the past.  As a long time fan (going on 20 years now) this is one of the youngest and least experienced teams we have ever had--but remember that we are comparing this year's team to our previous teams.  It's not that this team is bad, by any means--it's just that we are not anywhere near as confident (cocky) this year as we have been in the past.  Usually we are re-loading with Jr's and Sr's with multiple years of playing experience--including post season.  This year we have a sophomore quarterback and several true freshmen playing first and second team.  It's not that we think the team is weak necessarily, just not as strong as they have been in the past.

On the other hand--with our success this year, I look forward to the next two years.  Barring anything big like LK's retirement we should be really kicking some @$$ in the next two years.

Here's to a safe and sane playoff weekend--good luck to all teams and players--

And, oh yeah, Happy Thanksgiving--and safe travels to you and yours!

This post is more disheartening to other programs in D3 than anything else.  For Mount to be 'struggling' the way they are with FR & SO's littered through their 2 deep, the Purple are primed for another long run of domination.  

Personally, I think LK and MUC are good for D3 football.  Others have said that interest has waned due to UWW & MUC's dominance.....how cool will it be to be the team to knock them down!!

We should relish the opportunity every year MUC is imported to the East!!  Someone needs to punch them back.....

[lewdogg11]

It's the old school MA kid mentality U89...I hear a few people say 2 weeks ago when Mark Sanchez looked like he blew out a knee 'That could be the best thing that happened to the Pats'.  I say, f*** em, I want them at their best.

As Good Will Hunting would say:

Will: My father was an alcoholic. Mean f*ckin' drunk. Used to come home hammered, looking to whale on someone. So I had to provoke him, so he wouldn't go after my mother and little brother. Interesting nights were when he wore his rings...

Will: He used to just put a belt, a stick, and a wrench on the kitchen table and say, "Choose."

Sean: Well, I gotta go with the belt there.

Will: I used to go with the wrench.

Sean: Why?

Will: Cause f*ck him, that' why.

[union89]

It's the old school MA kid mentality U89...I hear a few people say 2 weeks ago when Mark Sanchez looked like he blew out a knee 'That could be the best thing that happened to the Pats'.  I say, f*** em, I want them at their best.

As Good Will Hunting would say:

Will: My father was an alcoholic. Mean f*ckin' drunk. Used to come home hammered, looking to whale on someone. So I had to provoke him, so he wouldn't go after my mother and little brother. Interesting nights were when he wore his rings...

Will: He used to just put a belt, a stick, and a wrench on the kitchen table and say, "Choose."

Sean: Well, I gotta go with the belt there.

Will: I used to go with the wrench.

Sean: Why?

Will: Cause f*ck him, that' why.

+1K.....Miller Lite in the monitor.