FB: Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference

[GRIZ_BACKER]

appears to be the case.  At that point in the game both teams are trying to gamble strategy wise. The game was tied at that point so the worst that would happen is a missed FG with no clock and OT.  Johnny made the play and the rest is history.  Wash defense was most difficult of the year for FC (the weather also proved a factor.  very cold and windy).  Wind was cross field at 20 mph pretty much entire game.  FC defense was as stingy or more than Wash U to be honest.  Only gave up 73 yards rushing to a running style team. Had the weather been warm and wind not a factor FC would more likely have won by a larger margin. (just my opinion).  doesnt matter now.  onward to the frigid confines of the Perk.

[ExTartanPlayer]

appears to be the case.  At that point in the game both teams are trying to gamble strategy wise. The game was tied at that point so the worst that would happen is a missed FG with no clock and OT.  Johnny made the play and the rest is history.  Wash defense was most difficult of the year for FC (the weather also proved a factor.  very cold and windy).  Wind was cross field at 20 mph pretty much entire game.  FC defense was as stingy or more than Wash U to be honest.  Only gave up 73 yards rushing to a running style team. Had the weather been warm and wind not a factor FC would more likely have won by a larger margin. (just my opinion).  doesnt matter now.  onward to the frigid confines of the Perk.

I think that's a fair assessment but I'm not 100% sure.  I'll grant you that more favorable weather for passing would have either favored Franklin or been neutral; however, WashU's defense was very stingy all season (including some pretty good opponents) with one exception, against varying styles, and may still have been able to hold the Grizzlies to a respectable total.  On the other side of the ball, FC's defense deserves credit for shutting down WashU as well...but the truth is that WashU barely scored on anyone all season, either.

Congrats to the Grizzlies for advancing and to both teams on a hard-fought and competitive game.  Franklin vs. UWW is an intriguing matchup given a) Franklin's close shave with Mount and ALSO that b) WashU gave UWW a reasonably tough opener.  Franklin might be able to make this one a game.  Honestly could see this result as anything from "UWW by 35" to "Franklin in a close one."  Besides NCC vs. UWP, my favorite matchup of the second round.

[GRIZ_BACKER]

appears to be the case.  At that point in the game both teams are trying to gamble strategy wise. The game was tied at that point so the worst that would happen is a missed FG with no clock and OT.  Johnny made the play and the rest is history.  Wash defense was most difficult of the year for FC (the weather also proved a factor.  very cold and windy).  Wind was cross field at 20 mph pretty much entire game.  FC defense was as stingy or more than Wash U to be honest.  Only gave up 73 yards rushing to a running style team. Had the weather been warm and wind not a factor FC would more likely have won by a larger margin. (just my opinion).  doesnt matter now.  onward to the frigid confines of the Perk.

I think that's a fair assessment but I'm not 100% sure.  I'll grant you that more favorable weather for passing would have either favored Franklin or been neutral; however, WashU's defense was very stingy all season (including some pretty good opponents) with one exception, against varying styles, and may still have been able to hold the Grizzlies to a respectable total.  On the other side of the ball, FC's defense deserves credit for shutting down WashU as well...but the truth is that WashU barely scored on anyone all season, either.

Congrats to the Grizzlies for advancing and to both teams on a hard-fought and competitive game.  Franklin vs. UWW is an intriguing matchup given a) Franklin's close shave with Mount and ALSO that b) WashU gave UWW a reasonably tough opener.  Franklin might be able to make this one a game.  Honestly could see this result as anything from "UWW by 35" to "Franklin in a close one."  Besides NCC vs. UWP, my favorite matchup of the second round.

As my tailgating crew will attest, I am just glad there is a football road trip on Thanksgiving weekend.  We always have a great time (last years bus trip to MHB was epic) with friends, cold brew, and good food.  If a football game breaks out then that is icing on the cake.  I try not to make pre-game predictions that I have to eat later.  We will see what happens.  The GRIZ will be ready and give it their best. They are one of a handful of teams that understand what it is like to play in Whitewater, Alliance, Naperville, Waco etc.  We shall see what unfolds.

[formerd3db]

A nice video clip of Franklin's game winning play from last Saturday:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=591110557622469

Thanks for sharing the clip.  What was the down and distance on that play?  It seems a bit odd the two safeties were at 8 yards deep.  Both of the seam routes beat the safeties.

Yes, thanks.  Wow, as a former safety, I don't understand that - what were those safeties thinking?  That late in the game and in in that situation, you have to play the pass first.  Those seam routes should have been easily covered - actually, it looks to me like both receivers were open.  The one safety closest to the bottom of the screen was momentarily frozen before even shifting back while the other one just got beat on the route.  I'm sure the safeties feel bad, however, what a great play and win for Franklin. 

[emma17]

appears to be the case.  At that point in the game both teams are trying to gamble strategy wise. The game was tied at that point so the worst that would happen is a missed FG with no clock and OT.  Johnny made the play and the rest is history.  Wash defense was most difficult of the year for FC (the weather also proved a factor.  very cold and windy).  Wind was cross field at 20 mph pretty much entire game.  FC defense was as stingy or more than Wash U to be honest.  Only gave up 73 yards rushing to a running style team. Had the weather been warm and wind not a factor FC would more likely have won by a larger margin. (just my opinion).  doesnt matter now.  onward to the frigid confines of the Perk.

I think that's a fair assessment but I'm not 100% sure.  I'll grant you that more favorable weather for passing would have either favored Franklin or been neutral; however, WashU's defense was very stingy all season (including some pretty good opponents) with one exception, against varying styles, and may still have been able to hold the Grizzlies to a respectable total.  On the other side of the ball, FC's defense deserves credit for shutting down WashU as well...but the truth is that WashU barely scored on anyone all season, either.

Congrats to the Grizzlies for advancing and to both teams on a hard-fought and competitive game.  Franklin vs. UWW is an intriguing matchup given a) Franklin's close shave with Mount and ALSO that b) WashU gave UWW a reasonably tough opener.  Franklin might be able to make this one a game.  Honestly could see this result as anything from "UWW by 35" to "Franklin in a close one."  Besides NCC vs. UWP, my favorite matchup of the second round.

As my tailgating crew will attest, I am just glad there is a football road trip on Thanksgiving weekend.  We always have a great time (last years bus trip to MHB was epic) with friends, cold brew, and good food.  If a football game breaks out then that is icing on the cake.  I try not to make pre-game predictions that I have to eat later.  We will see what happens.  The GRIZ will be ready and give it their best. They are one of a handful of teams that understand what it is like to play in Whitewater, Alliance, Naperville, Waco etc.  We shall see what unfolds.

The Griz have no doubt earned the respect of the nation with their scheduling.  This game has all sorts of intrigue and there is no reason for people to think Franklin doesn't have a good chance.  Quite Franklinly, this could turn out to be a real shootout.  UWW is throwing the ball a whole lot more than the UWW Franlin played in the old days- and that's because the running game simply isn't dominant. 

[bleedpurple]

Congratulations on the win, Grizzlies! I know those of us in Warhawk-land have a lot of respect for Coach Leonard and the Grizzlies' program. From everything I've heard, he is a great guy and a great coach. I have listened to a few of his interviews and was very impressed.  I particularly remember him complimenting UW-W after one of their playoff games for playing the game "the right way". And I remember that about the Griz too. I'm glad to see you advance, but to be honest, I would have been happy for Wash U also. Another team that has earned respect by the way they go about their business.

I know I speak for the other UW-W posters that it would be great to meet up with you guys and do some tailgating in the parking lot before the game on Saturday. If you need any Whitewater metropolis info let us know. As you undoubtedly remember, there are choices galore! 

[FCGrizzliesGrad]

Gagliardi finalists have been released and WR Kyle Linville has made the final 10. He joins former QBs Kyle Ray (2010) and Chad Rupp (2008) as finalists from Franklin.
Be sure to cast your vote as the fans count for 1/39th of the ballots http://www.d3football.com/notables/2013/11/gagliardi-finalists-announced

[Joe Wally]

Good Luck, Grizzlies! 

What's the weather looking like in Wisconsin this weekend?

[GRIZ_BACKER]

Good Luck, Grizzlies! 

What's the weather looking like in Wisconsin this weekend?

Thanks for the props!  A balmy 37 with light south wind and partly sunny.  Compared to last week, almost shorts weather.

[WarhawkDad]

To all the HCAC posters, Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving Holiday! 

[FCGrizzliesGrad]

I have to say, the game didn't feel like a 30 point blowout to me. Franklin put some good drives together that they just couldn't finish, and turnovers at the end helped push the lead out. Start of the 2nd half had the feel of the Mount game and I thought they might be able to pull off a similar comeback, but Whitewater managed to halt that just in time. I think the biggest negative was the O Line... 24 rushes for 4 yards and Jonny West was hit a lot and quickly.
Sad to see Linville graduate because he made some spectacular catches like always. Hopefully the Grizzlies will reload and make noise again next year.

[dc_has_been]

Congrats to Franklin on another good season.  Tough loss yesterday, but a hard fought battle. 

Looking forward to next season as I hope my Jackets continue to improve and become a presence in the HCAC. 

[GRIZ_BACKER]

I have to say, the game didn't feel like a 30 point blowout to me. Franklin put some good drives together that they just couldn't finish, and turnovers at the end helped push the lead out. Start of the 2nd half had the feel of the Mount game and I thought they might be able to pull off a similar comeback, but Whitewater managed to halt that just in time. I think the biggest negative was the O Line... 24 rushes for 4 yards and Jonny West was hit a lot and quickly.
Sad to see Linville graduate because he made some spectacular catches like always. Hopefully the Grizzlies will reload and make noise again next year.

As the frustration of the offense performance yesterday has subsided, I took a look back at the senior class that finished their football careers yesterday. In four years they have won the HCAC each year, advanced to the second round of the playoffs three times, played against the top teams in the nation multiple times, and went 31-1 in conference play.  The GRIZ have been nationally ranked all or nearly all of the last 4 years.  Not very many players have this body of work to proud of.  Hats off once again to the GRIZ!!

[emma17]

I have to say, the game didn't feel like a 30 point blowout to me. Franklin put some good drives together that they just couldn't finish, and turnovers at the end helped push the lead out. Start of the 2nd half had the feel of the Mount game and I thought they might be able to pull off a similar comeback, but Whitewater managed to halt that just in time. I think the biggest negative was the O Line... 24 rushes for 4 yards and Jonny West was hit a lot and quickly.
Sad to see Linville graduate because he made some spectacular catches like always. Hopefully the Grizzlies will reload and make noise again next year.

As the frustration of the offense performance yesterday has subsided, I took a look back at the senior class that finished their football careers yesterday. In four years they have won the HCAC each year, advanced to the second round of the playoffs three times, played against the top teams in the nation multiple times, and went 31-1 in conference play.  The GRIZ have been nationally ranked all or nearly all of the last 4 years.  Not very many players have this body of work to proud of.  Hats off once again to the GRIZ!!

Griz fans,
The game yesterday was not a "blowout" from my perspective at all.  The Franklin D did a great job vs. the UWW O and made them work for every yard.  I associate blowouts with easy pickens, and this game was anything but. 
Franklin ran into a UWW team that was playing much faster than it did the week previous and the D line was really bringing it.  UWP only scored 10 against the UWW D and UWO only scored 14, that's it.  Franklin had a couple nice drives that ended just short.   Congrats to your seniors especially, they've not only had great success with their record, but they've brought respect to Franklin from around the country.
   

[FCGrizzliesGrad]

There was a story this weekend in the Daily Journal about Kyle Linville and his future in football. Apparently the Schwabisch Hall Unicorns have invited him to join them in the German Football League (the same team Chad Rupp played for in 2009).

I've been in contact with their offensive coordinator. They want me to play," Linville said. "If I stay in the U.S., I'd have to test the waters and see what's out there."
Domestic options include the Arena Football League and the NFL. He hasn't ruled out visiting an NFL rookie camp or giving the Canadian Football League a shot.