Game Day from Alliance, Whitewater
Dec
2006
It’s nine and a half hours to kickoff as I write this. And as the painful memory of nearly seven hours’ drive time on I-80 alone melts from my eyes, it’s time to throw out my predictions. I have Keith’s predictions in my inbox and have tried not to read them so far.
What will we see tomorrow? I hope we’ll see two good games. I fear we’ll see two blowouts. So maybe we’ll get something in between.
Mount Union 35, St. John Fisher 17
There’s been some question as to which players will be available and play for Mount Union tomorrow. In the end, it’s not going to matter. As long as Nate Kmic can play, this is going to be a quick game and a Purple Raider win.
UW-Whitewater 35, Wesley 17
Is Justin Beaver 100%? Can Mario Harris, et al, shut down Derek Stanley and Neil Mrkvicka? Will receiver Michael Clarke be able to get open and pull away for his yardage after the catch? Can either team stop Ryan Kleppe or Bryan Robinson?
Hmm, that’s a lot of questions.
Here’s Keith’s take.
Mount Union 28, St. John Fisher 14: If the Cardinals score more than 17 against the Purple Raiders, they’d be the first to do so this season.
UW-Whitewater 28, Wesley 21: The Wolverines keep it much closer this year, but the Warhawks find a way to win again, preserving a chance to send coach Bob Berezowitz off into retirement with a championship.
Check for updates on the Scoreboard, not to mention our live broadcasts.
OK, so I only picked one score for both games. So sue me. 
December 9th, 2006 at 6:04 am
A UWW / MU rematch after all. What a shocker!! I’m with you. Both of these teams have had their close call.
MU rolls….again. MU 38 SJF 14
UWW won’t be denied the chance to send Coach B off into a golden sunset but also the chance to finish what they couldn’t last year in Salem. UWW 31 Wesley 17
SJF & Wesley…..feel free to prove me wrong. I have no problem chowing down on some fried crow next week at Stone Station.
December 9th, 2006 at 9:18 am
MU & UWW. No surprise they’re here. I’m going for upsets in both games this year. Wesley’s offense gives them a great shot. SJF’s defense gives them a great shot. Phsyically, athletically, and playmakeability - SJF matches up evenly with MUC, which is rare. The West/North v. East/South scales in D III will balance this year. I look forward to the web casts.
December 9th, 2006 at 9:25 am
D III football guys,
Maybe I missed some posts on this topic. But its game day, its early, and we need a little chat to kill time before kickoff. Can you explain how Chris Sharpe was not selected as a finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy? He’s player of the year in the East Region. The kid lit up a semi-finalist for 7 TDs in a game - on the road. Led the nation in rushing and scoring - from the QB position. What am I missing? Don’t get me wrong - I love having one of my own (Arcidiacano) as a finalist. He’s a worthy candidate and would be a worthy winner. But please explain teh oversight.
December 9th, 2006 at 9:39 am
Wesley 28 UWW 27
Wesley wins a close one and heads to thier first Stagg Bowl appearance. From what I read on here, most UWW fans already have thier team playing MU in the final. That’s why they play the game. Good luck to all teams.
December 9th, 2006 at 9:46 am
Dutchman:
We don’t have access to the nominees. Us Gagliardi voters only see the final 10. We don’t have any input into the whittling of the original nominations to the final 10, so I couldn’t tell you what happened.
December 9th, 2006 at 9:50 am
Wesley is gonna get pounded today, maybe worse then last year. Winds are swirling in Wisconsin today they should just stay in their hotel, look for Beaver getting 300 today. MU wins but it isnt pretty. UWW opens as 7 point favorite against MU next week. We got the rematch we wanted, all the other teams really were just pretenders!
December 9th, 2006 at 10:00 am
Johnnies,
Maybe it was thinking like that, that has your team at home watching this game on Webcast. This Wesly team is no joke, I have been to each playoff game this year and keeping up on the other ones, Wesley hasn’t even been threatened. WW is not taking this team lightly, to say that WW will win in a pounding like that is to say that Wesley is a worse team than both St. John’s and LAX. No matter how much you want to believe that it just isn’t true. No one in this town or on this bandwagon are looking forward to MUC, Wesley is out to get us and WW will be ready, but Beaver won’t run for 300 yards.
December 9th, 2006 at 10:44 am
Enter Lee Corso: “Not so fast my friend”
As much as I would like to UWW/Wesley game to go that way, I just don’t see it happening. Wesley will be ready to put up a fight, and from my understanding, wolverines right pretty hard. Looking for Beaver to have a big game as well, but certainly not 300. If he’s in the 150 range, UWW is in great shape. Any more is just gravy.
December 9th, 2006 at 10:49 am
Upset Day……St. John Fisher beats Mount Union to go to the title game
December 9th, 2006 at 11:07 am
Chris Sharpe may or may not be the best quarterback in the East region.However, the Gagliardi trophy is given to the player that not only excels on the football field but also in the classroom and in the community. Is Chris Sharpe a great quarterback? Absolutely. But does he match the other criteria?
I’m not sure. I know he’s a two-sport athlete (football, lacrosse) at Springfield. Other than that, I couldn’t say. And like Pat said, this is an award you have to be nominated for, they don’t just pick players at random. He might not have even been nominated.
December 9th, 2006 at 11:15 am
This isn’t Pat, this is Keith. From the MUC press box.
Flew into Cleveland this a.m. and drove down. When I got in my rental, it said it was 24 degrees out.
An hour later when I arrived in Alliance, it has warmed up to 26.
There was a dusting of snow on the sides of the field, but the turf is clean and dry, shouldn’t be a factor. Wind might be.
Everyone who’s someone who’s not at UWW-Wesley is here. SJF defensive coordinator flew back from adopting a child in Guatemala this morning and drove to Alliance. I’m told he will call the game today.
Some key injury info … although it’s not really right to give it out yet on the off chance someone sees it pre-game.
But if you check out the video-cast (yes, we actually have video), we’ll be on it early.
Check the other game for a videocast too.
December 9th, 2006 at 11:16 am
This IS Pat and we have video links corrected for the games today.
Mount Union/St. John Fisher
http://mfile.akamai.com/10266/live/reflector:23919.asx?prop=n
UW-Whitewater/Wesley
http://mfile.akamai.com/10266/live/reflector:22495.asx?prop=n
December 9th, 2006 at 11:59 am
A note from our crew out in Alliance. Please try both links that are posted for the live video the semifinals coverage today.
December 9th, 2006 at 12:03 pm
Dutchman,
I kind of wondered the same thing about Nate Kmic. The best I can come up with, was the fact that all of the finalists are seniors. Correct me if I’m wrong, but Sharpe is an underclassman too…..isn’t he.
December 9th, 2006 at 12:04 pm
Pat,
The link for the Wesley/UWW game (reflector: 22495) is listing the Mt. union game. I beleive they might be reversed!??
December 9th, 2006 at 12:05 pm
Correct. I just caught that.
Mount Union/St. John Fisher
http://mfile.akamai.com/10266/live/reflector:22495.asx?prop=n
UW-Whitewater/Wesley
http://mfile.akamai.com/10266/live/reflector:23919.asx?prop=n
Mount Union and St. John Fisher are underway in Alliance.
December 9th, 2006 at 12:08 pm
Touchdown Mount Union, 13:17 left in the first….
Nate Kmic puts the Purple Raiders on the board with a long touchdown run.
MUC 7 Fisher 0
December 9th, 2006 at 12:15 pm
Touchdown St. John Fisher, 10:27 left in the first
Rob Kramer to Corey Jackson pass to the back of the end zone on 3rd and goal.
MUC 7 Fisher 7
Letting everyone know, it appears for the moment that D3scoreboard is down. We’ll have scoring updates here on the Daily Dose.
December 9th, 2006 at 12:16 pm
Check that, D3scoreboard is back up.
December 9th, 2006 at 12:33 pm
Video is coming in awesome guys. I expected a static view, not replays and so forth. And they saved us without any video from you two in the booth.
December 9th, 2006 at 12:33 pm
End of the first quarter in Alliance.
Mount Union 7 St. John Fisher 7
After the initial possession for each team, neither has done terribly much on offense. Fisher has a few more first downs but the Mount defense has a pair of sacks and made some impressive sticks to Mark Robinson.
December 9th, 2006 at 12:44 pm
Safety on a bad snap and that’s not a good sign. You can’t make mistakes and expect to beat Mount Union. Unforced errors kill you against a team like this.
December 9th, 2006 at 12:45 pm
First turnover of the game committed by Mount Union.
The Purple Raiders were driving when Cardinals linebacker Gene Lang forced a fumble on a completed pass.
However, as I write this, Fisher’s offense stalls and a bad snap on a Fisher punt attempt goes through the back of the end zone.
Mount Union 9 St. John Fisher 7 in the second quarter.
December 9th, 2006 at 12:47 pm
I can’t get the video to play. How do I contact someone to trouble shoot?
December 9th, 2006 at 1:01 pm
Mount Union 9 St. John Fisher 7 HALF
December 9th, 2006 at 1:03 pm
I dont really understand LK and the rotating QB’s you got the wind and Jorris and you put in a guy that gives you no throwing threat. If MU blows this game you only need to point to LK’s decision. Mckelley is terrible! UWW is favored by 10 next week.
Eric
December 9th, 2006 at 1:05 pm
JT’s got two laptops rolling to catch both games, beer, chips. This is awesome. A milestone for D3. Except for the safety, Fisher’s looking good.
December 9th, 2006 at 1:06 pm
Whitewater and Wesley are underway in Wisconsin. Wesley will get the ball first.
December 9th, 2006 at 1:17 pm
Touchdown Whitewater, 10:49 left in first.
Whitewater wins the field position battle and has a drive start at the Wesley 20yd line. First play after the punt is a touchdown pass to Aaron Stanley.
Whitewater 7 Wesley 0
December 9th, 2006 at 1:17 pm
Uww 7 - wc 0 warrick is playing very scared. This might get ugly.
December 9th, 2006 at 1:19 pm
The third quarter is why LK has won his championship trophies. Let’s just wait and see…
December 9th, 2006 at 1:29 pm
Whitewater 10 Wesley 0, 7:09 first
Whitewater hits a 49yd. field goal to increase their lead. So far, all Warhawks in Wisconsin. Their average field position has been around the Wesley 25yd line.
December 9th, 2006 at 1:34 pm
16-7 Mount on another big Kmic run…
December 9th, 2006 at 1:41 pm
Its getting ugly in Whitewater, just like I called it.
December 9th, 2006 at 1:42 pm
Touchdown Whitewater, 3:23 left in the first
Jacobs to Derek Stanley for their second touchdown connection of the day. Whitewater offense looking good.
There was about a five-six minute delay because the chains were broken.
Whitewater 17 Wesley 0
December 9th, 2006 at 1:44 pm
wow its a blowout for wesley…im watching it and its not even fair…whitewate r is so good…kicker made a 49 yard field goal!
December 9th, 2006 at 1:49 pm
End of the first quarter in Wisconsin.
UWW 17 Wesley 0
Whitewater intercepted Chris Warrick on Wesley’s last possession. The Warhawks will be knocking on the door of the end zone when the second quarter starts.
December 9th, 2006 at 1:53 pm
24-0 whitewater..wow!
December 9th, 2006 at 1:56 pm
Touchdown Whitewater, 14:40 left in the first half.
Justin Jacbobs’ third touchdown pass of the day. This time it’s on 3rd and goal to Neil Mrkvicka
Whitewater 24 Wesley 0
As I finish writing this, Warrick is picked off for the second time of the half.
December 9th, 2006 at 1:57 pm
Intercepted sheesh…. Wesley’s getting hammered.
December 9th, 2006 at 1:59 pm
Touchdown Whitewater, 12:47 to go in the first half.
Justin Jacobs does it again; Pete Scmitt is the recipient this time. All Whitewater, all the time at Perkins Stadum.
Whitewater 31 Wesley 0
December 9th, 2006 at 2:00 pm
Pat and Keith commented on the time out before the end of the 3rd quarter. The failure of MUC to kick off with the wind to start the 4th quarter did not hurt them. SJF only started the subsequent drive on thir 23.
SJF has made it a good game. I am happy that they have the wind in the 4th quarter. I will assume that was brilliant strategy by the SJF staff.
Kmic has had a great game, but Mark Robinson has also had a good game…over 100 yds.
UW-W 31-0 13 minutes left in the 2Q.
December 9th, 2006 at 2:15 pm
ok. looks like Wesley plays in cold weather like Tampa Bay - they don’t. Waiting to see if they mail it in. Its getting ugly.
In Alliance, watching MU play smash mouth football. Zero passes. Kmic just pounding it up the middle. He has well over 300 yards. Yet, SJF continues to line up in a base defense. They just went up 12 with about 5 minutes left. SJF needs a miracle.
December 9th, 2006 at 2:19 pm
Touchdown Whitewater, 3:05 left in the first half
Derek Stanley scores his third touchdown of the day on a 4th down pass from Justin Jacobs. Jacobs now has five touchdown passes on the afternoon.
Whitewater 38 Wesley 0
December 9th, 2006 at 2:20 pm
Flush the Johnnies - What’s next week’s spread at this point? I’ve seen it rise on your posts from 7 to 10 since this morning. You’ve got to tell me which Vegas book has already posted the spread!! Every source that I’ve checked does not seem to know what I’m even talking about.
This performance might push Beaver onto the NFL Draft Board instead of going the free agent route.
This performance would also reduce the spread against the Badgers from 56 points to 52 points!!
Any comments on Milton Friedman’s passing?
December 9th, 2006 at 2:20 pm
UWW-MUC REMATCH!!!!!!!!!!!
Just as expected… I think Whitewater wins this year… We are hungry
Early Prediction 24-14 Whitewater (in the Stagg Bowl)
December 9th, 2006 at 2:21 pm
From Alliance….
Mount Union 26 St. John Fisher 14
Nate Kmic scored moments ago for the Purple Raiders who turn a five-point lead into a twelve-point lead. According to Pat Cummings and Gordon Mann, Kmic’s hit the 300yd mark.
About five minutes to go in the game.
December 9th, 2006 at 2:25 pm
Kmic has 364 yds.
December 9th, 2006 at 2:25 pm
38-0 Whitewater….. LOL
Wesley = O V E R R A T E D
December 9th, 2006 at 2:26 pm
Any takers on the following…….Kmic and Beaver both get a long look see from the NFL with at least one of them getting drafted?
December 9th, 2006 at 2:26 pm
Picture says it all in Whitewater. Wesley, after an interception of Justin Jacobs, just walks to the locker room and does not elect to run a play with about :15 seconds to play in the first half. Running time expires.
Half - Whitewater 38 Wesley 0
December 9th, 2006 at 2:27 pm
Final
Mount Union 26 St. John Fisher 14
December 9th, 2006 at 2:28 pm
Final for Kmic, about 370 yds on the day.
SJF played a really great game.
The blocked FG just seemed to turn the game. It could have been 19-17 with SJF still having the wind and plenty of time. MUC took the ball and drove for a TD, 26-14. Final.
Thanks Pat and Keith.
December 9th, 2006 at 2:29 pm
So… let the discussion of MUC-UWW begin….
I thought Wesley was supposed to have a good offense… LOL
December 9th, 2006 at 2:34 pm
Neither Kmic or Beaver will get drafted. Lets be real. Mel Kiper was just saying yesterday that Nate Wolfe from NIU might not even get picked this year. He is the same size as Beaver and Kmic with much better speed and a D-I resume.
December 9th, 2006 at 2:36 pm
370, nuff said.
Two more years left for Kmic. No, he won’t be drafted but will he rewrite the record books for D3?
St. John Fisher played a GREAT game. In the end, their defense simply got manhandled and the offense was too inconsistent to win but the effort was outstanding.
December 9th, 2006 at 2:37 pm
Oh and Wesley is overrated again. What is there excuse this year? They wouldn’t finish top 3 in the WIAC. They are quick but small at every position. This is the second year in a row that they have come to town with this supposed great passing game and game breaking WR and QB. Guess what? They aren’t any good against a good team.
December 9th, 2006 at 2:37 pm
How many teams from the West could be pounding Wesley right now?
Last year it was the shoes . . . this year?
Truly enjoyed the Pat and Keith combo — sounded like a couple of guy who know the play and video sells itself and no need to overhype. I have a feeling that if they are watching that other game on Sundays, they are calling BS on bad announcers constantly. Thanks.
Meanwhile, the Gordon and the other guy are solid, but I got a little tired of hearing how Wesley starts slow and recovers. Or how they are so much better than they appear. Still, they are far better than a little of “big timers” out there. Appreciate the coverage.
Stanley is getting a lot more open than he did last week when the Johnnies held him to under 25 yards.
December 9th, 2006 at 2:38 pm
WarhawkBadger - I’m not a Wesley alum or anything but give it a rest about the “overrated” and the “LOL”. These are student athletes paying their way to play football and their success in graduate school and in their chosen field will not be impacted by any Division III loss in the semifinals of the national championship!!
Enjoy it for what it is (it doesn’t even register on the minds of 99.99% of the general populace…….it does matter to us fellow former student athletes) and go beat Mount Union and then you’ll show me something by winning a championship with one of the smallest enrollments in DIII!!
By the way, what words would you use to describe Mary Hardin-Baylor (ranked #5 before the playoffs) and Hardin-Simmons (ranked #6) if Wesley is overrated? I shudder to think what those words might be!!
December 9th, 2006 at 2:39 pm
final game should be a great one. mount has a great defense, UWW obviously is a very good team. i worry about mount’s reluctance to throw the ball.
December 9th, 2006 at 2:42 pm
My Top 5 comments thus far thru the half at UWW and Final at MUC.
1.Keith: “Robinson was like an old Atari 2600 with the joystick on stuck”. Hilarious throwback.
2.Pat Cummings: “It’s the Wesley Wolverines vs. the Whitewater Warhawks, a sesame street nightmare.” Funny childrens throwback.
3.Pat Coleman: As Kimic is finishing a run, “he has 298, 299, 300, 302 yards on the day.”
4.Gordon: “That 49yrd fieldgoal would have been good from … well 49yrds as it hit and bounced over the crossbar.”
5.Pat Cummings: “It’s a 30-0 Whitewater lead, I’m Shocked!!!”
*honorable mention: Pat Cumminings: On the progress of the game in the second quarter. “We haven’t had a fumble recovery for a TD yet, or a safety”…. Gordon:”Hey we haven’t had a Wesley score yet either.”
Honorable #2: After discussing a face mask penalty, Pat Cummings says: “We will continue this discussion tonight over dinner.” Classssic. LOL
December 9th, 2006 at 2:42 pm
I can’t get on the live video link. Help
December 9th, 2006 at 2:42 pm
UWW-WESLEY VIDEO LINK
December 9th, 2006 at 2:44 pm
Set your default player as Windows Media Player then click the link. SHould come right up.
December 9th, 2006 at 2:47 pm
I have no idea how Wesley beat MHB…. MHB gave Whitewater a great game … but perhaps that was the result of Beaver being out.
I respect every student athlete for their passion and respect for the game, but to say even NCAA Div III athletes don’t get atleast some perks in college would be wrong.
December 9th, 2006 at 2:48 pm
These guys are great Division III backs but compare them to Chris Wells at Ohio State who btw is a freshman. He’s 6′2″, 230lbs and is faster than Beavers or Kmic. Or the kid at Wisconsin who’s also a freshman. The talent at Division I is just too far ahead in size and speed.
They simply can’t compete with that type of talent to get to the next level.
December 9th, 2006 at 2:48 pm
Congrats to SFJ and Wesley for their great seasons…. i’m looking forward to a classic MUC-UWW matchup. I was hoping for some close matchups today, but we did have some outstanding games in the elite eight.
December 9th, 2006 at 3:00 pm
I show that Nate Kmic needs 130 yards next week to break Justin Beavers record from last year. Is this correct?
December 9th, 2006 at 3:07 pm
BucksFan - I’m not comparing them to future NFL first round draft picks like you mention. I think back to a guy like Keith Elias who played at Princeton (who most on this board believe would get crushed by UWWW or MUC!!) and enjoyed a 6 or 7 year career with the Giants. Same basic size and speed characteristics. 53rd guy on the roster……special teams stud type. Colston is a 7th round pick from Hofstra who may be the NFC Rookie of the Year.
The Saints have a rookie from D II Bloomsburg State (Pennsylvania state school system). The Eagles start a 5′8″ running back from Villanova University. East Stroudsburg and Kutztown (PA state schools as well) also have or have had running backs enjoy nice careers in the NFL.
If you’re good enough (and I believe that Kmic and Beaver both just might be), the NFL will find you. Each NFL team has a roster spot or two for a low paid (in the NFL world!!), kamikaze-type, who can pitch in at another position in an emergency.
Let me ask it another way…….if it is one of them, is it Kmic or Beaver?
December 9th, 2006 at 3:07 pm
It appears that the video feed links were backwards (at least for me). I had to click on the WWW game to get the Mount Union feed. It appears that the WWW feed is now gone since I cannot click on the Mount Union feed link which was linking me the the WWW game.
December 9th, 2006 at 3:08 pm
its gotta be close. To bad Beaver missed those 4 or 5 games in the middle of the year otherwise we could have a championship game with 2- 2000 yard backs.
December 9th, 2006 at 3:09 pm
Bucksfan,
How do you set the default player to windows media player? I’m not that good on a computer.
December 9th, 2006 at 3:10 pm
Duke,
Good points. As a role player or specialist it has happened in the past.
They’re both great backs and I’m not sure I’d want to pick between them. I grew up near Alliance so my loyalties would be to Kmic but I certainly recognize the talent and determination of Beavers.
December 9th, 2006 at 3:12 pm
I would say Beaver but then again im probably biased. It has just always been a matter of size for him.
December 9th, 2006 at 3:13 pm
The way some of you all talk…you’d think MUC had never won a thing in DIII….its almost funny…even the guys on the mount webcast are throwing out predictions already…
The game isnt even over yet, and you’ve already got the warhawks crowned..the warhawks beat wesley 58-6 last year, and MUC won…
as far as Im concerned, another trouncing of Wesley doesnt prove much…this time last year all the talk was about how Mount was going down, and we all know how that turned out…
and im gonna go out on a limb here and say kehres knows more about coahing than he’s getting credit for…
I’ll be the first to admit that Mount didnt look dominant today…but you dont declare the champ dead til he’s dead guys…
great game for Kmic…370 is impressive, I dont care who its against…
see ya in Salem..
December 9th, 2006 at 3:14 pm
Open Windows Media Player and select Tools, then Options, then File Types tab. You can choose which types of files that the Player will be selected as the default player.
December 9th, 2006 at 3:17 pm
UWW holds onto the ball and potential interceptions, it could be 60-0 easy. They are playing very nice in Brez’s final at Perkins.
December 9th, 2006 at 3:18 pm
MUCnash,
With the success that Mount Union has achieved it only makes sense that EVERYBODY and I mean EVERYBODY else will root against them.
No matter what happens next week they’ve had yet another great season.
December 9th, 2006 at 3:24 pm
Nice job Fisher. I know how much it hurts to have your season ended, especially when you were right there in the 4th quarter. But in a few weeks you guys are really gonna appreciate what you did for your program, and even for the respect of Eastern Region.
You guys are the upstate blueprint for how to build a football program. Keep it rollin’, and hopefully we’ll both be in the dance next season.
December 9th, 2006 at 3:57 pm
Well,
I’m just baffled by Wesley completely not being able to match up agiainst UWW. It only takes one comparative score triangle to make no sense of it (UMHB).
So how rare is it you go to Mount Union and get the better of two semifinals?
Fisher played pretty well today. I don’t think this is an MUC team without holes, but they are pretty darn good on defense, and this Kmic guy and his O-Line ain’t half bad.
The initial thought from the D3football.com corner of the press box in Alliance. Beaver + Kmic back in the Stagg Bowl = 500 rushing yards, 90-minute game with the new rules.
So now I have to decide between Capital, SJF and Wesley for No. 3 overall?
December 9th, 2006 at 4:01 pm
“2.Pat Cummings: “It’s the Wesley Wolverines vs. the Whitewater Warhawks, a sesame street nightmare.” Funny childrens throwback.”
Just be glad Barbara Wawa wasn’t doing color …
Good job crews. Congrats to UWW and MUC.
December 9th, 2006 at 4:03 pm
d3keith…i would say that st. johns is number 3 overall
December 9th, 2006 at 4:03 pm
MUCNash,
You’re way overreacting.
Most everyone assumes Mount Union will win it all until someone beats them.
I said there’s a possibility UW-Whitewater comes into next week as the “favorite,” although there’s no real way to tell that … But that’s what you do when a game is over to the point that the play-by-play is meaningless, you find something else to talk about.
I think it’s worth discussing. Obviously Mount won last time they played, but I wonder if public opinion will be swayed by another Wesley blowout … or will they just say “eh, another Wesley blowout!”
An MUC fan here has compared UWW going into next week off a big blowout to MUC coming off the 66-0 win here and losing the Stagg to SJU. … Wishfully, I think. We all know both teams earned each other’s respect last season.
December 9th, 2006 at 4:04 pm
St. John’s can be in the discussion, depending on what UWW does.
Right now I’d probably be leaning Capital, but I guess that’s why we wait for all the information to be in before we vote, huh?
December 9th, 2006 at 4:07 pm
Yeah, Keith, a Wesley-St. Norbert’s semi might have been closer … 102-13 over two years is fairly nasty.
December 9th, 2006 at 4:09 pm
I’d say UW-Lacrosse deserves to be top 5 as well…. Their only losses were to Whitewater, and UW-L almost beat UWW in the Sweet Sixteen…
IMHO…. St Johns/UW-Lacrosse are about equal and BOTH should be ahead of Wesley….
I’d rank em like this right now
#1a MUC
#1b UWW
#3 St. Johns
#4 UW-La Crosse
#5 St. John Fisher
#6 Capital
#7 Wesley
#8 Mary Hardin-Baylor
December 9th, 2006 at 4:09 pm
Its Garrett Wolfe not Nate Wolfe. I would take him over Kmic or Beaver at the next level. He’s played against more talented defenses, and had quite a game against OSU this year. I just cant believe Kmic or Beaver could put together a game like that against the #1 D-1 team. And PLEASE stop calling him Justin Beavers!
Happy MUC got through. To be the best, we want a shot to beat the best.
December 9th, 2006 at 4:12 pm
I hope UW Whitewater kicks the crap out of Mount Union.
December 9th, 2006 at 4:16 pm
To Pat and Keith, I want to thank you so much for putting the games on the net today. It was great to watch the MUC SJF game. I wanted to be there so badly but just could not make it happen. You guys are the best. This D3 football fan is thankful and appreciative of this site. Thanks guys. By the way SJF great job today. You really hung with a great team, even having the potential to beat them. You have represented the East well! You should hold your heads up very high, just impressive effort out there today. MUC is a great team. Good luck to MUC and UWW next week. I cannot wait to see the upcoming discussions about this rematch.
December 9th, 2006 at 4:16 pm
BCLlamaGuy,
We loved your top 5.
I think I might have been able to make your list again, if not for this weird thing I have called “my better judgement.”
Pat describes a play by saying “he knocks him back.”
And I follow with dead silence. Because in my head, all I could think of was “Aaaaaaaalll the way to Hackensack.” And there was no logical way to fit the old school cheer or Bud Light commercial in there and save the broadcast.
It’s definitely very different with a TV replay monitor … we’ve become so used to relying on what we see and overdescribing everything that it took Pat and I awhile to scale our descripitions back, and talk along with the replays.
Hope it turned out OK. I hear someone was able to watch them both at the same time.
Dreamy.
December 9th, 2006 at 4:18 pm
Rig0123 wrote,
“wjbtms-
How about this?
I predict MU will score at least 50 points. I also predict SJFC will score no more than 10 points.
If those 2 predictions come true, I get to stencil your car, at no charge to you, and I’ll bring the stencil, which will read “Deez Nutzz”.
If those 2 predictions don’t come true, stencil whatever you want on my green Bronco. In any event, come on by for a tasty beverage.”
I like the sound of that!!!!!
At least Rig offered a drink - that’s cool. I wonder what Rig is going to have stenciled on his white Bronco?
December 9th, 2006 at 4:21 pm
Dlippiel,
Thanks, we enjoyed doing it … I hope there’s more in the future, although it’s possible it’s a special case b/c it was a semifinal and there were already going to be cameras here.
December 9th, 2006 at 4:58 pm
Well, looks like we’re going to have that Mount Union/UW Whitewater rematch we’ve all talked about. If this continues, the Stagg Bowl may have to be renamed the Purple & Black Bowl or the Bruise Bowl. Plus, Prince will eventually be doing the halftime show. Sorry I can’t make it to Stone Station, but drink one at “Communion” for me.
December 9th, 2006 at 5:03 pm
I’d agree with some posts about MU - having some holes. This team is not the same as its more balanced and explosive predecessors. But does it have to be? I mean, with a front as big and athletic as they are, with a a small explosive back with terrific vision, do they need anymore? Reminds me of “just win baby”. The only thing that can stop the offense is either (i) mud or (ii) scholarship talent. UWW - you have your rematch opportunity.
I hate to admit it, but this championship game was predicted long ago and materialized. East coast football, while balanced, simply can’t compete at the highest level of D III. Regrettably, our schools compete for talent with many I-AA scholarship and non-scholarship programs in the Northeast. Maybe next year. Thanks guys for the webcast, and for the forum you provide. Its top shelf in production, and the class of regular bloggers is refreshing. See you next year. Enjoy Salem.
December 9th, 2006 at 5:39 pm
You all did a great job with both the games. I got to watch them both. Too bad they can’t be done like that every year.
Boy that Kmic kid can run!
Good luck to both teams at the Stagg Bowl.
December 9th, 2006 at 5:45 pm
SeanGOP here in MUC country we are happy your hopes get dashed on a regular basis.
December 9th, 2006 at 5:48 pm
I only heard a small portion of todays game but Pat Cummings and Gordon
were so much better than alot of idiots that are employed to do college and pro games. I did not here Pat and Keith but I would think they were also very good.
As for Wesley, You can’t make those early mistakes against a bad team let alone a good one. And I still say they are a top five team.
December 9th, 2006 at 6:23 pm
You guys did a great job on the games today. way better than the clowns they had on the Montana/UMass game last night on ESPN2. Hopefully it leads to bigger and better things, you deserve it.
SJF Fans
Hell of a game today. Robinson was as good as billed. Congrats on a great season. For those that made the trip I hope you enjoyed A-town.
SeanGOP
Tell us how you really feel?
December 9th, 2006 at 6:23 pm
Top 5 for Wesley? Can’t put them in front of MUC, UWW.
Probably shouldn’t put them in front of SJF.
Are you putting them in front of SJU, UWLX or Capital?
For the second year in a row, Wesley wasn’t competitive. They could have lost much, much worse. They beat one top 20 team in the playoffs … doesn’t really make a strong top-five case. Especially when UWLX and SJU took UWW to the wire.
December 9th, 2006 at 6:28 pm
I was at the UWW/Wesley game, and honestly I have to question the way Wesley approached this game defensively. They had 8 men up almost the entire first half and Jacobs absolutely picked them apart. The receivers were WIDE open all half long. I have been at every home game for the past two years, and IMO Jacobs is a much bigger threat than Beaver. If you stop Jacobs, UWW’s offense struggles. You allow him to throw, he will make the good throw every…single…time…
And I had heard about Wesley’s speed advantage all week. I think UWW was not only bigger, but faster as well.
December 9th, 2006 at 6:59 pm
Wesley embarassed themselves again. I was the only one who predicted another blowout, everyone else was fooled by Wesley. They should have stayed in the locker room at half. I mean seriously Wesley probably finishes like 6th in the WIAC. So the rematch is set. With Garcon hurt, I am putting the opening line at UWW favored by 11, there will be no deer in the headlights factor for UWW this year. I would not be surprised to see see something like uww 35- MU 10. Kmic is tremendous talent but the front seven of Whitewater will shut him down.
December 9th, 2006 at 7:10 pm
I’m not so sure about the predicted blowout. UWW has not been able to establish the run since the FB was hurt v. MHB. UWW’s defense has saved their butt the last few weeks before today. Hopefully that won’t need to happen again.
December 9th, 2006 at 7:17 pm
Bucksfan
I believe Kmic needs 167 next week to break Beaver’s record. Hard to imagine anybody having that type of performance against the UWW defense. Then again, Kmic isn’t just anybody. All I know is that the guy definitely shows up for the playoffs.
Definitely will be in Salem next weekend for a great game and hopefully a Warhawk title.
December 9th, 2006 at 7:33 pm
On the topic of records, Kmic only needs 165 yds rushing next week to break his own playoff record…and that’s with a 43 yd performance against Hope…not sure why he didn’t play much, maybe because they didn’t need him to, but anyway, he’ll be shooting for a couple records next weekend.
December 9th, 2006 at 8:02 pm
Something to think about… records the past four seasons (for this year’s senior class)
The “Top Five” Programs in Div III Right Now??
Mount Union 53-3 (2 National Titles)
St. Johns 43-5 (1 National Title)
Linfield 40-5 (1 National Title)
Wisconsin-Whitewater 42-7 (2 National Title Appearances)
Mary Hardin-Baylor 41-7 (1 National Title Appearance)
Others of Note:
Mary Hardin Simmons 36-7
St. Norbert College 38-6
December 9th, 2006 at 10:29 pm
WarhawkBadger,
By your La Crosse logic, which makes some sense, Capital should be 3 or at least higher than 6. Their only losses are to MUC and the second one was by a field goal. Likewise, UWL has a bad loss to UWW and then lost by an FG the second time.
St. John’s problem is that it lost to Bethel, and Bethel lost to La Crosse, so even though the Johnnies and Eagles looked good in the playoffs vs. Whitewater, we have to look at the rest of the body of work. Same with UMHB, if UWW ends up winning … I’m not sure yet how we sort all those guys out. And how do you do Wesley, which got crushed by UWW but beat UMHB, who played UWW even?
Nothing easy about the final rankings. SJF is definitely in that top 5-6 mix, and that bodes well for some of the East teams that played them closely too.
I’ve seen Jacobs look great and I’ve seen him get rattled and Stanley not play that well. MUC is a great defense with not as many individual standouts as in some past years (DEs Stickley, Vusevich and SS Kostelnik), but their results are good. I’m not sure how they’ll match up yet, but I can’t see this Stagg Bowl being anything but great.
What can you do if you’re Wesley. You have to start with stopping the run, and Beaver. UWW is so good on offense you end up picking your poison.
Maybe Beaver does make that much difference. UMHB was masterful defending UWW midseason.
Lots to think/talk about as we approach this one!
December 9th, 2006 at 11:03 pm
Well,
finally finished reading all the game-day reaction from a hotel room here in Cleveland, with the Jermain Taylor fight on.
Thanks so much for all the kudos on the broadcast today. It’s amazing what being able to see the game adds to it.
Kmic was probably not a Gagliardi nominee. Off that team someone like Stickley fits the bill, as a senior and heck of a player. But as we’ve mentioned before, you could probably start with Kmic and Beaver and make a list of 10 players that wouldn’t look out of place as this year’s Gagliardi finalists.
As far as Kmic and Beaver’s records, I myself like to recognize playoff stats from previous years, even though the NCAA only started counting playoff games in ‘01 or ‘02.
Basically, that means Ricky Gales (Simpson) and his 51-carry, 389-yard game against St. John’s edges Kmic’s 371 as the best day ever (although Kmic did it on fewer carries, 42) and Gales’ 2,424 edges Beaver’s 2,420 last year … although some people are saying Kmic could break them both with a great game next week.
Anyway, FWIW.
December 9th, 2006 at 11:27 pm
Fisher represented well today. They played their hardest and Mt. Union just had a little more. We could’ve beaten them though. It was really close and I dont think Mt. Union was even expecting that.
A few comments:
-Mt Union holds like crazy, and at times were really nasty to our players. Thats not why we lost, and i will not pretend it was, but i certainly lost some respect. Some of the fans also were some of the crudest 40 year olds i know.
-Fisher Family was strong again. Fisher fans you showed up and rocked those stands at times like you were in growney. The team couldnt of asked for anything more. Respectable and Dedicated once again.
-everyone predicted that FIsher would get “mystified” and “stary-eyed” but that was not the case. We lost not because we were scared-like everyone thought, but because we simply couldnt produce as much as we wanted. Credit to their D-Line.
-To say our team was “manhandeled” on Defense is a ridiculous statement. We allowed 24 points to a team that averages 48…Kmic was great, but that was about it. We had some stops that no one expected to stop.
-Fisher is a fairly young team. And I know u will see them late in the post season again.
-Good luck to both teams as they try to represent every team before them. Stagg Bowl next year for Fisher.
December 9th, 2006 at 11:42 pm
Well not all of our fans were angels, I thought for the most part Mt. Union fans were great
December 9th, 2006 at 11:50 pm
rachacha,
Enough of your sour grapes. Your defense WAS manhandled in the second half. They were worn out and Mount Union exploited that fact. Your comments about holding and how your players were treated are silly. How could you know? I’m presuming you weren’t in on the plays.
Your team played their hearts out today and represented themselves well. Why don’t you try to do the same?
Fans are fans. Some behave and some don’t. It’s the same at any level and at every school.
Peace.
December 9th, 2006 at 11:52 pm
Any defense that gives up 238 yards rushing to a single running back in a half has been “manhandled” in my book. I’m not sure you can refute that.
December 9th, 2006 at 11:55 pm
A couple wrap-up articles from the Del. State News…
http://www.newszap.com/articles/2006/12/09/dm/central_delaware/sports/dsnsp01.txt
http://www.newszap.com/articles/2006/12/09/dm/central_delaware/sports/dsnsp05.txt
December 9th, 2006 at 11:58 pm
We were at Nate’s will that second half no doubt, but the defense kept leaving us in posistions to try and fight back/win the game and that’s all you can ask of them especially against a great team like Mount Union and their offense.
The inability to stop Nate brought visions of Chris Sharpe back, I was at both games and they were equally effective. Nate relied on his speed, power, and just god given ability. Sharpe had an amazing combination of speed and deception, both were great to watch. I just wish the outcomes would have been different.
December 10th, 2006 at 12:15 am
BucksFan
Yes, 238 yards is a bit much, but if you recall there were lots of folks talking about a Mount Union blow out which never happened. Both teams played a great game and Fisher was about one play short of taking the lead.
If Mount Union blows out UWW next week, maybe the real championship game was today and maybe it really came down to one or two plays. Mount Union won, today, I will not argue that point, but it learned a lot about its weaknesses as well. I can’t wait for the next rematch. I am sure St John Fisher will be ready and able.
Now as to RIGG0123’s promise:
I went looking for his Bronco after the game. I could not find it on either side parking lot near the field. Had to get back to Rochester. I had my decal ready. For those who missed our exchange earlier: RIGG0123 offered the following legal contract and agreement:
/***********************************************************/
I predict MU will score at least 50 points. I also predict SJFC will score no more than 10 points.
If those 2 predictions come true, I get to stencil your car, at no charge to you, and I’ll bring the stencil, which will read “Deez Nutzz”.
f those 2 predictions don’t come true, stencil whatever you want on my green Bronco. In any event, come on by for a tasty beverage.
/************************************************************/
RIGG0123 LOST ON BOTH ENDS OF THE AGREEMENT.
So Rigg0123 please send me your mailing address and I will send the decal. Once you receive the decal, please send a digital camera shot showing your honor in placing the decal on your vehicle.
Next year if our teams meet again, lets talk about the new agreement.
I can be reached at billb@tmssolutionsltd.com
Good luck to Mt Union next week.
Fisher Football you did us proud today. As one of the founders of the program in 71, I cannot say enought about a great season.
December 10th, 2006 at 12:39 am
wjbtms
“If Mount Union blows out UWW next week, maybe the real championship game was today and maybe it really came down to one or two plays.”
First of all, not gonna happen
Second, we all know that one game cannot give a true measurement of a team. I would like to think that Wesley (both years) were much better teams than they showed in the semis.
Third, even if you could measure a team by one game, then how can you say the title game was today when Capital came closer to beating Mount Union last week?
Just some thoughts to ponder
December 10th, 2006 at 12:52 am
I cannot believe UWW beat up Wesley that bad. UMHB played UWW even and stunk it up at Wesley. I don’t think Beaver would have made a big difference in that game. Perhaps the cold made the difference this week for Wesley. I can’t wait until next week because it will be a great game. I predict UWW 31 MUC 24.
December 10th, 2006 at 2:16 am
This year’s semifinal games were eerily similar to last year’s. MU wins by 12 both years. WW blows Wesley out of the box by 52 and 37, respectively. MU by 7 over WW in 2005. For 2006…..WW over MU by 3 in 2006. My guess is as good as anybody’s.
December 10th, 2006 at 8:09 am
Dutchman89 - Don’t forget to add all of the DII schools in the Northeast (including Bloomsburg who is in the national semifinals) to the list of DIII’s, and DI-AA’s (scholarship and non-scholarship) competing for talent.
The occasional miracle is all that would allow the top team(s) in the East to beat a Mount Union or a UWWW. Somebody told me that the enrollment at UWWW is close to 10,000……..that’s bigger than all of the DI-AA’s, DII’s and a bunch of DI’s around here!!
Flush the Johnnies - It’s impossible to ask for some class from the classless!! Enough said!!
December 10th, 2006 at 8:24 am
Good job Mount! What an awesome team, and facility. We tailgated at 9am and packed the stands.
Very deflating outcome as we were 4th and nine from the 17, down 5 with 7 minutes to go….’We’ were that close to beating the machine called MUC! I thought we should have gone for the TD not the FG. Even if the FG was good, you are still down 2 and giving the ball back to Kimic who hasnt been stoppped and when he scores (he did on the ensuing drive) you are down two scores again at 9 (woulda been 24-15). So why not take your one shot at shocking the d3 world when it presented itself. SJF completed a key 4th and 20 play in Sprinfield a couple weks ago. It was there for the taking.
Cortland Fan/Dlipp/Mainjack: Thanks for the support above. What an awesome run this was for the team and the family, students and former players that followed it. SJF knocked on the door yesterday to the championship game. Cannot wait till opening game ‘08 when we travel to MUC for the rematch.
I spoke to a few MUC former players at the game and they were impressed with the team and with our fan support.
Badger: take a look at SJF record the past 4 seasons.
Keith: The guys I travelled with had the same question after the game…where should SJF be in the final rankings? I presented that there is a dilemma between Capital and SJF in that SJF technically went further, but that Capital lost to the same team a week earlier in a ‘closer’ game. It was closer on the scoreboard but Capital did score a late TD after being down 17-7. You were at the game yesterday and you saw that SJF was exchangin blows and knockin on the door with 7 minutes to go. I did not see Capital play this year, but I do know this: SJF played and beat Rochester, Alfred, Ithaca, Union , Sprinfield and Rowan , all play-off or ECAC bowl teams except Ithaca. And SJF dominated all those teams. MUC was the only football team that SJF did not beat this year, as with Capital I believe.
Finally, congrats to SJF players and coaches. Who woulda saw a 2-8 team from not too long ago come into Alliance in the final four and play at the level you played yesterday. It may sound corny, but I was as proud as can be when you guys stepped on that field AND when you walked off it when it was over. I know that there are no consolation prizes, but trust me, 10 years from now when you are just a former player bloggin on d3 and your kids are asking you to put cartoons on tv (like mine are right now) you will be able to reflect and put what you accomplished yesterday and in your football careers into perspective. You will be proud as well!
Thanks for the run, I and the former teammates of mine that attended all your play-off games this year and in ‘04 appreciate you.
December 10th, 2006 at 8:36 am
Final articles about Wesley from The Wilmington News Journal.
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061210/SPORTS/612100337/1002/SPORTS
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061210/SPORTS/612100333/1002
December 10th, 2006 at 11:30 am
This is wierd: after two consecutive tries,
W&J can’t get past UMHB
UMHB can’t get past Wesley
Wesley can’t get past UWW
And UWW??????? Will they get past MUC?
Is there a ‘jinx factor’ involved? Is it possible?? Is someone out there playing with little football-player voodoo dolls?
I dearly wish I could have seen a UMHB-UWW rematch yesterday instead of the debacle I ended up seeing. It would have been a better game. But then any team can have an ‘off’ day when things just don’t go right. We had ours, and Wesley had theirs. It can happen to anyone at any time. Kudos to all the athletes and students of all the D-III schools, who do their best day in and day out to make themselves, their school and their nation a better place. We are truly blesssed to have such young men & women.
December 10th, 2006 at 12:10 pm
My question is this…IF UWW beats MUC by a bunch…does that mean the Stagg Bowl was actually the WEST REGION FINAL?
Another thought, can we eliminate the South Region, and give the deserving bids to the West? Also the East did well today, they stayed competitive in the game, but I still think the majority of the East is weak
Good luck to both teams in the Stagg Bowl Final.
December 10th, 2006 at 12:20 pm
VOJ:
You have to give up the Weak East fight now. Can’t come back with it until the next time the East craps the bed in the semis.
December 10th, 2006 at 12:51 pm
Congrats to MUC, their players, coaching staff and fans. It was truly a great game and an even better atmosphere. Most MUC fans were classy and very respectful before, during and after the game. What can you say? Fisher only committed two penalties and did not turn the ball over once which is one of the reasons why the contest was as close as it was with about 7 and change to go in the game. They showed a lot of poise and character by battling back for the entire day. This is only the beginning.
Thank you Fisher! I think I can speak on behalf of the alumni who traveled to the game, and alumni who either watched or listened to the game while at home that we are extremely proud of what you have accomplished this year. Seniors, hold your heads high!!! What you have achieved during these past four years is the catalyst for the program’s special future. I could not have been more proud of you guys during this season and throughout this playoff run. The lengths that some of the alumni went to, to make sure they were at the game this past weekend were incredible. This team and this playoff run did more for fans and alumni off of the field than you might realize. We thank you for that!!!!
Great year, Fisher. Seniors, TREMENDOUS career… you have accomplished something that will help you achieve even greater successes off of the field upon graduation.
I have never been more proud of being a SJFC graduate than I was yesterday!
Take care and have a great off-season. Good luck to the remaining two teams next week!
December 10th, 2006 at 12:56 pm
rachacha,
Seems like you are spouting a lot of sour grapes. I seem to remember Stickley getting tackled by the STJF tackle and he still got a sack on the play. Sometimes you get calls and sometimes you don’t. I do not think there were more than a one or two penalties all day on St John Fisher and there was a lot of holding going on in the middle when STJF had the ball. Not complaining, because no matter what the situation is you cannot control the refs and you have to keep looking to make plays.
As for fan behavior I think in your mind the behaviour could have been bad. I was in the secion bording the two teams fans (where some of the purple hairs sat) and I thought both sides were very well behaved and were having fun. I didn’t hear bad language, I didn’t hear taunting (unless you didn’t like the beep beep beeps or the first down calls) and if you think that is taunting then you need to stay home and watch it on the internet next time.
December 10th, 2006 at 12:57 pm
Stagg Bowl prediction.
50 degrees and sunny.
Oh the game MUC 21 UWW 17
December 10th, 2006 at 1:02 pm
Please. No excuses for how bad Wesley was yesterday. It was as good of a day as your gonna get in Wisconsin in December. It was 42 degrees and sunny all day. They had their “turf shoes” or whatever they didn’t have last year. Whitewater gave them the same dose of medicine they did last year so Wesley should have been better prepared.
The only Wesley team I saw was the team that was totally out played. Whitewater is generally conservative in the playoffs with their play calling. Wesley gave them no other option but to go down field to wide open recievers with one-on-one coverage. They did stop Beaver though, but they did give up 5 TD passes in 1-1/2 quarters.
KEY TO THE GAME: They were the only team that tried to cover Derek Stanley without a safety over top. Not a good idea. 3 catches 3 TDS against an unknown defender because he was never in the picture when the ball was caught.
St. Johns would have put 40 on them and La Crosse would have beat them up.
Enough about that. It’s time for the big game. It is gonna be a good one.
December 10th, 2006 at 1:02 pm
“dukefinadv Says:
The 10th of December, 2006 at 8:09 am
Somebody told me that the enrollment at UWWW is close to 10,000……..that’s bigger than all of the DI-AA’s, DII’s and a bunch of DI’s around here!!”
Perhaps a trip through D3football.com might be useful. That’s the kind of information we keep on the site and you do not need to get through word of mouth.
http://www.d3football.com/school_info.php?school=UW-Whitewater&year=2006
December 10th, 2006 at 1:09 pm
Can someone tell me how hurt Garcon is?
December 10th, 2006 at 1:22 pm
Last comments,
MUC vs Fisher came down to the 1st and ten at the MUC 16 and Fisher came away with nothing. To that point Fisher gave everything they had and it was enough to go toe to toe with MUC even with the offensive show by Kmic. Fisher lost their will at that point. Hate to say it but Champions can’t give up with 10 minutes left because of a miscue. What they needed to do was go back to work and shutdown MUC. I have great respect this Fisher Team and hope they learned from this.
MUC - great teams make great plays when they have to. Fisher had them on the ropes and let them off. Great lesson for Fisher on what they have to be to take the next step. Could be the start of a great rivalry, if Fisher can learn that lesson.
MUC Fans - Most part had class and offered appreciation for a great game. My assumption is they don’t have an opportunity to sweat out another teams offensive series in the fourth quarter very offen. I think they enjoyed the experience.
Fisher Players and coaches - Great year and you represented your school, the E8 and the East very well. It is obvious you learned a great deal this year and look forward to another great year next year. You might want to check your in-season conditioning and weight training as the team had a number of critical injuries from the middle to end of it’s season.
Final Rankings - I think it is hypocrisy for DIII to talk about having a championship tournament, have a team make it to the semi’s with a shut-out, push the defending national champ to the limit and immediately talk about whether other teams should be moved in front of it in the ratings. I am sure Capital is deserving but remember their first experience with MUC did not go that well and they have plenty of experience with MUC. Fisher was in new surroundings, against a team that had had something to prove after last week with Capital. They did a great job and just ask Springfield how well they can adjust to a second game against a premier running back. (That is in no way a slam to Springfield, just a statement that Fisher’s coaching and team can do better job the second time). If MUC wins a close game, Fisher should be third. If they win by a blowout then second is a possibility. If MUC losses a close one third should still be Fishers. And if MUC loses by a blowout there should be some drug testing. LOL.
Good Luck MUC.
December 10th, 2006 at 1:34 pm
UWW enrollment is Aprox. 10,400. There have been rumors for years around there that they were trying to move up a division or two but from what I hear they don’t have enough average attendence per game. They average like 3500-4000 people per home game. I was at the UWW vs. LAX game that had somethings like 9,500 people at and it and it was nuts for a D-III game.
December 10th, 2006 at 1:40 pm
Sorry, exact enrollment is 10,447. Stadium holds 11,000. The notes on this website say different but that could just be a matter of year to year updates. No offense to anyone who runs this website, I love it.
December 10th, 2006 at 1:52 pm
VOJ,
I think the thing about the region lineup is that the South has inconsistent not bad. UMHB was by all measures a very solid team, given the 7-3 victory over UWW. (I do think South proponents underplay the absence of Beaver in that game.) I’ve been a East scoffer for a while but after their teams stayed within 12 of MUC the past two years, it appears that’s changing.
Or, on the off chance that UWW wins substantially, maybe not.
But I’m not foolish enough to ever count LK and MUC out.
All in all, we’ll get a much better read after Saturday. Perhaps this is a “down” MUC with “an offense in disarray” but who can tell for sure. It was just a few years ago when some were calling a certain squad one of the best ever as it took a huge wining streak to Salem . . .
A compelling season will end on the field Saturday and that’s why this could be a great Stagg.
December 10th, 2006 at 1:58 pm
I just want to throw this warning out to all Whitewater fans. Last season we saw the same scenario…we manhandled Wesley and thought we would beat Mount Union (who is king of kings). We spouted off saying how we couldn’t be beat.
Well, we got beat.
So I just hope all of you who are somewhat newer to the site don’t make the same mistake I did last season. Don’t come on here and make rediculous comments saying how UW-W is going to whoop on Mount. If you feel we can beat them, well that’s fine and dandy. But don’t act like we’ve won any Stagg Bowls….ever. Mount Union is the best football team in Division III (and they have been many, many times over the past decade or so), so give them the respect they deserve.
December 10th, 2006 at 2:37 pm
First off, amazing job on the internet feed yesterday. I was able to switch easily back and forth between the two games. The WW game got out of hand in a hurry, but, when that happened I just switched over to the MU game. My cousin and I (also a former D-III football) player were texting each other the whole time about how cool this was. A couple of things:
Broadcast. One thing, they are not the WhiteHawks, but, that made me laugh. Also, is the on-air bickering part of the schtick? There were some uncomfortable parts of the broadcast as a result.
Wesley - I just don’t get Wesley. 2 years in a row they show up like they’re scared out of their minds. Also, 2 years in a row Robinson does this thing where he pretty much gives up on his team and appears to try making friends with the opposition and their coaches.
Homeboy, being a “cool guy” never won any titles as you know.
SJF - How many times in a row did MU run the exact same play on them? Did they have no one in the booth? I don’t get SJF either, but, I was rooting for them.
dukefinadv - about Kmic and/or Beaver getting drafted….not a chance. Hey, I like ‘em both, but, they’re merely products of superior offensive lines.
But, we’re right back where this whole crazy thing started. 1 vs. 2.
December 10th, 2006 at 3:02 pm
GBill$:
Thanks for the feedback and I’m glad you generally enjoyed the broadcasts.
On the UWW/Wesley game, Pat and I did have some banter back and forth a couple of times. We’ve worked together a fair amount and that’s part of our style at times.
Some of it was strategic, particularly when the game was 38-0 and there was nothing happening on the field. I’ve found some conflict, even at a very mild level, can be entertaining for sports broadcasts. Otherwise shows like PTI and Mike and the Mad Dog wouldn’t exist.
Maybe it doesn’t always work in a game broadcast though. That’s something worth chewing on.
December 10th, 2006 at 3:43 pm
UWW has not entertained moving up a division. It will not entertain such thoughts in the immediate future. Moving up a division makes no sense because you ramp up your costs without a likely rise in revenues.
December 10th, 2006 at 3:44 pm
Dubb:
It’s actually because we run full-time undergraduate enrollment, since those are the enrollees most likely to play intercollegiate sports. Your number must include part-timers. I got my numbers from the info the school reported to the federal government.
December 10th, 2006 at 4:17 pm
Pat: That makes sense to me. I just recently did a market research project on UWW Football and I recieved that information from the university.
uwwWHOOT: I didn’t mean to claim that there were plans to move up a division. I was mearly saying that I have heard that rumor before. I’m sure that they came with the recent update of all the facilities. UWW either has or will have some of the most impressive facilities in D-III athletics.
Lilpeds00: I got crushed on my game line this last week. Who would of though that Wesley would dump two years in a row.
December 10th, 2006 at 5:30 pm
Whitewater enrollment, ~10,000.
Wesley enrollment, ~2,000.
Well, there’s your problem…
December 10th, 2006 at 6:29 pm
# AndrewChrz Says:
The 10th of December, 2006 at 5:30 pm
Whitewater enrollment, ~10,000.
Wesley enrollment, ~2,000.
Well, there’s your problem…
Then how do you explain this:
Whitewater enrollemnt 10,000
Mount Union enrollment 2,000
2005 Stagg Bowl: MUC 35, WW 28
Total enrollment doesn’t have that much to do with it. The majority of the players on the field were recruited. It’s not numbers, it’s quality.
December 10th, 2006 at 6:29 pm
Andrew: Then why doesn’t a WIAC team win the title every year?
December 10th, 2006 at 6:29 pm
yes, like mainjack said.
December 10th, 2006 at 8:02 pm
repete
did i miss that 7-3 victory over uww??
December 10th, 2006 at 8:39 pm
Oops, bad. Just typing too fast …
December 10th, 2006 at 10:45 pm
D3 Football, thanks for providing the live video feed yesterday. It was great for those of us who couldn’t travel.
MUC- Great team, you guys controlled the line of scrimage both offensively and defensively. That was the difference in the game. Kimic is dynamite, but a great deal of credit needs to go to that o-line. There were times when it seemed that they had every Fisher defender engaged. Keith pointed out in the broadcast how hard it is to tackle Kimic, especially when you’re engaged by a blocker. That seemed to be the case all day. Good luck next weekend. You guys played us like the champions you are, you deserve all the credit you get.
SJFC- Fantastic effort yesterday. You answered the call time after time. 1st and ten in the red-zone down 5 in the 4th quarter…..You gave yourselves a chance to win. You never backed down and you never lost your composure in the face of the #1 team in the nation. That is more than most people expected. You should all be very proud of what you have accomplished this season. Know that you have given all of us alumni a sense of pride, and brought the program a degree of respect that we’ve been chasing for the better part of two decades. Thanks!
Final rankings- Other than winning the Stagg Bowl and being #1, what difference do they make? No one ever runs around chanting “We’re number 3!” do they? SJFC team and fans, don’t worry about the final ranking, worry about what we can all do to help next years team reach the final objective.
December 11th, 2006 at 12:14 am
Is there anyway we can download the video feed from the sjfc v mt union game? It’d be great to be able to watch at least a couple plays over again
December 11th, 2006 at 1:23 am
1993: I’ve seen final rankings referenced on banners hanging in gymnasiums and such.
218: Doesn’t look like it. The NCAA doesn’t usually permit that.
December 11th, 2006 at 3:38 am
SJF Team and Fans,
From one fan.
Great job! You came to have fun and the team came to play hard and all of that happened yesterday IMO. Fans section was great and I liked the tailgate even after the game. Nice touch.
Your team had a plan and worked it well. Nate’s first TD was answered right away so it didn’t knock you off track like it might to a lesser team.
Then two heavy weights slugged it out till the end.
Great game. Hope we have something left for next week.
Good luck next year and maybe we’ll see you again before 2008.
December 11th, 2006 at 9:48 am
sjfc1993,
Here’s my take on rankings. The final poll is remembered until pre-season next year. Impacts recruiting and pre-season rankings next year. Pre-season rankings next year provides basis for polls through the year. Final polls gives you seeding for next years NCAA and a possible home game in semi’s next year if you are undefeated. Sure it is looking ahead and a lot of things need to fall in place. But our season next year starts now with weight training, recruiting and yes - Rankings. Fisher has performed and deserves the number three spot until they are beaten next year (if they are).
December 11th, 2006 at 10:37 am
Pat…
Yes the East has played well in the past two games against Mount Union, but look at the depth of the East…SJF blew out Rowan in the regional final the most lopsidded one this year…
Now how about my comment on the South…it does not seem to me(outside of MHB winning in Alliance a few years ago) that they compete well with the West or North…are you ready to say that Wesley was overrated?
from reports I would think that they would be middle of the road in the MIAC
December 11th, 2006 at 11:48 am
SJF blew out Rowan, but lost to Springfield. Springfield lost to Ithaca who didn’t make the playoffs. Ithaca lost to Alfred who played Springfield tight, as did Union.
Union beat Hobart who lost to RPI and played Rowan tight in the first round. RPI beat Cortland (albeit in ECACs) who beat Ithaca and played Rowan to overtime.
Wilkes played Rowan toe-to-toe in the playoffs but needed overtime to beat Delaware Valley in the regular season and a late comeback to beat Lebanon Valley.
With all those tight games, that sounds like a fairly deep and competitive region to me. The only conferences that don’t tie in here are the NEFC and the NESCAC (because they don’t want to).
And I don’t remember there being questions about the West’s depth last year when Whitewater destroyed St. John’s.
December 11th, 2006 at 11:58 am
… and Central.
December 11th, 2006 at 12:01 pm
VOJ:
Wesley does not compete well at Whitewater. That’s really all that’s been proven. You can’t just ignore games such as Whitewater barely beating UMHB in the regular season, Linfield losing to Hardin-Simmons.
This would hardly at all be the first year that a handful of teams is significantly better than the rest of the pack. When the season started, we thought that was two teams. At the end perhaps it’s five or six instead.
December 11th, 2006 at 12:18 pm
Everyone here seems to be forgetting that this is wesleys’ second year making it to the final four. I am sure that when all of these other schools who are considered powerhouses made it that far they did not start out just winning national championships. Building a dynasty takes time and it also takes money which is something wesley is going to have to committ to in order to be on a level as uww and muc. Their facilities are ten times better than wesleys and they’ve been there longer so cut them some slack. You can’t build a national championship team over night let alone just in two years when everyone else has been established longer. You can play better which Wesley needed to do but come on, they still have deer in the headlight eyes considering this is only their second go round in the final four!!! You all seem to be forgetting that these are still kids!! Then for someone to comment on Robinson and saying he was trying to be “cool guy” and be friends with the other team. Last time I checked that was called sportsmanship. During those 60 min of the game you all want to kill each other but then when it’s over you shake hands and move on. At least he was man enough to not have harsh feelings and create problems between the two teams. Give him some credit because I’m sure it is frustrating to lose like that and there was nothing he could do. UWW ran away from him all day and had him double teamed. Bottom line is that kid, actually 6′3 287 lb man, will be playing in the NFL someday and will be bigger than this past game and all those who hate on him for being a good sport.
December 11th, 2006 at 12:33 pm
I will agree with the posters that just say Wesley just doesn’t match up well with Whitewater at all….watching that game you could see the wheels fall off and Whitewater knew they have this team’s number.
I respect the South region after seeing two of their more respected members (UMHB and HSU) and know that Wesley’s performance the past two year’s in the Semi’s doesn’t reflect the quality of football in this region.
However, I will say I think the West is the deepest region in the country in terms of quality. If WW can win this Saturday then I feel the West has that claim with 4 different West teams winning the Stagg in the last 8 years.
December 11th, 2006 at 12:34 pm
sjfcftbll,
Very good points that you made. I’m not saying rankings aren’t important. It would be fantastic if the Cardinals were ranked #3 at the end of the season, the kids deserve it, I’m sure it will help with recruiting too, but I don’t think it is worth getting too worked up about. Look, what I was trying to say without going on a tangent was that unless you win it all, everything else comes down to moral victories and valliant efforts. If we want SJFC Football to reach the next level and stay there then the time for moral victories has to be over. Do you think if Mt. Union would have lost to us this weekend they would be on this post campainging to be #3? Absolutely not! Why? Because they’re satisfied with nothing less than being #1, that is how champions react. That has to be our mindset, it has to be the players and coaches mindset, it has to be everyone involved with Fisher Football’s mindset if we ever hope to become what MUC is. That being said I just think we let the chips fall where they may as it relates to the polls and start moving ahead concentrating on the things all of us can do to help the team reach that next level.
December 11th, 2006 at 12:46 pm
I think UWW’s win over SJU and Central might be more about how good MUC ultimately was last year.
And, well yes, Ws and Ls are what count. But most would admit that UWW’s 2005 win over SJU and either of the Wesley games, were very different animals. On Saturday, Wesley didn’t cross midfield until the final minutes of the game, where they could have lost 60 or 70-zip. Wesley would not have matched up with SJU or UWLX this year.
As I sloppily mentioned above, the UMHB game makes this discussion interesting. How much difference Beaver would have made (both on the field and to the chemistry playing their second game without him) is purely speculative. But UMHB would certainly be a contender in any region. The H-S/Linfield is probably less important as a yardstick given that the ‘Cats and the NWC were clearly down this year. I don’t think the West has had the top-to-bottom depth that its had in some seasons, but the top is still pretty darn good.
The point about a handful of 5-6 teams being good is spot on, I would think three of the six might be UWW, SJU and UWLX, which still speaks well for the West’s elite if not its depth.
But once again it comes down to MUC (understatement award). If it pounds UWW . . . the rankings tilt north and east.
December 11th, 2006 at 12:52 pm
WC11,
Yup, I think the stat about the number of different champs from the West is very telling. I expect your boys will be back in the mix next season.
But I’m still waiting for some SJU/Linfield video on your site …
December 11th, 2006 at 2:16 pm
risebl16:
What was your post really about? Was it about schools being established longer, about Wesley making it to the final four again, or about defending Robinson? Because you didn’t do a very good job at any of them.
And for future reference, Robinson was NOT double teamed all game, Whiteawter DID run the ball at him once in a while and Robinson was doing all that stuff in the THIRD and FOURTH quarters.
He’s good, don’t get me wrong. Any team would love to have him. I don’t think he needs you to defend him.
December 11th, 2006 at 2:31 pm
risebl16,
I think you’re missing the point entirely here. What I am referring to occured during the game, not after. It’s the second time I’ve seen somebody actually “mingle” on the football field DURING the game. The other time was Robinson last year. And that looked like he was petitioning the WW coaching staff for a transfer DURING the game.
I am not hating on him for being a good sport, I am hating on him for being a bad competitor All the God-given ability in the world and no heart.
You have to understand, I like to see D-III guys make it in the league. Everyone keeps talking about how he could be one of the guys to do it. Based on what I’ve seen the last two years, I just don’t see it.
December 11th, 2006 at 5:11 pm
http://www.geocities.com/catdomealumni/embedvids/bighit1.html
repete…you can see some SJU and Linfield clips sprinkled around in the clip above.
December 11th, 2006 at 6:02 pm
11 . . . Thanks. Some great pops. It looked like the SJU-version of Elliott bounced up quickly and gave the popper a nice little tap. You are the vid master.
December 11th, 2006 at 6:14 pm
repete,
He did pop up quick…I should have done a little edit job and cut that part out!
On a stagg bowl note…I’ll have the video capture equipment ready to post up the highlights of Saturday’s game….it’s not a super quick turn around but I can turn most clips in about 15-20 minutes….should be a fun game to watch.
December 11th, 2006 at 7:03 pm
I know its a highlight tape so every hit is huge, but whoever teaches tackling there needs a raise.
With the exception of a few guys leading with their heads down, the technique was brilliant. Feet moving, Great arm wrap, and a whole lot of explosion.
December 11th, 2006 at 8:34 pm
Well, it looks like one of my comments came to fruition somewhat. It turns out that Prince will be doing the halftime show at a bowl game. However, instead of the Stagg Bowl, Prince will doing his halftime show not in beautiful downtown Salem Va. but at an event called the Super Bowl. Yep, he’s dissing real football fans to grab some corporate swag. What a sellout. (this is said with tongue firmly in cheek) D-III fans, have a great time in Salem; wish I could be there.
December 11th, 2006 at 9:02 pm
DUBB,
Since you seemed to enjoy the clip here is the follow up: Big Hits II
http://www.geocities.com/catdomealumni/embedvids/bighit2.html
December 12th, 2006 at 12:12 am
I’ve gotta say, that last scene in that clip was amazing. Two huge sticks on the same play. Great clips cat
December 14th, 2006 at 12:58 pm
My point in writing what i said was not to defend Robinson but to make a point that this is not the forum for calling out kids individually in a negative way. From what I understand this is to discuss football and the teams as well as the individuals and their strengths. None of us truly know each of these kids and can say someone does not have heart or is a true competitor. What you see in the stands is a perception and if Robinson was on your team or any other player who people discuss in a negative way was on your team I am sure you would defend them. You are entitled to your opinion. I happen to know Robinson personally and know he truly is a competitor and does have heart. Look for him to bust his tail in the weightroom starting next week and come out even more of a monster next year. Besides the only people he has to convince about playing in the league are the scouts and from what I understand there are a few looking already. But like I said you are truly entitled to your opinion. And as for someone else commenting to say I didnt do a good job making my points, bottom line is Wesley is still new to the Final Four game and getting where they want to be will take time just like it did for anyone else to build their programs. If you cant understand that simple of a statement then I am sorry.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:52 am
All of the Mount Union fans and players must have been relieved when they didn’t have to play another John Gagliardi/Jerry Haugen coached team again this year!!! No disrespect to Whitewater, they have a great program but they aren’t in the heads of MUC like St. John’s must be.