ATN Podcast: The final four
3
Dec
2007
Dec
2007
Go grab your coffee and sit down with us on a Monday morning for this week’s ATN podcast. Four games last week, two games this week. Plus, hear what Keith thought of the Wesley/Mary Hardin-Baylor game and Pat’s take on the Central/Bethel game. What’s coming up this week? Are we really destined for a threepeat Stagg Bowl?
Listen in.
December 3rd, 2007 at 12:02 pm
Keith and Gordan,
What do you guys think this week? Bethel to score 20,30, or maybe 40? It should be interesting to see. Two more games until one for the second thumb.
December 3rd, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Thank you! Someone gave recognition to the Warhawk defense for creating turnovers. Looking forward to a great game this weekend and then stealing the second thumb!
December 3rd, 2007 at 12:33 pm
Great analysis of the past Saturday and preview for this Saturday! I have to admit, I am not familiar with the Bethel program but it sounds like they deserve to be where they are. That being said, Mount Union seems to be on a mission and, although I hope for a competitive game, it would appear that Mount Union will be moving on to Salem.
Although it would appear that UWW has UMHB’s number, I look for an upset this weekend with The Cru facing Mount Union in the finals.
December 3rd, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Raiderdude,
I like your thoughts! UWW is a great football team—–no doubt about it——————–but, if UMHB can limit the turnovers or eliminate them completely, will we see the same results——UWW didn’t completely shut down UMHB’s running game but did a fine job of limiting them well below their season average—————–that being said, UMHB did a heck of a job limiting Beaver(who averages I think 160 a game) to 77 yds on 29 carries. UMHB had 162 rushing yards—-UWW—92 I agree with what everyone else said—-UMHB went away from their normal game plan—run, run and run some more———–maybe if they stick with that and cut out the turnovers———–they may have a chance. Guess we will see this weekend.
December 3rd, 2007 at 12:55 pm
we will see how good UMHB runs in the snow come saturday same forcast as last weekend butt cold with snow- just the way football should be played. hopefully the game is better than the first blowout, every game i have seen this year at the perk has been one sided. but its the side i am rooting for go hawks.
December 3rd, 2007 at 1:00 pm
CaptainCru:
That’s why the games are decided on the field not by statistics. One of the keys to good teams that are well coached is the ability to change your game plan to suit the conditions, opposition, etc. That being said, a team’s strength is the foundation for the entire team. Any movement away from that gives the appearance of panick which speeds up the game and prevents consistency.
UMHB needs to stick with what made them who they are and limit the mistakes that great teams use to capitalize on.
Mount Union is good at that. Force their will on the opposition early and force them to try things that are out of their comfort zone which snowballs in the Raiders favor.
Good luck to all this weekend. Alliance will be rocking no matter the weather conditions!
December 3rd, 2007 at 4:59 pm
No question that this MHB-WW game will be closer this time around, but there is no way in my opinion that the Crusaders win. Whitewater shut down the “high powered running game” of Mary Hardin-Baylor and they will do the same thing this week. And I hope you Texans can adapt to Wisconsin’s winter.
December 3rd, 2007 at 7:30 pm
i’m guessing mount does to bethel approximately what it did to SJF.
December 3rd, 2007 at 7:35 pm
The UMHB Vs Wesley game was no different than the UMHB vs UWW. One team had too many turnovers to overcome and could not do so. On any given Friday, Saturday or Sunday any Highschool, College, or Pro team can be upset especially if they play a bad game with turnovers. Turnovers can prevent a team from winning. The Saturday game between UMHB vs UWW will be an entirely different game than the last game. It maybe UWW turns to have a bad game and get upset. I remember the first meeting between these two teams and the score was 7 to 3 second game lopsided, and the third may be a charm with UMHB as the winner. Also the weather will play a factor in this game which reminds me of the year 2004 UMHB beat MUC in the snow . So both teams can play in the cold and it will come down to cold weather and turnovers. May the best played game played by the best team win.
December 3rd, 2007 at 7:47 pm
The UMHB-UWW game will be decided by turnovers…..bottom line. Who wins that battle wins the game. I agree with donnie…..UMHB can play and win the cold.. Plus the weather conditions in Central Texas against NCW a few weeks were far from ideal. The 7 points by UWW last year was on the opening kickoff. UWW offense (or defense) did not score in the game.
December 3rd, 2007 at 7:48 pm
I notice there is a lot of talk about MHB playing in the snow against MUC in 2004. Do you really think it is fair to compare a group of guys on the 2004 squad to this years team? I don’t think weather will be a factor this weekend at the Perk as the forcast is calling for temps in the 30’s, but I’ve just noticed that a lot of MHB fans keep saying that MHB can play in the cold and snow because a team did it three years ago. Am I in left field with this thought?
December 3rd, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Will the UWW-UMHB game be available on live video feed on the web?
December 3rd, 2007 at 7:53 pm
vhwon,
Yes, it will. Not sure the link….I think it’s going to be on the ncaa site.
December 3rd, 2007 at 7:57 pm
donnie -
The 7-3 game you are talking about was played between two different teams last year. You have a great program and I don’t doubt that the game on Sat could be close but, I wouldn’t compare this years team to lasts. I also don’t want to hear about UMHB beating MUC in the snow 3 YEARS AGO. I just don’t think this years UMHB team has the size to push around a power UWW team in the snow and cold.
December 3rd, 2007 at 7:57 pm
dallas- I assume you are from Texas. It does get cold here. The NCW game was in the 40s with a wind chill in the 30s. It was 39 degrees in Dover for the game on Saturday and UMHB did not lose one fumble while Wesley lost 4. Plus Welch was the QB in the MUC game when he was a freshman in 2004.
December 3rd, 2007 at 7:58 pm
Thanks dallas.
December 3rd, 2007 at 8:14 pm
R24aider:
I gather you’re taunting Keith and me because our pregame picks showed SJF scoring more points than they did. I was a mildly surprised at the margin of victory for Mount Union, but not that they won or that the defense played well. I have a lot of respect for the other teams that have advanced this far and try to balance that with my understanding of how dominant Mount Union is. If that sometimes results in inflated score projections for the opponent, so be it.
December 3rd, 2007 at 8:20 pm
Disregard Gordan, he’s an idiot.
December 3rd, 2007 at 8:30 pm
I assume you meant to say it like this:
“Disregard, Gordon, he’s an idiot.”
Otherwise it reads like you’re telling people to disregard Gordon.
December 3rd, 2007 at 9:14 pm
NOT BEING RUDE BUT, GIVE “UMHB THEIR DO” THEY HAVE HAD TO PROVE EVERYONE WRONG ALL YEAR. YES THEY ARE NOT THE TEAM FROM 2004 THEY ARE THE TEAM FROM 2006 AND HAVE HAD TO DO WHAT THEY HAVE HAD TO DO ALL YEAR, THE STATS PROVE THAT IN ITSELF. YES THEY GOT BEAT BY UWW EARLIER THIS YEAR, AND THIS ISN’T THE PAST THAT ALL OF YOU HAVE DONE NOTHING BUT TALKED ABOUT.BUT THIS IS A TOTALLY NEW GAME AND IF THEY COME IN THE GAME READY COLD, HOT, ICE, OR MUD, THIS FOOTBALL TEAM AS A WHOLE WILL BRING IT TOO YOU. AND COME OUT OF IT WITH A “VICTORY” AGAINST ALL OF YA’LL’S ODDS, LONG STORY SHORT. UMHB-VS-UMC IN STAGG BOWL COME DEC. 15,2007. GO CRU
December 3rd, 2007 at 9:15 pm
No lets be clear, Gordan is not an idiot, he’s a pretty good guy. And he’s pretty knowledgeable about D3 like all your guys I’ve met are. R24aider is the idiot if he wants to taunt someone for not picking a large enough victory. Mount Union does not need, nor do they want, fans that think like that.
December 3rd, 2007 at 9:20 pm
Ric,
Thanks.
UMHBFAN: Mary Hardin-Baylor was preseason No. 4 team in the country. What have they had to prove everyone wrong all year about?
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:13 pm
With all of the talk about the weather being a factor in the UWW-UMHB game, can someone explain to me how coldness is actually a factor. I guess maybe the UWW guys could be experienced in the cold/snow weather, but to me it seems that both teams are going to have their share of slipping in the freezing mud.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:27 pm
OK I know this not to be the case but if UWW were to bank winning on cold weather being a factor they would lose.
In ‘04 at Mount Union, UMHB could and would have folded in the second half if cold weather were a factor. They trailed 35-21 entering the fourth quarter with snow flurries and temperatures around 30.
If UWW wins it will be because they are the better team, not because it is cold. Anyone that thinks differently just doesn’t have a clue.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:29 pm
BTW I neglected to mention it above but for those that don’t know, UMHB had a 17-0 scoring advantage in the fourth quarter and came back to beat Mount 38-35. Weather being a factor is rubbish.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:38 pm
I tend to agree, and people pointing to weather with a Texas team are making assumptions that the facts don’t back.
However, I do want to point out this: the UMHB/Mount game was indeed played in cold and flurries but without accumulation. The UWW/UMHB game will be played on grass, which changes things significantly.
The cold weather in and of itself probably wouldn’t be a factor. But the surface might be.
December 4th, 2007 at 12:03 am
The playing surface has been a difference and was last week with Wabash. Cold and cold on grass are very different. Good point Pat!
December 4th, 2007 at 12:20 am
The playing surface in Whitewater has been suspect all season. The grass has been torn up since early in the season. As with anything on grass this late in the season, the cold and then the warm and back to cold again, will just continue to make it unstable. Add to the fact that they were running the sweepers across it multiple times on Saturday, the best you can hope for is either have it freeze so its solid, or hope for more snow (I can’t believe I just said that).
December 4th, 2007 at 7:38 am
There is no doubt weather is a factor in any game. The thing is, it is a factor for both teams. In sloppy conditions, it is paramount to protect the ball and prevent the short field.
To assume that a Texas team is at a disadvantage simply because it is cold and slippery is not a factor in my opinion. UMHB was at a disadvantage last game because they did not protect the ball leading to quick scores by UWW and thus taking UMHB out of their running game plan.
I have no horse in this game but I see two evenly matched teams that should make for a great football game. I simply looked for the upset because it is difficult to beat the same good team over and over (although Mount seems to have Capital’s number) plus I think it would make for good drama at the Stagg Bowl in that UMHB was the last team to beat Mount in the playoffs.
December 4th, 2007 at 8:26 am
Capt,
Thanks for giving UWW their due. However, I would offer you a word of caution regarding the statistics of the previous game. They won’t mean a thing on Saturday! The score of the first game with 28-0 at halftime! Whitewater was never challenged in that game and didn’t have to open up the offense in the least. UMHB wisel loaded up on the run the entire 2nd half because that’s all UWW had to do. We’ll see how successful the Cru is at containing Beaver when they have to play both the run and the pass in the context of a close game.
I think the other thing to keep in mind is that many, if not all, teams have left Perkins Stadium feeling like they played their worst game (or at least subpar). That has everything to do with UWW and their defense. I hope UMHB plays well, then the game will be close until UWW dominates the 4th quarter. If UMHB plays poorly, the game will be a blowout….again.
December 4th, 2007 at 8:45 am
wow,
try to have a little fun with journalists about their picks and out they come with name calling. Hey Ric, I am not a “fan” nor will I ever be a “fan”. I was amongst “fans” at cleveland stadium when I had to explain to my 5yr old son why “fans” are throwing beer bottles on the field. I was at the Mt vs NJ game when a student athlete from NJ was just trying to live a dream by being in the playoffs playing the best team in the country only to have his dream crushed when a MT player ripped the ball from him and scored mts first td. I was amongst MT “fans” who continually singled him out with vicious comments. Now my sons a freshman in high school and I have to listen to “fans” say things about him that makes a parents stomach turn. No, Ric, you are a “FAN”. I am just a former player who loves the effort all of these kids put out week after week. All of the teams, not just Mount.
later,
the “idiot
December 4th, 2007 at 9:03 am
I could be wrong, but I think a moderate day without snow or rain on Saturday favors Whitewater - unlike this past week, where the snow was a hugely limiting factor to Wabash’s passing game. The better Whitewater can mix the pass and run against MHB, the more success they will have. Plus, a snow day would probably result in MHB trying fewer passes than they did against Wesley (10). Considering the way the UWW secondary has been ball-hawking, they should hope Welch puts the ball up as much as possible.
December 4th, 2007 at 10:18 am
Huh?
December 4th, 2007 at 10:29 am
R24aider-
You want a mulligan on that post?
December 4th, 2007 at 10:35 am
Whether you are a fan or a former player, respect is respect. We all seek it and just want other to treat us the same way.
I don’t believe Ric’s comment was meant as a character assassination just as I don’t believe R24’s was either. The posters on this thread all bring something to the table and we owe it to them and to ourselves to give their comments the same respect as we would like our comments and opinions to be.
I expected a Mount victory last Saturday but not at that level. They are just playing at a high level. I mean look at some of the college games we have seen lately. Most recently Pittsburgh (which I believe was a 28 point underdog) beat West Virginia. Who was wrong? The pundits for picking the margin that wide or West Virginia for believing it?
The guys do a great job at analyzing the teams, the rankings are fair, and you would expect the 5th ranked team in the country to give Mount a good game. It just didn’t work out that way.
Intelligent minds tend to differ and the mind of a fan does not take precedence over a player or vice versa.
Good luck to all teams this weekend and I look forward to seeing Mount in Salem on the 15th!
December 4th, 2007 at 10:46 am
As far as the fans are concerned, let’s try not to generalize. There are subsets of any fan base that need lessons in rooting for their team. Trash talking, while part of the game on the field, has no place in the stands. It diminishes the class displayed on the field and by the majority of ordinary people that come to the games as a diversion from their lives to root for their “home” team and enjoy themselves.
I too was at the Jacksonville game and was embarassed to call myself a Cleveland Brown fan. I have also attended Mount games where a small number of fans are very disrespectful of the opposing team. It’s bad enough to be the opposing team losing by 30, 40, or 50 points and to have fans heckle you for getting a first down.
As I mentioned in the previous post, we do what we do because we have a passion for the game and what we all seek most is respect. Without that, the game loses it’s meaning. These are all young men who do their best to please themselves, their coaches, and their fans each and every play. Let’s remember that as we watch them play this Saturday.
December 4th, 2007 at 10:58 am
I don’t know how the weather will effect MHB but I do know The Warhawks can play in a blizzard as they demonstrated against Wabash. Danny Jones through the ball amazingly well in the wind and sleet/snow. The running game was also very strong in the worst of conditions so if there is a line of thinking that UWW will be affected by the weather I don’t beieve so…..This should be a tougher game than the first one but I am counting on being in Virginia next weekend….
December 4th, 2007 at 11:57 am
At the team dinner last Friday night (before gaining 145 yards in one half in the “blizzard game” against Wabash) Justin Beaver told Forrest Perkins, “I LOVE playing in this stuff.” Judging from both the performance and the emotion showed by UWW last Saturday, I think Beaver might have been speaking for the whole team. Perhaps weather will be a factor and perhaps it won’t. Hands will be numb. The field is currently a sheet of ice. Perhaps UMHB can embrace that weather. UWW has embraced it as part of their home field advantage.
UMHB might be in a position to have to start this game very quickly to avoid getting buried early. The problem is, UWW is one of the most difficult teams to run on I’ve ever witnessed. UWW is focused and loaded for bear. They will not be handing UMHB anything. Whitewater wants this game badly. (Not at all implying UMHB doesn’t). Mostly just trying to say UMHB had better be prepared to play their best game of the year in a venue most teams play their worst.
FWIW: weather.com lists Saturdays highs:
Belton,TX: 80
Whitewater, WI: 23 (and snowing)
December 4th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
I have covered UMHB for years in the Cru Review section of my local on line newspaper in Copperas Cove, Texas. I was at the game when the Cru upset Mt. Uninon. It was indeed snowing but in light flurries. Frankly the weather was much nicer than the game in Belton against NC Wesleyan. Contrary to popular belief it does get cold in Texas. I recall working on a Ranch in north Texas one Christmas break in college. I was riding fence. My horse’s belly was drigging snow and the temp was 4 degrees. The game in Whitewater will be decided by the outstanding young men on the field, not the weather.
December 4th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
Raiderdude, I am in general agreement with your comments about trash talk having no place in the stands. However, I respectfully take some issue with thinking it has any place on the field either. My grand daughters ages 7 and 9 two years ago attended their first football game. They were visiting from Oklahoma. They were attending a UMHB game against an opponent I shall not name, in Belton. I was in the press box so I didn’t hear the trash talk that saw my son-in-law leave the game in the first half with his little family. My grand daughter told her class mates that football was a game where one team nelt and prayed infont of everybody and then runs around the field talking nasty to the other team. My daughter and son-in-law are not prudes by any standard. However, the “trash talk” from the UMHB’s opponent was vulgar enough to keep a football game between two church schools from being suitable for children’s ears.
December 4th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
That’s a touching story and all R24aider, about your love for the game and for your son, and not wanting him to see disrespect, blah blah blah. It would maybe mean a little more and I might actually believe you feel that way rather than just invent something to say because your first trip in here was to rip a couple guys for thinking a Mount opponent might score more than they did. See how it all just doesn’t add up? Never mind, don’t really care what you might think.
December 4th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
While i agree that vulgarities have no place in sports, the reality of it is that it happens. deal with it. if you dont want your kids to be around it dont take them. good parents would sit down with their kids and explain what might happen and have them ignore it. For those people that say weather wont be an issue have you ever played football in it? Why not ask Wabash if they had a harder time playing in it. UWW practices and plays in it. I do believe that this game will be closer than the earlier this year but trust me weather always has an effect on players physically and mentally. The great ones over come it. Who will overcome it? We will see on saturday. hope to see some UMHB fans there. Its always better to have some pregame chatter with the fans. I applaud Wabash fans for attending the game. Hopefully UMHB fans will turn out in greater numbers than the first game.
December 4th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Cruguy:
Don’t misunderstand. Respect on the field should be the same as off the field. Emotions do tend to dictate behavior at times. From personal experience playing sports, if you were taking an opponent to school, their self respect would erode to the point of erupted emotion.
What most who play or watch don’t fully understand are the examples we set for the younger generation. Whether it’s parents who display poor sportsmenship which is observed and emulated by the players, or the poor sportsmenship of players to their younger siblings. I don’t condone “trash talking” but I do condone playing to the best of your ability while containing the emotional energy generated by the effort. The delicate balance is maintained by the coaches for the players.
The question is……who maintains that balance for the fans?
December 4th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
Regarding the playing surface at UWW. The field was blown free late Saturday and covered. It will remain covered probably until Friday unless it is supposed to snow again.
Interestingly, this will likely be the last year to have these worries since they will likely be switching to field turf during the off season.
December 4th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Raiderdud, I understand that emotions are part of the game. I am old enough to remember when the controling of your emotions on the field was demanded by the coaches and the refs. It was part of a silly thing we called character. I played the game at the junior high, high school and jr college levels. I wrote an article last year suggesting that the UIL in Texas make a rule that says the first offense for trash talk on the field by a player would be an automatic ejection. The second offense from a team ejects the player and head coach. People said I was crazy because everybody did it. I respectfully suggest that if a head coach was tossed because of his players conduct once it would not happen a second time. In other words “Everybody would stop doing it if it was not allowed”. It is not part of the game. Or at least in my book its not. Football should teach folks to be men. There is nothing manly about trash talking jerks. Bottom line is if we had such a rule in football players would let their performance do the talking not their mouths.
December 4th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
Bethel will do just fine against Mt. Union. They won’t be intimidated at all and they’ll play their hearts out. I wouldn’t be completely surprised if they won.
December 4th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
Trash talking is part of male machismo. Legislating that emotion is a worthwhile effort but will not gather broad support.
That being said, I believe Coach Kehres keeps his players focused on the game and not the opponent. Players will be removed from the game if they lose focus and make silly mistakes, whether penalties, missed assignments, etc. Is he the only one doing that? I don’t think so but, he does have a knack for bringing out the best in his team without it getting out of hand.
In any event, I wish everyone the best of luck this Saturday! It’s my favorite time of year and I am sure it is for many on this site and on the campuses.
December 4th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
CodyDog, You have the same solution to the problem as most folks. Either expose children to vugarities or scratch off the event as being a family outing. I guess the low lifes who have no better upbringing than to use gutter language in font of litte children rule. Heavens lets not say anythng to them. It’s a “reality, deal with it?” Guess that’s right. Its easier to keep children away from the offender than to ask the offender to clean up his act. Silly me I keep thinking that a sporting event between two Christian based schools should be free of vulgar language. However, you are correct in that fans, coaches and offials do not have the power or perhaps the will to control garbage mouths in the sands and on the field. Your assertion that we can control wether our children are allowed to attend football games is within our power. Who cares if the world has changed to the point of allowing such vulgar conduct.
December 4th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
Nasedo,
How many times do we hear ” our team won’t be intimidated and that they are going to give Mount the toughest game they’ve had”. You sound just like SJF fan last week before his team got beat down ( no pun intended ).
The fact is, that when you say stuff like that it already shows a sign of intimidation and weakness. It’s that little bit of fear of loosing that gives you that drive to want to win. Comments like that give the impression that you show no respect for your opponent. Thats why Mount is so hungry and ready to play when its game time because they respect every opponent they face and know that they can be beat on any given Saturday if they don’t come to play.
I’ve seen the schedule for Bethel this year and I think its safe to say that they haven’t faced anyone of the caliber of the OAC. Like others have said, until you’ve played Mount you don’t know what your in for.
December 4th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
CRUGUY: I agree 100%. As a parent, I have to be careful where I take my sons, because I’d rather not have my 8 year old dropping F-bombs on the school bus because he heard it at a sporting event.
December 4th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
cruguy-
teaching children is easier than adults.
adults already think they know everything. What i meant by deal with it is parents should be thinking ahead when going to events like football games. my daughter has attended 4 UWW games and before we went we told her that she should be aware that some language might be offensive and not to repeat it. she is 4 and so far has not said anything bad she has heard. yes between 2 christian schools you wouldnt expect that but unfortunately it might and thats when parents need to step in and explain it to their children. As i said in the beginning of that comment i feel that it has no place in sports but it is there and that is the sad truth. i do applaud you for trying to stop it however, hopefully someone will listen.
December 4th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Nasedo:
I hope Bethel brings their “A” game. After all, this is the national semi finals. By this time, the cream should be rising to the top.
As I am sure you are aware from the press clippings and the postings here, Mount is playing at a level that, for the entire season, has been superlative to say the least. The only glaring weakness they have is the propensity for penalties.
Your coaches have the tapes. Mount does nothing fancy. They line up 11 versus 11 but they play with a tenacity I haven’t seen in any team for a long time. They play with quiet confidence that if they execute, they will win. They run a hurry up offense, go for it on fourth down, and keep you on your toes ALL THE TIME. There is no let up.
I agree that any team is beatable on any given day but, this year, they are playing in a different league. Just make sure your players understand that their absolute best is needed with no let up. or else you will find that in a blink, you are down 3 touchdowns and have abandoned your game plan to play catch up.
That isn’t bragging. That is fact. Ask the previous 13 opponents.
December 4th, 2007 at 4:04 pm
I haven’t read any opinions about the Gagliardi Trophy. Is Beaver the clear cut winner?
December 4th, 2007 at 5:09 pm
I agree with Nasade that Bethel won’t be intimidated by Mt. Union and i don’t agree with TDD that this shows Bethel is intimidated. Bethel like any team is confident about themselves and their teammates around them with what they can accomplish. I’m not saying Bethel is definitely going to win; I know that Mt. Union is a very talented team, but I do believe that Bethel has the skills to accomplish this feat. I think this game is going to come down to who wants it more and I don’t believe there’s any team that has more heart and drive than Bethel. I just think a team that has won 8 out of the last 11 Stagg Bowls will have the “been there, done that” attitude. Whereas a team like Bethel this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and will give everything they have. They are going to lay everything on the line and give it their all, becasue they have nothing to lose and no expectations to live up to. So only Saturday will tell for sure, but i hope that no matter what the outcome is everyone can see that Bethel gave everything they had and that they are teh best representation of the word “team” there is. And to answer you Nasedo Bethel never plays anything less than their “A” game so Mt. Union better be prepared.
December 4th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
bleedpurple,
Does UWW have an indoor practice facility? If they do then they wont have to practice in the cold wet weather all week. It may be in the 70s and 80s here in Belton this week, but that just means UMHB will have better practices (weatherwise) then UWW. Now I know that some think it would be better for our players to practice in cold/wet weather to get use to the game this weekend, but I think they have the experience of playing in cold wet weather already.
Also, do UWW fans tailgate before the game? If so, are UMHB fans invited? I will be there if so. It is going to be a memorable weekend regardless who wins.
December 4th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
RaiderGuy—
Just FYI Bethel doesn’t get out of its game plan…. That’s why they beat the Johnnies both years in a row—they live and die by their game plan. If they’re down by a couple touchdowns they’ll just keep pounding the ball. Bethel won’t give them a game if Wetzell is hurt, if there are turnovers or Mount Union gets up on them early. The only one Mount Union can control is the last one so they better bring their A game to win this game also.
If its tied up in around halftime and Bethel gets the ball in the third quarter, you better force a three and out because the last two years they have had 10-12 mins drives in the third quarter.
Other than that, this game is a toss up. UWW is going to beat M-HB.
December 4th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
umhb…..it’s Wisconsin,of course, they tailgate. As for practicing they have an indoor facility and sometimes go to the University of Wisconsin and use their indoor facility……
December 4th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
TDD, Bethel isn’t “my” team. I’ve been a St. John’s fan since 1961, I couldn’t care less who wins Saturday. All I’m saying is Bethel plays hard every play until the whistle blows. How you could spin that into showing disrespect for Mt. Union is unfathomable. As for facing anyone the caliber of the OAC, that conference is Mt. Union and little else. All I’ve seen of the OAC this year was in September, when Marietta came to Collegeville. It wasn’t pretty.
Raiderdude, what you said in your third paragraph - about playing with tenacity, going for it on forth down, keeping you on your toes etc. applies to Bethel too. They have an almost fanatical intensity, they’re totally fearless, they never give up on their game plan and they don’t beat themselves. At least that’s what I’ve seen in the three games I saw them play this year. I understand it’s unlikely they will beat Mt. Union in Alliance. (By the way, is anyone here old enough to remember the last time the Raiders won a playoff game on the road?) I’m sure Mt. Union is very good again this year, even though I haven’t seen them play since the 2003 Stagg Bowl
All I said was I wouldn’t be COMPLETELY surprised if Bethel won, it can happen.
December 4th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
This is my first posting….couldn’t resist after reading some of the comments. First let say upfront that I have attended nearly every game that UMHB has played (within a days drive) since the 2000 season. Does that make me a FAN?….well I use to think it did….but based on the definition of some…maybe not. I personally have NEVER witness the type behavior mentioned by an earlier poster at a UMHB home game. I’m certainly not in a position to say it never happened …..I would suggest however, that the behavior the person witnessed was very likely an isolated case. What I have seen over the last 7 seasons, is a collection of fine young men (on both sides of the field) building character and learning lessons about LIFE that will serve them well for years to come. Now, about this idea that UMHB has no chance on Saturday….might I remind you that on Oct 23, 2004 UMHB was embarrassed terribly by Hardin Simmons (49 – 22) who was ranked #3 at the time. On Nov 27 2004 UMHB beat Hardin Simmons 42-28 in the first playoff game. UMHB of course, played in the Stagg Bowl that year. Whitewater is a great team.. they’ve had a great year and has what probably will prove to be the best player in Div III….but don’t believe or assume that UMHB has no chance!
December 4th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Pat, U ask me what UMHB is “Do”. Yes, They are 4th in the nation, if they haven’t had to to prove something all year and have been given there “do” explain to me,WHY, the fourth seed in the playoffs. YES, they got beat, anyone can be beat, everyone has talked about how it was a blowout, yes score may seemed so, but, take back the 5 fumbles, its a totally different game, if weather is an issue, then we proved it with a 64-0 BLOWOUT NCW, in 38F weather and pouring down rain and is a totally different cold than in snow, its colder, speaking from experience, yes, i played in both, and yes i am PURE TEXAN,they will Do Just Fine. i have watched all the games this yr for UMHB and The Team as a whole have played as a team better than i have ever seen in their tenyr. That has a great deal to do with the coaching staff and the kids as a whole, i am not trying to sway anyone here but um if the team and coaching staff weren’t a gel of a staff/football team then the football coaches across Division III wouldn’t have VOTED FB coach Pete Fredenburg named AFCA Region III Coach of the Year.
That says a great deal for the Organization as a great Program,”CONGRATS CRU”. Soory to go on here, Yet i have one thing to say i might get shunned here but,”PLEASE STOP” hiding behind religion to all of you from across the football land, YES i am a christian, and have a great love in my GOD, but to say that these christian schools should do a better job of controlling the team/crowd Wake Up. We are all Human and Yes we Were created as equal Not Raised that way,Yet all make Excuses for one another but can’t even look at your ownself before you open your mouth/type here. It is not the schools job to control this, this should come from the home that the kids are raised in. have anyone of ya’ll really ever played football, polite football teams on the field LOSE, WAKE UP!!!!, yes intemidation is part to the game, and great coaching and kids that have a love for learning the right way to play the game/watching film, and day to day on the field COLD/ or 120F Yes i DID say 120F HUMIDITY TO BOOT, yes Texas has it all and most from the North can’t candle our Texas weather. i beleave that is why they want to come play our texas teams here in Texas!!!. As i write this i see my 11yrold son grow up in a different World then i grew up in, but if all i do is shelter him from the World Today, he will never have a True take on the real world. i a good man for that i am a single father raising my son on my own. Wake Up America.GO CRU see ya in virginia
December 4th, 2007 at 8:32 pm
So it isn’t that you’ve had to prove everyone wrong all year, it’s that you’ve had to prove the NCAA committee wrong over the past three weeks.
December 4th, 2007 at 8:33 pm
(By the way, is anyone here old enough to remember the last time the Raiders won a playoff game on the road?)
———–
they’ve won 9 of them in salem. and that’s salem, va., not salem, ohio.
December 4th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
uwwHOOT-
Is field turf in the Perk a done deal for next year? I can’t imagine they would do that being that the natural grass was Berez’ baby.
December 4th, 2007 at 9:20 pm
“I’ve seen the schedule for Bethel this year and I think its safe to say that they haven’t faced anyone of the caliber of the OAC.”
–
Wow, nice hyperbole. I’ve got plenty of respect for MUC and I’m not so much sticking up for Bethel … but someone has to shoot down this BS post.
Bethel beat the No. 2 team in the WIAC, which is a better conference than the OAC. (And the OAC’s No. 2 team lost to a WIAC team by nearly 3 TDs in round one… yeah, yeah injuries, blah, blah,blah).
Bethel beat Central and St. John’s, but you’re saying neither one is the caliber of the OAC???? SJU and Central aren’t “the caliber” of Mount this season, but the OAC is not a conference of Mount Unions.
Way to advance the discusssion …
December 4th, 2007 at 9:24 pm
I don’t think betel is going to put up 40, but i really don’t think mt. union is going to either. Bethel has a solid “d” and seems to come up with key plays a the right time in the game. I know that people are already putting mt. union in the finals, but don’t underestimate a team that plays like the true definition of a team. Not just on the field but off as well. Don’t be surprised if this one comes down to the wire.
December 4th, 2007 at 9:27 pm
“take back the 5 fumbles, its a totally different game…”
C’mon, you have got to be kidding me. Take back 5 UWW touchdowns and its a totally different game as well.
December 4th, 2007 at 9:44 pm
C’mon buddy, you’re better than that
December 4th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
Whitewater does plan on getting field turf in the off season due to high maintenance costs of natural grass.
December 4th, 2007 at 10:18 pm
take back the 5 wesley fumbles and you arent even playing this week.
December 4th, 2007 at 10:34 pm
Hey Ric,
can we renew your bet to run naked in Salem if Bethel scores against the Mount Defense? We need a little spice in here!!
December 4th, 2007 at 10:49 pm
Wesleydad,
Same came be said if I take back the 5 Turnovers vs UWW…then last week’s game is played in Belton.
Personally, I think we would all prefer watching teams with no T’s in a game and let the OL and DL battle in the trenches….
December 4th, 2007 at 11:43 pm
While UMHB has an excellent team, I think that they are facing a steep uphill battle this weekend.
First, UWW is a team that is senior DOMINATED - and most of the seniors have played together for three successful years.
Second, the weather factor in Perkins Stadium is going to be a MAJOR factor. i don’t know what it is but the times that I have attended a game at UWW, it has always seemed a lot colder than the air temperature once you get inside the stadium. I know that sounds a little wacko but the way it sits in a bowl seems to capture and hold in the cold. And this is from someone who has lived in Cleveland, Chicago, and Detroit for years.
I wish that i could attend the game this weekend but I barely made it through the St. John’s game last year … guess I am done for the year unless I make it to the Independence Bowl later this month.
December 5th, 2007 at 12:23 am
Okay. Okay We get it…..it is cold in Wisconsin. We do have the weather channel in Texas.
Also, 5 fumbles here, 5 there….makes no difference…Wesley lost last week . UMHB lost to UWW earlier in the season. UWW lost to St. Cloud. Games all lost on the turnover battle. You turn the ball over….usually you lose. Bottom line. The game will be decided there. A little wind or snow will not be the deciding factor. Turnovers, Turnovers, Turnovers.
December 5th, 2007 at 1:19 am
My hat is off to UWW because they are a excellent football team. UMHB also is a excellent football team. I say this because both have been ranked in the top 5 the last few years and both have been to the Stagg. I have seen both games played and this is what I noticed.
The major difference between these teams are quarterback play, period! Both play great defense, both have a great running game and excellent coaching. However, I believe Jones is by far the better QB. (Only if he would have transfered to UMHB then maybe we would be going to the Stagg although we have a chance with Josh) UMHB, please stay with what has brought you. Run, run again, and run some more. Pass less than 10 times and throw 2 for TD’S.
The FIELD will be a factor not the weather (UMHB has played in the cold, I was at the UNCW game and the conditions were horrible) because UWW has a natural grass surface and it will be either a frozen tundra or wet and nasty AND THAT IS NOT WHAT UMHB IS USED TO PLAYING ON.
UMHB did hold Beaver to 77 yrds on 29 carries, again the difference was the qb play. I believe that UWW off/def coordinator had a better game plan than UMHB’S as well. I think UMHB off/def coordinator’s out thinked themselves a bit. Also, Thrasher is banged up, the center is banged up, Henri is banged up as well and Oliver is out.
With all that said I’m not counting the cru out. The odds are against them but they will need to play almost a perfect game to win. UWW does not make that many mistakes, but they are due a bad game as the last one was against St. Cloud and they lost. Force some turnovers and run, run, and run, pass when they least expect it and make them pay for putting 9 in the box.
I am a UMHB fan. I’m telling you the way I see it. I’m not being a homer like many of my fellow purple brothers or the purple foe this weekend. So here are my predictions. UWW 35 UMHB 21 (MARK MY WORDS QB PLAY AND FIELD CONDITIONS) MUC 52 BETHEL 14. (MUC IS THAT GOOD)
December 5th, 2007 at 8:03 am
As I mentioned in my earlier post, I wasn’t disrespecting Bethel. They are in the national semi-finals for a reason.
My point was that the last 13 teams that have played Mount Union this year have probably all said that they will stick to a game plan, only to find that not to be true.
I will be in Alliance on Saturday and am looking forward to a hard fought and entertaining game played by two teams that want it. Just don’t think for a second that because Mount has won as many titles as they have that they are not hungry. Each game is like a championship to them. They understand that the best is required every play in order to succeed. I know that most teams also think that way but Mount backs it up as evidenced by the games played not only this year but in recent memory.
Johnnieboi - I beg to differ with you that the game is a toss up. Mount Union will certainly be favored but, as I said, I am looking forward to an entertaining game.
December 5th, 2007 at 11:58 am
Raiders doing well in the classroom as well. Seven players (Micheli, Blanchard, Safran, Wray, McCullough, Carpenter and Kappas have been named to the All-OAC academic team-the most from any OAC school. Best of luck to all four teams this weekend!
December 5th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
This my first catch-up for the week, but looks like most of the posts that necessitated responses already got measured, well-thought out ones. Nice job by board as a whole.
A few things:
Cold weather most certainly IS a factor in a football game, if you don’t think so, I highly doubt you’ve played. The ball hurts when it hits your hands, it’s tougher to grip to throw (unless you wear gloves), and if you’re one of the dudes that stands around a lot and comes in for a special teams play every once in a while, it can get to you, a lot more so than if you are constantly moving.
Add precepitation into the mix and you can be drenched to the skin by mid-first quarter.
That’s all in addition to the obvious ways it can be a factor in a game.
It is true though that it affects both teams. Not always equally, based on how some offenses, in partcular, are built. But it is also fair to say that UMHB and UWW are both built to win in this kind of weather since both can run the ball.
What people are trying to say, I gather, is that weather won’t be the difference in the game. That’s a fine opinion to have, but it’s much different from claiming it won’t be a factor.
UMHB is not a size defense, it is a speed defense. It is a defense that can cover in the secondary and pursue to the ball on run plays. If the footing is uncertain, it most certainly does not play into their hands.
Bottom line, as any coachspeaking coach will tell you, both teams have to play in it. I feel confident neither will consider it an excuse for winning or losing, and there are many more significant ways we can discuss this matchup.
I would advise UMHB to look into wearing whatever shoes UWW wears though
Interesting (to me, anyway) that the Stagg Bowl has always been played in the cold on grass but is going to be on turf this year for the first time since its been in Salem, if not ever.
December 5th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
TDD, you kinda jumped down Nasedo’s throat there. He didn’t sound like SJF Fan at all. He didn’t come out disrespecting Mount Union or its conference mates, he came out saying he was confident in his team. Nothing wrong with that.
There had been no Bethel chatter to that point. We want to encourage the opposition to come here and discuss rationally, not scare them away. Lay off … at least until there’s a real reason to get all fired up.
I wasn’t going to respond to R24aider’s taunt, it was lame but harmless. Gordon and I both picked TCNJ to go for 7 the week before. So we showed SJF too much respect, shoot us.
The thing about actually having the cojones to share your picks on a weekly basis is you’re going to be wrong a bunch. I really don’t stress about it, we do it for the fans (in this case, everyone who isn’t a player or coach) to have something to chew on. Anyone that wants to feel cool after the fact by giving me a hard time for a pick I missed, knock yourself out.
I’m fairly certain 90-some-odd percent of our readers don’t process humor that way and would rather tip their hats to the people who spend a good portion of their lives giving them a D3 website for free, but some do. We understand you’re only giving us crap, it’s no big. To be in this position you have to have thick skin and let things go.
Not to mention that if I responded like this to every fan who thought I didn’t give his team its propers, either in foresight or hindsight, I’d never get anything done.
December 5th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
Keith:
Couldn’t agree more about the weather “factor”. I may not have been clear in my post regarding it’s effect but I was trying to illustrate that both teams are affected and, yes, a running team does tend to fair better than one that throws more or runs a spread offense with lots of gimmick plays.
It’s a truism, but the teams that execute, play as “mistake free” as possible, and prevent the short field will have the best chance of advancing this weekend.
Bring it on!
December 5th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
It’s also very true that UMHB-MUC a couple years ago was played in a light snow. It adds to the legend to remember it as a snow game, but both the quarters this week were far worse than the conditions that day.
I think talking about the game three years ago is very relevant, as is mentioning the 7-3 game last year vs. UWW/UMHB. It lets the Cru know that if they play well, they are not out of their league against either team.
That’s important to know for teams that have previously only known the Raiders and Warhawks through ESPN’s Stagg Bowl broadcasts.
Bethel, for instance, is going to have to get some stops early and turn it into a grind (if not somehow jump out in front), something teams did not do well against the mighty (MUC and UWW) last week. Those got out of hand in a hurry.
Also, if I were a UMHB fan, I would be concerned about their sloppy play early last week. They cleaned it up, to their credit, and they didn’t hurt themselves with penalties or missed opportunities like Wesley did. They did put it on the turf a couple times and were fortunate to be in place to recover. There were also some mistimed pitches.
For what it’s worth.
December 5th, 2007 at 2:28 pm
I doubt that the Mount-Bethel game will come down to the wire. I’ve been to the last two Stagg Bowls and Mount is better than last year. Looking at statistics Mount has put up 695 pts. an average of 53.5 a game. The defense is even more impressive only giving 59 pts. up, an average of 4.5 points a game. Bethel’s offense has scored 401 pts. averaging 30.8 pts. a game. Their Defense has given 229 pts. up, an average of 17.6 pts. a game. I’m looking forward to a good game Saturday.
December 5th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
For the record, most of us have been fairly certain since last year’s Stagg Bowl that Mount was going to be better this year, since they brought back Kmic, Garcon, Wray, et al., turned the job over to Micheli and had Blanchard/Safran/Reash back on the OL. Then you’ve got Parr, Rees, Kostelnik, etc. back on defense. Really the only major losses were some OL parts and the two DEs, right?
Barring major injury or major upset, there may not be a lot of drama this year.
That doesn’t mean we all can’t hope for some exciting games to watch.
Raiderdude:
You’re good, I was speaking generally to the weather posts, but you made some of the well-thought out ones I referred to.
December 5th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
D3Keith,
Sorry if it sounded like I was jumping down his throat, but I’m so tired of hearing someone say “their team won’t be intimidated and they are going to be ready to play. They make it sound like the other 13 teams Mount has played this year didn’t come ready to play. They all come hyped up and ready because to say you knocked off the king of the hill is bragging rights. Most teams in the playoffs consider the game against Mount as the championship because they are not going to go any further anyway. Like Raiderdude said,”every game is like a championship game to Mount”. The expectations at Mount are very high, but what do you expect from a coach who has won over 90% of the games in his career. Thats why they are always well prepared and ready to play because loosing is not in the vocabulary there.
December 5th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
Thanks Keith.
I think it is admirable as a former player and current “fan” to ardently support your team. More importantly, I think it is important to support D3 Football and the work you guys all do to provide this forum and information to fill the void left by the national media.
I have nothing but respect for any of the teams left in the tournament and hope both games are competitive. Naturally, I am rooting for Mount to not only win Saturday but to also “3 pete” but I admire those posters that feel the same for their team.
Good luck to Bethel and while I think the weather may be nasty, let’s hope the game isn’t.
December 5th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
R24:
Re: Gagliardi, I find it hard to believe that Beaver won’t win, but I tried and feel I succeeded in giving everyone a fair shake by reading their packet and their recommendation letters. When Larry Kehres or John Gagliardi says something in their letter, or a school president does, it can have a real effect.
The interesting thing is the panel is made up of former Gagliardi winners and D3 stars or people who have gone on to success from D3 programs. So while it’s a Who’s Who of D3, I wonder how closely some of them are able to follow the Division III season given their regular obligations in the NFL, broadcasting, whatever.
So I think that opens it up a bit even though Beaver is clearly the biggest star on one of the best teams.
Last year, for instance, Brehm was a worthy winner, but him being a QB, his impact was easier to digest through numbers than say, Kleppe’s. Derek Blanchard might be facing that same uphill battle this year even though it’s pretty clear Kehres thinks he is a game-changing player.
Another thing to note is that all 10 of these kids are awesome. When you read their packet, not just about their game achievements, but how strongly the coaches feel about their leadership roles, their place in their individual school’s history, the things they have overcome or done off campus … it really makes you feel good about Division III as a whole.
Would be nice if we could get all 10 to Salem for the ceremony and the game. I don’t know why, just to find a way to honor them I guess … (and yes, some are usually there playing, but if not, sometimes they fly in Thursday and have to leave town before the game)
December 5th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
TDD:
Fair enough. I understand where you’re coming from, I’ve seen it for years upon years now. But I didn’t think the Bethel guys said anything out of line, and I don’t expect any of them will.
I mean, what do you want them/their fans to say?
“We’re pretty sure we’re gonna get our butts kicked and it’ll just be an honor to step on the same field as Mount Union?”
December 5th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
“Trash talking is part of male machismo. Legislating that emotion is a worthwhile effort but will not gather broad support.”
I wouldn’t support Cruguy’s idea, even though it sounds good in theory.
The last thing we need is another judgement call for the officials to make, and to have player and coach participation hang in the balance.
Where would we draw the line for what’s acceptable to say? Certainly we can’t expect every player on every team to never lose their cool. What about the potential for misunderstandings, especially with players from a different cultural background or different generation from teh official are maybe understanding each other in a good-natured way and the official doesn’t see it that way.
I think officials have the proper latitude as it is to limit trash-talking and clean it up quickly if they see it. Nothing will get a guy yanked quicker than a random 15-yard penalty or two.
As long as your coaches’ head is screwed on straight (and I have seen in HS where that is not the case) then the guys really crossing the line in trash-talk on the field are really in the minority.
The fans can be a different story.
Probably should move this to that recent thread about respectful spectating.
December 5th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
D3Keith,
I was also wondering, how is the team picked for the Aztec bowl? I don’t remember ever seeing any kids from Mount. Is that because Mount usually goes so deep in the playoffs?
December 5th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Please move all the garbage, excuse me I mean discussion, about trash talking to another location. Some of you have lost site of what this string started out as. Football playoffs not the Mormon Tabernacle Choir code of conduct. Not to discount your whinning about a 22 year old testosterone laden football player dropping the F bomb on some other 22 year old testosterone laden football player who just got laid out or parents who can’t keep thier alcohol stupor induced foul mouths under control. But for us heathens move it some place else so we can talk football not church.
December 5th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
I am a football official in Texas. I disagree with Cruguy’s opinion to fix the “trash problem”. D3 Keith you are right, we don’t need another judgement call placed on us. I had to call a couple unsportsmanship calls this year. Each time the coaches cleaned it up. Also, I warn the players when the trash stuff begins and most of the time I don’t have problems.
I have to officiate a high school playoff game during the UMHB-UWW game. I was going to watch the video feed which leads me to this question. Is there anyway I can get a copy of the game? Maybe you UWW and UMHB fans can point me in the right direction here.
As stated earlier, the difference will be field conditions and QB play. I hope I’m wrong and I do hope the cru wins to play one more time this year.
December 5th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
#1. A lot has been said about UMHB’s fumbles earlier this year. Not much has been said about last weeks game with Wesley in reference to UMHB 2 fumbles because they didn’t lose the ball either time. But one observation I did make was that there were at least three occasions that Cru tailbacks bobbled the ball and didn’t fumble. Which leads me to the weather issue. It was colder last week in Dover the any game I can remember over the last 13 yrs I have been attending games. It will likely be colder in Wisconsin. UMHB has put the ball on the ground a lot(36 times) they have just been better at getting them back. If that percenatge changes it will hurt them.. I would think playing in Wisc. in Dec. is a whole lot diferent than playing there in Oct.
#2 If UWW’s can pass the ball they will win…. It appeared the Cru D didn’t want to chance blitzing and open the field for Wesley’s speedy receivers but they still left a lot of receivers open. It’s doesn’t matter if you keep the ball for ten more minutes that the opposition if the opposition can score quickly.
December 5th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
D3Keith-
The reason I don’t find the 2004 “snow” game and the game last season between UWW and UMHB valid arguments for this weekends game is because they are different teams. I think UMHB knows they have the talent and the coaching to hang with and beat top tier teams. I have an issue with UMHB saying they can play and win in cold and snow because they won a game 3 years ago. I think they can win, I think the game will be closer than the one earlier this year I just don’t see the comparison between last years UMHB team, 2004’s UMHB team and the ability to win on Saturday, in whatever the weather brings.
December 5th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
Just wanted to offer my take on the weather situation for the UMHB-UWW game this weekend. If the forecast holds, we’re looking at snow and a high of around 25, but it will probably feel colder with the wind chill.
That being said, there are two ways you can look at it. First, remember that both teams have to play in the exact same conditions. Given what I have seen from UWW in the last 3 years, most recently last weekend, I know what they are capable of doing in adverse conditions. From what I have seen and heard of UMHB, I have no reason to believe that the conditions will slow them down any. Both of these teams have a strong enough defense and rushing attack to do just fine. We should see a classic smashmouth, slug-it-out kind of game, which is something that fans from both Wisconsin and Texas should be well familiar with (think NFC “Norse”, Big 10, Big 12 type of football).
Advantage: Draw
The other factor with the weather is the issue of how it actually feels. UWW hasn’t played a game further South than Whitewater since last year’s Stagg Bowl. They’re just plain used to the snow, the cold, the field conditions, etc… Now I know UMHB has played in some bad conditions the last few years. But they are still spending the majority of their time in Texas, where the temps. this week are 40-50 degrees higher than in Wisconsin. Does anyone know when they are traveling up here? At most, they’ll have maybe two days to get used to it, but experience tells me that when they step out of the locker room, they’re going to feel the cold more than the UWW guys.
Advantage: UWW
Now for the disclaimer: I realize that is just a small part of the game, but its going to add to the psychological factor for UMHB, along with being a long way from home, memories of what happened 6 weeks ago, etc.. How much of an impact will it have? We’re never going to really know. But I’m looking forward to seeing it decided on the field this Saturday, the way it should be. Safe travels to everyone coming from Texas, Wisconsin, and anywhere else. See you there.
December 5th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
ok nasedo, i’ll answer the question you meant to ask and pose one of my own.
the last time the raiders played an away game in the playoffs (not counting salem) was 1996. but when you go 10-0 virtually every year and are ranked #1 most of the time, you do get rewarded with home games. isn’t that the way it should work?
now, my question: when was the last time mount union LOST an away game (again, not counting salem)?
answer: 1994, at albion in the 2nd round of the playoffs. i was at that game.
how amazing is it that a team can go 13 seasons without losing an away game?
and since that loss, mount is 163-4 (97.6% winning percentage).
December 5th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
Dallas:
My understanding is that the student approved a fee to pay for most of the cost to install fieldturf in both the football and baseball complex. More than one donor has expressed interest in funding the difference. I am not sure if all the details have been worked out.
The current athletic administration would love to keep the grass, but it simply is becoming too difficult to play this many games year after year, find practice locations outside the stadium given recent contruction, and continue to host non-football events like the State band competition.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:37 pm
Thank god we are talking football again. I thought I logged on to the 700 Club web site for while there.
Bottom line in my humble opinion is. WW D has to hold down as much as possible the MHB run game early. No contest in the passing game WW wins. Turnovers or lack thereof WW wins by a slim margin.
Biggest unknown and not talked about much…… The special teams play. Who can punt, catch and kick feild goals.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
Can’t wait to see the reactions of the MHB guys when they come out of the locker room with long sleeves, long johns, gloves, etc and look over to see the UWW players with no sleeves and big smiles on their faces. Those guys eat this weather up, and they know that has a phsycological effect on their opponents.
Few other things I’ve wated to comment on from reading the DD: UWW does practice outdoors unless it’s a cold, rainy type day….the cold/snow is a part of life up there…..they enjoy it….an upper 30’s temp is much different than a mid 20’s temp, light snow, and a 10-15 mph wind…..Panhandle weather is MUCH different than Belton weather.
Some of these little points might add up in a hurry when you take the field against a team that already beat you by 30 points earlier in the year….in nice weather.
December 6th, 2007 at 1:58 am
Enough about the weather. Ok, it’s cold in WI and it’s warm in TX. Let’s see how the game turns out.
I do believe special teams will be a big factor as well because a lot of these guys are standing on the sideline freezing and come into the game cold. Maybe a good coach would take note of that and play starters on the special teams. You could see a lot of fumbles on the special teams which will give the other team great field position in most cases.
Also, I don’t know how well the option pitch will work for UMHB, it could cause some turnovers if not careful.
Hey does anyone know how I can get a copy of the game?
December 6th, 2007 at 3:42 am
Mount Fans-
I’m the third generation of my family to graduate from Bethel, played for the Royals from 97-00, and was a Senior on the first Bethel team to get into the play-offs. I would like nothing more than to see my guys playing in the biggest game in the school’s history and to meet all the fine people who support Purpler Raider football, but work commitments will keep me on the wrong side of the Pacific for that.
Honestly, there really is nothing that we as Bethel fans can point to in the build-up to this game that indicates it will be anything other than a comfortable win for Mount. Is that ever not true when somebody plays the mighty Purple? Having said that, this team wasn’t expected to beat SJU or Central in the lead-up to those games either. Mount’s team is a cut above anything Bethel has seen before, but Bethel has done a phenomenal job of raising their game to the level of the opposition this year. What I can tell you is that our boys are good, we’re as proud of them as we can be, and Mount will get nothing less than the best everybody can offer from Coach Johnson on down the roster. It will take a special effort to get a win, but this team has already done lots of special things. We’ll see what happens this Saturday. Safe travels to all who will be in attendance, and enjoy the afternoon!
December 6th, 2007 at 5:21 am
Dallas, Thanks for the heads up. Having been born and raised in Texas I never knew there was a difference in the weather in vairous parts of the state. I mean just because you can go over 1000 miles north and south you think there might be a difference in the temp in different parts of the state. That was my point actually. It is a little off the mark for folks up north to lump Texas in one basket when it comes to weather. When I was suffering a snow storm in the Panhandle that winter there was another Texan catching some rays in 80 degree weather in the Rio Grande Valley. The kids at Mary Hardin are from all over in Texas and used to all kinds of weather. What you will see Saturday on the UWW and UMHB sidelines is a fine bunch of outstanding young men who will not be near as concerned about the weather as the fans in the stands. Personnally I disagree with what seems to be your personal oppinion of UWW. I really think the Warhawks are planning on winning a football game on the meris of their football ability. I don’t think they are overly concerned about the smiles on their short sleved frozen faces being a factor. However, I can see where you are coming from and I am willing as a native Texan to concede that Wisconsin is colder than Texas. I shall make sure you get a certificate to that effect suitable for framing. Silly me I gave the UWW team and coaches credit for having been at the last game between these two fine teams and for respecting the obvious fact that UMHB is a great team that had a very bad day. Of course I’m sure you have never had a bad day. Obviously, a guy raised in low temp is superior to us folk who were raised in higher temps. Frankly, I’ll bet you that UWW is taking the UMHB Crusaders very seriously and not expecting the 5 gifts (turnovers) to repeat Saturday. I guessing they plan to win by playing the game of football to the best of their ability and are not looking for an automatic wiw via the weathere. But hey you know them better than I do, you could be right. They may have practiced their cold weather smiles all week.
December 6th, 2007 at 7:39 am
R24aider Says:
December 5th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
D3Keith,
I was also wondering, how is the team picked for the Aztec bowl? I don’t remember ever seeing any kids from Mount. Is that because Mount usually goes so deep in the playoffs?
I too would like to know the answer to that.I do remember one time someone said it was beacause LK doesnt like to single any one player out.Minus the Galardie trophy..
December 6th, 2007 at 8:04 am
purpleshyco, I think you answered your own question…Mount is always playing on the same day the Aztec Bowl is played.
December 6th, 2007 at 8:20 am
Weather a factor? The only people that will have an issue this Sat. with the weather will be the officials and the special teams players. I lived near UMHB campus and I saw players out playing during Jan, Feb, Mar when the temp’s are well in the sub 30’s. We all as kids have played tackle football in snow, rain, sleet, etc…why can’t college players do the same.
Let’s drop the weather clause and just realize that the team that executes the best on Saturday is going to win. Weather is going to impact both teams regardless of where they live..
Both programs have come a long way in 5-6 years - trying to follow the same model that MUC has had so much success with: Defense, Discipline, Desire..
December 6th, 2007 at 9:42 am
Cru crushed,
UWW football games are broadcast live on a local channel with the cooperation of Charter Network on campus and in Whitewater. UWWTV is part of the communications department, I believe, with students doing the commentary. I suggest doing a search on the UWW web site to find out how to contact them. You can purchase a copy of the game though them.
December 6th, 2007 at 10:13 am
While I certainly respect Keith and Crushed I maintain that trash talk should be delt with to the point that all players, coaches and fans clearly understand that. trash talk is not part of the “male machismo”. I played the game for 8 years man and boy. I left college to serve in the Army as a paratrooper. I was awarded 3 Purple Hearts and 4 Bronze Stars. I believe that trash talk is for muscle bound thugs not real men. If we excuse unsportsman like conduct in any way we encourage the diluting of the manhood that should be not only demonstrated but taught in the game of football. What part of bragging, vulgarity or taunting an opponent is manly? I know the old standard excuse , “everybody does it” applies here. I guess if everybody does it and no one can control it, we should just shutup and accept it. Not my style. I have covered high school and college games for better than a decade since our military retirement. I have a lot of respect for a lot of good officials but as a rule if they attempt to control this shameful part of an athetic contest their standards are on par with a drunk rock star.
By the way Dallas you bring up an interesting point when you predict that one of the major factors in the game will be the quarterback play. Whiel there is no question that the UWW guy is an outstanding talent and has earned his exceptional acclaim a couple of notes about Josh Welch are in order. All to often we say, “he’s a great quarterback” and we mean “he’s a great passer”. There is no question that Josh is a fine passer. If he did a bit more passing he would be a better passer, but only fools can question Pete Fredenburg’s choice to as Coach Royal used to say, “Dance with the one that brung him.” Pete will stay with the run and he should with the running game he has. However, being a great quarterback is a lot more than being a great passer. When you total up his ball handling ability, his field since, his leadership, his passing and his running ability I’ll stack Josh Welch up angainst any quarterback in the country and Josh will do well. Who is the only quarterback to defeat 4 nationally ranked teams in a row as a freshman? Who was the teenager who tossed the touchdown pass that handed Mount Union there first home loss in 5 years and denied the mighty Purple Raiders a trip to the Stagg Bowl? As for passing, who holds the record for season, game and career touchdown passes at UMHB? If he plays on a running team he will not pass enough to build the one stat that the world judges a quarterback by, but it doesn’t make him less than a great quarterback. I wouldn’t trade our quarterback for any guy in the nation. And yea I am a homer. The only difference in me and other homers is I admit it.
God Bless All
Lets have a great game and pray all the kids come out uninjured.
December 6th, 2007 at 11:21 am
cark spackler,
good post. The only thing that would make me nervous if I was a Bethel fan, is if the coach is bound and determined to run the ball down Mount’s throat. That absolutely won’t happen. Bethel will need to think out of the box to have any chance this weekend. Nothing too outrageous, little dink and dunk passes to loosen up DiRiggi and Crew. I’m sure your coaches are putting in extra hours in the film room and will come up with a solid game plan. Good luck to Bethel and I hope everybody has a safe trip. I can’t wait to see the Royals play.
December 6th, 2007 at 11:24 am
Cru:
We are ALL homers of some sort. Keith, Pat, Gordon, and the guys have to maintain a certain “independence” but we all have a home team to root for.
A true quarteback is a field general. Whether passing, play calling, motivating, or any of the other many duties, the eyes and ears are on that guy every offensive play on the field. I was not aware that he was the quarterback back in ‘04 but he did a superlative job in Alliance and is worthy of praise, especially at the age he accomplished the feat. Is he the best? I suppose ther are as many opinions as people but he ranks up there.
Micheli is another one of those quarterbacks that would deserve mention in that vein. He is a triple threat with his arm, legs, and vision. Rarely does he stare down a receiver, is quick on his reads, has great pocket presence, can scramble, run, and provides a strong leadership presence in the huddle and on the field.
He was initially seen as a running alternative to Mike Jorris but has shown a great knack for throwing the short “touch” pass as well as the longer downfield throws. Being on such a talent-laden team might lead to overlooking his abilities a bit but he is the real deal.
December 6th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
Cruguy,
1) All I was trying to do was give an observation from someone who played football in the North in the winter elements. It absolutely can make a difference in a game….from a turnover standpoint to a psychological standpoint. I don’t know that it will play a big part in this weekend’s outcome, but it can make a difference for those that do not have the opportunity to play in it on a regular basis. Again, I will repeat myself, I do not think it will be a huge factor this weekend.
2) I pointed out the Panhandle vs Belton weather for the sake of those who might not know. Believe me, there are guys from WI who just assume it is sunny and 80 degrees 24/7 in TX. Crazy thought to you and I, but some people actually believe that.
3) I am a Texan. I played college and high school football in WI, but I have spent the majority of my life in Texas. As soon as I graduated college, I got back here as soon as I could. I hated the weather, and yes, it did effect the way I played. The guys who I played with up there were nuts when it was cold and snowy. They were like animals….especially the linemen. They loved it, and yes, it was a tremendous psychological advantage to those who didn’t.
4) I never brought up quarterback play. It must have been someone else on the DD.
5) Thank you for serving our country. I was the first in my family to attend college instead of the military, and I cannot thank those enough who serve.
December 6th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
UWW making it on the front page of today’s WSJ Personal Journal section (page D1).
December 6th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
Dallas, thank you for your response. My bad regarding giving the “quarterback play” comments to you that was Cru Crushed saying that Jones was “by far the better quarterback.” Certainly, there are a lot of fine young men that have the credentials to argue their case for being the best in the Country. Jones is absolutely one of them. However, I question anyone saying that any quarterback is a “BY FAR” better quarterback than a guy who has been a 4 year starter, lived in the playoffs, and has Josh Welch’s record against nationally ranked teams to include Mount Union. I believe Josh is the best overall quarterback playing the position in D III ball. I absolutely respect the valid cases that can be made for other outstanding athletes, many of whom have had three or four times the opportunity to build passing stats. I don’t believe any of the four quarterbacks left in the nation are “BY FAR” better than any of the other three. Nobody is in the simi-finals by accident. Melba Welch’s grand son will stand beside any of them.
December 6th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Raiderdude, You will find me in the Amen corner when you preach Mr. Micheli’s praises. He’ll do to run the river with as we say here in Texas.
December 6th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
As the discussion over weather has been furthered, one factor has been overlooked - the play of the offensive line.
I think it is safe to say that all four teams are where they are today thanks in large part to the offensive line play. Whether opening holes for the running game or providing adequate time for the quarterback to execute the passing game. It is especially important in sloppy conditions because footing is at a premium so the blocking assignments and execution have to be crisp and coordinated to allow the running back to hit the hole without hesitation.
I was going to make this post before lunch but ran out of time, only to find an article about Derek Blanchard when i returned. While Clyde was writing about Derek, the same could be said for Reash or Safran of Mount or any of the talented offensive linemen of the other three remaining teams.
While attention is usually drawn to the “skilled” position players, let’s not forget the big guys up front that make it all happen.
Carl:
That was a great post. I actually picked Bethel to be in the position they are today. I’ll admit I don’t know the team as well as others but, you don’t beat the Johnnies without alot of talent.
The respect you showed for Mount is reciprocated by Mount supporters as well. At this level, nothing less than a competitive game is expected
btw: great name. Loved caddyshack! Let me know when you become the head greenskeeper with all those “chinch bugs” and “manganese”.
Good luck all!
December 6th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
UMHB has a one dimensional offense and has not chance to advance…bethel has a better chance against MUC than UMHB has against UWW…(the scores will reflect this)
December 6th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
The assumption that UMHB is “one dimensoional offense” is a logical assumption, but like a lot of lgical assumptions is incorrect. I have missed three UMHB games in the past three years. This includes trips to Oregon, Virginia, Ohio, Wisconsin, Delaware and even Alpine, Texas. I loved the 2004 team that took the Cru to the Stagg bowl. However, I have little doubt that this is a better team than the Cru feilded in 04. UMHB’s offensive line from tackle to tackle is a better Big Purple Wall than the 2004 line that boasted two of the best grunts to ever strap on a helmet in Jeff Oliver and Matt Bush. The fact that UMHB has the best O-line coach in Division III football and Coach George proves it every year on the field keeps these guys from truly being one demensional. The unsung heroes of UMHB make it possible to run or throw. Cru Boss Pete Fredenburg runs because he can, not because he has to. Thinking UMHB can’t pass because they don’t will get you in big trouble. Josh Welch is a fine passer who has thrown 7 ints this year in 13 games. Three of those ints came in one game and that was of course against the Warhawks. The other 4 ints were spread over a dozen other games. Was the desaster against the Warhawks due to the qaulity of the UWW defense vs others he has faced this year. I’m sure the Warhawk coaches will not say that. So why did an excellent passer known as the Cove Cannon while in highschool misfire in Whitewater? Because he did. That’s why. We all tend to over analize a bad game by a great athlete or a great team. I recall watching a PGA Opens Champ shoot an 8 over par and missing the cut badly on during a tournament qualification round that year. News flash, we all have those days. No explanation for it. It’s just fact. Bet on the fine coaching staff at UWW not counting on Mr. Welch having another worst day of his carreer. Can he pass? You might want to ask the good people at Mount Union. No question they still remember Josh. If your game plan is to attempt to force the Crusaders to pass, I submit that it’s not a bad plan. However, you may need to be careful what you wish for. I have litttle doubt that the defensive coaches at UWW have a great deal of rspect for the left handed Texas gunslinger.
December 6th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
UMHB doesn’t stand a chance… one miscue will start the avalanche. I don’t foresee them playing a perfect game, thus UWW will be in Salem for winter break
December 6th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
mille125&bigwheels77,
Sounds like someone should call the coach for UMHB and tell them there is no sense in showing up. I know one thing, it’s not very easy to beat a team twice in the same year. Especially a quality team like UHMB. If UMHB can hold on to the football, the game should be a thriller. Also, everybody seems to think weather is going to be a factor, the better running team usually benefits. This game may go to OT. It’s going to be a great one.
December 6th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
R24aider
you speak truth… You reminded me why I wasn’t too upset when the Colts blew that game against the pats a month ago. back to the point though… when a team is out matched, they have the ability to still win the game, but it is rebounding from mistakes that determines their ultimate destiny. In my opinion, outmatched teams tend to press after mistakes and make a bad… worse. Enough of the UMHB side, we still haven’t addressed the steam roller that UWW is… (until MUC, it is pathetic that I have to write that without being lynched by 30 raider fans) As a wise man much smarter than me put it…. If you’re not part of the steamroller, you’re part of the pavement. Somehow UMHB has resurrected from the week 4 pavement and they are up for another shot. I don’t realistically see it happening though… Hip Hip Hooray for another week of disappointment from the D3 staff, “We thought the games would be more competitive.” I just don’t see it in the cards. UWW 35 UMHB 10
December 6th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Wow! Man that bigweels77 is one sharp guy. Here we were all thinking they were going to have another game this Saturday in Whitewater. Man I’m glad he set us all straight. According to bigwheels they are just going to play the tape of the last contest when UMHB had their worst game of the year. Man that saves us all a lot of trouble. I was planning on taking the time to actually watch the new game. What a waiste of time that would have been hugh BW?
December 6th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
What were we saying about trash talking fans? Too funny.
December 6th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
R24aider,
The thought of “not beating a team twice in one year” is nothing but cliche. Look at mt union and capital last year….if mt union played st john’s fisher 10 times this year i think that most of us would agree that mt union would win 9 if not all 10 of those games (i am not picking on SJF just trying to make a point).
in the UWW/UMHB game, UWW is clearly the better team and will prevail 9 out of 10 times..saturday will be one of those 9..this is a total mismatch……the reason that umhb came out passing in the regular season is because their coaching staff knew that they were outmatched at multiple positions…lets face it..the only way that UWW loses is if they beat themselves……
December 6th, 2007 at 5:25 pm
mille125,
So, your position is that if the “impossible” occurs, (UMHB wins)….that it would only be because UWW beat themselves? Wow…..maybe UMHB better stay home….
December 6th, 2007 at 5:29 pm
Welch displayed a horrible throwing arm when he came to Wisconsin last time. I mean he was either way off line or underthrowing the ball by a ton. It is too bad for you guys that Oliver is out he is like a foot taller than Schultz, so he presented some matchup problems when Gabe was covering him. Add the weather too the mix and I can’t imagine that it would make Welch more accurate. No doubt that MHB has a great ground game, but the Warhawks strength is shutting down the running attack. That being said I don’t think that the Warhawks will win again by 34 points and I’m crossing my fingers that Schebler is back this week, because it could come down to a FG. But I think the Warhawks will end up in Salem against Mount Union again this year, creating in my opinion an interesting matchup.
December 6th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
Bias D3,
You are absolutely correct regarding the passing of Josh Welch in the last UWW game. There was no question that Josh was off line and tossing short. Given the single game you watched I’m sure logic tells you that UMHB has only a ground game. I respectfully submit that if you had seen Welch pass for the last 8 seasons (High School and College) you would have a totally different opinion of the left handed signal caller. The first guy to tell you there was no excuse for his passing performance in the Warhawk game will be Josh. However, it should be noted that your observation that he was throwing off line and short is very valid and frankly the ints had little to do with a great Warhawk defense. He was just off that day. It happens to the best of them. I have watched this young man play the game as a 4 year high school and college starter. Understandably, the UMHB offense is run oriented with the line and the backs they have. However, Josh Welch is an exceptional passing quarterback. I understand why this is hard to believe based on the single game you are talking about. It was without question or competition the worst passing performance of his career. However, the young man holds the UMHB records for touchdown passes, passing yardage, and number of completions for a game, a season and a career. Of course to be fair those are passing records on a running offence, but are still noteworthy. During this year he threw 4 interceptions in the other 12 games. One was clearly a bad pass. One was when his arm was hit as he threw. Two bounced off his recievers. No doubt that the 3 ints in the Warhawk game belonged to Josh, but the other dozen games this year saw the guy throw one bad ball. Barring the Warhawk game when the Cru has gone to the passing game it has been a good one. They just seldom have to go there. Don’t be shocked to see some excellent strikes from Welch.
December 6th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
Ok we all hear about the Gagliardi award but who has heard of the Melberger award? I haven’t.
December 6th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
RunFerrum,
Mel’s Bergers is a little place on Main Street here in Copperas Cove, Texas. I’m shocked that you haven’t heard of it.
December 6th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
I keep hearing how UMHB and Welch, “just had a bad day in Oct.” Funny, that has been happening to a lot of UWW’s opponents, especially at the Perk. No credit given to the Hawks defense who have had 23 interceptions in the last 6 games, 32 for the season! They shut down the run and can’t wait for the other team to start passing!
December 6th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
Mount Union vs UWW III? I think it would be some great drama…I mean, UWW would sure come into the game hungry for a win….and the 2007 version of the Purple Raiders has shown week in and week out they are solid….I know its probably a yawn for DIII fans in general to have another muc/uww Stagg…but if it did happen, that would be a real accomplishment I think for both schools to return to the top game three years straight…UMHB seems very good, and I picked them over Wesley - but on the Warhawks home field…I think UWW pulls it out…here’s hoping the Raiders bring it against Bethel like they brought it against SJF…GO RAIDERS
December 6th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Is there going to be another video feed like last year of the games?
December 6th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
wiac watcher,
There is no question you are correct regarding the quality of the derservingly high touted UWW defense. It is possible that these guys could shut down the running attack and make great plays to intercept Welch. However, no one knows because no discredit to the Warhawk defense they simply didn’t have to make great plays. If you look at the stats through the past four years you will see that while he ain’t Joe Montanna he has proven himself to be a quality passing quarterback. It is of course your prerogative to believe a good passer can have a bad day or not. However, its a fact. The fact that Josh had a bad day and the ints were his fault is something no Crusader (especially Josh) will deny. Again you are correct when you say the Warhawks have a great defense and they create turnovers. They may do that this Saturday, but the last time the Cru went to Wisconsin they didn’t have to.
December 6th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
Here is the link to both games being on line streamed by the NCAA. Enjoy watching in the comfort of your home. As for me. Anti freeze (Jagermeister) at the Perk.
http://all-access.cstv.com/cstv/player/player.html?code=ncaa&sport=m-footbl&category=live&media=54305
December 6th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
Just a few facts….if facts mean anything to you. Of the 24 categories tracked by the NCAA…UMHB is ranked higher than UWW in 15 of them. Included in those 15 are; total offense, rushing offense, rushing defense, scoring offense, TURNOVER MARGIN, kickoff returns, tackles for loss, pass sacks, TEAM PASSING efficiency, turnovers gained and a big one….fumbles recovered. UWW leads in TURNOVERS LOST…UWW has had 24 this year and UMHB has had 25…Despite all the talk about UMHB not being able to hold onto the ball and having a “bad” passing game…the two teams are pretty much equal in that category. As I previously stated, I think UWW has a super team…they wouldn’t be in the final four if they didn’t. The same goes for UMHB….don’t be surprised if they “SHOCK” a lot of you this weekend.
December 6th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
wiac watcher,
yeah, UWW is the #1 team in the nation for Passes intercepted with 32, UMHB is # 2 with 29. UMHB leads the nation with 25 fumbles recovered and UWW is #11 with 16 recovered.
December 6th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Yep - UWW’s defense shuts down the run and can’t wait for the other team to start passing…all except for Kmic, Micheli, Wray and Garcon…I know you’re talking about this year, but I couldnt help myself….
December 6th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Come on Old Sarge, are you even looking at the teams the two have played. Tell me that those stats wouldn’t be different if UMHB played in the WIAC or the other way around. You know that those stats are smoke and mirrors.
December 6th, 2007 at 8:55 pm
Catching up on all the talk throughout the day has made me change my mind about the outcome of the UWW/MHB game. Comparing stats from the season and knowing MHB plays a much stronger schedule, having one of the best quarterbacks in Texas high school and college who has broken every record in the book, UWW completely catching MHB on a bad day earlier this year, UWW not causing any turnovers but actually just receiving gifts during the last matchup, MHB having a better coaching staff, etc.
MHB 70 UWW 3