Game Day from Salem
Dec
2007
Alright, so here we are, at the culmination of more than 1,100 games and after 236 teams have been eliminated from contention for the 2007 Division III football national championship, with Mount Union and UW-Whitewater. The fans are already tailgating in the parking lot, getting ready for our 4 p.m. kickoff. We’ll keep you updated here throughout the day on all the goings-on and help you follow along.
Don’t forget to turn down the audio on ESPN (Pam Ward on play by play) and turn up our audio broadcast. Those of you with a DVR may find the delay is manageable by pausing the television. We’ll pronounce names correctly, etc. 
Join Gordon Mann, Frank Rossi and Ryan Tipps on our game day show starting at 2 p.m. Keith McMillan and I will take over leading up to the 4 p.m. kickoff, with Frank on the sidelines.
Some more audio to tide you over until we hit the air at 2 — I was interviewed on Western Wisconsin Sports Saturday this morning about the Stagg Bowl and recorded most of it for the audience here.
December 15th, 2007 at 11:14 am
Here is the forecast for today’s game:
ICE STORM WARNING in effect from noon today until 9 am EST Sunday.
Cloudy. A chance of rain…freezing rain with a slight chance of sleet this morning…then rain and freezing rain this afternoon. Ice accumulation around a trace. Much cooler with highs in the mid 30s. East winds around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.
Y’all stay safe, warm and good luck to both teams and their fans today.
December 15th, 2007 at 12:38 pm
Good luck to both teams! Here’s hoping for a well-played and exciting game. I hope the weather doesn’t have too big an impact.
December 15th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
As I sit in the airport waiting for my flight heading the other way, good luck to you guys, both calling and shooting the game. May you get a classic game that those of us unable to be there will get to enjoy.
December 15th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Way I see it, weather today is better than it would be in Wisconsin or Ohio
Right now it’s cold, but I see no sign of precipitation currently or on the way.
Pam Ward dis … so wrong.
(Well not SO wrong)
December 15th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
WeatherUnderground for Salem says 90% chance of rain at game time. I attended the Stag Bowl in 2000 under similar conditions and in 2003 with wind, cold, and intermittent snow flurries. Today, the Salem weather will be 15 degrees warmer than in Duluth Minnesota where there is no forecast precipitation. I know it is heresy on this board to complain about the location of the Stag Bowl but the Virginia weather this time of year is unpredictable. I’ve heard all the argument pro and con concerning Salem and I’ve been there twice. They do a nice job with a game that there wouldn’t be much competition for from warmer climes but I hate the weather in Salem.
December 15th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
Early in the Division II broadcast, they talked a bunch about the Division III game. Typical stuff like “is it just me, or does it seem like Mount Union owns the rights to play in that game?”
Reply: I think they book hotels as soon as the previous year’s game ends.”
Kind of funny that they know that too.
December 15th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
Well I definitely agree with you there. A weird weather state, you can get New England weather and Myrtle Beach weather in the same week.
December 15th, 2007 at 1:25 pm
Hey Pat. are you saying that ESPNs announcers are less then what they should be.
I’m going to check you guys out but I’m sure I’ll have Alliance tuned in.
December 15th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
So what are the chances we see the opening kickoff on ESPN. UAB and Kentucky hoops have and hour and fifteen minutes to play the final three minutes and the whole second half?
December 15th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Who out there think’s Mount Union should move to D2?
December 15th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
Not good odds. UAB leads 68-67 with 4:08 left and it is 3:53pm right now…
December 15th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
downtown
Starting to look like a replay of last year. UAB and Kentucky still have 2:40 to go, we are a couple of minutes until kickoff, and a very real possibility that the b-ball game will go into OT.
December 15th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
This stupid game better not go into OT! You would think after last year ESPN could plan a little better.
December 15th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
Very nice crowd with lots of purple. I don’t remember it being this full last year.
December 15th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
Too bad we can’t see the crowd yet. Friggin ESPN
December 15th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
THIS SUCKS!!!!! Hurry up ESPN!
December 15th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
You can see the game at www.espn360.com
December 15th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Thank God! ESPN can drive one crazy!
December 15th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Or listen to it here. We aren’t pre-empted by the basketball game.
http://pointers.audiovideoweb.com/asxfiles-live/1c3winlive6701.asx
December 15th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
BIG stop for UWW!
December 15th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Great drive by UWW. MTU look confused.
December 15th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Great start for UWW obviously. Interesting to hear from Frank Rossi on the sideline report that Mount Union came out with too much excitement. Raebel commented during the week that the Warhawks are “all emotioned out” and that this is all business this year as opposed to two years ago.
December 15th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
All I can say so far is WOW! I think this is going to be a good one! MUC did look confused on UWW’s first drive. Let’s see if they made any adjusments.
December 15th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
Nice start for the Warhawks!
December 15th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
MTU settiling in now. Good drive going.
December 15th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Play under review it looks like he WAS NOT IN! Ler’s see what the review says.
December 15th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
What a great stop! WOW!
December 15th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
UWW came to play, stops Kmic on 4th and goal!
December 15th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
What a play by UWW! Go Warhawks.
December 15th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Is that a bit of overconfidence by MU to continue to go for it on 4th? Maybe they underestimated the UWW D.
December 15th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
MUC turns it over on downs for the third time today!
December 15th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Hawks get it back! Yes!
December 15th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
I’m not there. No cable, either. WW stopping the run?
December 15th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Yes, so far they are doing a nice job of stopping both the run and the deep pass.
December 15th, 2007 at 5:20 pm
I have to commend MUC. They are hanging with the Warhawks fairly well so far.
December 15th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
UWW really making MUC work for everything on O. Mt just crossed the 50 but lost 1 and are now 2nd and 11.
December 15th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Yes! Fumble!!! Hawks have it!
December 15th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
I said yesterday the only way UWW wins this game if it was extemely low scoring. Looks like they could have a shot.
December 15th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Yeah, Kmic being held to a pedestrian 50-6o yards. Micheli has approx. 50 yards. Check out the front page for a great shot of the call that was reversed on the goal line stand. Nice work, Mr. Ryan Coleman.
December 15th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Beaver with 100 Yards in first half!
December 15th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Beaver is showing me just how deserving he is of the Gagliardi! He literally just ran over an MUC player before he went out of bounds. This is a great football game. One that if MUC doesn’t start to mix things up they are going to be in trouble. They are for the first true time this season in unfamiliar territory. Yet all must remember how quickly a team with MUC’s fire power can explode and come up with a big play.
December 15th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
10-0 UWW at the half. Just like, I, um…called…okay, nevermind.
December 15th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
I am so proud the Hawks! Looks like there might be more than one “Machine” in D3 football. Great first half!
December 15th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
Two score lead for UWW, really something!
December 15th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
I think the more pertinent question is whether Mount has a chance. I think they still have a chance, but clearly they are in unchartered territory. After watching for a half, they are clearly nothing to be afraid of. Two evenly matched teams with UWW playing the better first half. UWW appearls to be slightly the stronger team up to this point.
December 15th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
30 minutes to go…who’s going to hoist the walnut and glass and bronze?? Doesn’t roll off the tongue quite as well…
December 15th, 2007 at 5:48 pm
Wow, i’m shocked, impressed, and amazed. I missed the ‘review” of Mount’s “almost score”. I thought for sure the game was tied after that, but what a goalline stand by Whitewater.
Warhawks get the ball first in the 2nd Half. If they can score a touchdown and go up 17-0, they have a GREAT shot. I’m still very nervous about MUC’s big play ability. If Mount closes within 3, Whitewater MUST answer or I think MUC wins this game.
Beaver looks great, but MUC winning the TOP battle right now 18:00 to 12:00.
Whitewater needs a few sustained drives in the 2nd half, or MUC will wear down their defense.
If Whitewater can score another TD without giving up the lead, I like their chances. Right now, i’m going to predict a 17-14 Whitewater win.
MUC will get their yards, but what a sendoff for Beaver if he could get a touch, get over 200 yards, and win Wisconsin-Whitewater’s first Football National Championship in the last game of his collegiate career!
EDIT: i was going to say Wisconsin’s First National Championship, but Wis-LaCrosse won two in the 90s.
December 15th, 2007 at 5:48 pm
I would agree with bleedpurple. This is what a championship game should be like. I love lot’s of defense…The question for the second half is; will the Warhawk defense be able to continue the pressure in the second half and prevent MU from making that big play that can quickly bring them back into the game?
December 15th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
I know you guys are all glued to our broadcast on NCAASports.com and that TV network’s broadcast, but glad you’re here blogging with us too.
I was asked for my take. It’s really not all that different from the past two Stagg Bowls’ first halves, evenly matched. Looking at the numbers, Mount Union is actually outgaining UW-W 212-184. The difference is UW-W taking advantage of its opportunities to score, unlike in previous years when they also drove the ball but were held to field goals while MUC made the big plays. This time, the big plays have been the UW-W goal line stand — Kmic TD run overturned by review on 3rd, and a Warhawks gang tackle on 4th — and the two MUC fumbles in the second quarter.
The past two games have been decided in the second half, with big plays in the third … would not be surprised to see more of the same.
UW-W is dictating the tempo and has definitely seized the momentum here, and they are tackling well, as we said they would have to to compete. But down by 10, and having gained 212 yards, Mount Union doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel with its halftime adjustments, they just need to hang on to the ball and finish drives.
Should be a GREAT second half. So glad the Whitewater fans are getting a chance to see their team play well here in Salem … regardless of the outcome, definitely a lot to be proud of on both sides.
December 15th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Wow…We might have seen the real championship game last week in Whitewater. MUC looks pathetic. WarHawks are playing tough…I’d be running Beaver every down in the second half.
December 15th, 2007 at 5:59 pm
I don’t think MUC looks pathetic at all. The Warhawk defense has been playing great.
December 15th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
BaylorFan…don’t even go down that road yet.
December 15th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
OMG. I wish I was at this game! What a heads up play by the O-Lineman.
December 15th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Pretty sure they just called Mount Union the Red Raider…????
December 15th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
Why did it just feel like that was going to happen…Mount will probably win this thing like 40-17 now.
December 15th, 2007 at 6:30 pm
keith,
the penalty was a facemask on uww, not a hold.
December 15th, 2007 at 6:31 pm
Are the refs calling holding penalties today? Mount has been holding on the edge all day.
December 15th, 2007 at 6:31 pm
the replay showed a really blatant hold by MUC AND an incidental facemask by UWW. they called the facemask on the uww player being tackled
December 15th, 2007 at 6:33 pm
WOW. huge momentum change for MUC. they covert the beaver fumble into a TD that makes this a 3pt game.
UWW defense is really tough. getting the go ahead points for MUC won’t be easy
December 15th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
MUC showing the heart of a Champion. UWW has shown to be their equal. Should be a fantastic 4th quarter!
December 15th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Wow 17-14 at the end of the 3rd
Two HUGE HUGE Plays in the 3rd Quarter. If Whitewater doesn’t recover Beaver’s FIRST TD, there is no way we win this game.
The second fumble leads directly (though barely) to MUC’s second TD. A game of inches today for SURE.
Only time will tell if Whitewater has withstood MUC’s charge, or if we don’t have quite enough. MUC has only driven the field ONCE (immediately after Whitewater went up 17-0).
If MUC scores to take the lead 21-17, i think they win. If Whitewater goes up 24-14, i think they win.
What a finish for NCAA Division III!!!!!!!!
December 15th, 2007 at 6:52 pm
I thought the NFL was the only league with the wide receiver “diva’s” (Plaxico, Steve Smith, T.O., Chad Johnson, Keyshawn, etc.)!! Ray Bentley is making Garcon sound a bit like these NFL diva’s with his actions during last year’s game and a few of his antics tonight. If he takes that punk act to an NFL training camp next year, some strong safety will take his head off and hand it to him on a platter. Pierre…….you’re playing D3 football for God’s sake. You have no reason to be “big timing” anybody when you’re far, far away from the Big Time!!
Looking forward to a great 4th quarter.
December 15th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
I hate when the announcers give the refs a pass…the feet weren’t caught up…that was a PI! OHHH…justice, WW fumble recovery!
December 15th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
For those of you that watch the Warhawks play this season; our defense is continuing to play like they have all year. They never give up, even when the momentum goes against them. They play with a lot of heart.
December 15th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Six minutes to the Walnut and Glass and Bronze!!
December 15th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
If you haven’t heard, former Warhawk Derek Stanley was activiated by the Rams and will play tomorrow vs the Packers. Congrats to Derek…turning out to be a really good day for the Warhawks.
December 15th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
What a HUGE run by the beaver!!!
December 15th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
This isn’t FAIR!!! Mt. Union wants to go HOME!!! Why wasn’t this game played in ALLIANCE, like every other playoff game they play!!!! WAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!
December 15th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
After that run I’ll say congrats to UWW. What an effort and they’re a deserving champion.
December 15th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
I want to go on record as a Mount Union fan and congradtulate WW. That was one hell of a game. I finally got to see the Beaver that you guys have been talking about for three years. He is the MAN. Congrats to all.
December 15th, 2007 at 7:30 pm
This wasn’t even CLOSE! Mt. Union would be about the fifth best team in the WIAC. HAHAHAHA!!!!!
December 15th, 2007 at 7:30 pm
HDTV never looked so good until the day the raiders died
December 15th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
That td should not stand. Jones was pushed in on the play.
neutralobserver,
You sir are an idiot.
December 15th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
Wow, the announcers are piling on Mount about losing with grace…
December 15th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
What a bunch of punks and cheap shot artists. Give ‘em another flag
December 15th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
Woo Hoo! Great Game! THIRD TIME WAS THE CHARM!!
December 15th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
Classic…the UWW guys are giving it to Garcon…he just can’t keep his mouth shut…
December 15th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
The coach was upset about the push by the lineman on the last TD. He should not have come onto the field but he was correct.
December 15th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
wow mount union though is acting like poor losers. my god you’ve been there before act like it
December 15th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Ya think they’ll have to play on the road next year? Assuming they even make the playoffs! HAHAHA!!!!
December 15th, 2007 at 7:36 pm
How similar is this to 2003?
– Gagliardi winner breaks the back-breaking run.
–LBs make some incredible smacks.
–MUC was so dominating coming that its fans were calling it one of their “best ever.” No disrespect for the Raiders — I’ve got plenty — but it just shows how a great team can rise up and surprise a lot of the experts.
Congrats to the UWW for bringing another title back to the West.
December 15th, 2007 at 7:36 pm
Congrats UWW!
Three Wisconsin teams in the playoffs and the champion! What a year!
December 15th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Yea…that’s what I figured…he had a point, but I don’t know that I’ve ever seen that get called.
December 15th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Mount coach talks about how his team has no arrogant players, they don’t want or need them…well, I don’t think so.
December 15th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Hurry hurry hurry hurry ESPN, get this game off the TV!!!
December 15th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
I am truly shocked about the amount of taunting and unsportsmanlike behavior displayed by both teams. I expect more class from these two schools.
December 15th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
Wow, what a win. 3rd Time is the Charm for the Warhawks. Just like Volleyball, Just Like Baseball… 3rd Try, New Coach = National Title
I feel great for Justin Beaver who sealed the win with some big runs after a few disasterous fumbles in the 3rd Quarter.
Whitewater proved they have the BEST defense in the nation today for sure.
Hats off to Mount Union, GREAT program, but this was our year.
December 15th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
I agree downtown48. I’m not sure why it’s a rule if it doesn’t get called. Similar to the Reggie Bush assist to Matt Leinart a few years ago against ND.
December 15th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
As an SJU fan, congrats to UWW. Nice to see someone knock off MU - with skill and hard work…
December 15th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Well… Mount Union got a gift on their 3rd TD drive. That clearly was offensive pass interference, and should have been brought back.
Big Plays, Big Calls went both ways…
End of the day, Whitewater was the better team, PERIOD
We played a tougher schedule, and MUC simply was OUTCOACHED today
Whitewater is the undisputed BEST team in NCAA Div III this year.
December 15th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
And congrats to Justin Beaver and his offensive line today. I think the final total is 247 yards.
Under terrible conditions this year WWW got the critical turnovers and got the one big break on the fumble recovery in the endzone. The last two years MUC got that play.
This year it was UWW that made the big play.
December 15th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
The hard truth. Mount Union is not number one. Period. End of story. UW Whitewater are the National Champions. They deserve to be the National Champions. They are the best team in D3 in 2007. Undisputed. It was decided on the field as it should have been statistics are fun to look at, but they don’t block, tackle or RECOVER FUMBLES. Football players do. And UW Whitewater’s players are champions. Mount Union should fans should be proud of their team. they are the second best in the nation. They showed heart. They simply aren’t as good as UWW. Not this year. Celebrate hard Hawk fans. We did it!
December 15th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
I’ve got one thing to say to that big oaf of a coach who showed no class whatsover………Monster.com!!! Familiarize yourself with that site when Kehres takes you out to the woodshed as you disrespected the game and the Mount program. Coaches are supposed to be examples for their players. Was that Garcon’s position coach? That would make sense then!!
Great game by the best two teams in D3 football !!!!!!
December 15th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
BR…I agree…those two Raiders that fell on that ball in the endzone will have trouble with that for a few days, though the Raiders responded as everyone probably figured and took that game down to the wire…
December 15th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
BuckeyeRaider, you are a very classy fan. I was pretty furious at the end of the game the past two years, and didn’t take losing very well, but then again, we (UWW) had never won before and didn’t act like it.
You guys have won 9 titles, and will surely win many more. I look forward to UWW-MUC Part IV next year in Salem
I really admire your coach. Doesn’t get overanimated with the officials, just keeps his cool, and acts like he has NINE NCAA titles. Good luck next season
December 15th, 2007 at 7:50 pm
Congrats warhawks for finally getting it done. It was sad to see the MUC coach lose his cool like that. It’s always easy to win with class, but it’s a little harder to lose with class.
December 15th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Garcon wasn’t a factor today, looked pretty predestrian and average…and Kmic was held pretty much in check, that QB is tough, though. The bounces went Whitewater’s way today, unlike the previous 2 years. The Warhawks made a great team look bad today. Congrats to the Warhawk coaching staff and players. Good predictions by Voice and the Bridgewater Football guy. We knew Whitewater’s D was good, but nobody gave the Whitewater offense a chance against a Mount D that stopped everybody. Beaver proved good guys can finish first!!
December 15th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
9isfine says:
“I would take Kmic any day of the week. Kmic played the 1st half of….well…..pretty much every game. He would dust any record of Beaver’s had he played more. I dont want to argue who has the better running back. Although I think mount does. I will say defensively you will never see the likes of this MUC team again. It is truly unbelievable how the can dominate any offensive unit in the country in DIII”
EXCEPT ONE!!! Oh, and by the way. You can HAVE Kmic any day of the week. Today is the only day that matters. I’m glad you didn’t have Beaver. 247 yards rushing against a defense that, “can dominate any offensive unit in the country in DIII”. Hmmmm.
December 15th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
well well the warhawks had their day finally… they got LUCKY against THE VERY BEST TEAM THE MOUNT UNION RAIDERS in Division 3 football, and the Raiders will be tere again next year. The better team did not win today.
December 15th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
WHAT A WIN! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! GO WARHAWKS
So, any reason to doubt that UWW won’t open 2008 as the #1 ranked team in NCAA Division III? Yes, we lost 23 seniors, but think of all the talent that will transfer TO Whitewater after today’s win.
Danny Jones, you certainly made us proud. Derek Stanley and Justin Jacobs, Ryan Kleppe and others were GREAT players, but you were the final difference.
Whitewater begins to understand how hard it is to stay #1, TOMORROW! tonight we’re the undisputed #1.
Congrats to Mount Union on another amazing season. This win wouldn’t mean as much unless it came against “the standard” set up Mount Union College and their historic program, run of NCAA titles, and 36 game winning streak.
I don’t think i’ve ever been so proud (as today) to be a UWW alumni!
VIVA WHITEWATER! See you next year in Salem
December 15th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
According to the post game press conference, Beaver has been playing for the past few weeks with a broken rib.
December 15th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
I am really excited to see that Micheli and Kmic will return next year, can hardly wait.
December 15th, 2007 at 8:25 pm
WarhawkBadger,
Criminy, loks like we’re complete enemies. Me with the Buckeyes, you with the Badgers. Me with MUC, you with UWW.
My solace is that the last time MUC lost the Stagg Bowl the Buckeyes beat the unbeatable Miami Hurricane to win the NC. And now the Buckeyes are playing again in a few weeks. Perhaps it will be their time again.
Grats to your team. They played like champions.
bleedpurple,
Win win dignity, lose with dignity. Show some?
December 15th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
“well well the warhawks had their day finally… they got LUCKY against THE VERY BEST TEAM THE MOUNT UNION RAIDERS in Division 3 football, and the Raiders will be tere again next year. The better team did not win today.”
Of course. UWW must have been lucky. Establishing a 17-0 lead. Winning the game by 10 points, and Justin Beaver going off for 253. But then again, UWW wasn’t supposed to win because some feel that MUC has a God given right to win. They don’t. They didn’t. If a team is the BEST TEAM, they don’t allow another team to get lucky in the championship game. The best team is the team that wins. in 2005 and 2006, the best team was Mount Union. In 2007. The best team is UWW. Period.
December 15th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
The ESPN crew did an excellent job, We were glad that we did not have to listen to the audio crap
December 15th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
“The best team is the team that wins. in 2005 and 2006, the best team was Mount Union. In 2007. The best team is UWW. Period.”
Yes, they are. Congrats. Now go out and celebrate and toss down some colds ones. Enjoy.
December 15th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Great game today UWW… I watched the Mount team most the year from working the games and that was not the same team. That could be credited to the team they played plus I think it seems they were a little too full of themselves.
It was awful to see VK, the head coaches son out there whining. Can’t really be too upset over this loss because we were out played in every area of the game, just upsetting that my fellow seniors have to go out on a loss after a great career.
Justin Beaver deserved a championship though, I really enjoyed watching him run the past few Stagg Bowls. Enjoy the day UWW, hope to see another game between these two as it is turning into a good rivalry.
December 15th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Buckeye,
Congratulations to the Mount Union fans, players, and coaches for an outstanding season. They are a program that has set the standard for D3 and given all the rest of the programs something to shoot for.
That being said, one of the great things about these message boards is that we can all be held accountable for comments we have made before and after games. A handful of Mount fans have shown relatively the same amount of dignity as the Mount coach running on the field or Pierre Garcon. Nice move not lining up and shaking UWW hands after the game. I have all the respect in the world for the Mount program. My hats off to them. However, dignity wasn’t running through the entire coaching staff or roster of Mount today. It hasn’t extended through the entire Mount fan base on this board either.
December 15th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
How’s that humble pie taste purpoo raider fans?
Duke-
This is going to sound crazy- but I couldn’t agree more with you on your Garcon post. I see arena league for him. I would love to be at his free agent tryout(that’s right free-agent) when a 6′3″ 220 pd safety who runs faster than him lays a couple of hits on him.
Seeing Garcon and a few other players and coaches act like babies was priceless- made my day!
December 15th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
I found it funny where I read some Mt Union fans scoffing at the notion that none of the game predictions had Mt. scoring 40 points…I find it even more amusing now!!
December 15th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
the warhawks were just plain lucky to win….
December 15th, 2007 at 9:02 pm
First off, I would like to congratulate MU on yet another great season. The show week in and week out why they are the dynasty of D3 football. All of us D3 fans should be thankful for having seen such a great championship game. We do it right at D3 with a playoff system (and for as long as I’ve followed D3 have seen the 2 best teams make the finals). A huge thanks to Pat & Keith & all the other D3.com guys for keeping D3 on the map. You guys do a fantastic job all year and provide all of us with great information that otherwise would not be reported on. Finally, congrats Warhawks. You completed a phenominal season; time to start getting ready for next year. We all know MU is already preparing for a return trip to Salem; can’t wait for the 08 season to begin!
December 15th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
bleedpurple,
UMHB gave UWW a much better game, a game played on UWW turf at that. Admit that UWW is just the better team and don’t be such a Homer.
December 15th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
UMHB held Beaver to 138 yards total in 2 games played. I now know just how good the cru was this year and how close we came to win it all.
December 15th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
I admit it, Cru Crushed. UWW is just the better team.
December 15th, 2007 at 9:13 pm
Kmic and Micheli return 2008 roll PurpleRaiders.
December 15th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
Yep, warhawkgrad, it’s definitely wait til next year time for all Cubs fans, Bengals fans, Bears fans, Michigan fans, and, well, you.
December 15th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
I might have graduated from U W Whitewater, but i have been out in Ohio for a few years and like the successful championship program @Mt.Union that the Purple Raiders have built, and I believe they will be in Salem again next year, and that a whole new win streak wil start in the fall of 08′. The Purple Raiders are Champions many times, and yes they are WInners as well. The better team did not win today.
December 15th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
Nice comments, warhawkgrad…I’m a UW-La Crosse grad that thinks you’re wrong with that last sentence.
December 15th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
Warhawkgrad the MUC fan,
I understand your admiration for the MUC program. They have been highly successful. They have won nine national championships. But the last I checked, the rules have not been changed for them. They still have to score more points than the other team to win a football game. Maybe you would propose UWW donate their 2008 National Championship they EARNED today to Mount Union so they can give their coach “one for the other thumb” or whatever the silly phrase is that is getting thrown around. In fact, why don’t we just say MUC has NEVER LOST A GAME? On those days they happen to score fewer points than the other team, the other team clearly got lucky.
And please don’t tell me you are really a UWW grad with that awful run-on sentence you just threw out there. It’s kind of hard for me to believe.
December 15th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
Oops…2007 National Championship. I suppose I deserve a shot for that warhawkgrad after cracking on your English!
December 15th, 2007 at 9:56 pm
First, I’m REALLY happy my prediction was wrong. Good to see the machine break down. Second, the ESPN announcing crew did a credible job. Nothing to dis on Pam Ward in my book.
To Pat, Keith, Gordon, et al….thanks so much again for the past season and all past seasons. You make coming to this website fun!
December 15th, 2007 at 10:00 pm
Lg1970:
It’s an overused phrase but, in this case, an accurate one. It’s our pleasure.
December 15th, 2007 at 10:09 pm
I’m happy to say my prediction was right. If you think I’m lying, check out my posts this week. I had WW winning 31-24….off by 3.
I also said MHB had a better D than MUC and the WW O could handle them….the MUC gave me grief but I told ya so.
I was wrong about 1 thing. The weather affected both teams and I said it would be a bigger disadvantage to MUC….I think it affected the WW O more than I thought.
Great Win against the top program in the country. MUC may have lost, but they are still a great program and the one all D3 teams strive for.
As a former Hawk, I couldn’t be more proud the last 3 years…even losing the last 2 games was something to be proud of and those teams have nothing to be ashamed of. Today was just the culmination of everything Brez, Stan, and the whole program has been striving for a long time. I had been a part of that success over the years, but never got the job done. Great day to be a Hawk.
I’m out.
December 15th, 2007 at 10:11 pm
The better team is one that is defined by winning 9 national championships
December 15th, 2007 at 10:11 pm
yellow_jacket98 - Your agreeing with my Garcon post doesn’t sound crazy……it’s just two brilliant minds thinking alike!!! As we really enter into the teeth of the holiday season, I want to let you know that I meant nothing personal in our previous back and forth posts…..just having a little fun. Truce?!
Have a happy and healthy holiday season yellow_jacket98……and the same to you SJF FAN as well!!!!
December 15th, 2007 at 10:22 pm
“The better team is one that is defined by winning 9 national championships”
I would change that slightly and suggest that the better program is the one defined by winning nine national championships.
December 15th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
warhawkgrad,
Now I understand. You’re crazy. Thanks for clearing that up.
December 15th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
To warhawkgrad: This season’s best team is UW-Whitewater! They proved it today. By your logic, any team that has multiple championships is by default always the best team. Flawed logic. The Yankees have won 26 world series. Were they the best team this year? No. Mount Union was the best team in the country before the game started and now, not so much. The simple fact is that the Warhawks are now the nation’s best DIII football team and will be until another team takes that title away. They worked hard to get there, are a great group of unassuming guys and deserve the title….. National Champions……
December 15th, 2007 at 10:29 pm
Pat,
The problem with your suggestion for warhawkgrad is that he really believes that the 9 championships makes Mount the better team TODAY. An earlier post of his indicated that UWW was LUCKY. I stand by my assessment. He’s crazy. Of course said in a non-diagnosis, non-serious, football post kind of way.
December 15th, 2007 at 10:38 pm
Wow, i wasn’t watching the postgame but if Garcon didn’t shake hands, that will be the signature moment of his career. I highly doubt he has what it takes for the next level. I’m biased, but he’s no Derek Stanley. He might have more physical tools, but with that attitude, he’s going nowhere fast
Mount Union has an excellent QB and RB however, and i’m curious to see which one might end up with the player of the year award next season.
Good nig
December 15th, 2007 at 10:39 pm
Duke-
Truce- Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Chalk my vote up for MHB as #2 in the final poll.
One last gripe- counting playoff games towards individual and team records makes no sense. Kids in these top programs are playing close to 60 games in a 4 year career- compared to 40 for 90% of everyone else. I’m just saying….
December 15th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
It will be interesting to see how the AFCA and NCAA has their final rankings. The D3 football rankings don’t mean a THING.
December 15th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
A great game to be sure, and I think we saw behavior that comes from unfamiliar situations. It was almost text book. People who are expected to win, used to winning, indeed, never having tasted defeat, and out come unssportsmanship, penalties, from coaches no less, which is really too bad, for a D3 broadcast. You rarely see this thing on a bigger scale, where these winning streaks are less common. Success does breed contempt, I fear. And I know it is not from the top down. The Warhawk’s defense was wonderful as was the O line. The drop passes on a couple of Warhawk third down plays, weren’t discouraging. Hats off to the QB. A great team effort to be sure. And quite clearly, even with the Beaver fumble in the third, the best team won.
SJFfan you must be rejoicing!
December 15th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
Warhawks are the BEST D3 Team in the country! Woo Hoo! We’re #1, We’re #1!
December 15th, 2007 at 11:10 pm
Based on the last few weeks….the rankings should be:
1. UWW
2. UMHB
3. Mount Union
UMHB played the Warhawks better than MU.
December 15th, 2007 at 11:27 pm
I really enjoyed the game. Hey! Here in Texas we missed the opening kickoff because of the KY-UAB game for crying out loud. Did anyone else miss the opening kick?
Eventhough I am a UMHB fan I was pulling for the Hawks and Beaver. I feel much better for the Cru because we lost by 9 to the National Champs. Now I realize just how good the Cru was this year. Remember, we had to play in UWW.
I agree with Krackem, UMHB has a better D than MUC. UMHB WOULD HAVE BEATEN THE SO CALLED MACHINE TODAY AS WELL.
I think Quincey Daniels would have gone for over 200 as well.
Does UWW play UMHB next year? I think we have a chance to beat UWW next year IF we can get a good QB to come into the program.
December 15th, 2007 at 11:42 pm
I started laughing when Pam Ward starting complaining about the press box facilities. She said the press box was too cold, small and the elevator needs fixed. Perhaps Salem is trying to get rid of her so they refuse to upgrade the press box. She really is out of touch and has no business calling football games.
I lost alot of respect for MUC today for the following reasons.
Garcon has a bad attitude and displays poor sportsmanship.
The out of control MUC assistant coach who came out to the center of the field cursing the referee. Who was that coach by the way?
The several cheap shots taken by MUC players. I no longer respect MUC as a team.
The officiating was very good. D3 officials deserve to do the championship.
Perhaps ESPN/NCAA will wake up and let Pat, Keith and the gang call in the future.
December 15th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
I’ve been trying to consider the Mount vs UMHB argument. I have no idea who would win that game. Truth be told, I do believe these three teams were very close this year. As a Warhawk fan, I am so proud that UWW did what it took to win the National Championship. Mount obviously had a dominant year until today. However, being at both of the UMHB/WW games, I have to say there was only a small difference between those two teams.
As far as who would win, I really don’t know. Which is actually quite a statement considering 80% of the nation considered Mount at a level on their own and then the rest of D3 falling at a different level. Now we are pondering whether Mount is the SECOND best team. As far as polls, I’d imagine Mount Union will have to be ranked second simply because UMHB has two losses, even though both of them were on the home field of the National Champion. UMHB fans could easily argue that the only reason Mount didn’t have two losses was that UWW was not on their regular season schedule (especially on the road).
One thing I do feel strongly about. UWW, MUC, UMHB are at one level (with UWW earning the right to be considered #1). and there is a gap between those three and whoever is #4.
December 15th, 2007 at 11:59 pm
A great championship game and certainly a culmination for the UWW program. MUC certainly deserves credit for a great season, but I can’t buy the argument that they were the better team on the field today.
UWW’s defense controlled the line of scrimmage and shut down the MUC offense. Seriously - they held a team that averaged 54+ a game to 21 pts. Have to give credit to the UWW Coaching staff and especially their DC - they simply outcoached Kehres and Co.
Still says a lot about the resilency of MUC that they committed 4 turnovers and only lost by 10. Michelli will watch the tape of this game and see the opportunities to become a better QB. The ESPN broadcast called correct that he often looked to run when under pressure instead of simply waiting in the pocket. That impatience and not standing in under pressure cost MUC on more than two occasions.
Congrats to Danny Jones. Kind of a Dilfer-esque performance, but he managed the game well.
Finally, what can you say about Justin Beaver. The kid simply rose to the occasion and won a National Championship. Funny thing, though - I bet he still won’t take any credit and will compliment his teammates, coaches, family and friends. What a class act and a great example of what DIII athletics is all about.
And lastly, any respect I had for Garcon disappeared after watching him play (and act on the field) tonight. Pro prospect? Please. Coach Kehres and the MUC program should be embarrassed how this kid comported himself today. Maybe Pierre has the size and speed, but if I were an pro scout I’d pick a kid with the composure and class of an undersized Justin Beaver than a clown like Garcon.
December 16th, 2007 at 12:07 am
Warhawkgrad…
It’s obvious you are not related to the Whitewater community or university in any way. We all know you are a junior high student trying to act like you are from Whitewater. Don’t bring down the great tradition, program, and class that Mount Union has earned and has shown over the many years of domination. I am a Warhawk student currently and I have never been more proud to admit that then today. Beating a team like Mount Union is like beating the Patriots, you know you have accomplished something. Buckeye, thank you for showing great class in defeat. In the past, I have been upset about Whitewater losing to Mount Union, and finally this year I came to the realization that Mount was just that good. This year I gave Whitewater little to no chance, which makes the win that much sweeter. Thank you to all MUC fans for being so classy. Teach warhawkgrad what it is like to be a champion or a fan of a champion.
Best of luck next year. It would be great to see two of the best D3 teams at the Stagg next year again.
December 16th, 2007 at 12:07 am
bleedpurple,
I see your point…well stated. However, one huge difference stands out between MUC and UMHB…..defense against Beaver. UMHB held “the best player in Division III” to 137 yards total for two games, while MUC let him run all over the field for 249. These three teams are easily the best three in the country…and obivously UWW is #1.
December 16th, 2007 at 12:21 am
Nobody answered my question!! Does UMHB play UWW next year?
December 16th, 2007 at 12:23 am
I don’t think the 2008 schedule has been finalized yet.
December 16th, 2007 at 12:23 am
I don’t doubt MHB was one of the top three teams but, it doesn’t work to compare scores to say which team should be ranked No. 2. Mary-Hardin might not have matched up against Mount, no matter what the comparative scores were. In 2003, St. John’s rallied in the last three minutes to beat St. Thomas and Bethel. That doesn’t mean those two teams were better than Mount just because St. John’s beat them by 18 in the Stagg Bowl.
December 16th, 2007 at 12:37 am
Congrats to the UWW fans who get to frolic on the posts for an entire year, you guys deserve it… For two years you had to speak softly because of the Alliance exception that existed. I am happy that you don’t have that exception any longer. That is sweet!
December 16th, 2007 at 12:38 am
vhwon,
You are definitely right about the UMHB run defense. UMHB did an outstanding job against Beaver both times. I dont know if UWW and UMHB plays again next year. If losing that game drops one of them to a 4 seed, it is hardly an incentive for scheduling excellent inter-regional games. Of course it didn’t matter, because UMHB emerged from the south easily even though they clearly should have been a 1 seed. Perhaps UMHB and UWW should replace each other with an OAC bottom feeder. Just kidding!
December 16th, 2007 at 12:40 am
sfury,
I get your point as well. However, I am simply basing my opinion, not on the scores alone, but rather on watching these two games and how they looked. UMHB played UWW much better than MUC, bottom line…..especially on defense. Mount might have held UMHB to 30 points or less (If MUC couldn’t stop Beaver, there is no way they could have stopped Thrasher and Daniels), but I do not believe MUC would have put able to up more than 21…again after watching the team that played today. So my vote for #2 is the Crusaders of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
December 16th, 2007 at 12:40 am
Was waiting for you to weigh in Bigwheels!
December 16th, 2007 at 12:47 am
bleedpurple,
I concur….you have to admit the #4 seed was simply about money. The NCAA wanted UMHB to lose early as to not have pay for teams fly to Texas. I prefer for the Cru to continue having stiff competiton throughout the year….most teams in the ASC obvisiously cannot provide it.
December 16th, 2007 at 12:48 am
Just got back from the holiday Inn bar and had a few moments to gather my thoughts. What a great game by UWW to slay the Dragon! MU showed no class at all. Their coach all the way on the field arguing a call along with Garson running his mouth all game. I think the worst thing though was after they were given the second place trophy they all jogged off the field not to hang around while UWW was given the first place trophy and Beaver player of game. Not a one player stuck around nor their coach. I mean who does that I know they disappointed but come on. A bunch of classes jags. UWW took their lumps the last two years and took it like a man. So in the future second place teams remember to run off the field before the first place trophy is awarded.
December 16th, 2007 at 12:48 am
As has been stated by bleedpurple -
this board is a good place for folks to be held accountable…so here I am…bash away if you must….If ive said things that exude too much arrogance I’ll own up to them….I was at my wife’s company Christmas party at a hotel watching the game in a little sports bar, then had to sneak away every second I got to make sure I saw the 4th QTR….
I thought the Warhawks played inspired football…Justin Beaver brought it in a very special way today and has a National Championship to prove it….The Raiders usually play mistake free football, and today they did not…UWW is too good for ANY team to make that many mistakes…Props to UWW D for causing fumbles and making plays…some great tackling going on out there…Kmic is a quick guy and they handled him well…I thought a defining moment in the game happened very early on when MUC was stopped on the front door of the end zone…it sent a message that UWW came to win…
UWW won the battle at the line of scrimmage which was to me disappointing…huge holes on a few plays for Beaver…and the UWW D had tons of pressure on Micheli - I cant even remember how many times he had to abandon the play and take off and run, and that is a true accomplishment…you cant throw for big plays if you dont have the time in the pocket….
I have always been afraid for the Raider teams whose semifinal games were blowouts……Close games help keep a team grounded…and while I think its hard to judge, I think it is fair to say that MUC came in with at least a measurable amount of over-confidence….
UWW was not lucky - they were good…and good when it counted today….Like I said before the game, it has been a joy to watch this MUC team all year long and I stand by that….today they were not the better team….Im still proud of the season and proud to be a fan…
Bleed purple - I’ll take Nate Kmic in victory or defeat thank you very much…the guy is a class act…For every time he hasnt performed well, there are about four or five other games ( like the last two Staggs for example) where he has looked like a man among boys….and that “silly phrase” that you spoke of “one for the other thumb” that I have probably used on this board was nothing more than a fun way for us MUC fans who love this team to nickname the playoff run….If we wanted to be arrogant about we could have named it quite few other things that are far more creative…. we dont need you to donate anything to us…and Larry Kehres sure doesnt either….I can take a lot of things, but Larry Kehres bashing isnt one of them….the man is a coaching legend and whether you like him or not - he has set a standard of achievement that few others will ever know…He built a program from the ground up..the names have changed, but the excellence has stayed the same…if theres a list of names being made for those lacking dignity, as you suggested above with us Raider fans, your name shouldnt be far from it either….
If Garcon didnt shake hands ( I mssed the post game), that is disappointing…
win or lose, MUC should be about being respectful no matter the outcome…I will say that I am proud that the Raiders never quit….they had to scrap for everything today and it ended up not being enough…but they did not quit…which is a life long lesson in my opinion…
Congrats to UWW - this is your year to celebrate…
Thank you MUC players and coaches for a great season, and thanks to DIII.com for all their coverage….. from Week 1 to the Stagg its been a lot of fun here on the site…
Excited to watch Micheli and Kmic next season…there will be a lot of new names and faces next year - and I look forward to seeing what the 08 version has to offer…
Proud to be a Purple Raider,
MUCnash
December 16th, 2007 at 12:54 am
vhwon,
I agree that Daniels and Thrasher would have big numbers against the so called machine.
You bring up an excellent point. If scheduling tough inter-regional games that you lose drops you to a # 4 seed then, why play when you are being penalized.
December 16th, 2007 at 12:55 am
By the way, if you think any Raider player or fan cares about whether we are ranked #2 or # 4 or # 200….we dont…all we know is we werent #1…and that is all that matters…Taking consolation in any other ranking is absurd…arrogant? maybe…but its that kind of attitude of demanding nothing less than the top spot that has helped land MUC in so many Staggs for so many years…
December 16th, 2007 at 1:00 am
I think if UMHB won all their games, the NCAA would still rank them lower, pray the Cru loses and attempt to save money in the process.
December 16th, 2007 at 1:03 am
However, today is not about UMHB (#2) or even MUC (#2 or # 4 or # 200)….today is UWW’s day. Congrats Warhawks….you deserve it. Sorry MUCnash…I couldn’t resist.
December 16th, 2007 at 1:10 am
what did I say that got me edited guys?
December 16th, 2007 at 1:12 am
nevermind..my browser needed refreshing…my bad
December 16th, 2007 at 1:26 am
My thoughts on the game,
from the very start I was impressed with Whitewater’s pursuit to the ball on defense and pressure on the QB. Their guys didn’t assume the first guy would make the tackle and that played a huge part in keeping MUC from busting the big play when you thought you had them.
I’ve thought all 3 years that the games were close and the teams very evenly matched. When two teams are fairly even and the bounce goes your way you win. By playing hard all the time you enhance your chance of being there to convert on that “lucky” play.
December 16th, 2007 at 1:31 am
I’d also like to complimnent Pat and Keith on their broadcast. I will admit that I went with the ESPN video and audio for the first quarter before making use of my live pause to sync up the internet audio with my TV. I guess I made it a whole quarter because the ESPN commentators weren’t as bad as in the past years (that’s not exactly high praise). Your broadcast was much more enjoyable though.
Thanks for another great year!
December 16th, 2007 at 1:50 am
bleedpurple
I didn’t get to read the post much this week. I have been studying for my law school finals! Did you make it out to salem? by your constant posting I will assume that you are home and not wasted somewhere in Virginia! congrats my friend, now you can relate to us Colts fans that had to wait so long to win the big one!
December 16th, 2007 at 3:47 am
I posted earlier that UWW had to play the game of their lives and MUC had to make mistakes. Although both may have happened, the shocking thing is that UWW did make enough mistakes to doom them-if this were 2005 or 2006. The reality is, UWW was, without question, the better team today. I have feared the MUC juggernaut, not because I’ve seem them (except for championship games), but because I read so much about them. Heck, they only gave up 70 or so points, with most coming in the fourth quarter. However, they didn’t play a team the caliber of UWW all year. I have all the respect in the world for the best program that is MUC, but I believe the soft schedule cost them today. UWW took nothing for granted and played with a singular purpose of proving they were the best, and quite honesty, I don’t see how anybody with control of their senses could deny that. When MUC started to make their push, it was easy for all in the stadium, except the UWW players, to think “OK, here they go”, but UWW, in a magnificant way, just said no, not today. UWW responded with D and O, every time they had too, which is the sign of a true champion. Congrats to the MUC program for being the best to date, congrats to UWW for being the best this year-without doubt.
December 16th, 2007 at 8:06 am
MUCNash,
I think your analysis of the game is fair. I think your loyalty and support of MUC is understandable. They are an amazing program. As I’ve stated more than once on these boards, they have given the rest of the D3 programs something to shoot for.
As far as my “dignity” goes, my aggressive posts on these boards are almost exclusively counter punches. They are responding to posts that I believe to be either arrogant or downright uncalled for. My comment on Kmick was in response to a post in which a poster said they would take Kmick every day of the week over Beaver. I have no problem with someone’s right to post his opinion. But then the person shouldn’t expect it to go unchallenged on a board like this either. The “dignity” comment I made was in response to another poster who brought up losing with dignity and winning with dignity. He seemed to be calling me to account for the fact that I was responding to the arrogance of SOME MUC fans a little harshly in his mind. He initiated the losing with dignity concept, I didn’t. I simply pointed out that his own team and fans didn’t consistently show it on Saturday. But he didn’t bother commenting on that. The coach I referred to was not Kehres, it was the coach who ran onto the field crying about a bad call. The player was Garcon for being, well, Garcon. If it is true the MUC team did not stay to watch UWW receive their championship trophy, then that speaks volumes about the dignity of the MUC program and yes, even Kehres. If that is true, I would suggest that dignity be a subject MUC fans don’t touch with fans of other programs. I think you showed dignity in showing up and posting. I think your comments showed dignity and reasonable support of your team. I don’t even mind you questioning my dignity because I know I come back kind of harshly when I am responding to quotes I perceive as arrogant or disrespectful.
When all is said and done, I’m thankful that we have the freedom and access (thank you D3football.com) to go at each other in debate. I have all the respect in the world for MUC, UMHB, UWW and the other d3 programs. Although I would admit I get passionate, I definitely would have a cold one and talk football with any poster i’ve read on these boards. You should be proud of your team and your program MUCNash. They earned every championship they have ever won. Have a great Christmas!
December 16th, 2007 at 8:28 am
I have so much disdain for the comparitive score process (how would UMHB do against MUC) that I actually used it (mockingly so) a few weeks ago to win a contest on our local sports talk radio station (the prize was four tickets to a Sixers game along with four soft drinks and four hot dogs………four tickets to a Sixers game…….did I win or lose the contest?!). The contest was to come up with a string of comparitive scores so that the smallest possible school could “prove” victory over the largest/most highly rated D1 school as possible.
I used a Philadelphia area school (Phila radio station) against the D1 team that nobody would want to play right now……..in these scenarios…..Delaware Valley College beat USC!!!!! See below (it’s amazing what you can do with a quick computer program!!):
1. Delaware Valley beat Albright 21 - 14
2. Albright beat Kean (NJ) 42 - 17
3. Kean (NJ) beat Western Connecticut 40 - 7
4. Western Connecticut beat Iona (1-AA) 41 - 37
5. Iona beat Sacred Heart 34 - 10
6. Sacred Heart beat Marist 41 - 34
7. Marist beat Georgetown 37 - 34
8. Georgetown beat Bucknell 20 - 17
9. Bucknell beat Fordham 38 - 24
10. Fordham beat Rhode Island 27 - 23
11. Rhode Island beat UMass 12 - 6
12. UMass beat Villanova 32 - 24
13. Villanova beat Delaware 16 - 10
14. Delaware beat Navy 59 - 52
15. Navy beat Notre Dame 46 - 44
16. Notre Dame beat Stanford 21 - 14
17. Stanford beat USC 24 - 23
I’d like to congratulate the Aggies for their stunning “paper comparitive score upset” of the Trojans!!!
December 16th, 2007 at 9:15 am
Speedybigboy — thanks. We had a great time, as always.
“Warhawkgrad” — it’s obvious you don’t like us, but just so you know, there is no final NCAA ranking. In fact, there’s no NCAA national ranking at all. Not sure what you’re thinking about there.
December 16th, 2007 at 9:43 am
dukefinadv
I think you found a way for USC to go 0-10 against DIII.
Del Val lost to Wesley who lost to Montclair who lost to col. of NJ amd so on…
And yes that Mount Union coach made an ass of himself… And continued to do so after the fact…
I think we should give credit to the UWW DB’s for taking Garcon out of the game. Garcon played to the camera’a better than he played on the field
December 16th, 2007 at 9:59 am
great game..
this was my first team seeing either team live….i feel that they were pretty evenly matched and probably would split a series of 10
i think that not being involved in any competitive second halves (or games) this year really hurt them…by the fourth quarter it looked like Beaver could run for 500 yds if given the chance…the MT union d-line looked tired and I feel that it was because of my above statement….whitewater did schedule a DII school and UMHB along with their tough schedule…this ensured that they would be ready for a game like this…..
Congratulations again…
December 16th, 2007 at 11:36 am
bleedpurple,
I made the dignity comment.
The game was switched almost immediately by ESPN so I have no idea what happened afterwards. I only have two things to say really.
1) All the Mount Union program bashing needs to stop. None of you has any idea what talking occured from the UWW side. I’m sure there was plenty during the game so let’s not think that it was one-sided.
2) Re: the coach coming on the field. How would any of you react if a call was missed that potentially cost the team you’re coaching a national championship? He lost his head and I’m sure he’ll be hearing about it but let’s not condemn the guy to fire and brimstone for one act. Honestly, think about it.
Have a safe celebration all and a safe trip home to those that attended the game.
December 16th, 2007 at 11:52 am
Wow - great game.
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S to the
U W W W A R H A W K S
December 16th, 2007 at 11:54 am
Much respect to the MUC SRs -
in your short tenure of involvment in D3 football, you have accomplished more than 99% of the other programs have in their entire history - great job.
Best of luck in your future endeavors.
December 16th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
I think the case can be made that the 2007 version of UWW has to be viewed as the greatest team in the history of Division 3 football.
The evidence: a 14-1 record, and the champion of a 32 team playoff.
The one loss coming against a scholarship D2 program. Taking on twice, and beating twice by a combined score of 57-21 the tough as nails program power in MHB. The 40 point pasting of Wabash (one of the most consistently good programs in the country with a .807 winning pct last 7 seasons). A 20 point beating of Capital - the 2nd best team in the vaunted OAC.
And finally, a 10 point victory over MUC. The undefeated, 2-time defending champ. A team that was described as the best team in its nine National Championship history by the know-it-alls on the Dose and Post Patterns.
I think the evidence is there, and a case can be made, that this 2007 UWW team could be the best team ever.
December 16th, 2007 at 12:16 pm
Sportsmanship
To the chalkers of MUC. Remember back to TCNJ a few weeks ago?? Yes, TCNJ, the college that has been consistently voted as one of the top 75 colleges in the country from an academic standpoint and who you were referring to as “Jersey Thugs”.
Remember the unflattering things you said about the coaches and players?
How behavior is translated often has to do with the end result of the game.
Let’s take a look at the Stagg Bowl. Broadcast around the nation: Personal foul penalties. A top player refusing to shake hands at the end of the game. A coach running onto the field to lob some F-Bombs to an official and getting penalized as well.
How do you think that played out to the viewers? The bottom line is that your players/coaches, apparently are no different in their behavior than other programs. You just had the convenience of it being covered and turning a blind eye to it by the final score.
If you were so easy to scold others - then scold your own when they do the same or worse.
December 16th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
SJF Fan,
Best team ever? I presume you’re just lacking the sarcasm font and are taking shots at the MUC folks who were proclaiming this MUC team as one of the best ever. (It’s happened before BTW.) That’s what I’d surmise if it came from other posters here, but given some of your previous posts it’s hard to give the benefit of the doubt.
There’s a serious lack of historical perspective here from many, many posters ….
But one thing I’ve never seen before is MUC become so emotionally unglued with the PFs and the assistant coach’s antics.
December 16th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
Back from Salem -
What an awesome game. A few points -
1. UWW simply eliminated the big game changing play that MUC had the last two years. Kmic and Garcon got their touches but never got that one “Big Play.”
2. The thought that the better team did not win could only be stated by someone who was not paying attention to the game.
3. I was saying all week that the UWW Defense would be the difference, they created turnovers and never let Micheli get comfortable in the pocket.
4. The UWW defense would have had at least 3 more sacks had the officials known where their flags were. The reviews were great but as far as the overall officiating…terrible. The missed holding calls let MUC get back in a game that was being dominated by UWW.
5. UWW fought all the way through, they weren’t tired and showed their dominance in the 4th when they just kept making huge stops.
6. MUC - find a field goal kicker you can trust. Bottom line - a 7-3 game plays much different than a 7-0 game and making a goal line stop. This game should have been closer but the arrogance of the MUC team to go for it every time may have cost them the game. UWW just played smarter.
7. Salem is a great host and I would love o go back there any year!
Overall a great trip and a great win. UWW played their hearts out all year and clicked at the right time. This is the third time I have made the trip and every year I have enjoyed the people and hospitality of the city. Hope everyone had a safe trip home, can’t wait to see the team this afternoon! This wouldn’t be as fun if it wasn’t played against MUC, you have a great team and program and I am glad UWW had the opportunity to play you the last three years. See you next year, who knows maybe you will have to visit Whitewater!
December 16th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
Final thoughts,
D3.com, Keith, Pat and the rest of the crew. Great job all year. I love your site. You give D3 the respect and dignity that it deserves.
SJF Fan, you are goofy, why you’re still hanging around when your team has been out for weeks I’ll never know. It will be fun the next two years watching Mount kick the snot out of SJF. cru crushed, who cares what you think about Mount. It’s obvious that posting here is the closest you and SJF will ever get to a Stagg bowl. Spout your mouths when you have something to back it up. You two are pathetic!
Finally, congratulations to UWW. You were the best team last night. Justin Beaver, you are a GREAT football player that I will always remember for the class you showed in victory and defeat, great game.
Mount will be back next year and the scary thing is that they will have a BIG chip on their shoulder. So until next season, farewell, so long and Merry Christmas to all and a happy, healthy, new year.
December 16th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Unfortunately the weather played a part in the game and countered MUC’s biggest asset which is speed. But, that’s life and it was a fun game to watch. Did I see game?
December 16th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
SJF Fan
If you want to talk about best teams ever, check stats for 1997 Stagg Bowl. Score was 61-12 in favor of MUC with 697 total yards of offense.
December 16th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
just returned from salem. it was a very good football game and yes, the better team won the game. i am not sure how you could have come away with any other conclusion if you were at the game. uww was in control for most of the game. they answered every challenge that was thrown at them. i dont think the weather changed the game at all. uww defense was all over the place, mounts best play seemed to be qb run for your life because of the pressure uww was getting. it was a shame that #1 couldnt find the ability to make it to the line to shake hands at the end of the game, must have been a really serious hammy he pulled, no class at all. raider fans, you have a good team, but give credit to the other team when you get beat. stop whining and as i told several of your fans at the game, the fact that you have 9 championships doesnt have any effect on the game at hand. uww, you guys should be proud of your effort, you left nothing to chance and played a fantastic game. justin beavers was awesome and jones did what had to be done, enjoy the feeling and good luck next year. it was my first trip to salem and it wont be my last, props go out to the stone station guys for the great spread and commeraderie. i feel privileged to have met you guys this year and look forward to many more tailgating experiences with you and the others that were there yesterday. happy holidays to all on the site.
December 16th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
repete - I’m not being sarcastic, I am giving the chalkers a chance to show they meant what was being said all year long - that the ‘07 MUC was the best in the school’s history. And if its the best in MUC’s history, then it is the best in all of D3 (based on the premise that MUC is the best program - and it is). So if UWW beats you, and has beaten all D3 teams including MHB twice (and Capital, and Wabash, and EauClaire), with the best running back, then do you not think the case can be made it is the best team ever??? - I think there can be that discussion.
December 16th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
ronamuc - I have no doubt that the ‘97 version of MUC was a dominant team. And I will take your word for it (did you play for that team?) as they have the hardware to back it up.
The point I was making is that pretty much all season long, those in the know made a very compelling case that the ‘07 MUC was the best team ever - so if that is the case, then the team that beats that team should be in that conversion. Right?
December 16th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
No. They were better on that day. The Chicago Bulls team that won 72 games was beaten 10 times that year…none of the teams that beat them are in the best of all time conversation.
December 16th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
downtown - I see the case you are making - however, where I think it doesn’t hold up is that you are trying to compare a regular season loss to the playoffs. No one beat the Bulls in the playoffs on their way to a championshp. UWW, when playing for the championship, did - I think that’s a big difference.
December 16th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Keith..
When do the final rankings come out? Can we assume another sore loser to vote for MUC as the #1 Team in the Nation as we did in 2004?
I guess its time to start thinking about the team to beat in 2008….I would say that Wesley returns a pretty strong team to contend.
December 16th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Fan,
While that’s probably a pretty interesting discussion to have on the General FB board, it’s also one of those discussions were consensus is unlikely … I can’t buy UWW as the “best team ever.”
Certainly, UWW was the best team this season, but “best ever” takes in a lot of good teams.
What about the great Augustana teams? How about Linfield with Brett Elliot (and a d2 victory)? Or the 1976 SJU team that beat powerful Towson St. in its final d3 season? UWW — as good as they were — still lost by 12 to a mediocre d2 team.
A lot of the MU types were having the same discussion in 2003. They had huge big-name linemen like Dillard and Kinnard. They had outscored opponents 49-6 in the regular season. They averaged 300 or so on the o-line and had about a 60-lb average on their Stagg opponents’ d-line. They had won 3 straight d3 titles and 55 straight games. They were averaging 541 ypg. They reached the finals off a 66-0 win.
So was the unbeaten team that beat MUC by 18 in the Stagg “the best ever”? Who knows? I can’t say that — and I was there.
This UWW team could be in the mix — but take a breath before saying “the case can be made that the 2007 version of UWW HAS TO BE VIEWED as the greatest team in the history of Division 3 football.”
December 16th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
Oops, the Warhawks lost to St. Cloud by 10 …
December 16th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
I can see your point as well. In all actuality it’s probably not a fair comparison anyway considering we’re trying to compare a sport that plays 82 games as opposed to 10. UWW was great this year obviously but I don’t think they were any better than the UWW team I saw beat Linfield in 2005. I think this years version just made 2 or 3 more big plays in the Stagg…I’m thinking if these teams played eachother 10 times they’d probably split.
December 16th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
repete - You make very valid points. I don’t know much about the other teams you mentioned. As to the unbeaten team that beat MUC by 18 in the Stagg - who knows.
I’m only making my case (without any historical context) based on the comments from fans on Post Patterns and here on the Dose, LK, and the principals of this site. No one seemed to dispute what was being said. So my feeling is that, if beaten by a UWW team that ran the D3 tables, perhaps they should be in that conversation not only because of the victory over MUC, but also who they had to go through to get there.
December 16th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Either way though - I think we can all agree that both teams are great, and based on how they mashed through everyone else would say it is a fair assessment that MUC and UWW in 2007 were the class of the sport.
December 16th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
Back from the Stagg
CONGRATULATIONS WARHAWK FANS, COACHES, AND PLAYERS!!!
My take on the game
It appeared to me that your coaches prepared an excellent game plan. The player execution was outstanding. You forced Mount into making physical and mental errors. You were relentless in your pursuit of a victory. You earned the right to be called:
“THE 2007 NATIONAL CHAMPION”
December 16th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
I’m somewhat kidding about this … but since UWW didn’t have to come out of the West this post-season, they might have caught a little break. Had they been seeded in the West, they would have had 3 other top 9 teams to deal with vs. none in the North bracket. (Bethel’s struggles in Alliance hurt his argument a bit tho.)
Stagg champions since 1995:
East — zip
South — zip
North — MU
West — UW-LaCrosse, SJU, PLU, Linfield, UWW
December 16th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
So, I guess what we’re saying is then that the Fish need to step it up and rep the East then to the first title since IC - (hopefully 2008!).
Has the Semi’s pairing always been East vs. North and West Vs. South? Does it rotate or is it always going to be this way?
December 16th, 2007 at 8:33 pm
just got home from the game. couple of things (remembering i’m a mount guy):
1) great effort by whitewater, and the best team won, no question.
2) whitewater dominated the line of scrimmage both ways. i’m guessing micheli has never seen that much pressure, and it rattled him.
2) beaver was spectacular. he just wouldn’t go down.
3) the UWW QB was solid
4) the UWW coaching staff had a great gameplan, and executed it well. they disguised their defenses well - mount never seemed to get who would be rushing, and the wide receivers were seemingly never open. this doesn’t happen often, but mount’s staff was outcoached.
5) there was more jawing than i expected, but it wasn’t too bad with the notable exception of garcon. and not only was he jawing without performing, he also decided he couldn’t shake hands with the winner. from what i could see, he was the only player from either side who did not go onto the field afterward to congratulate UWW.
6) while the officiating wasn’t great, and didn’t affect the outcome in my judgment (see point 1 - the better team won) the only thing that was egregious were the two times UWW’s running back pushed someone into the end zone. there is a rule against that, isn’t there? i seem to recall mount being penalized for that in a stagg bowl a few years back.
7) the weather was pretty bad, but it seemed to not have an effect on the outcome.
again, congrats to UWW. great job.
December 16th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
SJC - i believe the point most mount fans were making was that this version of mount was the best mount team ever. and as it turns out, even that is not true. whether the 97 bunch was the best ever in D3 is for the judgment of someone who has seen more than i have.
December 16th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Fan,
The region matchups change. For example, it was West vs East in both 2003 (RPI) and 2004 (Rowan).
December 16th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
SJF Fan: The semifinals used to be on a rotating basis, I believe, but are now decided by the NCAA’s “seeding” of the top seed in each region. This year, it went:
1) East (MUC)
2) North (UWW)
3) South (Washington & Jefferson)
4) West (Central)
Thus, the East champion played the West champion, and the North and South champions played.
December 16th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
I just happened to read the most recent of the “Triple-Take” post comments, and noticed one from D3Keith: “The more I think about it, tackling well is going to be huge. So many keys to this game, but that’s starting to be the one I think will have most inflence on the outcome.”
I was extremely impressed by UWW’s tackling yesterday, especially by, I believe LB Rindahl. I don’t see many non-SJU games outside of Stagg Bowls, but that was some of the best tackling I’ve seen since, well, the 2003 Stagg.
Keith, your point was very insightful!
December 16th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
After watching Garcon’s antics last night both during and after the game, I got my ultimate Christmas present an hour ago when the undermanned have-nothing-to-play-for-but-pride Eagles beat the Cowboys yet again in Dallas. I got 12 points locally and will be visiting Vinny in the morning with the collection plate!! T.O. was ripping into Romo on the sidelines and threw him under the bus in the postgame press conference. A leopard doesn’t change his spots. What is it with these wide receiver diva’s…….at all levels!!
D3Keith - what a brilliant, unselfish move by Brian Westbrook (Villanova…D1-AA) to stop at the one yard line on the way to the end zone. How many players, at any level of football, would have been smart enough and unselfish enough to not score a touchdown. Merry Christmas indeed!!
December 16th, 2007 at 11:34 pm
Buddy,
Your last post was dead on, with the exception of adding the officiating. I just got home from the game and I’m watching the tape-can’t get enough of this one. I admit upfront I am a UWW guy, so I am paying closer attention to their players. There is 7 minutes left in the 2nd quarter and UWW just punted to Garcon at the five. MUC #21 clearly and indisputably just clipped UWW#7- I hope you have the tape and watch it. This play, by the way, is at least the third no call I’ve seen that went against UWW, the other two were clear holds on a run outside and a pass rush.
This is only the second quarter.
UWW took on all challengers, MUC, weater and non-calls.
End of story.
December 16th, 2007 at 11:43 pm
BaylorFan: Nobody voted for Mount Union No. 1 in 2004’s final poll in our poll.