Gameday: Stagg Bowl 36
20
Dec
2008
Dec
2008
No more talk leading up to the game. It’s time to talk (or type) about it.
Ryan Tipps will give you his thoughts on Stagg Bowl 36.
Read, enjoy and participate. 
190 Responses to “Gameday: Stagg Bowl 36”
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December 20th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Thanks for getting me going, Gordon.
We really caught a break on the weather here in Salem. For the past several days, it’s been rain, rain, rain. Forecast says we’re back to rain after 4 p.m. BUt for now, the clouds are thing, the wind is nonexistent — and it’s a great day for football.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Four plays — TD for MUC
December 20th, 2008 at 11:06 am
UWW seems bigger at the line, but Mount able to open up great holes for Kmic to run through and able to give Micheli protection to pass.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:12 am
UWW is going to have a long day.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:16 am
8000 yds for Kmic!
December 20th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Three plays, another MUC TD. Wow.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Wow……Mount scores against with a long strike from Micheli to Shots.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:18 am
using a lot of play action. working very well for the Raiders.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Gosh, my typing is horrid.
against=again; Shots=Shorts
December 20th, 2008 at 11:20 am
How was Bobby Swallow the AFCA All-America QB. He might be good but Micheli has thrown 4 straight perfect balls against a great defense.
Probably doesn’t hurt to have 10 minutes to make up your mind where you want to throw the ball.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:21 am
This might be a long day for both defenses.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:21 am
UW-W with some life after the big return and double reverse. Need to score to give the defense some hope.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:22 am
special teams only achilles heel i can see for the raiders today. need to do a better job on kickoff coverage.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:23 am
UWW running the ball effectively…who’d a thunk it.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:24 am
UW-W keeping this interesting with the score. Would be a long day for the Warkhawks and for fans and media if this was a lopsided affair.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:24 am
OK, UW-W can get yards on the ground, now can the defense do more than chase MUC receivers?
December 20th, 2008 at 11:25 am
If UWW finds a way to clean it up on D, either with a turnover or by getting pressure on Micheli, they could control the clock against the MUC D with the running game.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:26 am
That’s easier said than done of course.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:28 am
After Mount’s first two drives, that consisted of seven plays that were all positive yardage, UW-W was showing signs of slowing the Raiders.
(while typing) Micheli spots a wide-open hole and scrables for the first
December 20th, 2008 at 11:29 am
UWW D line is just getting flat blocked!
December 20th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Micheli looks like he’s playing a video game. Kmic is being held in “check”.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Micheli’s able to pull the football down and run was a big weapon against Wheaton and will be invaluable today as the Warhawks will keep keying on Kmic like they have.
Its great listening to Pat and the boys with this on HD
December 20th, 2008 at 11:30 am
able= ability (sorry)
December 20th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Micheli showing serious speed on those scrambles.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Micheli’s got great vision on the field — pass or run.
Kmic gets his first TD of the day
December 20th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Micheli and Kmic might as well have bulldozers in front of them.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:33 am
UWW needs to use thier offense as a defense by keeping MUC off the field for awhile…we’ll see.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:33 am
how many 15yard+ plays do the Raiders have with 4:43 left in the 1st Quarter?
This offensive display is impressive, especially for it to come against Whitewater. Whodathunkit?
December 20th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Alot of passing…not going to help the cause. MUC has about 1:30 to score for the fourth time in the first quarter…anyone wanna bet???
December 20th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Jeff Donavan’s arm is very impressive for the D3 level. He’s got very good velocity.
WW to punt… what next for the MUC offense? Skunks had said we were going to see some new “wrinkles” on offense for Mount (he has an inside source). I wonder what these are going to be..
December 20th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Why would you punt? Seriously, the way they’ve been moving the ball? I think they did WW a favor.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Impressive stop (though barely) for UW-W, but the return man coughs up the ball. He barely gets it back.
It seems like UWW is sparking a lot of “barely” comments
December 20th, 2008 at 11:44 am
End of the 1QTR
Total offensive yards: MUC 243 / UWW 83
Big plays are killing the Warhawks
December 20th, 2008 at 11:46 am
another great throw from a good playaction fake for Donavan.. into MUC territory. I can see why some of the WW posters on post patterns are saying he’s going to be a really good QB
December 20th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Good looking drive for UW-W, if they can punch it in it’s a game again.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Donovan has a nice arm…Did someone forget to tell the Defensive Coordinators that this was a Varsity game?
December 20th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Whitewater uses one running play from the 5?
December 20th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Why would UW-W re-kick here, they got darned good coverage on the first one.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Basically the same result, I agree Ron…you’re playing with fire.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Yikes…… missed the first quarter (coaching basketball this morning)… 21-7 MUC… not looking good for UWW.
I think kicking the FG for UWW was a mistake.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Need a 3 and out here… badly!
December 20th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Wrong shade of purple for Micheli.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS Big Play for the UWW Defense. A fumble recovery would have been huge there
December 20th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
That’s a pretty bad call…awful really. Bad break for WW.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Wow, that is a pretty weak call. No way the officials can make that call. Should have been a 10 yard HOLDING penalty on Mount Union. That is the type of call that ruins national title games
December 20th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Sometimes officials try to make “every” call in Championship games, even when there’s nothing there.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Kmic looks pretty pedestrian when MUC faces a good run defense.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Bad call…
Another call for instant replay in the final games?
December 20th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I don’t think he’s pedestrian, I think UW-W is just doing a very good job targeting him, much like they did last year with Garcon.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
agree with ryantipps, goScotties… they haven’t played slouches in the playoffs. WW is the best defense they faced in each of the last 4 years. He did have a 95 yard run in the 05 Stagg Bowl Game..
December 20th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
If MUC scores, UWW needs a touchdown to close the half. If MUC goes into the half up 28-10, this game is virtually over
December 20th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Considering he’s the all-time leading rusher in NCAA history, I would think all teams “key” on Kmic. The difference is UWW can stop him and has rather easily. That’s all I meant by pedestrian.
Micheli is doing a good job against the WW secondary and without blitzing, they can’t get enough pressure to force him into bad throws.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
That blown roughing the kicker call could really hurt if they score this td, but the UWW defense is looking very good
December 20th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Horrible Call, Anderson landed under the kicker, by rule that is not a penalty, wow, at this level it’s a shame, if anything it should have been a hold on MUC. Last week UMHB had several bad calls that went against them, now you know how we feel.
Like I said before, MUC skill positions will be the difference. Hopefully no more bad calls, UWW has it’s hands full already.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
WarhawkBadger,
Don’t give up, a lot of football to be played yet.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
A UWW TD drive before the half will get them back into the game.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I agree
December 20th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I haven’t given up yet, but that air assault from MUCis lethal
December 20th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
No doubt it was a bad call. It may have only cost them 3 points but it also took away several minutes of clock.
Good field position here…need to go to the locker room down 7. WW gets the ball to start the 2nd half.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
1st down, move those chains baby!!!
December 20th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Tough call on the punt. If anything it should have been a hold on MUC. I can’t say enough about Micheli. The kid is playing a fantastic game! Kimc has been shut down thus far as well. Wondering if he will break out or continue to be surpressed by the WW D-Line.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Donavon looks slow
December 20th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
One call never decides the whole game, the are always ifs and buts.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Agreed…. but instead of 24-10 it could be 21-17 right now. UWW would have had outstanding field possession out of that
December 20th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
now many bad call however..may
December 20th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Nice 1st down by UWW to keep this drive alive. Putting more points on the board before the half would be a big boost for the Warhawks
December 20th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
I hate the “one call never decides a whole game”. When a game is expected to be this close, a call like that can easily change the outcome. The kids on the field should decide who wins…
December 20th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Wow, great run by Donovan! Turns a sack into a first down and gets out of bounds to stop the clock
December 20th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Very cheap shot by MUC DB #6, Daryl Ely to push Donovan when he is almost out-of-bounds. Donovan must leap a bench to stop his momentum.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Donavan is holding the ball longer this week than he did against UMHB and it cost UWW early. Last week when passing Donavan was getting rid of the ball quick.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Cru Crushed: “Donovan looks slow”
Maybe that’s because he doesn’t get 15 yards down the field before an ublocked defender can get a hand on him like Micheli.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Still can’t believe how well the weather is cooperating (he says, knocking on wood, throwing salt over his shoulder, sacrificing a calf, etc.)
No wind, things have dried out, relatively mild temps. It’s kind of a “no excuse” type of atmospher.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
I have never seen a line get away w/ such blatant holding as UWWs line. Horrible.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Mount Union has 7 plays of 20+ yards. The Warhawks have none. That is the difference right now
December 20th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
second half. nate kmic show.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Definitely a little more balance on the stat sheets.
308/172 MUC has the edge on offense, but UWW narrowly has more rushing yards
December 20th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
“Kmic Show”…is WW exchanging D lines with Wheaton at half time? I’m pretty sure he’s not even averaging 4 yards per carry.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
siahandsam,
One call CAN DECIDE THE GAME THOUGH.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
R24aider,
“I have never seen a line get away w/ such blatant holding as UWWs line. Horrible”. Well, that makes up for the bad call on the punt. By the way, MUC is holding as well.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Warhawks are showing they can slow Kmic down…if I were Mount, I’d keep it in Micheli hand, that’s been successful…
…Warhawks are still in this game – if they can take the 2nd half kick off and score and then make a defensive play, this game can be tied up very quickly. Asking a lot, but it is possible.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Kmic 13-37 2.8 ypc long of 7 …if that’s the Kmic show, so be it…
December 20th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
They better worry about Micheli, he’s the one killing them. Who cares if Kimic gets held to under 100 if MUC wins. However, Kimic will get his 100+, watch. I just hope WW can get it going and win.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Big Big possession for UWW. Need to set the tone for the 2nd half. Anything less than a TD won’t do it.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Whitewater really has been doing a great job establishing its run game.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Personal foul 15 yds against MUC’s CB #6 Daryl Ely.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Wow, Schebler misses again!!
December 20th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
another wasted opportunity
December 20th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
UWW can’t settle for FG attempts. They either punch it in, or we lose. Its as simple as that.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
MUC should just empty the backfield and let Micheli do his thing.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
I’d say the play calling by the Warhawks has been pretty mediocre today. Why we completely go away from the run when we get inside the 25 yard line is beyond me.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Big momentum switch with a fumble at the goal line!
December 20th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! huge play for UWW! Turnover. Lets go UWW, get in the end zone for once
December 20th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Now lets POUND the ball. Enough of this passing crap. We have the best 1-2 RB combo in D3. Lets use it and wear down the MUC defense
December 20th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
this game has gotten strange…
December 20th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Neutral observer that I am, I agree that this is one of the most “interesting” drives I’ve seen in a while.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
but the drive continues…
December 20th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Just over 2:00 left to go in the quarter, and still no change in the score. Not what I’d expect after seeing the first few series of the game.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Isn’t that the 4th completion “out-of-bounds’?
December 20th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Yes, I think it is, Ralph. Same side, same type of pass.
Though it’s now under reivew….
December 20th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Instant replay looks like a (UWW) “catch”!
December 20th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Is this a make-up call from the punt?
December 20th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Kicking team finally falls UW-W’s way.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
“ryantipps Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Just over 2:00 left to go in the quarter, and still no change in the score. Not what I’d expect after seeing the first few series of the game.”
Ryan, it looks like the defensive coordinators have made the adjustments.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
You gotta give the MUC defense credit. They are bending but not breaking and forcing UWW into FG attemps. I’m going to predict a 31-20 final.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Absolutely. I get the feeling that there’s a lot more force and a little less finesse on the field in the second half.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I like how the WW DB’s have shaken off the problems they had early…big play…Warhawks to get the ball back!!
December 20th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Good field position for UWW to start the 4th Quarter. Take away that roughing the kicker call and add the two uncharacteric misses by UWW’s kicker, and we have a 21-19 game.
Both defenses have really played well since the start of the 2nd Quarter. UWW needs to avoid penalties on this drive.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
WW defense has definitely settled in. Too bad they keep wasting opportunities in MUC territory.
Great field position here. Continue to run the ball, MU hasn’t done much to stop it. Anderson has been more effective than Kmic.
Need touchdowns.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
The Nate Kmic Show??? Has it been cancelled?
December 20th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Highlighting Mount’s big plays and Whitewaters more trench-like play, UWW has 18 first downs to Mount’s 14. UWW sustaining drives well.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Not good….game over.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
WOW, great play by the MUC defense. That probably seals the gane, Great Job Raiders
December 20th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Oh boy!!! TD INT Mount…
December 20th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Ask R24aider about the Kmic show…I thought maybe I missed the start time?
December 20th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Congrats to MUC on their likely 10th Championship. You made numerous big plays today and deserve this title. Whitewater’s defense really stepped up, but too little, too late.
Congrats to both programs on a great season. I look forward to UWW in 2009 as a young Warhawks team returns most of the team and should have a bright future.
Thanks to D3Football.com for their coverage of another great season
December 20th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
What’s up with the play calling inside the Mount 30? They go from balanced to flinging it…
WW continues to go away from the effective part of their offense when they get into MU territory.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
The difference in the game is that UWW has settled for FG attempts (similar to Stagg Bowl 2006) and Micheli is a lot, lot better than Donovan.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
WarhawkBadger…still a lot of time…you’re a disgrace to your name!!
December 20th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Micheli should get Stagg Bowl MVP. Hasn’t done much in the 2nd half, but his 1st half was the difference in the game. Passing, running, you name it.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
I agree, there is a lot of time, but WW hasn’t scored a TD since the first quarter and probably needs 3 more of them to get it done…it’s over man. Sorry.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Turn out the lights.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Where are we with total yards at this point? WW has to be killing them in the 2nd half.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Mount’s only had the ball on offense twice this half I think. The long drive with the fumble in the EZ and the three and out.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
307 total yards for UWW, 389 for Mount
December 20th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
What scares me…. Both of these teams are young and have a lot of talent. My Cru better start recruiting and get a QB who cal sling it and run.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
When was the last time Mount’s offense had the ball? Seems like a long time…
…it’s not over, GoScotties, until it’s over…
December 20th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
The Warhawk D looks pretty fired up.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Everyone, don’t forget to go to the poll on the front page and vote for the outstanding player of the Stagg Bowl. Please vote before the end of the game.
The guy who you chose in the poll will count as a single vote in the tally for the day’s best player here in Salem.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Clarification: The guy that you all choose as a group will count as a single vote.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Yes, actually, it is over. Well, in 4 minutes in will be.
Too many missed opportunities for WW, one really bad call, and one really good MUC QB.
December 20th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Lance needs some help with the playcalling…87 yards from paydirt down 11 and now they’re running?
December 20th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Hope springs eternal. UWW in MUC territory.
December 20th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Man, if WW scores here they will really have to deal with an agonizing loss.
December 20th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
that was an ugly spot
December 20th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
WW has controlled the game so much in the 2nd half that they’ve now outgained MU despite the first quarter debacle.
December 20th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
How big are those missed field goals now?
December 20th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Hey, i’m back, wow! Great heart by the UWW guys for not giving up. It will come down to an onside kick. Schreiber can account for his misses with a successful on-side kick.
The missed FGs, poor playcalling, and INT for TD are really killing us now.
Never thought the UWW Defense would shutout MUC in the 2nd half
December 20th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Darn. Great game guys
December 20th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
UWW needs a “UMHB onsides kickoff”!
December 20th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Guy who had the INT for a TD gets my vote for the MVP
December 20th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Congrats to MUC on #10. Congrats to UWW on a great season and a great showing in the Stagg after starting off poorly.
December 20th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Congrats to the Hawks for never giving up…you played hard…you played to the end…Warhawk fans everywhere are proud of you…
…after the first 6 minutes, you out played the champions…you’ll be back…
…can next year start already???
December 20th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Congrats to MTU you are the number 1 class of division 3 football. Keep rolling and getting better. I for one, am glad UWW came out on the short end AGAIN.
Thank God , we won’t have to suffer thru the PRO UWW telecast and commentary by coleman and mcmillan, after today. But, then again there is next year. They really should get somebody who is impartial to broadcast! these games, rather than have homers that is effectively noticed in their tone and voice projection. Keep rolling 2009 MTU. Go for 11. Whitewater sucks.
December 20th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
The 2 missed FG’s really hurt. I’m surprised that he missed them. I thought for sure if it came to the kicking game WW would come through.
December 20th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
OFFICIATING – BAD
Replay officials – Bad
UWW – a great, great, team w/ great coaching great year.
Mounts D coordinator- I was dissappointed. I think being so young he panicked a little and went away from everything that made Mt the no. 1 d. He’s learning and I’m sure dad will have a good father son talk w/ him. I fully expect to see Mount – UWW 5 next year!
Finally, Pat, Keith another Championship job with your site, no matter what anybody says, this is a great site, thanks.
To bartman, T-unit, bleedpurple, it’s been a lot of fun, all fun, nothing but fun. You guys have a happy and safe holiday. Mount fans, we got our christmas present! And as tiny Tim from the movie Srooge said ” Merry Christmas and God bless EVERYONE.” See ya all next year.
December 20th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Skyfighter: Sorry you feel that way. I think just because we’re not pro-Mount Union doesn’t mean we’re anti-Mount Union. Remember this is the site that’s accused of bowing to the altar of Mount Union as well, so I would suggest that we’re just unbiased here in the middle and you’re so far off to one side you can’t tell.
December 20th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
That was a great game. Even though UWW keyed on Kmic, MUC utilized something that the announcers said had been used very little. That something was play action. My comments about going to Cecil Shorts early turned out to be prophetic as he hauled in two TDs. Micheli was impressive not only with his arm but with his feet as well. UWW played very well in the second half, but the clock ran out on them. (Somewhat reminicent of BC vs. MUC in 2001. But I digress.) Congrats to Mount Union on a great win, kudos to UWW on a valiant defense of their championship, and Merry Christmas to all as we start looking ahead to 2009!
December 20th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
At game’s end, I saw a guy with a sign that said Raider Nation X (roman numeral ten). I went to my bedroom and found a button that was left behind in the parking lot last year that I had found. It said “Mount Union–Good Young Men With A Passion For Football.” In the center of the button was an X symbolizing roman #10. Well, MUC fans, you got your #10. It was a year later, but congrats on winning it. See ya in 2009!
December 20th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Whitewater should be preseason number 1 next season for sure. They probably should’ve won the game, but despite the mistakes they made it interesting.
Were the OAC and East Region really that bad this year? MU clobbered everyone on their way to the Stagg. Whitewater had a lot of tough games and in the end I thought they were slightly better than Mount.
December 20th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Another championship season for MTU, Congratulations to MTU the Number 1 class in division 3 football, their dynasty will continue in years to come.
MTU was certainly the NO 1 all year, They will be No 1 in 2009. Congratulations to a superb football team and the coaching staff. What a nice Christmas gift for all MTU staff and alumni. Once again, UWW will get crap in their Christmas stocking! MTU ROCKS.
December 20th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
neutralobserver: You don’t sound very neutral to me, more like negative or bitter.
December 20th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
GoScotties……”thought they were slightly better?”
Come ON man……that’s why they play the game. Posts like that are just ridiculous. It was a good game from two great teams. The best team won…..PERIOD.
December 20th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Little bitter on here..but its not going to get me down.
Greg Micheli played a great game. He can sure scramble.I really wished he had hit Kmic in the back of the end zone on that play at the goal line when the fumble happened ( I think a few city blocks heard me scream at the television when that happened), but he came out ready to play and struck early. Is there a new rule I’m not aware of that says that the first 6 minutes of a game don’t count? Turns out they do, and when you focus everything on Nate Kmic, Mount will, and did, find other ways to score. Cecil Shorts looked great.
The poster who said Anderson was more effective than Kmic today was right. I was very impressed with Anderson out of the backfield. He looked strong and determined. I’m not sure why they didn’t run more, because I’m not completely sure the MUC D could have stopped him forever. But I’m not a coach and the UWW guys are great coaches.
The Warhawks showed the same type of fight that the Raiders did last year. The refused to go quietly, and battled until it was over. That’s how a title should be defended. I was on the edge of my seat, praying the clock would run out so UWW would run out of time. The on side kick had me NERVOUS. That and a prevent like defense Mount was playing late in the game was crazy. To me, the prevent defense “prevents” you from winning games. MUC special teams was also not the greatest.
Roughing the kicker call – I didn’t like it. There were several calls I wasn’t thrilled with. I will give UWW the benefit of the doubt that the game could have been different without that call. But then again, the two missed FG’s loomed large. Not that they were chip shots or anything, but what with the hype on here the last few days about UWW’s kicker, I thought he would have made them.
The MUC firepower on O was enough to get it done, and the great interception return sealed the deal – play of the game in my opinion. The Mount D did come up big in the red zone, forcing UWW to kick FG’s and that is no easy task. Donovan played very well – good arm, good decision making, even took off for a few runs of his own.
A great game by two great teams. If it is as neutralobserver says, and title X is MUC’s last for a while – I’m good with it, because what a run it’s been. UWW didn’t push MUC around all day though…hardly. Not saying they didn’t at times, but all day is just not true. Might wanna change your screen name there.
Finally – while may of you talk about stopping Nate Kmic, he’ll be celebrating walnut and bronze just the same. I’m sure he – and I know the fans – are just fine with it too.
Here’s to a fantastic effort by a talented team!!! Way to get it done….
December 20th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
The best two teams all year were MU and UWW. Ranking UWW 5th in the West was a joke. The rating system is in bad need of fixing. If they cannot rate them correctly, don’t publish the ratings.
December 20th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
MTU should be number 1 in 2009, they are the champs till someone knocks them off and UWW sure did not do that job!
December 20th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
I would say that MU deserves to be number 1, but I don’t think they will be the best team at the start of next season. Not after losing Micheli and Kmic. The defense can be scored upon by good, balanced, offenses.
No doubt the 5th seed for UWW was a slap in the face. Maybe it motivated them though? They wound up hosting the Regional Championship anyway, so what difference does it make. Things like that have a funny way of working themselves out.
I would predict MU to have another succesful season next year, but I don’t think it will end with a National Title. Congratulation on number 10…unbelievable 15 year run!
December 20th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Congratulations to MUC, they used all their talent to the best of their ability. Regarding the roughing the punter penalty, yes, it was a heartbreaker given the noticeable momentum shift going on. However, it did not decide the game in any way.
Someone earlier said it right, why didn’t UWW run the ball more, and more specifically, why didn’t they run Anderson more? I also agree that UWW coaches are great and no doubt they have their reasons. I would like to hear comment on that. I just didn’t understand why we passed so much (38 times) when it seemed very clear from the stands (and the fans in the stands) that UWW could run all day. That pass interception happened during a series where it seemed so darn obvious that running Anderson was not only the answer, but it was going to be game changing. The next series, UWW came out and ran Anderson and scored- one drive too late.
December 20th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
By the way, I don’t know what it looked like on TV, but from the stands, Shorts is amazing. It’s not just his hands and speed, but he ran great, great routes.
December 20th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
I disagree that MUC HAS to be #1….
Whitewater won the Stagg Bowl last season and they weren’t number 1 to start the season. MUC was…
St John’s won the Stagg Bowl in 2003 and MUC was no 1 to start the season again…
So why does MUC have to be #1 because they won the Stagg Bowl? Other teams don’t get that benefit…
Now, if the voters truly do believe they are the best in the country, that’s ok. But I don’t want to hear the old “They’re No 1 till someone beats them” line, because no-one seems too happy to use that argument when MUC is the losing squad. Can’t have it both ways
December 20th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Was a pretty amazing game today, and the announcers actually had a clue about these players. Nice job ESPN!
December 20th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
How about that hit Kmic took on the kickoff, and like a champ, he got up and ran for a first down on the next play.
December 20th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
The announcers also said that that both teams were very young and deep. With that said, could there be a possibility of a fifth annual Purple & Black Bowl, aka The Big Bruise?
December 20th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
It’ll be interesting to see if there’s a 5th straight game. Kimic and Micheli graduating will be a big thing to replace…
December 20th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
UWW-MUC will be the teams to beat next year. However, UWW will have the better team. MUC is losing Kimic and Greg Micheli, hard to replace those guys. UWW has all the skill position guys back and lose only 6 SR’s total. UMHB wil have their hands full again.
December 20th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
We need a transfer qb who can throw and run.
December 20th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
UWW played a great game accept for the first 6 min. UWW will be back next year unless the Cru can find some way to beat them. MUC may or may not return to the Stagg.
December 20th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Yeahbomber: It’s a D3Football.com rule that MUC is ranked No. 1 preseason even if they lose the Stagg Bowl. Just kidding!
Seriously, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Whitewater is No. 1 preseason in 2009.
December 20th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Just looking at the final stats. UWW ran 31 more plays, had the ball longer on offense like 8 min, more yards rushing etc. Stats are not everything as proven today.
UWW should be ranked # 1 next year, UMHB #2 MUC # 3.
December 20th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
I believe MTU wil adjust and the REPLACEMENTS will be productive perhaps more so then the starting backfield of UWW. MTU has a traduition now, and football players want to come to MTU and play for a CHAMPION and become a
CHAMPION, MTU will produce those players in 2009. The coaching staff will make adjustments and once again will produce a winner. Again, once you repeatedly win championships the players want to go their- to MTU. Just look at the top D 1 schools that have produced championships, MTU will be WINNERS!
December 20th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
In all honesty folks, pat coleman will rank no 1 who or whom he sees fit to be preseason no. 1, no matter what anyone else thinks, this D3 is his baby.
December 20th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Pearlaker, we should be grateful for Pool C bids!
UWW did not win the AQ from the WIAC. I am not going to “diss” UWSP who beat UWW on the field where it counted on the day that they played.
I think that the West demonstrated it is the strongest region, again. Imainge, only St Johns and Aurora in the only monkey-stomps in the West Region. The blocked (tying) FG attempt by UWW at Wartburg turned around a tight game. The West was tough this year.
Thanks to undefeated #2 seed Oxy having fly to #1 seed undefeated Willamette for the first round game, UWW go to host a first round game. They played themselves into a second home game against Wartburg.
As for the seeding for the NCAA, the Championship did a good job inside the budgetary constraints that we got. I would rather the committee apply the criteria in the Handbook failry than rely on subjective polls to seed.
Please justify a higher seeding for UWW using the criteria in the Handbook.
I am interested to read your seedings and how you use the data that the selection committee was required to use.
December 20th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
I think, Ralph, that a lot of the concern is the bugetary constraints overriding the on the field performance. Maybe the NCAA had no choice to rank #5 them given the financial concerns they face, but frankly, I think it’s frustrating to a lot of D-3 fans that their sport has to suffer these issues.
I don’t think you could say that, given the criteria the NCAA is forced to use that UW-W got the short end of a stick, however, that doesn’t preclude people from being upset that the criteria has to be used in the first place.
December 20th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Cru crushed “UWW should be ranked # 1 next year, UMHB #2 MUC # 3.”
Get real, UMHB will not be #2 in the pre-season poll next year…they will probably not even be their conference favorite!! Top 10 maybe, only because of reputation, but they must prove it on the field against the stronger teams, not fold like a cheap deck of cards.
December 20th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
To all of you blatent “Sour Grapes” and those under the guise of “Mount looked good, but whine whine whine whine” all I’ll say is scoreboard!
And please, ESPN great job? Pam Ward was tolerable but the guy??? Ahhh, that UWW sideline pass that was “definately a catch”? No. Ely interception in the endzone? Missed call.
Try this all you Fargo extras. There is a fancy contraption called a DVR that can pause and slowmo. First questionable UWW sideline pass … good non-call … no posession. Ely interception … missed call. Second UWW questionable sideline pass … good reversal by the booth. Michelli fumble warranted a review … none to be had.
Big mistake? Rotating Anderson out. Bigger mistake? Keeping whomever is in charge of MTU special teams the same for next year.
Oh, and to those that think MTU will be in transition next year? You havn’t been paying attention over the years, have you?
December 20th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Chill out, CheeseHead….
December 20th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Skyfighter says: “Whitewater sucks.”
There’s a classy post. Does your mom know you have a D3 screen name?
Warhawkgrad: “I believe….”
No one cares what you believe. You are irrelevant.
R24aider,
It was a fun week bantering with you. Congratulations on your Mount’s Championship. You have a lot to be proud of. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
December 21st, 2008 at 12:01 am
Cheese,
Every now and then there is a game where the outcome may be impacted by bad calls/missed calls. I don’t think this is one of those games. Since returning from the game I’ve had several people tell me that UWW got hosed on the roughing the kicker penalty and one of the sideline passes. Whether that is true or not, in my opinion the game game down to another point you made- rotating Anderson. He averaged over 6 yards a carry-19 carries. From the second quarter on, I thought the game was in control of UWW, if they would have ran Anderson 25-35 times. Take away most of the 13 carries given in the rotation, and he gets that. Not only does that control the game, but it opens play action. UWW threw 38 times (granted, quite a bit in trying to come back late in the 4th), but that was too much. We got away from our strength.
December 21st, 2008 at 1:00 am
nathanshin,
“Get real, UMHB will not be #2 in the pre-season poll next year…they will probably not even be their conference favorite!!”
You must be on crack, not even the conference favorite!!
December 21st, 2008 at 1:02 am
I will say Hardin-Simmons will be tough, MAYBE tougher than MUC.
December 21st, 2008 at 1:52 pm
anyone remember terrence morring, he was hurt all year this year and will be the starting running back next year.he was ahead of kmic way back in the day the only reason kmic got a shot is cause terrence fumbled on a first and goal at the one, the rest is history, but he will replace kmic and we will not loose a beat in the run game. the qb situation tho is up in the air,,shorts petrazillo back to solidify the passing game.basically all the defence is back, i expect the defence to be better next year…go mount take us to salem in 09…………great season..next year is terrences year…get ready to hear the name alot…
December 21st, 2008 at 4:10 pm
I really like all you Cru guys, but I have to be honest. I feel last year’s Cru was a lot better than this year’s Cru. If the Cru had to play MUC this year, I think it would have been a long, long day for you. I don’t mean anything negative because I have massive respect for the Cru, it’s just my opinion on the teams this year.
December 21st, 2008 at 10:54 pm
“thebigmp”
I see you found one of my buttons . I made them a year too early, but I’ll take the win this year. Watching the game up close (great seats)
I was really impressed with the solid play of UWW and their quarterback. Those UWW guys up front were amazing and very physical.
Great job MUC seniors.
GO MOUNT — and see you next year !!!
December 22nd, 2008 at 11:27 am
there was some chatter at the game about shorts moving back to QB next year, morring returning as the RB. so mount and whitewater will again start the season favored to meet for round 5.
December 22nd, 2008 at 11:35 am
I thought that was a great game. MUC was the real deal, and that QB was dead on. He made it look easy. Those guys were covered, maybe not the first TD where the d-back fell, but otherwise the passes were perfect. I thought Kmic finally saw a worthy defense, good back anyways. UWW blew the game with TWO missed FG’s by the All-American kicker, who returns in 09, and that INT for a TD. That was the dagger in the hesrt, as MUC was holding on for dear life the whole 2nd half.
The MUC linemen were not big at all, but they sure hustled and made plays. In the end speed kills. I think UWW should have ran more, and had they not gave out 21 points to start the game, they probably had planned to do just that.
Now they can plan on coming back next year. I personnally hope we put up 60 on UW-SP – our most depsised rivals in the WIAC. Bad blood there every year. At least LaCrosse has class.
Retool, regroup, and see ya next year gentlemen.
December 22nd, 2008 at 11:38 am
that would be nice but cecil is too good of a reciever, although he could really help the run game as well kinda of an option qb.. hes got a good arm. i got a feeling some young guy from the jv team will step up and be the man if not a true freshman.
December 22nd, 2008 at 11:18 pm
HOWDY!
Got back from driving to and from Virginia last night around 10:30 P.M. I bet WW wishes it was back in Virginia (-10 degrees without the wind chill right now) a few things I wanted to get out of the way right away about a great weekend (even with the WW loss)…
Mount Union fans – You were all really classy and you support your team well…I know their were quite a few WW fans as well and we came from a longer distance…but quite a few of the fans on our side were neutral observers…your side was packed with nothing but purple cheering for mount…
Next…I know this is going to sound bad to the MU fans but I never really was impressed with Kmic through all of the Stagg Bowl’s…and I KNOW…I KNOW…that just sounds absurd…but I think that is because he was always more of the “second” option on offense compared to the likes of Garcon and Micheli…maybe it just sticks out more to me this year that he was “held” to 88 yards…
Next…Micheli should seriously get a look from the big boys at the NFL combine…I don’t see how he doesn’t deserve a shot to go there…sure other teams have had better statistical seasons…but look at Mounts offense…the guy I just knocked a bit in Kmic is the only reason Micheli’s numbers aren’t in the 50 TD 2 INT range…Micheli really didn’t make one bad decision all game…sure he fumbled twice that I remember and one of the was when he got smoked on the goal line…but he was at least in my opinion 80% of the reason they won the game…great career…seems like a great guy…I wish him the best of luck…
Next…this isn’t me being bitter…and this isn’t me being bias…I just think overall WW was the better team…but being the better team doesn’t always mean you are going to win the game…and it also doesn’t mean other great teams can’t beat you…I just think that WW of this year was MU of last year…MU’s turnovers of last year were WW’s mental mistakes and breakdowns this year…please don’t take that as me being bias at all…I just think that WW truly was outcoached as others have said with the FG attempts when they needed TD’s (and I brought this up to others even before he missed them)…and why is a 75% at best Levell Coppages getting a bunch of carries NEAR THE GOALINE compared to Anderson who was obviously the best back on the field for WW in the game…just a few head scratchers…but I do agree with the missed field goal by Schebler being the coaches fault…they waited and waited for an obvious replay to be called that wasn’t and then Schebler rushed his kicked and yanked it left…which brings me to my next point…
For as many missed calls and bad calls as there were…they sure did affect the game…but not the outcome IMO…to say that the first review was a “good non call” is idiotic…that was a more obvious catch then the second one…however…there were blown calls and bad calls all day…it’s part of football…they are made every week in D3…they just aren’t as magnified as they are in the championship game…
Another thing that upset me is a few of the Mount fan’s who I’m guessing aren’t even in college much less in their first year or two of high school creating names to make it sound like they are from Wisconsin aka Warhawkgrad and Cheesehead when it’s quite obvious you are a mount union fan…hell be proud of it…don’t try to hide who you really cheer for…and don’t try to make wisconsin look any worse by creating a fake name…
Lastly…it has been fun talking and jawing with all of the other mount fans and even the UMHB fans on here through the playoffs…its great to see others get excited with D3 football even when their team isn’t involved…I am confident that next year is going to be very competitive…and one thing is guaranteed…it’s going to be a blast to watch…no matter who’s in the Stagg…
my book is over…sorry it’s so long (if anyone is even reading this anymore) but I didn’t have time to get on here since being back from Salem…and on that note…keep up the good work Salem…just work on being a little less strict with the bike cops telling us to dump out our beers if they are in a can…it’s hard get it into a cup from the can if you keep threatening us jail time for having it in a can…
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:31 am
Hey T Unit, good post. Long is ok when you have something to say.
I agree entirely that the ref calls or non calls did not make the difference in the game.
In my opinion, there were two offensive series by UWW that made the difference.
1st series: 1st and goal from the 4. Anderson is NOT on the field. Run Coppage once, then pass twice. Does anyone, anywhere honestly believe that MUC could have stopped Anderson on four carries from the 4? Really, be honest?
2nd series: The interception series. No need, whatsoever, to be passing in that set. Even coach Kehres referenced UWW was wearing them down. I saw Anderson run play after play after play against St. Johns. Anderson had 35 carries against Willamette. He was the answer.
Antwan Anderson 19-124. Long of 18, average of 6.4 per carry.
Levell Coppage 13-42. Long of 7, average of 3.2 per carry.
There must be a deeper story to all this. It was too obvious to too many people and UWW coaches are smart. There is something more to the story.
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:36 am
Coppage is definitely limited right now and couldn’t make the cutbacks that he did when he was healthy. What Coppage did the past two games is not what I saw him do at Eau Claire, for example.
December 23rd, 2008 at 6:47 pm
agreed 100% Pat…and I hope no one thinks I’m down grading Coppage in any way because I’m not the kid is a heckuva back and was playing through injury giving it everything he had…I know he almost bounced one outside and could have gone for 20-30 had he got the corner…but he just wasn’t where he was at at the middle of the season…anderson on the other hand was playing at his peak for the season…plus I would much rather see a back such as anderson (190lbs) then Coppage (160lbs soaking wet) at the goal line…I just never understood it either Mike…we had a huge line and we were pushing them around at the end of the 3rd quarter into the 4th…why didn’t we just keep pounding the rock…I too thought there was more to this with Coppage seeing so much time, but I guess we probably won’t know for sure…if there wasn’t…I’ll be scratching my head over the matter for a few years
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:01 pm
T Unit- I appreciate the opportunity to commiserate with you.
Pat, do you have any thoughts as to why 1. Coppage received so many carries? 2. Why UWW didn’t run the ball much more than they did? From your viewpoint, did you find yourself asking “why aren’t they just pounding Anderson”?
Here is a question. What coach actually controls player substitutions? With the coordinator in the booth, I sort of doubt he is doing it. I realize they may have certain “packages”, but I doubt they have one for every play of every series.