Immediate thoughts on Wk 13

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With every passing week, the Wesley 47-0 debacle loss at Brockport State gets more and more puzzling. How could this team go up to Brockport, field conditions aside, and not put up one single point? My trip to Wesley the next week to see them pound Salisbury began the puzzlement — it was obvious this was a good team, with the ability to win a playoff game or two, but to become the first non-Texas team to win a playoff game in the Lone Star State since 2001?

Incredible. And that’s coming from me, after picking Wesley as the cinderella team in the bracket on the ESPNews selection show.

Another home game on turf. Then a trip West for the winner. Who knew.

Mount Union pulls another Mount Union and rolls a quality opponent. I know Capital is a familiar opponent, but that bodes well for Mount Union, which has had a tendency to pound OAC teams the second time around.

Even though St. John’s helped UW-Whitewater out, Whitewater would have won on its own today. Five of the seven fumbles were forced and defensively, Whitewater was making plays even when not taking the ball away. Other than a brief period in the third quarter, St. John’s couldn’t stop Justin Beaver and Derek Stanley burned the Johnnies defense for a pair of big plays when they needed them.

West Region final should be a dandy. So should the South. Not so sure about the East, if Rowan has found its stroke again it might not be much different than last year’s Rowan/Delaware Valley regional final.

No stupid e-mail of the week, at least not ones I have with me, so we’ll have to suffice with the …

Bad karma moment of the weekend: Two St. John’s fans independently coming up to me and asking me why UW-Whitewater passed them in the poll a few weeks ago. Never a good idea right before a head-to-head matchup.

165 thoughts on “Immediate thoughts on Wk 13”

  1. This will no doubt date me (as if my handle didn’t already), but….

    mlusk and SmedIndy,

    I didn’t attend the 2002 playoff game between MUC and Wabash. I did read a story in the Bachelor, the Wabash student publication, which reported the writer’s experience at the 2002 Wittenberg game which Wabash won on a field goal, 43-42. The reporter described rather proudly how certain Wabash students had, in my view, been less than sportsmanlike in their behavior towards their hosts throughout the game.

    I wrote a letter to the Bachelor’s editor articulating my contention that such behavior was inconsistent with the Gentlemen’s Rule, the one-sentence code of conduct which distinguishes Wabash from most other colleges.

    Unfortunately, I am inclined to believe mlusk’s interpretation of the events surrounding the Wabash-MUC playoff game, and I’m not happy in doing so. I would like to believe sportsmanship prevails in DIII competition.

    BigKenDog, kudos to you, and thank you for sharing your perspective.

    My point is not to drudge up three-year-old

  3. I knew UW Whitewater would win that game – just like they will win against Linfield. Actually, they are going to win it all.

    Hail, hail Mount Union. They stomped my Augustana Vikings. It looks like they are going to the Stagg Bowl again. Not because they beat Augie, but because they are that good. Dang.

    UWW Fan,

    Don’t worry man, the Warhawks are going to win it all. They come from the deepest, toughest conference in the country. They will win it all. If you can go undefeated in that conference, then you are a serious contender.

  4. I played on the 88’Wesley team that won 1 game. It was our last game of the season and it broke a 32/33 game losing streak. The Wesley football program has come a long way since then. Coach Drass has done a great job coaching in addition to recruiting better players. Good luck to Wesley this weekend.

  5. You wouldn’t happen to know if that 1992 game vs. Bridgewater is accurate, would you? Couldn’t get a media guide from either to answer me, just http://www.footballvideos.com

    Since we (R-MC) and Hampden-Sydney regularly played Wesley in those days, I figure going to Va. for another game is likely … but it could be Bridgewater State too.

    Hmmph.

  6. Not sure. My last year was 90′. I know that Wesley started playing different schools after that. I believe some of them were in VA.

  7. D3Keith,

    On page 288 of the ODAC Board, a former BC-football player mentioned losing to Wesley in ’93 in Delaware. Good chance that ’92 game was BC Eagles vs Wesley.

  9. There sure has been alot of gnashing of teeth over academics, D I transfers, and veiled allegations of unfair competition. The world isn’t perfect but D III football generally seems to be a breath of fresh air vis a vis its D I counterpart, whose admissions standards often strain one’s credulity. I’m sure a Union or a Trinity (Ct) would welcome a D I transfer if he were academically eligible. We don’t hold the integrity of D III football as being the least bit suspect. The Linfield’s of the world play by the same rules as every one else and could not be more deserving.

  10. As a long time resident in Schenectay and a recent Union grad I was just excited to see Union competing on the national level again. It’s been a long time since they looked that good. Not making excuses but had the weather been cooperative Union would have dominated this game…but thats why they actually play the game. The game last weekend was great nontheless. The energy and excitement at Frank Bailey Field made this game legendary. From a prior comment the best way to describe Rowan was ‘gutty.’ They hung around long enough and had what I believe is known as playoff experience and pulled it out. I am really excited about next year and am looking forward to another great game between these two schools. Sals

  11. Bridgewater/Wesley Series Scores

    ’91 Wesley 40-0 in Dover
    ’92 Wesley 26-13 at BC
    ’93 Wesley 31-10 at BC
    ’94 Wesley 42-0 in Dover

  12. I’m not a fan of UW-Whitewater, but whatever anyone else says they’re going to win it all. Going undefeated in the WIAC is one of the toughest things to do. I will be surprised if Linfield beats the Warhawks. As for all the teams in the East, sorry not this year.

  13. Re: “Bridgewater/Wesley Series Scores
    ‘91 Wesley 40-0 in Dover
    ‘92 Wesley 26-13 at BC
    ‘93 Wesley 31-10 at BC
    ‘94 Wesley 42-0 in Dover

    Before 2000, Bridgewater use to get shellacked consistently by numerous teams- so did Wesley for that matter.

    Hats off to both programs for turning it around. It appears as long as their coaching staffs stay in place- they will be South region contenders for years to come.

    In my opinion- if Wesley plays the way they did last week- this game may not be as close as people predict.

  14. Mount Union is the most overrated team that’s still left in the playoffs. I think they had their era and you’re not going to be hearing much about them in the next few years.

  15. d3fan

    If you plan on spending the “next few years” locked in your basement then no truer words have ever been spoken.

  16. D3fan….. Are you just looking for a reaction….. I mean c’mon….
    I don’t post much… but I pay alot of attention to these blogs.
    I am a Mt. Union faithful, so I admit I have a bias. However you cannot be serious… With Capital… Del Valley still in….. You say Mt. Union is overrated… You cannot be serious….

    I will admit that they may have had their era… but the talent is deep and a new era may be starting…. And, You would have to admit… they are Stagg Bowl bound…. Del Valley… Capital… Rowan… do not stand much of a chance with them on all cylinders like they are now…

    Therefore, I respectfully disagree with the overrated statement….

  17. Plus, I do remember that many people on this stated that Augustana would wipe the floor with them…. And we know that outcome… 44-7

  20. What in the world is going on with you d3fan? Are you “nuts”. Did your girlfriend crack you in the head with a skillet? Mt. Union, believe it or not, is loading up again for another run. They may not be as dominent as they have in years past, but they will still get the athletes and they will still be well coached as Mount teams have been in the past. Will they miss a presence of a Don Montgomery, absolutely, but at Mount, you just RELOAD !! They will lose alot of fine athletes next year but they will have almost all of their skill positions back on offense and many young players waiting in the wings. Lets face the real facts, Mount can’t even get people to play JV games with them. They really should start lining up with local D II teams if local D III teams aren’t interested in continuing to get their tails whipped. Just a thought.

  23. Bigmucfan makes prediction for tomorrow’s Mount/Capital game.
    Mount Union 45 Capital 17 > Anyone who has watched this team the last couple of weeks (Mount that is) will tell you that they’re running on ALL cylinders. They can run or pass the ball with the best of ummmm, and they’ve played GREAT defense all year. I’ve always been a believer that you WIN with defense, but its also nice to have an offense that can score. It’s going to be a LONG bus ride back home to Columbus, OH for Capital….however, I will admit…they had a great year, but it’ll be over at around 2:30 pm tomorrow. Right d3fan !!!!!!!

  24. Well, I will admit one thing D3FAN…. You got the reaction you must have wanted…

    Mount by 20+

    Also praying for Rowan… –> that means we stay in alliance for one more… Not excited about traveling to PA.

  26. I’m still hyped up….I can’t go to bed…I can’t sleep….I need for d3fan to sober up and write a retraction….take a cold shower….wake up, wake up d3fan !!

  27. Well… I’d have to say there is nothing wrong with being drunk…. but comments like that are terrible…. I have been at every Mt. game in the past 3 years (home and away) Except for Washington last season and I seriously don’t feel the era is over….

    I mean let’s look at it…. A lost in National Finals to St. John’s (respectable)… A semi’s lost to MHB on an answered prayer…. (lucky)
    and Ohio Northern (a tough OAC rival)…. What is the rest of D3’s record over the past 10 years…. Oh yea… Nuff said….

    No other team in all of D3 even comes close to an era like Mt. Union….
    D3FAN says the era is over…. I say the era continues…..

  28. mikeb525—–enough said !! I can now go to bed and sleep peacefully !!
    GO MOUNT !!!!!!!!!!!!! Mount 45 Capital 17. They may not even get 17. Later !!!

  29. OK, d3fan, the ball’s in your court. Time to speak up. Otherwise, mikeb525 covered it…you wanted a reaction.

  30. Mount Union WILL be at the Stagg Bowl this year, but I’m trying to say that next year is when they’ll start going down hill. Don’t get me wrong, they will beat Capital, and all of the other Eastern schools with no problem.

  33. All you need to do now d3fan is put your money where you mouth is. When you say down hill what do you mean? You really need to be more specific. One or two loses during the regular season……never again making it through the 1st or 2nd rounds of playoffs. I need more information. Thanks for responding !! By the way….you must NOT be aware of their last (3) recruiting classes.

  34. I probably shouldn’t have used the word “overrated”. I remember reading some articles (NOT on d3football) that Mount Union wasn’t as strong of team as people were saying they were. Like I say, don’t get me wrong, Mount Union is a good team this year and they proved that last week against Augustana. I didn’t mean to offend anyone, that was not my goal.

  36. Not necessarily. I never said that anyone that beats only lower-rated teams MUST be overrated. I said that an overrated team could reach the national title game by beating lower-rated teams.

    Don’t put words in my mouth. Your logic skills need work.

  37. No problem d3fan….being a bigmucfan you just hit a nerve. I do hope that you’re wrong regarding their heading “down hill”.

  38. My apologies if I’m guilty of the accusation. Putting words in your mouth was not my intent. However, I thought your statement was sufficently open-ended enough to justify the inference on my part.

    Chill out, friend. You provide a great service to all d3fans.

  41. Does anyone out their think that UW-Whitewater has a shot at upsetting Linfield?? Or would it be an upset??

  44. pcole,

    In all sincerity, I didn’t think my comment was as great a stretch as you think. Let’s just leave it at that, OK?

  45. O.K…. the lesser rated team comment urks me…. Does that mean over the past 8-10 years Mt. Union was lucky becuase they played lesser rated teams to get to the Stagg…. and then to win most of them…. I think that is putting down the strength of the teams they have played… no matter what conference…. Is that disrespectful to those teams?? Only so many can get in….

    Granted… This year against MSJ… O.K.
    Augustana… not exactly a push over from what I read …..

    But if they face WW or Linfield at the Stagg and win… Does that make those teams lesser rated…??? Just a bit confused by the less rated comment…

    anticipating a great debate…..

  46. I think that UW-Whitewater will beat Linfield. They’re obviously a big contender going undefeated in the WIAC, and beating #3 St. John’s last week. This sounds like a pretty even match up, and it should be a good game.

  49. Sounds like a great game that may be determined by a turnover or two. Should be a close one….on paper atleast.

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