D3football.com here hours before kickoff as usual, which leaves plenty of time to kick off a new blog.
Gordon and Pat Coleman are to my left right now, on the air announcing the all-Americans. If you aren’t listening, you should be … if you’re interested in hearing about four or five different pre-game interviews. I know Brett Elliott’s interview already aired … good stuff. Very humble, honest about his NFL future and bashing the lack of a playoff in D-I. Loving that!
Mount Union’s specialists have just taken the field.
The weather here tends to be cold and windy … Salem is the championship site because they make D3 feel big time and have gathered a great volunteer base to support the game, but we could do without the weather.
The field is a fast track, but probably not the same as the turf at Mount Union. Both teams are used to/OK with cold weather, and UW-W played in the snow last week, so this should be nothing new. There is snow around the field from Thursday night, but the field was taken care of yesterday, and even spray painted green (I believe) to make it look good for TV.
We’ll be posting from time to time today, and we’ve seen you go crazy on the predictions thread … but if you’re not here and your TV is close to your computer, pump up the sound from the webcast. We’re pretty sure the D3 die-hards will enjoy it.
We’ll be glad to hear your thoughts pre-game and during. Should be fun to look back at after the fact. Take it away…
Nate’s 95 yard run is number 6 on SportsCenter top 10 plays. Also mentioned OAC pride on the highlight too!
WOW, what a day! So much on my mind but a few things that stand out:
To the City of Salem and the ODAC I say job well done. This was my first in person Stagg Bowl but good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, will not be my last. Shame on me since I live an hour away.
The Game – I think W-W was out played, out coached, and Warhawk fans just didn’t seem to really get into the game. Even the W-W fans sitting around me were trying to rally the W-W faithful to little avail. MUC played like they had been there before, W-W at times looked a little shell shocked. No dis intended to the Warhawks. With such a young team, I fully expect to see them in Salem next year. I still believe player to player W-W had slightly more talent. MUC was a classic example of how the sum of parts is greater than it’s individual units. When you win 8 Stagg Bowls, it ain’t no fluke. A true Dynasty!
What’s up with all the Stagg Bowl purple the last few years?- I am awake now at 3am because I woke up from the middle of a nightmare that I was in a Prince video. 🙂
Olinemom – Enjoyed our conversation. Like I told you, I have never met a French teacher that knows as much football. Almost wish now I had taken French instead of Spanish. Hat’s off to you and all the Bridgewater crew for showing our yankee friends a good time. And next year I want in on the brownies and chicken. 🙂 (even if I AM an H-SC/Maryville/Ferrum guy)
The officials and instant replay- Other than (in my opinion) one bad interference call that ended up being of no consequence, the zebras did a heck of a job. I am glad that instant replay was available. I think it showed each time it was used that the call was made correctly on the field.
Installation of artificial turf – The field did get chopped up some but not anywhere near the degree of the I-AA game last year. As Pat said above, it had no impact really on the outcome of the game. I might be way off on this but putting artificial turf on Salem Stadium might be a long shot because of the impact on Salem HS football. It could be a burden financially on some programs to purchase the proper shoes. Of course, Salem keeping the Stagg Bowl might allow them to purchase shoes for all the HS teams that play there. 🙂
Missing from the game – Other than MUC’s #1 profiling a few times and a couple of frustration personal fouls, I did not see showboating, taunts, antics, etc. I think #1 even got his butt chewed by coaches even though what he did was minor in comparison to todays pro and D1 players.
One final thought – Congrats to MUC and W-W for incredible seasons. And to all of D3 for getting it right. Thankfully, D3 doesn’t have to bow down to the almighty dollar like D1 does. (at least not to the same degree) For now, all hail the Mount Union Purple Raiders! August isn’t that far away.
I too wondered about that decision to take a shot at the end-zone instead of taking the field goal. Ask my son and he will tell you I was like a mad man yelling at the TV set when they came up to the line to run the play. I mean it’s not as if you’re at the one yard line with momentum either. Beaver had just been smashed in the mouth for something like a 3 yard loss. Take what the other team gives you and play the rest of the game. I hate to say that I agree with that character knowitall but that one play really did change the complexion and momentum of the game. I also agree with the MUC fan that wondered why UWW insisted on running all those stretch running plays. It was obvious early on that with MUC excellent pursuit that thos eplays weren’t going anywhere. How about some misdirection to take advantage of MUCs quickness to the ball?? A couple playes later Kmic rips off that 95 yarder. These are just a few reasons why I said earlier that WW got more outcoached than they did outplayed. But as I also said earlier, congrats to MUC as they played a great game and surely deserved to win. Both teams return alot of their core players so I wouldn’t be surprised to see a rematch next year. Until that time…..Happy Holidays to all!
I just got off of a 14 hour bus ride back to Whitewater. I had alot of time to reflect about the game. both teams played well. Congrats to Mt. Union and thanks to whitewater for making it exciting at the end there. One thing that is bothering me is some of the posts on here. I heard nothing but good about the Mt. Union fans that they had alot of class. I see very little class from reading posts on here. The fans at the game were great but in my mind the few people who decide to bash other people on here take away from those fans that treat the other team with respect after a loss. I look forward to a re-match in next years stagg bowl.
BucksFan,
I was there at the 1985 game when Augie beat Mt. Union with Woolf at QB. He passed on us all day. D-1 transfer. Game ended when he got sacked with a huge, blindsided hit by defensive tackle Lynn Thomsen (I had always thought it was Scott Francis who hit him, but read that it was Lynn Thomsen). It looked like there was enough time for at least one last stab at the end zone, but MUC seemed to give up. It would have been a long shot, but they didn’t even try. I’ve never understood that in all these years.
Thomsen started for something like 50 straight games, beginning as a true freshman. Only “blemish” on his career was a 0-0 tie in the 1986 opener against Elmhurst. Otherwise, four national championships in four years. He graduated with something like a 3.85 (?) gpa. First D3 player EVER inducted into the college football hall of fame.
Just like the Mt. Union teams of today, those Augie teams were quiet and disciplined, yet ferociously intense (but clean) on the field.
Congrats to Mount Union on a fabulous victory.
jimjersa,
I graduated from WBHS in 1979. Small world. My dad lives next door to Scotts’ dad so I can probably get contact information for Kelly. I haven’t spoken with Scott in years but I hear he’s doing well. It appears that we probably have several common friends. The names at WBHS tend to repeat themselves, being that it’s farm country.
Regarding the missed catch by the WW tight end. That was an excellent call. He clearly never had full possession of the ball before it was knocked out. It was trapped against his leg, then stripped.
Congrats to the Purple Raiders. Coach K is as classy as a coach as he was as a player. Thought it was interesting how he became more involved in the playcalling this week after letting his assistants handle the task most of the year.
I have a feeling Whitewater will be back. They have some serious talent returning, especially at the skill positions. Congrats to the Warhawks for never giving up and taking the game to the very end.
Bucksfan – also a grad of WBHS, albeit a few years before you
“FishingFool
Wrong.
Most definitely outcoached. Talent was close. What about Kmic and Garcon. WW couldn’t handle them.
Weren’t ready. We’ll be hearing a lot more about Kmic than Beaver in the future as well. Barring injuries”
mlusk,
Please explain to me how I was wrong. What I said was that Whitewater was outcoached. Nothing more….nothing less. And then you stated the same thing. As for your comment about hearing more about Kmic than Beaver?? How do you figure on that one? Both are excellent running backs. Not sure what the exact numbers were for Kmic in the playoffs, but they were unbelievable stats. But as I’m sure you know, Beaver just set a new NCAA-D3 record for rushing yards gained in a season as a sophomore. How can you take anything away from a player like that?
FishingFool
My comments were poor. I guess I was caught up in the victory. Which, by the way, is even sweeter now that I have watched the game a second time. It looked like Beaver was going to go for 200+ yards after WW’s first drive. Larry Kehres was asked before the game about Beaver. He said they had to prevent the big runs. He knew they couldn’t shut him down completely. Once again Mount executed Larry’s game plan to “T”.
Mount smacked a very talented and cocky team in the mouth for their eighth title.
I only hope we can enjoy another Mount Union vs. WW matchup next year.
My dad and brother were at the game. I sure hope WW fans represent the school better if they get another shot at the Stagg Bowl. I heard some very interesting stories from tailgating.
Also, Mount Union fans should look at articles in the Madison newspaper about the game. I’m beginning to think that there is something in the water in Wisconsin. Interesting perspectives.
Way to go Raiders on number eight.
From the sounds of mlusk’s posts methinks MUC fans can talk smack with the best of them…lol. I mean there’s something called being a gracious winner and then there’s something called being a humble winner. I guess it’s apparent that some UWW fansand a few MUC fans, including mlusk, need to learn a few things about that. I’m too old to get into a peeing match about a sporting event. That’s why all of my post’s have been complimentary of MUC, their players and coaches. Yes, some UWW fans were on here before the game and got a little over zealous with their smack talk, which for the most part I chaulked up to being overly excited and inexperienced at being in this type of situation. But by the same token I have seen some in your face posts from MUC fans after their victory. These things are routine in sporting events(especially those with championship implications)and have a tendancy to go both ways. Believe me when I tell you that there’s nothing in the water in Wisconsin that makes our fans any different than the fans I’ve seen around the country throughout the years. I’m too old to be convinced of anything to the contrary.
Not sure who said that “you’ll be hearing more from Kmic than Beaver in the future”, but I have to disagree with that statement. Kehres works too hard a being balanced and spreading the ball around to see Kmic get 1700+ yards in the regular season. He has too many RB’s to keep happy and there is no sense in wearing someone out with 30+ carries against the likes of Marietta and Wilmington. Plus LK tries very hard to remain balanced between the run & pass. Wouldn’t be surprised at all if MUC ends the 2006 regular season with both Robinson and Kmic at or very near the same amount of yards. The only reason Dan Pugh had the huge rushing numbers in 2002 was that Adamson was injured in the opener at Whitewater. With their senior QB hurt, MUC had to ride the running game more than usual in ’02.
In terms of the 2005 Stagg, what a great weekend! The weather finally cooperated and the turn out from Alliance was impressive. Great game played by both teams which fielded a ton of talent. The difference was on the sidelines. Whitewater sure did MUC a favor by trying to go deep numerous times on Ross Watson. Which I assume they thought they could do from watching Capital do it. The difference was that Watson was playing severely banged up vs Capital thanks to a pulled hammy and separated shoulder, plus Capital’s WR’s and QB were better than Whitewater’s.
The difference in the early going was WWW’s ill-timed deep passes putting them in long yardage situations. Overall, the MUC defense did what they had to do versus Beaver: NO BIG PLAYS. Yes beaver had his 100+ yards, but his longest run was only 16 yards. We all know what Kmic’s longest run was.
Passing wise, the stat that sticks out to me is completion percentage. Jorris 71.4%, Jacobs 46.8%. Huge difference!
People who counted MUC out prior to the game, be they Whitewater fans or not, should remember the history of that Mount Union College football program. MUC has been around, consistently, at a very high level, for a long, long, long, long time. Even in the 80’s, during the four championship run by Augustana, Mount Union was generally one of the toughest, if
not the toughest, game, including the championship. When’s the last time MUC missed the playoffs, even way back, when only something like eight teams were allowed in?
They’ll certainly be great until Larry Kehres retires, and possibly beyond. The attitude and demeanor of a football team flows downward from the top, i.e. the head coach position. Consistent intensity, sustained over time, discipline, cool headedness and teamwork are the themes repeated over and over again in programs like that. Of course, at the college level, success breeds success, in terms of recruiting the players. BOTH talent and mindset are necessary to be CONSISTENTLY on top. Neither is sufficient.
Iknowitall admitted he was wrong about the outcome and gave credit to the Purple Raiders. That works for me. He was a man and showed up to take his.
saidentary,
You’re absolutely correct. I was never overconfident of a Warhawk victory due to the fact the MUC has been there soooooo many times. There is an intangible that comes with the experience of “being there” on a consistent basis. That intangible along with a better game plan and coaching is, in my humble opinion, what put Mount Union at the top of the heep this year.
And by the way, in my previous post it sould have read, “gracious LOSER and
saidentary,
You’re absolutely correct. I was never overconfident of a Warhawk victory due to the fact the MUC has been there soooooo many times. There is an intangible that comes with the experience of “being there” on a consistent basis. That intangible along with a better game plan and coaching is, in my humble opinion, what put Mount Union at the top of the heep this year.
And by the way, in my previous post it sould have read, “gracious LOSER” not gracious winner. Sorry about that.
I have no idea what just happened there….lol.
Saidentary, right on. Brezowitz said before and after the game that that’s how he is hoping Whitewater will be. He wants to emulate what Kehres has done over there – building a successful program for years upon years. Obviously Brez won’t be around too much longer, but for it will help his predecessor. Hopefully this exposure will help Whitewater in its quest to go back to Salem next year and years down the road.
P.S. – I know its a moot point and may not mean much because they lost, but did anyone else nitce how they didn’t announce Beaver breaking the rushing record at all? Not even a snipet about it? They didn’t even mention Kmic breaking Moore’s playoff rushing mark for MUC. Interesting, I thought. As much as the game was called prety well they missed a few key points/stats.
lilpeds
They did mention Beaver only needed so many yards to break the record and they also mentioned Kmic tied Chuck Moore’s 95 yard Td run. Congrats to Justin Beaver. Just remember he did it in more games than the kid from Marietta. Bowers got his yards in 10 games. Either way, the kid from WW is very talented.
I know they mentioned it before/in the beginning of the game, but not when it happened. Normally a record such as that gets some say, even when a team is losing.
I know he did it in less games than the Marietta kid, but that doesn’t take away anything he’s done this year. It’s a 9 year record that a sophomore broke.
Just thought I’d throw it out there, that’s all.
P.S I guess the rumors I heard (I thought they were kind of rediculous) of Keith Jackson announcing the game was squashed, eh.
Pat Cummings,
Enjoyed your summary of the Stagg on here. Thanks!
Can’t wait until next year….
Can Mt. Union repeat…..Again?
Can WW make it back and win this time?
What will happen to St. Johns and Linfield?
Will someone else step up and take over?
So many questions but that is what’s great about football!
Merry Christmas to everyone.