We’re barely underway and I’m about ready to close the book on Wheaton. Here’s the way the first six minutes have gone so far:
Wheaton got the ball first, punted.
Punt went 26 yards.
Then Pete Ittersagen, Wheaton’s top corner, got hurt.
Nate Kmic ran for a 52-yard touchdown.
Wheaton went three-and-out, giving up only its eighth sack of the season.
Wheaton punted for 25 yards. Mount Union ball on the Wheaton 35.
… as I write this Wheaton picks the ball off.
millie
we’ve played a lot of good teams this year, so hopefully another good team in st johns isnt much of a shock. i think uww will win, but it will probably be the best team we’ve played all year……..also, i think lax is a great team, and playing us earlier in the year especially helped them huge this week. st. johns doesnt have the same advantage.
“bottom line is that Rowan seems to be able to score when they have to/Rowan finds a way to win.”
While I agree completely, it helps to get a gift fumble at the 22 in the closing minutes.
Wilkesfan,
I noticed that you mentioned the game being won/lost on the field the first time around. And about the officials you are most certainly entitled to your opinion.
My thing is this: What you say on this blog, as one of the only people to post about the Wilkes-Rowan game, gives people around the country an idea of what happened. Your words have a lot of impact, so I felt it was my duty to offset them with another view of what happened at that game.
I didn’t walk away from that game thinking it was some of the worst officiating I ever saw, but as I told Pat when he called and asked me, I’m a pretty rational guy. I don’t often look to blame the officials, but I am definitely capable of noticing when they are outright bad.
I thought the impression people who weren’t at that game should have gotten from it was that Wilkes, basically, gave it away. You can always look back to officials’ calls and non-calls as “important,” but if Wilkes fans like yourselves want to point the finger, I think you come up with three very key second half plays that did not involve an officials’ ruling that turned the game before you go to anything else.
It is my opinion — and again, mine is an opinion no better than yours — that the officiating did not play a large role in deciding that game. To come on here and say it was some of the worst you ever saw (not sure who said that) does smack of bitter fan of the losing team, even though you and the other poster both cased your comments with “the game is won and lost on the field.”
Not agreeing with that take on the game, I just didn’t want the officials complaints to be the only takes we had on this board from people who were there.
That’s all.
USee,
You too are definitely titled to your opinion.
I think North Central this year was not as good as last year by a fair shake.
I still don’t know what necessarily makes this year’s Capital team better than last year’s, except for some of the same players, like Pentello, being one year better.
“ONU/BW/Cap/John C haven’t done anything more than any other north region team (lose to MUC) So I don’t see an argument they are any better.”
Yeah, that’s kind of what I’m saying. I don’t see an argument that this year’s Capital team is any better either. Maybe they’re all about the same, and only Capital last year, 34-31, has really scared Mount Union in the playoffs from OAC runners-up.
“The MUC results last year and this year don’t really differ (8 pts)”
In the regular-season Cap/MUC game last year, Capital led in the fourth quarter before losing 42-24, whereas this year’s 38-12 game was all Mount Union from the start, IIRC, so I don’t think the 8-point difference paints a clear picture.
I’m not saying you can’t be right about this, you might well be. I just haven’t seen the reasoning to support it yet.
OK, let’s have some fun. Not that I’m doing well in the pick ’em, but I would be curious to get feedback on the following projections, including my own guestimated point spreads:
Mt. Union vs. Capital (+14). I’d pick Capital.
St. John Fisher v. Rowan (+6). I’d pick SJF.
Wesley v. UMHB (+3). I’d pick Wesley.
UWW v. St. Johns (+4). I’d pick UWW.
Ill take Mt. Union, Rowan, UMHB, and of course UWW
MUC wins by 20, SFJ wins by 1, UMHB wins by 3, UWW wins by 10
Good comments all on the strengths of the OAC. While I will root and hope for an upset this Saturday the truth is that to win the national championship you have to beat Mount Union-a task that nobody in the North region has been able to do in recent memory and the OAC record against Mount Union-what is it 1 win in 10 plus years-demonstrates that there is significant separation between Mount Union and the rest of the OAC. That said I think there is an advantage to more inter region play in the playoffs-which in the North and East could be done with not significant increases in travel costs. I think the schools involved benefit from exposure to different regions and style of play and, perhaps more importantly, general knowledge of schools from general regions benefits all the schools.
Good luck to all 8 remaining teams and I look forward to another exciting weekend. Football in December-a real treat.
capfan,
Theoretically agreed. However, of the teams remaining in the East and North regions this year, Capital would, in my opinion, have the best chance to knock off MU.
d3keith,
I wouldn’t fall on my sword on my argument. you asked why I thought Cap was better this year and I gave you my reasons. No axe to grind for me.
Usee,
Me neither, just trying to get you to flesh out your reasoning. Like I said, you might well be right. I may come off as aggressive, but I’m not trying to beef, just discussing.
LG,
Once you start talking point spreads, D3football.com and its official personnel start running the other way. We get along fine with the NCAA (who is about as anti-betting as you can be) and we like it that way. 🙂
Capfan,
I wouldn’t get too excited about the prospects of inter-region play. I think the selection committees have proven they won’t move brackets around just to make them “more interesting.” If a situation arises where there are 7 East region teams that are playoff worthy, North Region teams in Ohio and South Region teams in Pa. and Del. are very good options to be moved into an East-based bracket in the future.
I think it could happen again, but only when the bracket warrants it. With the parity in the East the past two years, it may be a while before we see an East with fewer than eight playoffs teams again, but you never know.
Just my take. I think it would be fun to watch, but rare are the times the selection committee would allow us to see it.
With those spreads, however, ALTHOUGH I DO NOT ADVOCATE BETTING, IF THE NCAA IS PAYING ATTENTION, I like MUC, SJF, UMHB and UWW. 🙂
Sorry for belaboring the points,
but we may not be making clear about Rowan/Wilkes that the Profs botched their PAT after what would have been the tying TD, and it was 14-13 Wilkes with 3:00 left.
The fumble was on first down after the KOR, and Rowan took over at 2:26.
The local Wilkes-Barre area papers (Times-Shamrock, Times-Leader) each have quick reads on it that tell the story from a Wilkes viewpoint.
I will let it go. For now.
UWW Football,
I have seen UMHB play 6 times this year including the GAME against UWW. UMHB played pretty good against UWW. If they had the same game against W&J it would have been a blow out. I am not as optimistic as you about the chances of beating Wesley. UMHB has got to play better or they will lose. I hope they do beat Wesley because I would like to see how Beaver would do against the run defense of UMHB. UMHB is giving only 25 yards a game against the run. Yes, I believe UWW beats the Jonnies, it will be close.
D3Keith,
Believe me, my point spreads were not intended to spur any interest in betting (is there really any major market out there for betting on D3 games?). It was merely an exercise to challenge fellow bloggers to evalute the odds I proposed and to respond accordingly. Thanks for doing so and for recognizing my intent.
Sure, UMHB did not play a phenomenal game against W&J. However, the Cru always does well when they have the “underdog” tag. It will be a great game and live up to its billing , but expect UMHB to win by a touchdown. It’s their 100th game in history, they want revenge and after speaking to the guys they truly believe that this is the year of the UMHB Crusaders.
*Also expect a St Johns vs UMHB semi-final on the 9th in Belton.
Mount Union beats Wheaton in an interception contest. Wow. They are so darn good – unfortunately.
Archer
I missed you note on the 26th Jackson was not played because he missed practice due to a death in the family and didn’t get back to canpus until late Saturday and not for disiplinary reasons.
LG1970,
I was kidding, because the NCAA (and therefore anyone who deals with them frequently) is super-skittish about betting and any references to it.
Sorry if that didn’t come across. Wasn’t suggesting you were a bookie or anything 🙂
Just looking ahead at some possible matchups. It would be nice for UMHB to play St.Johns in Belton. It would be hard to win at UWW, so I am pulling for St. Johns. I think they will have to play a mistake free game and keep Beaver and co off the field. We must win at Wesley and that will not come easy. It’s all fun and can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Hey UWW Football,
How well do you think Beaver would have done against UMHB?
my guess as to the answer to that question is: a lot of hard earned yards.
When will the latest Pick ’em standings be available?
crush
ive seen Beaver play some “talented” defenses and make them look foolish. UMHB obviously is another one of those teams that has a fantastic run defense. i dont think he’d have one of his 200+ yard days, but id say, 125 and a td. (total guess!!) i havent seen a team in the past 2 yrs completely shut him down.
I personal didn’t feel like the Hawks skipped a beat the first game after losing Beaver against UW-P but against UMHB’s terrific rushing defense, I thought he would have been a difference maker. The new back (a freshman) is very talented but was still trying to get his “sea legs” at that time. After that game the Hawks went to more of a rotating corp of backs. Just glad that Beaver is BACK!
Whatever the outcome to the eventual UW Whitewater / Mary Hardin-Baylor game is, I am sure it will be a killer game! The trouble I have with that game is that I really like both teams. That’s life.
And I am hoping UWW WINS IT ALL BABY!! YEAH!!
I’ve always been a huge fan of the WIAC, and the CCIW of course.
Great game in Springfield. Congrats to SJFC. I take them over Rowan.
I gotta give praise to SJF for knocking off Springfield. They have skills. I had picked Springfield, but picked wrong.
Looks like there will be no shortage of good games on Saturday.
UWWFootball5,
I agree that Beaver would have helped but I don’t think he would have got to 100 yrds.
Given Beavers normal amount of carries (30-40), I cant imagine anyone keeping him under 100 yards. The only time he’s even come close to being under 100 is in games where he was pulled shortly after halftime…..I’d love to see the matchup.
D3Keith:
Not a problem. Just didn’t want anyone else to think I might have a hobby on the side….
i dont think any off the road teams will win. expect wesley/mtunion/uww/sjf
Keith/Pat, what game u going to this week????
UWWFootball5, concerning Beavers, what do you consider an excellent defensive performance expressed in average yards per carry allowed to Beavers?
Less than 5 yards per carry?
Less than 4 yards per carry?
Less than 3.5 yards per carry?
Less than 3 yards per carry?
Something else?
i would be surprised if UMHB could hold him under 4 per carry. watching him again this week after 2 months away made me remember why he is one of the best, if not THE BEST running back in D3 football…….I love having Beaver back, but lets not forget the 3 guys who have been the heart of the team in his absence. Justin Jacobs, Ryan Kelppe, and Derek Stanley.
Ryan Kleppe is the best defensive lineman ive seen in D3 football in a number of years.
You guys do know there is no guarantee that UMHB or UWW will get past this weekend to face each other again, right?
I hope the teams don’t look ahead like you do.
Re: Beaver vs. UMHB … Beaver’s same O-line didn’t open too many holes in Belton in October (30 carries for 36 yards). Do you think the ballcarrier makes THAT much difference?
Maybe one coaching staff would out-scheme the other in a rematch. All I know is no UWW fan should be doubting a UMHB D that pitched a shutout and gave up nothing in perfect conditions.
100-125 yards is really not all that great with 30 carries, as Ralph pointed out by bringing up YPC.
Just food for thought.
Not sure of my assignment yet, but since all of the games are good ones, the logical trip, travel-wise, is UMHB at Wesley. It might be me and Cummings … I think Coleman might be travelling for D3hoops (heresy!)
as a uww fan, if beaver can bring 4 ypc, ill be ok with that. on 30 carries that brings us 120 yds. against a team like mary hardin baylor, whats wrong with that???? given our nice passing game, Beaver gives us the opportunity to open up that passing game.
and i do think beaver makes that much difference.
Pat and Keith just wondering what the prize money is for winning the Stagg Bowl, and how much money is distributed to the respective conferences-or do you get anything for winning the Stagg Bowl other than the Walnut and Bronze
Make no mistake about it Wesley is a quality team, and have a dangerous pass and run offense, but I truly believe the Cru will come away with this one, and go on to play Game 101 in Belton or Whitewater depending on who wins. However I think it is phenomenal what Coach Pete Fredenberg has done with the Cru approaching game 100 on Saturday, forming a 75-24 record is very impressive for a program that is only nine years old.
Tattisbogo,
Thanks for pointing out Fredenberg’s great record as the only head coach of the Cru. He is the best coach in D3 hands down.
UWWFootball5,
Who is the only team to shut out UWW offense? UMHB! The best D-lineman in my book is Kelppe and should get a look at the next level. Kelppe did much damage to UMHB’s offense, he was the difference along with the punter.
“He is the best coach in D3 hands down.”
More ignorant things have been said, but I can’t think of any right now.
The best coach in all the land — and the record proves it — would be none other than Larry Kehres.
.917 career win pct. (or whatever), eight of the past 13 titles. Built it from the ground up.
How can you possibly disagree?
Kleppe, on the other hand, is the man (only D3 guy I can ever remember seeing get triple-teamed), but I’m gonna guess that they think 6-0, 290 is not the right size for the NFL.
Although crazier things have happened. Maybe it’ll work out.
D3Keith,
Kehres is a great coach as well look at the record. I just meant Fredenberg’s record isn’t so bad after only 9 years at UMHB. He built it from the ground up and in my opinion he is the best coach now.
Purple Crush,
there is a big difference between “Fredenberg’s record isn’t so bad after only 9 years….” , “…in my opinion he is the best coach” AND “He is the best coach in D3 hands down”.
in your “hands down” opinion Fredenberg is the best. Fredenberg has done a great job obviously and is well on his way to making his career mark in D3. Along the way he will encounter some great ones like Gagliardi, Bob Reade, Ron Schipper to name a few. Right now, I think the rest of the D3, head out of the sand, world sees 1 guy at the top and the rest of the field chasing.
Kieth,
This is one Warhawk fan that isn’t “counting any chickens before they hatch.” My reference to Beaver was in reponse to the question about whether he would have made a diffence in the past UWW/UMHB matchup. I still believe he would have fared better than the raw freshman back that played. He hits the holes quicker and finds daylight many times where there isn’t much. BUT who know how much difference it would have made as UMHB had the best rush defense I have seen in years.
KEITH, sorry I mispelled it. Proofread all but your name before I posted.
Purple Crush here are some numbers togo with your rididulous comments:
In the last three years your coach has lost 6 games. I agree this is an excellent record. Compared to LK it is not in the same ballpark. LK has lost less games (5) in the last 12 YEARS! In that time your coach won 32 games for a winning percentage of .842 while Kehres has a winning percentage of .970 winning 159 out of 164 times. BTW of those 164 games 44 were in the playoffs where he is 40-4. Also did I mention that he has 7 national championships in the last 11 years with the possibility still open to making it 8 of 11 this year.
Purple Crush,
Yes, Mary Hardin-Baylor has a good D, and the Beav will be tested, but don’t forget – you guys lost that game.
I am a Mary Hardin-Baylor fan, but also a UWW fan, heck, I’m a WIAC fan (the CCIW is tops for me)
You guys can argue all day long how many yards everyone will have, but noone knows and noone will be right.
When do we get to see the updated leader board for the Pick ’em?
Obviously Purple Crush is an “exuberant” UMHB fan to say the least. While I agree that Coach Fredenburg has done an amazing job from the ground up with our program, we all know that Coach Kehres and Mount Union in general are the gold standard in d3 football right now. I was in
Alliance two years ago and all of us with sense know why that was such an incredible win–the most exciting football game I have ever witnessed as a fan–the opponent, the setting , the weather, the result!