So here I am for the annual trip to Alliance where the weather is about 30-something degrees and there’s a good wind blowing across the field.
I feel a little silly wearing a Linfield sweatshirt, which I brought to have some fun with the SJU and Whitewater fans before the flight got cancelled. I need to buy some OAC wardrobe for these trips since we make enough of them.
Ric Brienza and “HS Coach” gave me a very pleasant surprise, printing me copies of their game charts which we have named “Brienzas” in honor of Ric. They combine all the players’ vital information in a shell that’s easy to complete for a new team and even easier to update for a team you’ve seen before. Bless their hearts for the help since this was a late change in travel plans.
A few Capital players were milling around at about 10 AM and seemed in good spirits. If nothing else, they won’t be intimidated playing in this Stadium. QB Rocky Pentello and the other four-year seniors are playing their sixth game against Mount Union.
As for the Purple Raiders, they are always good for some stunning stats.
– Nate Kmic averages 7.43 yards per carry and is within striking distance of Chuck Moore’s school record (7.46).
– The Purple Raiders are holding teams to 0.9 yards per carry. That’s about what you should get if your quarterback takes the snap and collapses forward.
The two guys I most look forward to seeing are Pentello to see how he stacks up against other OAC playoff quarterbacks in the past few years (Arth, Adamson) and Matt Kostelnik. A junior safety for the Purple Raiders, Kostelnik has amazing numbers — 44 tackles (fourth on the team), 11.5 TFL (2nd), 7.0 sacks (1st), 4 INTs (1st) including two for TDs. Hello, All-American team.
I’ll post some thoughts at the half and after the game, but the floor is certainly open for other thoughts from Wisconsin, Delaware, New York or wherever else you may be.
Repete,
We’re all good. I know you’re a pro on the blogs and the boards. I never take anything said here personally. I just wish I knew how to make that come across online the way I do in person.
I’m sure if you read the rest of that post or anytime you quoted me talking about the depth of the East, there is a clear distinction that it is not deeper or better up top than the West was. Look closely at more than half a sentence.
PA,
“Glad the EAGLES weren’t brought up!”
I did go up to the guy who owned the RV spray-painted with Westbrook and Kearse on it and shake his hand.
But yeah, otherwise … that Tenn. game really sapped the energy from this season. And then we go on SNF and MNF in back-to-back weeks. Grrreat.
Got a pretty good feeling that’s Birds country though. Saw lots of Eagles stuff and a few Ravens fans in DE.
Gotta give it up to Stone Station too. No Bridgewater games to follow, so you’ve been to CNU-W&J, Rowan-Wilkes and Wesley-UMHB. True D3 fanatics/ambassadors … we gotta get you a digital camera, man!
Keith…
that was a pretty general post about the depth in the East…no where does it say except in the West…So sorry for the misunderstanding…I do appreciate your viewpoint, even though it differs from mine at times. Thanks for paying respect to the West, where I tryly think a national semi final type game if not Stagg Bowl type game was played between SJU and UWW.
Keith, after re-reading what you wrote, I don’t think I am a fool…that was a cheapshot…if you re-read a post I made on (fri am I think) I told people that the SJU-WW would be alot closer this year and definitely competitive. Nuff said
Lax99,
Thanks. I think continuity is very underrated in football, D3 often doesn’t get caught up in the turnover race like in the NFL, but I see it play out every year here with the Redskins … they look at their team on paper and wonder why they’re no good. Well they change coordinators and half the roster all the time.
Look at who is left and their coaching staffs. That can be a big factor. Drass and Knapp have built Wesley over time, and once you get into the playoffs and do some good things, you can really reap the benefits.
In that sense, rachacha, you make some good points. A lot of what you’re saying is what we’re saying … it’s your fellow Fisher fans who aren’t acknowledging what a job this is going to be that we’re responding to.
People can say they don’t care what Mount has done in that past, and it has no bearing on Saturday. But what it is, is an indication of how consistent they are in their approach. They will respect SJF to the fullest. I have seen them play at least a dozen times over the years. Even when they lose, I don’t see them fumble it around, get a bunch of penalties, lose their cool. As far as doing the little things, not wasting opportunities … that’s what you see. Even when they don’t have the most individual talent, they usually have a pretty deep team of guys who play sharp.
If St. John Fisher beats Mount Union, you will have beaten them. So in that sense, it is a great opportunity, not anything to be afraid of, to measure yourself against the best.
I don’t get anything out of telling you all that. I’ve got know connection to Mount. I’ve just been watching them do this since 1997 or thereabouts, and for those of you that obviously haven’t, you need your history lesson.
“Heart, Purpose, and Dedication. Perhaps if you stopped by any of our other battles you would’ve seen all of the above come out on the field.”
That’s wonderful, dear. Are you trying to say SJF has a monopoly on those things?
Every game we see every weekend, we see those things come out on the field. That’s a hallmark of D3, it doesn’t give you an advantage over anyone, at least not anyone left at this point. Some teams might not have the talent, or the gameplan or the health or whatever, but pretty much across the board you see D3 teams giving good effort, playing with class and heart, etc.
P.S., I know UWW vs. Wesley enrollment was only mentioned in passing, but it’s not quite the same thing as it is in high school, where your enrollment = the pool of players you draw from. I’m sure UWW’s roster size is something similar to Wesley’s, MUC’s and SJF’s … maybe more enrollment, or state vs. private equals more money, but colleges and boosters can also raise funds to keep pace with or surpass their larger rivals. FWIW.
P.P.S. … Elaborate on how Robinson is used differently than ’04. Does that mean Reile is mixed in more, or the passing game has been fleshed out? I’m curious.
Gotta run, hopefully we’ve all got plenty to respond to here. Good blogging with you all.
Pat, re: the 1:44 a.m. post …
“Hondo today: “Pat and Keith, and D3 Football – Wrong Again… “
Not only that, we were right (or at least I was) on Fisher the past two weeks even though Union and Springfield were pretty serious-looking opponents where we could have easily gone against.
Clearly, Pat, few heeded the call to link their right to smack-talk the picks of others to their ability to make their own picks.
VOJ,
“that was a pretty general post about the depth in the East…no where does it say except in the West”
My East-region-is-deep post at 1:01 p.m.
“but the East Region, as a whole, had more good, playoff-caliber teams than any region but the West.”
I don’t know how much more clear I can make it.
I was all set to apologize for the cheap shot … you may not be a fool, but if you post before you read, claim you re-read, and then still miss the obvious …. you can make yourself seem like one.
I’m certain you can go back four or five weeks since I started sharing the opinion about the East’s depth, and there will always be a caveat for the West. No. 6 seed Occidental at 10-0 is about as deep as it gets. And UWW at the top … West was the best overall region this year, no matter how you slice it, my opinion on that has not changed.
Agreed, and I will call them on it if necessary. 🙂
Keith,
re: Enrollement, on the contrary, consider Rowan when they were just Glassboro state. They did OK, but anyone who knows the area in which the school is located, would tell you that getting a top prospect to go there regardless of the quality of the team will certainly be easier with a larger enrollement, activities, and facilities (especially after a $100 million endowement). I beleive any coach would agree to that. If you ask Drass what the condition of the Athletic facilities when he arrived at Wesley years back, he will tell you it was deplorable. Having said that, Mt. Union is not much bigger in student body size than Wesley, which makes the “dynasty’ that they have created that much more impressive considering my position on enrollement. I would agree however that it is not as important as in a high school setting for your “pool” of players, merely what the size/fascilities/activities has to offer a prospect. Consider also that in D3 with no scholarships, a coach needs every edge possible.
You mentioned roster size, I suspect that most teams out there have roughly the same size roster, those with a JV program and who can afford it certainly carry a bigger roster. Wouldn’t that help with the developement of the team??? Just a thought!
P.P.S. … Elaborate on how Robinson is used differently than ‘04. Does that mean Reile is mixed in more, or the passing game has been fleshed out? I’m curious.
Keith, this offense is not predicated on giving Mark 35 carries a game anymore. He gets about 24 carries a game at the most now. Reile and Robinson are on some kind of set rotation, so he’s sure to get 10 carries. Also the passing game is much more efficient, it doesnt get the big plays downfield as much as it used but it moves the chains constantly. Thats why your not seeing 30 plus carry games from him, which is a shame because he is so effective at wearing down people as a game goes on. This offense is more efficient and is now playing in the Semis so who am i to complain?
flushthejohnnies,
“Fisher might beat MU this week. Whats up with LK benching Jorris for two bad series. He wasnt hurt was he??? Guy has been money for this team the last two years. With other guy MU is one dimensional and can’t throw the ball. They may get by Fisher, but a one dimentional team will get smoked by UWW. ”
He is not as one dimensional as you think. Here are his 12 games stats:
PASSING GP Effic Att-Cmp-Int Pct Yds TD Lng Avg/G
————————————————————————–
Greg Micheli 12 176.45 99-72-1 72.7 932 8 51 77.7
Rachacha,
I respect your loyalty to SJF. And I give them tons of props for the season they have had so far. But if you take a look at Mount’s season so far, you will notice that they haven’t given up more than 2 TD’s in any game all year. You are predicting SJF will score 5???? In December, in crappy weather, when everyone knows that defenses control these games. Those 17-14 scores by MUC and WW yesterday weren’t flukes. It’s all about defense right now. By the way, I’d be more than happy to take Mount and 13 1/2 if you are offereing. :o)
Pat and keith no hard feelings about your picks….Honestly pushed to it if I was a media man I would have probably made similar picks…the way I see it Fisher is a team that has nothing to lose…No one picked them to get here… No one expected it…So if they go out and lose to MUC as the odds show then hey look at how great of a season they had… But if they pull off the imposible..and knock of the giant….then we have a true cindarella story that we can all be proud of…
and Keith, Robinson was A) the main back in 2004 B) had to be a larger part of the offense because the QB was not as good or was the team in general…the team has gotten better and so has the offense…so they don’t need robinson 30 carries a game
Superman57
Not sure why you think no one picked SJF to get this far. I picked them to get here, and I have no loyalty to them whatsoever. They have had a great year. If they win next week, then I would agree with you that “NO ONE” picked them to get that far. Good Luck.
Main Jack sorry when I say no one I mean look back at what pat and keith have said and both thought rowan would be here or wilkes or Springfield… and Fisher has so far ran through their opponents…now I can’t say that they haven’t faced a D like MUC’s because Rowan is up there but it is very fair to say that they havent seen an o like MUC’s Springfield is the closest to MUC but MUC is 10 times better
Haven’t heard anyone refer to Mount Union as one-dimensional since the pre-Chuck Moore days. 🙂
Super57
Pat & Keith get to see alot of different teams play during the season, compared to most, who only see their team and their opponents. They typically have a pretty good feel for what will happen. it’s easy to look at Rowan and believe that somehow they will find a way, simply because for the most part, they always do. Just from looking at scores, i didn’t feel Rowan was as strong this year as they usually are. With the exception of the first Springfield game, SJF has done a nice job. But everyone is always looking at Pat & Keith as the soothsayers, and it’s a tough position to be in. I admire the dedication they have to D3, and in looking at the things they say and predict, they usually are far ahead of the curve when it comes to being accurate. You need to cut them a little slack, and rejoice in the fact that SJF is in the semi’s. Hope your trip to Alliance is a pleasant one.
I thought that one-dimensional comment was pretty funny myself. Obviously they weren’t in Alliance to see the weather conditions, and to know that LK made a decision to control clock and keep Rocky Pentello off of the field. There is also the X factor of having to prepare for Mount now. Do you assume that Micheli will be the QB? Do you assume that Jorris will be back. Do you prepare for the run or the pass or both? Great coaches have a way of making life miserable for opponents.
Mainjack you really did not read my post then…because I said I would have made the same decision that they did bassed on what they have seen…now where I don’t agree with what you said is that they choose to make pics just as all of us who put up scores on these boards…when your wrong just as in life…oyu get a little slack…. Ask Portgrad it has become a tradition now that we have him pick against fisher because he is now 0-4 and when picking against fisher and in 3 of those games fisher has won by 28+ alfred 41-13 Union 49-21 and Rowan 31-0 so I have nothing against pat or keith for their picks…just giving them some slack…and will absolutly enjoy Allaince…going to go with some friends and will try to hit up the HOF….
Thanks for the props Keith! I think fanatic would be much closer than ambassador though, LOL.
As for the camara deal, I stopped bringing mine this year. For those who have experienced Stone Station, they know there are certain weekly traditions that just aren’t conducive to photography. Like “the inner circle”, and the detour to the closest Hooters on the ride home from every road trip. As they say in Vegas, what happens at Stone Station, stays at Stone Station! LOL. In all honesty its fun tailgating with any D3 fan in the country, PERIOD!
My game camera only comes out if it gets me on the the field.
ps. I have seen CNU,WILKES,W&J, and ROWAN in weeks 1 and 2 of the playoffs. What I saw at Wesley was definitely two Top 8 D3 teams. Those were some of the biggest hits I’ve seen in years at that game. As I said yesterday, “Its usually not until the Stagg that you see two rams lock horns, but that game had Stagg Bowl feel and talent on both sides of the field.” This year’s Final 8 may have been the best ever as a group in the D3 playoffs. IMO
For those who are worried that Wesley isn’t able to run the ball, it should be noted that they have five backs with more than 38 carries this season. They run it – they just didn’t against UMHB because they knew they could be more effective focusing on the passing game.
I mean, who really wants to try to run against MHB…they allowed an average of 28 rushing yards per game
Super57,
IMHO, the football HOF is very dissappointing compared to the Baseball HOF. But you can decide that for yourself. If you get to Alliance on Friday, stop in at the Neighborhood Inn. it’s about a block from campus. You’ll be treated well.
Chances are will come in on Saturday but looking to possibly stay saturday night
D3 Keith & Pat
Coaching will win the Fisher/MCU game…not just the players. Remember that…
Fisher57,
Yes it will and what coach do you think most would rather have on the sideline in a national semifinal? You predicted SJF so I’m not really sure what your point is about coaching. Mount Union’s coaching at this level has been proven over time and time and time and time and (well you get it) time again.
It’s abmirable that the SJF crowd is so behind their team but we’ve seen this so many times. At least you chose your team in a close game. Anyone from SJF that predicts a 2 touchdown win in Alliance is smoking something I haven’t seen in a long time. Look at Mount Union’s record. With the exception of an 18 point loss to St. John’s in the 2003 Stagg Bowl no one has beaten them by more than 13 points since 1989. Let that sink in, 1989!! If your team wins it will be a hard fought victory. If not, they’re just like everyone else that waltzes into Alliance.
Fisher57,
D3K and Pat have been around long enough to know what wins games. MUC is rightfully favored….but not guaranteed….to win. Personally, I’m pulling for you guys. UMHB did it two years ago, and you have just as good a shot as they did.
on any given day anything can hapen anyone can beat anyone…why not saturday
Pat, Keith, thank you for the kind comments. Gordon, it was good seeing you Saturday. Been a very long weekend for me, just getting on ant here it is Sunday evening. I may not want to come around much because it looks like St. John Fisher is already running into the “yes they are great but they haven’t played us” stuff. I’m just glad to be playing another week, that was a game either team could have won. So who will be representing D3.com in Alliance this coming weekend?
Superman,
You’re right. It can happen. But to think that they’ll come in and dominate and win by 2 touchdowns or more is just plain silly. It hasn’t been done in Alliance since sometime in the 1980’s. SJF has a very difficult task in front of them. Kudos to SJF for their accomplishments thus far this season.
BucksFan I agree that it is unlikely but maybee we all need to watch Little Giants again…I mean Robinson looks a little like icebox…JK mark
Seriously some of you SJF faithful are just over the top….
Im a graduate of there and played there and I am hoping like hell they are going to pull it out this weekend. However, to say that SJF is going to walk in there and light up MUC for 5 TDs is just crazy.
If SJF is going to win this game they are going to have to do what they have done all season in running robinson and having kramer manage the game by keeping the chains moving and chewing up the clock. If they do that and dont turn the ball over they’ve got a real chance.
IMO SJF will give MUC a run and the game will be decided in the closing moments.
Here’s what I have to say about the SJF / Mount Union game (Pat Coleman I hope you read this)… Mount Union is the number 1 team in the country, and will remain that way until beaten… They have an awesome football program, and they have earned the respect from anyone who knows anything about football in this civilized world… Period…
Perhaps we’re just looking for a little respect as well… To be here deserves something (I would think)… Can we beat Mount Union – you better bet we can… Will we beat Mount Union – remains to be seen… Are we intimidated by Mount Union – not at all… Will we be the under-dogs – yes we will… Will we be ready for the chance of a lifetime – you bet we will… Will any respect for either team be lost come Saturday – not by this Fisher fan it won’t… And just one other thing – Fisher has this Teamwork thing going on, where they seem to feed off each other, and have what I call a “Refuse-to-Lose” attitude… Let’s face it, they’re not going to get any bigger, stronger, or faster by Saturday, but with this attitude, who knows… Maybe the ball bounces their way a few times…
And, so I don’t get character assinated by being weak and not posting a score, or playing Monday morning Quaterback, I’ll give you a score… SJF 31 – Mount Union 27… If I’m right “Great” we go to Salem, VA, if I’m wrong, I pull for Mount Union in the Stagg Bowl; but I respect the daylights out of both teams…
Now for the really important stuff. Gotta find out who my alma mater (Ohio State) is going to play for the BCS Championship.
Ric,
I grew up next to the quarterback that got it started for Mount Union. Scott Wolfe transferred from Ohio State to Mount Union and played in two playoff games against Augustana when Augustana was king. Mount Union gave those guys all they could handle back then.
the originalupstate,
Now THAT sounds like a solid gameplan.
upstate I agree with you some of these woodwork fisher fans need to get a grip on it and realize this is quite possibly the toughest game fisher has ever played
original upstate,
C’mon… that is what fans are, over the top.. that is what makes us fans.
If we are going to be the best, we have to beat the best.
Fisher57….
There is a difference between being a “Fan” and a “Fanatic”.
True that on being the best. However your not going to be the best if you disrespect the best.
Original,
GREAT point on disrespecting the best… as you and I have both played for the program, you and I both know that it only matters if the guys in the locker-room respect their opponent; this squad undoubtedly does. I can care less what the fans say.. it only makes it interesting!
I want the team that lines up against the best with an “i’m better than you” mind set….. you had it, I had it and everyone that has donned the red and gold had it… this team sure does… look for one of the best games in recent playoff history…. gut feel.
Bucksfan, Wolfe was on the very best of a lot of great QB’s to play at Mount Union.
Hondo:
I’m glad that you as a person are not intimidated. I would assume you’re not a player, though (doubt Coach Vosburgh would approve) so I’m not sure what effect that’s supposed to have. 🙂
Personally I think Pat nailed it in his 1:46pm post. If Mt Union is giving up 22 yards/gm on the ground, what makes SJF’s run game better than the others they have faced this year?
Believe me I have been in your shoes as far as the trip to Alliance goes. Ric and HSCoach can attest that we at Bridgewater talked and talked about how we were going to upend the purple raiders in 2003. It was the best defense in BC’s history and was ranked in the Top 5 in the country. To boot, BC had played Mt. Union to a 3pt game in the 2001 Stagg Bowl. All know the result, a 66-0 loss. My point is that you need to be balanced on defense and offense to have a chance at winning in Alliance. I think SJF will give Mt Union a game for a half but all bets are off after that.
what makes SJF different Rowan was holding people to 50 yards per game and go look and see what Fisher did to Rowan….Not saying that they will do it to MUC but they;ve done it before
I’m not sure I would use Rowan as a measuring stick to Mt. Union, atleast not this year. I saw Rowan play Wilkes in person and attributed Wilkes’ 101 yrds rushing to field conditions. In hindsite I was wrong once I saw the SJF gashed them for 175yrds on Saturday.
The difference between Rowan and Mt. Union is this:
Rowan defensive rushing yards allowed (prior to the playoffs) = 42yds/gm
Rowan defensive rushing yards allowed (during the playoffs) = 117 yds/gm
-not includung the SJF game
Mt Union defensive rushing yards allowed (prior) = 21.5yds/gm
Mt Union defensive rushing yards allowed (during) = 37.5 yds/gm
-not including the Capital game
So as you can see the Rowan run defense was not the same in the playoffs, thus making the 175yds rushing last week not such a suprise. Churn out more than 125yrds against Mount and you might have you a ballgame.
Mount Union’s offense is going to be on the field just a touch longer than Rowan’s was. MUC’s time of possession was 38 minutes this week. I think it’s safe to say the Purple Raiders can pretty much keep their defense off the field if they want to.
THIS IS AL ABOUT RESPECT! I was sitting at the Fisher Game on Saturday and after every defensive Fisher stand I was obviously excited but grew madder and madder. How can the self proclaimed D-3 experts, who haven’t seen this team play all season run the smack they have over the past 4 weeks. How can they be so far off on how great the defense of Rowan is. Then it hits me when I open the D-3 page. Fisher slays the “Beast of the East”. Beast of what? Its not about how good you are. The fact that you have defeated 4 or is it 5 national ranked teams handily, or the fact that you have 5 defensive shut outs, or that you have been in the top 10 on most of the NCAA stats all season, and in the top 8 of strength of schedule all season, (Rowain 33) NO its about history and being proclaimed by the experts that you are the Beast of the East. Well for one happy and prond fan there is a new Beast of the East and its time for the esperts to proclaim it.
Run smack? Get a grip. If you can’t handle someone picking against your team then you probably shouldn’t be reading picks.
At this level all the teams are good. At some point you have to pick AGAINST a good team. That doesn’t mean you …
You know what, I’m not going to continue. This isn’t worthy raising my blood pressure over.
I know that as a parent you’ve only seen the St. John Fisher games all season. Step outside the bubble and see some other D-III games before you criticize. Oh, and again, I didn’t see YOUR picks either.
Pat,
When you played college football, how many experts picked against your team?
Pat,
Also, fairly classy of you going after a parent of a player of SJFC. Leave them alone… they could not be happier for their son(s) at this point. Learn how to take critisism, or stop blogging and shut down your site. In your words.. “If you can’t handle someone [having an opinion about your picks] then you probably shouldn’t be [making] picks.
JT I am a FISHER Alum and I am asking you to stop you are making us look bad… WHO CARES if pat picks against us…HONESTLY I DON’T pat is doing his job so lay off of him for the good of the rest of the Fisher Fans I ask all fisher fans to lay off pat and let him do his job…if you think you can do what he does better go start your own website…untill your website is a successful as pat’s is lay off
Well for what its worth, two of the computer indices have Fisher as 14 pt and 9 pt underdogs to Mt Union. I would take that as a compliment that it would be viewed that close. Don’t shoot the D3 gurus if they see it differently. Afterall, they know more about the true strengths of the D3 football world. That being said, on any given Saturday anything can happen. I’m just glad the knowledgeable guys on this site are willing to go out on a limb and make a prediction. If its wrong, so be it. As a weekly pick’em participant, I know how hard it is to be right 75% of the time and when it comes to the playoffs, they usually do even better than that.
Fisher57: When you worked in the national media and ran your own Web site, how many picks did you make?