Hello everyone and welcome to Salem Stadium. This is John McGraw for D3football.com and I’ll be blogging throughout today’s game between Mount Union and UW-Whitewater. Pat Coleman and Keith McMillan are broadcasting live on NCAASports.com and Pat Cummings is down on the sidelines. Gordon Mann and I will be handling the half time show and already hosted the opening part of the pre-game show.
Kick-off is officially scheduled for 4:13 PM EST. The stands are just about completely full on the home side of the field, full of purple and black clad Mount Union fans. UW-Whitewater will be the visitor and their fans take up about 2/3 of the bleachers on the other side of the field. Fans are still making their way into the stadium from the tailgate. There was a great turn-out at the Stone Station tailgate and we thank the Bridgewater folks for their great hospitality.
It’s a gorgeous afternoon for football. Temperatures right now are in the 60s and there’s not a cloud in the sky. You couldn’t pick out better weather for a football game in mid-December.
For Mount Union, Pierre Garcon was warming up without any type of protective cast on his hand. He looked good in warm-ups catching passes, so we’ll see how he does once the game begins.
Don’t forget, later on tonight, the D3football.com All-America team will be posted on D3football.com. We made the official announcement during the pre-game show. Congratulations to all of those selected.
More from Salem to come. We’ll have scoreboard updates on the front page of the web site.
Whitewater won the coin toss, but deferred and Mount Union will take the ball first.
This is the first time in Stagg Bowl history that the two teams are playing each other in back-to-back seasons. Remember Mount Union won last year, 35-28.
This is a meeting of the number one and number two teams in the D3football.com Top 25. The Purple Raiders and Warhawks were number one and two in the poll the entire season.
We’re just coming out of a slight delay and now we are finally set for action. Stagg Bowl XXXIV, here we go! Hope you’re enjoying listening wherever you are around the country.
Great run a moment ago by Michael Jorris. It looked like he was going to be taken down in the backfield, but he eluded a plethora of white shirts and gained a first down.
Jorris and Greg Michali will both see playing time under center today for Mount Union. The first drive, its Michael Jorris – the championship quarter for last year’s Stagg Bowl winner.
One of the key battles in today’s game will be between Ryan Kleppe and Whitewater’s stout defensive line against Mount Union’s rugged offensive line. It will be a big battle with Whitewater’s line against the Mount Union defense led by Justen Stickley. Whomever wins the battle in the trenches could have the inside track to taking home the Walnut and Bronze.
Just over two minutes in, and we’re already at our first media timeout. It’ll be a challenge for both teams since neither has had to deal with them all season long. A matter of turning the switch off and then back on quickly in a matter of moments.
We have our first turnover of the game, just a little under two and a half minutes into the first quarter. Nate Kmic breaks off a nice run inside the Whitewater 30, but he loses the football and Whitewater recovers. Mount’s offensive line gave Kmic a huge hole. At the end of the run, he was stripped as he was carrying the ball a little looser than normal.
Heck of a response by Mount, a seven yard sack of a tentative Justin Jacobs.
So far, both teams look content to run the football. There’s a completion to Derek Stanley as I type, but its short of a first down. Slight breeze pushing around the flags on the top of the visitors grandstand. It is getting colder however as the sun starts to go down to the left of the press box.
Whitewater goes four and out and Mount will get the football at their own 32 yard line out of the the media timeout.
By the way, that fumble by Nate Kmic is his first since week two of the season.
It looks like we may be in for a good, old-fashioned defensive struggle. Whitewater’s defense tightens and Mount moves nowhere on offensive. Jorris looked for Garcon twice – one turned into an incomplete pass as Garcon was in double-coverage. The second time, Jorris didn’t get off a pass as he was sacked.
It has to be a tough thing for the defense, of both teams, to come out ready to play, and then have to head back to the sidelines to wait for the end of the media timeout.
By the way, you can see the D3football.com staff’s picks of today’s game elsewhere in the Daily Dose Blog.
Well one thing is for certain with picks, the purple team will take home the Walnut and Bronze.
Another offensive sequence, another defensive stop. Whitewater starts off promising with a good run by Beaver. But, a busted running play turns into a near ten yard loss on a bad pitch that wounded up going out of bounds. Then, on third down, Whitewater runs a draw up the middle to Beaver thats immediately stopped at the line. Jacobs so far hasn’t looked good in the pocket. He’s had time, but credit the Mount secondary for not allowing any Warhawk receivers to get open.
As I finish typing that last paragraph, Jorris completes a long pass to Pierre Garcon who was in one-on-one coverage. But, holding on Mount Union negates the completion.
Mount Union opened up their arsenal at the end of their last possession, but Jorris was not able to hook up with Pierre Garcon. Garcon nearly made a stumbling catch up the far sideline into Whitewater territory, but the ball squirted lose as he went down and the pass was ruled incomplete and the official said he never had possession. Jorris went downfield again, this time over the middle, but into double coverage and the pass went incomplete.
Whitewater’s driving as we role towards the later stages of the first quarter. Justin Beaver and the Whitewater offensive line are taking over. Beaver’s gaining quality yardage on runs between the tackles. And then a swing pass to Lance Douglas picked up another first down for the Warhawks. The key to the play was a super upfield block by Derek Stanley.
Whitewater continues to drive and they’re inside the red zone.
Also, a hand-off to Neil Mrkvicka gained a good chunk of yardage around the righ
Whitewater takes the lead, 3-0 on a field goal by freshman kicker Jeff Schebler. 2:14 remaining in the first quarter.
A solid, blue collar-like drive out of the Warhawks there. Again, it was keyed by the running of Justin Beaver. But, it wasn’t all Beaver as the offense spread the ball around and worked deep into Mount Union territory. But, the drive stalled after an incomplete pass by Jacobs. But, the Warhawks did put three points on the scoreboard.
It’s the first time that Mount Union has trailed in a game since last year’s Stagg Bowl. That’s a streak of 59 consecutive quarters. But, we know what happened last year here in Salem.
The Purple Raiders are now going with Greg Micheli under center and have progressed up to mid-field.
Hawks looked good on that field goal drive..Keep it up guys!
End of the first quarter here in Salem, Virginia.
Whitewater 3 Mount 0
Coming into the game, Mount Union was outscoring opponents 233-17 in the first quarter. The Purple Raiders were also held scoreless in the first quarter earlier this season against Baldwin-Wallace. That game, played in Berea, ended up as a 14-0 Mount Union victory.
And also, what a great effort out of Stagg Bowl veteran Pat Cummings today. Pat’s pulling double-duty. He was out in the parking lot for the Stone Station tailgate during the pre-game show with live updates. And now, he’s the sideline reporter for our Internet broadcast. Pat was part of the very first D3football.com Stagg Bowl broadcast back in the 1990s.
Followed by a good looking TD drive by MU…”sigh”
Mount Union looks like a different team with Greg Micheli under center. The Purple Raiders are starting to move the ball at will against the Whitewater defense. Wow! Micheli completes a long pass to Garcon down the near sideline. Garcon was pushed out of bounds as he came down. Looked like he was going to stay in bounds. The referees review the play and it stands. Hmm, that’s always interesting. It’s a different type of environment when you go from no replays to replays in the championship game. I believe the I-AA playoffs and D-II playoffs are the same way come championship round time.
Touchdown Mount Union. Micheli with a touchdown pass (I believe to Anthony Antonucci) and the Purple Raiders jump into the lead, 7-3. We’re just over a minute into the second quarter. That was a 8-play-62 yard drive over three minutes and 12 seconds.
Whitewater goes three and out but oh boy, Derek Stanley just made a heck of a stick on special teams on the Mount Union punt return. It probably would have been a good idea to call for a fair catch in that situation.
And how many times during the season do you see an All-American wide receiver make a big tackle like that on special teams? Not often if any. It takes a special type of player to be on special teams. Especially in the role of a gunner. That’s the position that streaks down the field first on the punt team trying to tackle the return man after he gets the ball.
Though, Mount Union does get the ball back now. It appears Mr. Micheli is staying in the game for Mount Union. Hand-off to Garcon and he gains about five yards.
It looks like Pierre Garcon’s hand is holding up well. That just creates another dimension for the Mount Union offense. Whitewater isn’t helping themselves with poor tackling technique on Nate Kmic. He’s an elusive runner, but arm tackling him isn’t going to work.
Be sure to tune into to our show at the half. We’ll be joined by several guests including a member or two of the NCAA selection committee. Plus, we have lots of other surprises coming up at the break.
The Mount offense is now turning into the Micheli-Kmic-Garcon show. A face-mask on Whitewater sends the Purple Raiders into enemy territory.
Touchdown Mount Union. Micheli on a quarterback keeper breaking out of nowhere to run into the end zone. 6:52 left in the first half. This is not the position that Whitewater wants to be in right now.
Mount 14 Whitewater 3
Whitewater’s offense has been stalling the last few times on the field. Their defense will need a stop on Mount Union’s next possession. But, the way Micheli is playing, that could be easier said than done.
Big play of the drive is Michelli’s fourth down pass completion to keep the drive alive. He’s now seven-of-seven passing and has been a stark contrast to Michael Jorris.
Whitewater needs a score here on this drive.
Nate Kmic has broken Mount Union’s single-season rushing record. The previous record was held by Dan Pugh of 2,303 yards. Entering the game, Kmic just needed 49 yards to break the record.
81-yard kickoff return by Jordan Wells. He beats the kicker but nearly gets horse-collar tackled at the ten-yard line. A penalty puts Whitewater in the shadow of the end zone. Just over six minutes to go in the first half.
Touchdown Whitewater. Jacobs dives across the goal line on second down and goal to put Whitewater right back in the game.
But, the real onus is on their defense now. The Warhawk defense has been pushed around their last two times on the field. If they can hold the score at 14-10, they’ll be in good shape.
If anything, that return by Jordan Wells certainly shows how important special teams can be.
Mount 14 Whitewater 10, 5:46 left in the half.
Jordan Wells with a great return! Followed by a TD! MU 14-UW-W 10
Jacobs fumble on third down forces Hawks to settle for a FG. MU 14-UW-W 13 at half. Hawks will have ball on offense to start second half. Go Hawks!
Flush is a bit silent right now. But hell, there’s still time for WW to score another 36 points.
One hell of a game so far.
I have a suggestion about Flush. Ignore him. All he wanted was the attention.
Division III putting on a great show for ESPN so far. Big crowd, great game, well played.
Nice to bring hit the high notes when you’re on the biggest stage.
I’ll agree with you on that. As good as can be expected. Defense on both teams play solid. Let’s hope for some of the same in the second half.
if this catch stands by stanley thats amazing…he caught it then it looks like it got punched out and then he retained possession again…tough call
ww has shot itself in the foot alot today though…the little things could really add up and you cant miss opportunities against a great team like mount union
Huge sack by Ryan “The Animal” Kleppe and INT by Farley! Followed by a highlight reel catch by Stanley which is reviewed and stands as called!
and yet another one…i cant even give credit to mount union on this…just dropped the ball…ww again playing one of its sloppier games in the stagg…
Second half is underway here at Salem Stadium. Mount Union’s first possession results in an interception. Micheli was looking for Garcon but the defensive back gained the inside position and made the interception.
Garcon then did his best Kurt Angle impression and dropped the defensive back on his head with a waistlock takedown. I can’t imagine how that looked on television.
Jacobs completes a bomb to Stanley down the far sideline that looks close to an incomplete pass. They’re discussion the play now. One of the side judges was ruling complete, another incomplete. Too close to call from here. They’re calling it a catch to Stanley and the Whitewater roars pierce the Salem night sky.
Thanks for Steve Mohr from Trinity (TX) for joining our halftime covering on the NCAAsports.com Internet broadcast.
I must say also that Keith McMillan wins the award for most stylish on the D3football.com staff today. It’s all about the blue and green tie.
As I write that, Whitewater’s Justin Beaver fumbles and Mount Union recovers, still leading, 14-13, with 9:51 left in teh third quarter.
Momentum is up for the taking now as Whitewater stuffs Mount’s first play after the fumble.
Crap. Turnover by UWW. Let’s get it back Men!
2 fumbled exchanges by beaver and jacobs and jacobs missed two recievers, one in the end zone and one that could have been a td on 3rd and 3…just real frustrating right now…however i have faith in the defense our linebackers are looking good and farley is having himself a game…please boys limit those mistakes!
Well, defense steps up to prevent any further damage. We can’t have afford any more turnovers if we expect to prevail.
i said this on a different board…other then the exchanges that were fumbled, ww hasnt been stopped on the ground…they gotta keep running it…thats what got them here…im kind of in awe that berezowitz is throwing on 3rd and 3 and 3rd and 2 when we have beaver in the back field ripping off like 4 yards a carry
Over halfway through the third quarter and neither team seems to be able to put together a sustained offensive drive.
It’s a tired broadcasting metaphor, but this is like a heavyweight title fight. The two teams are jabbing back and forth. Each has the power to score a big blow, but they’re keeping their guard up for the most part and just jabbing. It looked like Beaver’s fumble may hurt Whitewater, but it didn’t turn out that way.
Greg Micheli’s remained in the game at quarterback for Mount. We haven’t seen Jorris since the first quarter. I’d suspect it’ll be Micheli the rest of the way. But, with a steady dose of Nate Kmic.
It’s gotten progressively colder as we’ve moved on. Still not too bad as we’re under dark skies in Salem. The wind though has died down. It was steadier in the first half but now, the flags on the opposite side of the stadium aren’t moving.
Speaking of moving, Mount’s starting the move the ball now. Whitewater is at the point where its bend but not break. It’s only a one-point game right now. Whitewater can’t afford to give up a big play.
Well, there it is. Garcon makes a catch and goes about 30 yards for a touchdown. You could seen the difference in speed and athleticism right there. Garcon was just too fast. Anthony Antonucci made a great upfield block to secure the touchdown.
Mount 21 Whitewater 13, 5:30 left in the third quarter. Still lots of football left.
i hope berezowitz saw how they just scored…drag stanley over the middle on a slant and let him run…hes just as fast as garcon if not faster…just run the offense, and dont try getting it all on one play
MU scores-MU-21-UW-W 13 at 5:19 in 3rd.. Let’s go Hawks!
for christmas i want a ball to be not over thrown…thats all i want!
blocked kick…mount union scores…this is whitewater losing the game…im not even impressed with mount union…uhhh frustration…
Looks like we will have to mount a big comeback after that mess! Let’s go Hawks! Settle down now.
I can’t believe UWW didn’t adjust their punt protection. The previous punt was almost blocked and they appeared to do nothing to correct it. This time it costs them w/ MUC blocking the punt and returning it to the house.
Touchdown Mount Union. Blocked punt turns into a return for a touchdown. Credit the touchdown to Mike Rees of the Purple Raiders. The punter for Whitewater had no chance to get that kick off. There were many black shirts that gained penetration and the ball was stuffed right on the kickers foot.
Going back to the heavyweight title metaphor, Mount’s just landed a pair of big shots and now Whitewater is reeling. The Warhawks would benefit themselves greatly with a score here.
Mount’s fans are really fired up. Credit the Whitewater fans, they’re still in the game. In a lot of situations, fans seeing their team down by two scores start to clam up. The Warhawk fans are still loud and proud – the UWW band helps.
Offensively, Whitewater looks just a completion away from a big play. Last two drives, Jacobs has had open receivers, but just not been able to connect on passes. Mount continues to kick away from Jordan Wells.
i dont wanna sound like a sore loser or bad soirt…but this is whitewater losing this game…they havent adjusted…they went away from their bread and butter in the run game (now they have to pass a little more) we’re only down by 15 but jacobs is overthrowing guys like hes trying to do it…i just really hope we can mount some sort of comeback like last year…but we shouldnt dig ourself a hole like last year…sorry for fuming before the game is over…i just hate seeing ww play two of their sub par games the last two years in the stagg bowl
Settle for another FG. (which is better than nothing) Only works though, if we can stop MU. We need to step up on defense now. Let’s go guys…..
I just got back from a basketball game that I had wanted to see. LaGrange had traveled to University of Dallas, and gave me my first chance to see a GSAC team this year.
I sat next to one of the LaGrange fans, who turns out to be a Mount Union grad! She pulls out her Treo and connects to the Internet!
Isn’t it fun!
I have to say that the ESPN announcers are more balanced this year in their commentary than they were last year on ESPN 2.
Gotta love that technology. Sports on demand!
this one’s over folks. nice job by both teams. seems pretty clear kehres was holding back past 2 weeks, because he let it all out today.
Where is Flushed?
Ain’t over yet……but they started the bus.
Another touchdown for the Purple Raiders, Micheli to Antonucci. That makes it a three-score game for UW-Whitewater.
Mount 35 Whitewater 16, 10:59 left in the game
Mount’s offense is firing on all cylinders right now. Garcon’s made some big catches and even found himself on the throwing end of a wide receiver option. He’s gotten knocked around pretty good tonight. I guess it shows you how tough a kid he really is. Remember, before he came to Mount, he played football at Norwich. Norwich has a corps of cadets and is basically like a military academy.
Whitewater’s not out of it yet but time right now is the enemy. They settled for a field goal on their last possession. Now, a touchdown is realistically the only thing that’s going to keep them in the game.
Well, a big return by Mrkvicka is a start. He lost his footing at his own 45 and took a hard lick before he hit the deck. He and Derek Stanley now have to be an option in the air, add Pete Schmitt to that mix as well.
They drink together!
Great championship game. Have to give credit to UWW – they came to play and never backed down.
Micheli did a good job at QB for MUC. Efficient and effective in moving the ball downfield. Garcon is a great athlete and probably MVP of the game.
Although I’ll give the MUC defense some credit, UWW QB Jacobs overthrew 3 WIDE OPEN receivers on passes that would have easily been touchdowns for UWW – was the difference in the game IMO.
in ww we dont lose…cuz we got booze!!!
good year boys…nothing to be disappointed about…just gotta make shirts that say “Still Unfinished Business”
Whitewater cannot answer Mount’s touchdown and they turn the ball over on downs. The Warhawks moved the ball to around the Mount 20 yard line. A big sack by the Purple Raiders forced Whitewater back. Then, Jacobs was not able to find a receiver or third or fourth and 20. He had time I think on both plays, but the passes were too high, too hard and in one case, he threw to two black jersey’s in the end zone.
One of the big differences in the second half is the quarterbacking. Micheli has played very very well and completed numerous passes to Garcon and Antonucci. Meanwhile, outside of a few completions, Jacobs hasn’t looked good. Combine that with Whitewater’s defense not being able to stop Mount and its turned into large Mount lead.
Remember, after the game, keep your audio at NCAASports.com. We’ll have coverage of the press conferences following the game and a whole lot more. We’re the only outlet that will be covering the press conferences in their entirety.
When was the last performance as poor as Jacobs’ today in the Stagg Bowl?
And I’d suggest that UWW went away from the run too early and too often. Once you see how much Jacobs is struggling today, why keep tossing it up?