Fifteen weeks and 1,100 games have led to this, Stagg Bowl XXXV, between Mount Union and UW-Whitewater.
If you’re new to Division III, these teams have met in the Stagg Bowl each of the previous two years as well. How have things changed since? What can UW-Whitewater do differently in 2007 than it did in 2006 and 2005? What will the Stagg Bowl be like with a healthy Pierre Garcon and Justin Beaver?
Get ready for the Stagg Bowl with Keith McMillan and Pat Coleman’s take in this week’s Around the Nation podcast.
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Very few on here have proclaimed MUC the winner before even playing. As I read the posts, most of the hype to Mount is based on indisputable fact. It may be true that personal emotion adds to the post but it is based on this past season’s results, etc.
I think we can all agree that this matchup is the best DIII could have envisioned for the Stagg Bowl given not only the results of this season but the last two as well. Just think of the progression. UWW was the favorite in 2005, they were evenly matched last year, and MUC is favored this year. That is balanced.
Given that MUC is the favorite, why would a Raider fan not espouse the reasons why they are favored? Doesn’t guarantee a victory but it supports the ranking and position going into the game.
I am willing to engage in a meaningful debate over the game but will not apologize for supporting my home team and backing up that suport with a mix of fact and opinion.
I hope the game is a battle with MUC emerging victorious!
OU #25: I was told by the Salem Civic Center that “they” (don’t know who “they” are!) look at the final four teams and decide which team would have the greatest chance of filling the east stands for TV coverage. In the case of UWW and Mount, the decision came down to UMHB and Bethel since both UWW and Mount have shown the ability to fill either side for a good TV shot. Apparently “they” felt Bethel could fill the stands better than UMHB would have.
I usually buy my tickets three or four weeks in advance and sit in the same seats every year regardless of who is there, although Mount being there makes in more fun for my little group of Virginians. It can also make for some interesting conversations – some good and sadly, some not so good.
Travel safe in the predicted weather, everyone who is coming in. Hopefully it holds off for 12 hours or so.
Go Mount!
BiasD3FootballFan,
It’s better that they play the game. It gives posters like you something to dream about, One day your team may make it to the big dance to play Mount.
Haven’t heard too much chatter from the UWW fans this year, unlike last two years.
Honestly, a game like this is hard to predict, when the two teams involved played such different opponents. I have to give the strength of schedule to Whitewater (I think UMHB was one of the best teams in the country and UWW played them twice) Last year I would have given MT the strength of schedule, playing Capital twice.
MUC stats are ridiculously dominant, but I’m not sure directly comparing stats tells the whole story.
UWW has a very good football team. This will be the best D and best running game we have faced this year, and they have a lot of playoff experience. I hope the MUC shows up ready to play, and not just show up to pick up the trophy like they did against St. John’s a few years ago. That was the only time I saw such a poor performance from the Raiders in the last 15 yrs, so I don’t expect it will happen this Saturday, but who knows?
I’m sure LK will be prepared and keep his kids focused. I think it will be hard to shut down Micheli, Kmic, Garcon and co. Turnovers, as always, will play a big part in the outcome. Both teams are good at forcing the other team to make mistakes.
My best guess…..
MUC 35
UWW 24
Hey…I really like yellow_jacket what he said about Mount has the best team the best coaches and the best fans.We do i go up to the tailgating every weekend and to the games to cheer the purple raiders on and all of the fans have spirit….and i really think when the players see all the fans in the stands with their spirit they get pumped for the game..and whoever said something about just giving the crown to mount now..well first question Why?? dont u wanna see a GOOD game Saturday.Well you wont if you just give the crown to them now..
Also raiderdude,
Its cool dont worry about….
Another thing if any mount fans would like to know mount players are leaving tonight at 5:45 so go up and cheer them on and say goodbye k just thought i would let you know…
GOOOOOOOOOOO MOUNT KICK ASS SATURDAY!!!!!!!!
ALSO I FORGOT….i really hope to god that Garcon gets drafted this next fall tot he NFL i read the article on the repository site i really beleive in Garcon i know really well and i know hes gonna make it…..GOOD LUCK BUDDY
Well, its Chapter III in the Battle of Dark Purple.
I am flying out from Saint Paul, MN on Friday (third and last time I think). I am just hoping for a good game in this D III trilogy of two heavyweights. I am glad to see most of the posts are pretty tactful and hope the fans behave themselves on Saturday if it gets ugly. I also hope the celebration after scores is not obnoxious – both sides. Act the part as if you have been there before.
I am really pulling for University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (I am a product of UW-Madison for my undergrad. and masters degree) but know they have a formidable task against Mount Union College this time around.
I liked the post from bleedpurple Says: December 11th, 2007 at 8:25 am. Well thought out.
I remain curious what UW-Whitewwater has left in the tank after the game I saw last Saturday. My observations from driving down and seeing them play the playoffs this year versus 2006 is this team seems not as tight. Perhaps there is less pressure on them, given the expectations for 2006, with the number of returning team members and the coach’s last year, etc.
The team (UWW) reminds me of the Buffalo Bills Super Bowl runs in the early 1990s – a bridesmaid but never a bride. As I think about the Bill’s run, esp. against the New York Giants in the first game of four, I wonder if the recipe for beating college’s version of the “Green the Bay Packers 1960s dynasty” (sorry but I grew up in WI) is to keep their offense off the field with slow, deliberate drives – the approach the New York Giants took against Buffalo. Who knows.
Keep up the great posts and best of luck to both teams this weekend.
As impressive as Mount is on offense, their defense is very tough. SJF and Bethel had good O-lines and good RB’s, but Mount completely shut them down. I know UWW probably has a better o-line and certainly the best RB Mount will face this year, but I really think Mount will be able to limit their ground game. In my opinion, I really believe this is going to be a defensive battle. I don’t expect UWW to score alot of points, so they better have their best defensive effort of the season, and hope to capitalize on MUC’s mistakes. I do believe it will be a great game and I cant wait for Sat. I only wish I could be in Salem but TV will have to do.
Since this game is on national TV, will the officiating crew us instant replay?
I don’t remember them using instant replay during last year’s game, but I guess if they have enough cameras available, and a trained officiating crew, it might be a possibility. I was looking through the Stagg Bowl Media Guide earlier today and it didn’t mention anything about it in the section about ESPN’s coverage. It did mention that the announcers will be Pam Ward doing play-by-play, Ray Bentley doing color commentary, and Ron Simmelkjaer on the sidelines.
I guess this is Bentley’s first year doing the Stagg Bowl, but it sounds like he has quite a bit of experience with both football (USFL and the Buffalo Bills, as well as coaching an Arena league team) and in broadcasting (NFL on Fox, Arena League, Buffalo Bills preseason games). I don’t specifically remember hearing him do any games, but sounds like he could be a good addition to the coverage team.
They did use instant replay last year.
As for the game itself, I think UWW has all the talent they need to keep up with Mount, but they need to put it to good use and probably get a little bit lucky. If they focus too much on not making mistakes, they might get conservative and MUC will run away with it. But on the other side, Mount can’t afford to play any less than their best game. UWW should put up more of a fight than anyone MUC has faced this year, and the Warhawks are very adept at capitalizing on mistakes (just ask UMHB). Should be a close, hard fought game, and a great showcase for DIII football.
Thanks for the update on the replay. I was in Salem at the game last year, and now that you mention it, I guess I do remember them using it. It always seems different watching the game on tv vs. actually being at the stadium.
Great dialogue on this post!!
I hope Garcon makes it. Great player.
This UWW team has exceeded many outsider expectations this year. Myself included.
I’m proud to have been a Hawk. Despite the obstacles, these guys will get it done this year.
28-24 WW
Go Hawks!!
Current forecast for Saturday, 38 and Rain. I know Salem does an outstanding job, but I also think that MT and UWW deserve better than 38 and rain. These two teams have battled the elements for four weeks (esp. UWW) and now the biggest game of their football careers…. 38 and rain. The NCAA seems to do a good job saving money by scheduling the playoffs according to proximity, you would think they could take some of these savings and send the two finalists to Naples, or Arizona, or anywher warm. What about the poor parents, finally get to see their sons in the game of games and have to endure those horrible elements. I know the coaches and players will tell you they don’t care, but it’s the principle of it. The NCAA is sending horrible Michigan 8-4 to the Capital One bowl, and I would rather watch Mt and UWW anyday. Oh but they are DI. Kids are Kids DI or DIII and what a thrill it would be for our DIII kids to play somewhere like, maybe, Disneyworld. Good luck to Mount Union and Wisc. Whitewater. I know both teams will leave “it” on the field but most importantly I hope the Kids have a great time, especially the seniors.
Ironic. What about the poor parents indeed? Not everyone is wealthy enough to drop money on a flight to FL or CA!
I am not sure on the logic there Pat. Most DIII schools are not state supported and thus the cost of tuition, etc. is much higher. If the parents can afford those costs, a plane trip, etc. should be also.
I have always wondered how so many can afford these package trips to travel to the south and west for the college bowl games. Money is made available if needed I suppose for the “experience”.
I think the biggest difficulty most of us have is with the game schedule versus the holiday season events. Most of us work during the week and there are only so many weekends in December prior to Christmas. The game being on the 17th is placed directly in conflict with those other holiday activities with family, work, etc. Not saying ti needs changed but it does make it logistically difficult to balance all the needs. I, for one, have three other events scheduled for that morning and evening which makes the trip impossible.
In fact, our evening holiday party engagement starts at 7pm and I am showing up late so I don’t miss the end of the game!
For what it’s worth…………..
GO MOUNT!!
randy
Being a hometown boy I’ve watched Mount for more years then even the head coach has. I’m so old that I remember walking in just before the half for free and I sure remember when out hometown High School Team could have wiped those rich fatboy’s tails off. Things sure changed and with the College a stones throw away from my neighborhood I see a ton of games.
I said early in the season how I couldn’t believe how good this years team was.
There is a long list of record holders that just a few years ago had numbers that looked untouchable. Most of those records have been surpassed and this team heads for the bench before the fourth quarter. Has anyone wondered the kind of numbers Kimic would have if he played a whole game.
I’m saying Mount 41-9
The game belongs in Salem for several reasons:
1) The committee and the city give it the attention it deserves, and it gets better every year because they make an effort to add something, whether it be TV-quality lighting, instant replay and a giant video screen and now this year turf.
2) Discussing strictly proximity, most Division III teams are located in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic and northern Midwest. Salem is not only in driving distance for a majority of teams (though the West keeps sending teams, and that doesn’t seem to work for them), it’s weather on game day closely approximates what you might find at a game elsewhere in D3 that day.
It might be nice to take a sunny vacation in conjunction with the Stagg Bowl, but you have to remember, we don’t get two months to work on travel plans. Fans get 7 days, so team bus trips like the one UWW is sponsoring, or being within a day trip of the game site (
Asking people to get flights from Ohio or Wisconsin to some southern locale on 7 days notice would be quite a burden, much more than is necessary.
There are years, like UMHB vs. Linfeld, when everyone is stuck doing that. But it’s no coincidence that the highest attendance by far in Salem’s Stagg history was when Bridgewater (3 hrs) played Mount Union (driving distance, 6 hrs maybe?)
As far as the timing of the game during the holidays, how else are you gonna get 10 games and 5 weeks of playoffs in?
With all due respect, I don’t believe you’ve thought this through as throroughly as the people who have planned this game for the past 15 years. They are not looking out for the fans who want to make their holiday parties and get a tan for Christmas as they are for the student-athletes that could potentially play in the game.
Also, R24aider (I realize Raiderdude was half of those posts as well, but this one’s for you):
The game has been played in Florida (Bradenton) and Alabama (Phenix City) as well as Kings Island Ohio (not a warm locale, but assuming that’s the amusement park of the same name), and I don’t get the sense (having done the knowledge on the history) that any of those places were a success, attendance-wise or in the attention they were able to give the game.
In Phenix City for instance, they used local officials crews that had not done Division III games all season … you might think an SEC crew is better suited to do this game, but a D3 crew better knows the nuances of the D3 game and, it is the opinion of the NCAA director of championships that it’s the officials’ championship too, so they try to select a top-rated crew from around that isn’t from a conference close to either team.
Also, I know it’s cool to bash the NCAA, but come on … I’m surprised you don’t know this. The NCAA has nothing to do with sending anyone to any bowls, Capital One or otherwise. The NCAA administers the championships in every sport and divisions I-AA, II and III … but since I-A refuses to have an actual championship, the bowls, individually owned corporations by the way, with CEOs and local business interests, are who picks up the tab for team travel and everything else associated with putting on a bowl.
I think you really knew that and just had a lapse.
I feel like we have this discussion about whether the game belongs in Salem a couple times a year. Wait, we do, so I set up a thread a long time ago to discuss it.
Should the Stagg Bowl find a better site or stay in Salem, Va.?: http://www.d3sports.com/post/index.php?topic=4975.0
You are entitled to your opinion, but I think you should familiarize yourself with all sides of the argument before forming it.
Keith:
Don’t misunderstand my post. First, I prefer a playoff to a corporate selection of the biggest potential ratings and an imperfect selection system.
I also understand that, unless you start playing football in July, you will butt up against the holidays. And finally, I appreciate the attention given by Salem to the stadium, surroundings, and the overall atmosphere of DIII’s biggest game.
My point was that it is difficult to balance the schedule. I certainly don’t trivialize DIII football just as I’m sure you don’t trivialize the holiday season and family gatherings. My upbringing and value system dictate family first where there are difficult scheduling decisions.
I applaud the efforts of the NCAA, DIII, and the city of Salem to make this the best event possible and provide the players and fans an appropriate setting.
Good luck to both teams Saturday!
OK,
A couple more things I noticed while skimming here.
I don’t think UWW was a “favorite” in 2005. They were a power team, but still new to the championship scene then. According to the panel we assembled that year — Well, I’m having trouble Googling, but I’m willing to bet more people picked MUC — though who knows if I was one of them. I usually get killed on that pick.
When our predictions for this year go up tonight or tomorrow, previous years will be linked.
It’s a fairly good bet this won’t be the case on the D3football.com All-American team.
Would not be surprised to see an AP Little All-American from MUC, but I agree this this is less a star-laden defense than some MUC others.
Gagliardi takes one nominee per school. As mentioned in Alliance last week, could be a tough choice between Kmic and Micheli next season … although you can bet both of those guys will push for the other or say the championships are plenty consolation.
Fair enough. But there has been football going on during the holidays at least as long as I’ve been alive. Though high school games are over by Christmas, where I went to HS, in S. Jersey, Thanksgiving-morning games are a tradition. I’m willing to bet most people on this board have NFL on the TV during Thanksgiving events, as well as NFL and D-1 Bowls on through New Year’s Day gatherings.
I too, skip the company Christmas party each year to do D3football. I think I’ve been once when Pat offered to let me go and fly me out the next morning.
I’m sure it’s a difficult decision.
I guess what I’m saying is two things:
1) My upbringing is very much family first as well, but we always seem to be around football somehow during Fall holidays, if not in person, then on TV (as the Stagg Bowl is available) … The Stagg Bowl seems to me to be a family event, at least where the travel is concerned, I very rarely hear of anyone showing up alone. Families of players seem to be there in full force, as you might expect for the big game.
2) Football in December is not a new phenomenon, so I sort of don’t understand the complaint. There aren’t really any better options, and I’ve always looked at it like D3 football is over by the third week of December so it DOESN’T intrude on the holidays or accompanying gatherings. I don’t believe it ever stretches to the Saturday closest to Christmas, and never to the day itself, so in a lot of ways, the current setup allows us to avoid even tougher decisions.
Maybe I’m just seeing it as a glass half-full deal though.
I guess you did say you didn’t think it had to be changed … just seemed like an odd observation since it’s always been that way for everyone.
We are good Keith and, yes, I watch football on Thanksgiving day and Basketball on Christmas day (in fact, the Cavs play the Heat this year so will be especially watching that one). Just not at the stadium, on TV.
Salem, VA does a great job. Period.
Yes, a trip to sunny FLA would be nice for the actual teams, but I also know that I would have made exactly ZERO trips to Florida to watch Mount play. Whereas Salem VA is a reasonable drive away, allowing me to make my 10th trip tomorrow morning.
Salem might not be close to EVERYBODY, but it is close to ALMOST EVERYBODY.
Hey guys i just wanted to let everyone know that theres a party up at Hoover Price Campus Center saturday at 4pm then kick-off is at 4:06….i hope were all pumped because i know i am im ready to my purple raiders in action for the last time this season….
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO PURPLE RAIDERS!!!!!!GOOD LUCK
Keith,
If you get a chance, try this place out. It was my favorite when I lived in Roanoke. The biggest, fattest, juiciest wings in town. 10 different sauces to choose from.
All Sports Cafe
http://www.allsportscafeinc.com
d3keith, good points. i know for a fact that if the game was somewhere else that we would not be going. i am looking forward to going with my wife and son, coming home from college by 3, we are leaving by 4, hope to be at the corn beef and company by 10 or so. i have no connection to either team, but my son plays at wesley and we want to see what it is all about. after having met the guys at stone station and you guys at d3, except for pat, i am really looking forward to the game. the weather may not be great, who cares. the teams will play the game and i cant wait to see it. i am also looking forward to meeting so many of the posters on this site who are friends with the stone station guys. as far as the game goes, i will be cheering for uww, like the underdog. i’ll go with 27 – 24. safe trip to all those traveling and we will see you friday night or saturday, early since we always tailgated by 10 at wesley.
Your son might consider wearing his Wesley jersey at the Stagg Bowl. I think he might get 10 favorable nods for every detractor, and the respect of the overwhelming majority of the D3 family in attendance.
I am making my first trip to Salem and can’t wait. I will say this much, I am coming from IL so I am flying and it’s cheaper and more time convenient to fly to Raleigh-Durham and rent a car than flying into Roanoke. I’m not complaining since I realize this wasn’t planned around my convenience, just saying.
Regardless of the weather, I am praying for a close game, with both teams having an opportunity to win at the end.
hey guys less than 20 hours till kick-off i cant wait im so ready
MUC 48 UWW 20
Hey…what happend to the Purpl Raiders?I just can’t beleive they lost. I literaly cried last night after the game.I felt more bad for the seniors than ever especially Garcon because his family was there. Next year is out year….
Hey…what happend to the Purpl Raiders?I just can’t beleive they lost. I literaly cried last night after the game.I felt more bad for the seniors than ever especially Garcon because his family was there. Next year is out year….