Gameday: Derailing the inevitable

When we closed our Stagg Bowl 36 broadcast in December 2008, we thought Mount Union and UW-Whitewater would be back to Salem this year. We picked them as the top teams in the preseason and all the way through today. This is the last stop along the way toward the “inevitable.”  Except it isn’t inevitable. Wesley and Linfield can derail the anticipated re-re-re-rematch and we’ve got it covered a variety of ways.  Check out the front page if you haven’t already for all kinds of links to audio, video, livestats (off the scoreboard) and features leading up to today’s games.

Then at 12 pm EST tune into John McGraw and Keith McMillan in Alliance for Mount Union/Wesley and, an hour later, Pat Coleman and Joe Davis in Whitewater for UW-Whitewater/Linfield.

And all along the way, feel free to sound off on the games here.

87 thoughts on “Gameday: Derailing the inevitable

  1. that fake punt was a horrible call. better off with the offense on the field going for it. luckily linfield’s defense holds and linfield has one last chance. 3:10 left.

  2. Pretty impressed with three of the four teams out there. Even beyond the Stagg finalists, it’s clear there’s little change in the top of d3.

    It’s MUC and the West. Linfield was solid and was likely better than anyone out of East or South. A couple of other West teams might have represented well.

    Wesley had a golden opportunity to beat MUC. Had either Linfield or UWW been in that semi the suddenly one-dimensional MUC would have been in real trouble.

    Plus, you it’s as easy as 1 (58-6), 2 (44-7) and 3 (24-7) that you have to score more than one TD to win in the semis.

    As for MUC, I’m quessing that after a week of prep they’ll be ready one way or another no matter who ends up under center in Salem.

  3. man Wesley and Semi-Finals just rings blow out to me now…24-7 isn’t a blow out but when a team is without their starting QB since the first QTR you have to find a way to stop a 1 dimensional team…not taking away anything Wesley has done this year as they had a great year…but its like they have some sort of mental breakdown when they realize they are in the Semi’s…just my opinion…which isn’t always right

  4. Great finish to the game in Whitewater. UWW looked VERY shaky in the 3rd quarter but they finally figured it out in the 4th to come back and put it away. I’ll admit, I was worried when we got behind and then had a couple drives go nowhere. Gotta hand it to Linfield, they found the weaknesses in the defense and did their best to exploit them. Great job by the Wildcat receivers to get open and to Boehme for finding them, especially. Great game overall by both teams. I know it’s cliche, but it’s a damn shame one of those teams’ season had to end today.

    Any word on Rocco’s injury for MUC? Preliminary thoughts on if he’ll be available in Salem next week? Looking forward to a great Purple Bowl V on Saturday. Go ‘Hawks!

  5. T_Unit

    Wesley wasn’t crsip today on O . When the center hits the QB with a snap three different times on crucial third down plays and you drop three drive killing passes . As long as Wesley’s D was on the field today I think they did a good job. But you have to give Shorts credit for putting his tyeam on his back and winning the game

  6. Some observations from the UWW-Linfield game.
    1st Half- UWW missed at least three chances to score. A couple open receivers that were overthrown.
    UWW had the ball at the Linfield 2 with one play before half. UWW chose to pass and got sacked. I wonder if that played on the confidence of the O-Line by not running the ball?
    Linfield QB and receivers were excellent. They dominated the 3rd quarter.
    The Linfield defense played super tough against the run.
    Jeff Donovan is one tough kid. He took a tremendous hit on a run that looked for sure would knock him out of the game. He bounced up, no doubt shaken, and played through it. Tough kid.
    The fake punt didn’t lose the game for Linfield. UWW’s big pass plays in the 4th won the game-along with the defense stepping up the pressure.
    Coppage is fast. Two long TD runs showed his speed.
    A well played game by both teams. Very few penalties and no fumbles. Interception at the end of the game was desparation.
    As much as I want UWW to win, I also hope Rocco can play as I hate for injuries to be a factor.

  7. From what I understand the Raiders fans weren’t very happy. They are used to their 50 to 0 score. Wesley played a great game, I am very proud of them. They actually should have beat MU.
    MU should try playing on a nutrual field instead of home field all the time and see how they do then. Maybe they should have some tougher teams on their schedule. It looks like they haven’t had too many good games until today.
    Their quaterback is not used to getting hit!!!

  8. Welseyfan09- Are QB’s supposed to be used to “getting hit”? Sounds like a great complement to the MUC offensive line to me. I haven’t seen Wesley play this year but it sounds like your QB is a tough runner. That’s not MUC’s game plan. If Wesley should have won, why didn’t they? They played a team that lost its QB and had the 3rd stringer in. It’s tough to lose, but give MUC some credit, seems to me they showed why they have so many championships.

  9. First of all let me tip my hat to Wesley. No doubt best team we faced all year.
    Also to the MUC defense, that was with out doubt the best performance Of seen in 20 years. From the opening kickoff the intensity from the D, well I’ve not seen it the whole year. Just outstanding. I watched the game again on DVR last night. I think Kurt will need to learn to slide next time, he’ll last longer but admire his tuffness. Someone said MUC was upset about the score, Gee it was nice to stay till the end of the game instead of maybe going by the end of the first quarter cause the game was over. But shouldn’t these games be close? Wesley was a great team no doubt. Saw just a little of the UWW and Linfield game, Linfield turned in a great job also. Congrats to all teams this year and Good luck next week.

  10. wesleyfan09 said:

    “From what I understand the Raiders fans weren’t very happy. They are used to their 50 to 0 score. Wesley played a great game, I am very proud of them. They actually should have beat MU.”

    I don’t know who you were talking to but the Raider fans that I have spoken with are VERY happy to win. We don’t care what the score is as long as MUC has more at the end. I would much rather see a game like yesterday to see what the team is really made of, prior to the Stagg Bowl, than see some blowout game where LK has to put 3rd teamers in and hear other fans complaining about “running up the score” or “MUC fans are rude.”

    You should be proud of Wesley, they did play a great game. I don’t know about “actually should have beat MU.” Yesterday was a perfect time TO beat Mount Union. Panchek is out with a torn ACT, Millings didn’t play at all at DE, Rocco goes out midway through the 1st half, and MUC has a FR. QB playing and ran the ball like 20 times in a row. Talk to the the NCAA about playing on a Neutral field because all MUC is doing it playing where they are assigned. They do play on a Neutral field about once a year (It’s Called Salem Stadium) and have a pretty good record there too (10-2).

  11. Hey Wesley Fan; I sat on the Wesley side of the field and you could audibly hear the Wesley players talking back to the fans even when the game was decided. Not sure about on the field, but the Wolves did as much talking as you thought the Raiders “wolfed” at the Mount players. Wonder if those conversations motivated MUC. It was interesting to see the game go into the 4th quarter. Upset by the score, a win is a win by one or 100. Wesley has some good talent just not as much Mount and that was the difference.

  12. Not sure about on the field, but the Wolves did as much talking as you thought the Raiders “wolfed” at the Wesley players.

  13. Granted I was only able to listen to the MUC game and sparingly watch the second half of the UWW game, but it seems that some weaknesses were exposed. UWW can be beat deep, which might not be a problem because Shorts can’t throw to himself. Assuming that LL, LK and their staffs are able to take care of their own issues I think the biggest factor going into Saturday is Rocco’s availability. The broadcast I listened suggested he will likely be available, but who know? Mount can’t run that well, and won’t be able to against UWWs stout front 7.

    This could be the least exciting (read: low scoring) game of the purple Stagg series. Special Teams might be the difference. Mount has historically been amongst the best special teams teams in the country, but UWW has proven they can make plays against MUC.

    In any event it will be fun and I’ll see ya in Salem!

  14. Is wesleyfan09 as ignorant as his post comes across or is he just in a bad mood?

    The fact is, with our starting QB for 10 min, we still outscored you with yours for 60, 10-7. We had NO offense for two quarters and won 24-7. You want me to say it? OK, without the injury that game would have been another in a long line of big-margin wins.

  15. One thing that struck me yesterday, being a Mount Alum and following the team for about a decade is the consistency of the team. The names change but the effort stays the same. They get young guys who believe in the system and year in and year out the team treats us fans to some really great football. the commitment to excellence by LK and his staff is really something. The Mount D showed up big when they had to, and I can only hope they bring the same swagger next week in VA. The QB injury was big..changed the make up of the whole game..it was exciting to watch. I thought Wesley, unlike some of the other teams, wasn’t intimidated…they just couldn’t execute when they needed it most. Teams get little windows of opportunity, and when you miss them, its tough to win in Alliance. The jump pass INT stands out to me. Heck of a runner McSweeney though…I liked his style of play. It’s probably just me, but I didn’t mind the jawing..these teams should be up in each other’s face…they both came in 13-0 and someone’s first loss is ending the season they worked so hard to build…get fired up, it doesn’t bother me a bit. I think next week’s game is going to be great. Hope they make Round 5 a memorable one.

    wesleyfan09- are you sure the win didn’t have anything to do with Cecil Shorts and Mount O line running for two TD’s late in the game? seems to me they knew what was coming…

  16. muc01nashvegas–you are absolutely right. Wesley didn’t take advantage of the opportunities and MU deserved to win. What bothered me was the smug attitude of some of the MU fans, that aren’t students in the stands. Wesley is looking forward to playing you guys next year with almost all their 22 starters returning. We would like to see MU win next week.

  17. Ric the fact is your starting QB didn’t your starting QB did finish the game. And MU didn’t put up 60 . And if Shorts has to run the ball evety play next week you lose and big.

  18. Sounds like a couple of upset wesley fans. If Rocco can’t go. Kerhes is not unarmed. His record of 290-21 doesn’t happen without a few injuries in pinnacle games. Not matter the quarterback, because of the MUC defense there is no chance mount loses big.

  19. PA_wesleyfan,

    “And if Shorts has to run the ball evety play next week you lose and big.”

    He pretty much ran every play in the 4th quarter against the Vaunted Wesley D and did OK. I’m sure with a week of preparation, LK will have the offense ready (with Rocco, Shorts or Seaman at QB). Special Teams and Defense are the key this week if MUC wants an 11th Ring.

  20. I was out of town all weekend, so didn’t see or hear the LC-UWW game. By all accounts, it sounds like the ‘Cats acquitted themselves well. But (as promised) a tip of the cap to UWW. They were the better team Saturday. I’m just glad Linfield made them work for it.

    Good luck to UWW next weekend. I hope they drop a big number on MUC so the voters have to consider the ‘Cats for #2.

  21. UWW will win the Stagg Bowl. I think they are the best team in the nation and have thought so all year. (no I’m not jumping on the wagon. I said this even before the season began)

    I am a UMHB fan and we gave the game away to Linfield. We were dominating until the offense just began fumbling the ball every play and nobody can overcome that many turnovers. Look out for UMHB next year because they are REALLY young.

    Stagg Bowl UWW 31 MUC 17, TAKE IT TO THE BANK AND CASH IT

  22. I may add that Linfield is back on the National scene and they will be for years to come. I want to give them credit for the win. I did not expect Linfield to play that close to UWW.

    UMHB has beaten MUC in Alliance, now we must get past UWW and Linfield. I can assure you coach Fredenburg will not rest until that happens and it will happen in the next couple of years.

  23. I think UMHB is the last team to beat MUC in Alliance; must be since MUC loses about 1 game every 5 years. However, I think MUC loses Saturday in Salem. UWW will win unless the wheels come off the wagon and they beat themselves as UMHB did against LC. One thing for sure, LK will have his playes ready. I’m looking forward to this Saturday, it should be a great game.

    A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THE D3.COM STAFF FOR ANOTHER GREAT YEAR.

  24. UMHB is now 1-6 (including 2004) against MUC, UWW, and Linfield and have lost by an average score of 31-15. They are 0-5 since 2005. Looks like Fredenberg won’t be sleeping for awhile. Relish the win in Alliance but don’t expect it to happen again soon.

    UMHB and Wesley are now 1-9 combined against those three teams since ’04 and have been outscored by an average of 35-9 (0-8) since 2005. They are also 2-2 against each other with UMHB holding a 32-26 edge in average score.

    Wesley’s last 5 playoff losses have been by the average score of 40-9.

    They might be the 3rd and 4th best programs in the country but they are a country mile behind the top 2.

  25. By the way, the last team to win in Alliance (other than MUC of course) is Ohio Northern (21-14 in 2005) but suprisingly they don’t talk about it incessantly. Maybe they’ve been around the block enough to know that it was going to be a short lived streak. In fact, they didn’t even make the playoffs that year because of a 50-25 loss to John Carroll, and MUC went on to win the national championship.

  26. Purple,

    UMHB is a very talented team and great program but the Cru didn’t fumble when Linfield stuffed them on 4th and 1 late in the 2nd quarter. Linfield really created those fumbles by putting hat and hands on the ball but that’s fine if you don’t feel that way. However, what was evident was UMHB’s total lack of a drop back passing game. I know the Cru doesn’t really need to drop back a ton when they are running downhill on teams but it was over when the Cru had to change into a passing team.

    UMHB may have dominated the first two possessions but thankfully a football game is longer than that. Best of luck in the offseason.

  27. Scottie,
    I don’t know if I buy Wesley and UMHB as the No. 3 and 4 programs. Depends on the time frame, of course.

    Looking at this season alone, Linfield’s got the strongest case for No. 3. It’s got a head-to-head stomp of UMHB (and a big win over H-S). It emerged from easily the toughest region with wins over three top-25 and two top-10 teams. How many top-10 or top-25 teams did Wesley beat to win a weak South bracket (which was without its second toughest team)?

    But over the past five years? Or 10 years? You have to look at what teams have done outside their regions. The 2004 UMHB team gets props for beating MUC and giving Linfield a close game, but Wesley’s national pedigree ends after the finals of a region which hasn’t produced a Stagg champ since …

    Or if “program” is measured by the d3football.com era, it’s been done:
    http://www.d3football.com/columns/around-the-nation/2009-09-02/It%27s+OK+to+play+for+No.+3

  28. Repete—you ought to get off of your high horse. Talking about a weak bracket, MU was in a weak bracket. What did they have to do beat Albright to get to the semifinals. That’s an accomplishment!! Wesley held MU to their lowest scoring game since 2007, for some reason you guys can’t give Wesley any credit. Snap to reality, it is going to come to an end. Wesley is a relatively new player in this Division 3 playoff system. Wesley has a much more populated talent pool to draw from, and it is just a matter of time. See ya next year. By the way it was a bad break for Wesley when your starting QB came out of the game, because we were looking forward to hitting a QB that crinches prior to contact. He is very fortunate he didn’t suffer a legitimate injury.

  29. “By the way it was a bad break for Wesley when your starting QB came out of the game, because we were looking forward to hitting a QB that crinches prior to contact. He is very fortunate he didn’t suffer a legitimate injury.”

    Wow, where to begin … first of all he’s not “my” QB. Mount, which beat two top-25 teams in its region run, gets my respect, not my support. But regardless, taking a shot at a player like that is about as low as it gets.

    It almost makes me “crinch.”

    As for the weak region remark, my reference was to Linfield having a stronger case for the final No. 3 spot after emerging from the West. But MUC at least had to beat two top-25 teams to have the honor of facing Wesley.

    Criticizing MUC beating Albright while Wesley beat Hopkins is beyond even “pot meet kettle.” Actually, Albright was 28th in top-25 votes in the final regular season poll. Where was Hopkins? But beyond that, MUC was moved to fill a power void in the East and also allow two West teams to earn top seeds. Had it stayed in the North, MUC would have been in a tougher bracket.

    I’ll give Wesley plenty of credit as the best team in its region. I even predicted on these boards it would play MUC closer than it played UWW in other semis.

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