GillCJ1 summed things up pretty well.
The Stagg Bowl was somewhat of a microcosm of the season for UMHB. The offense was a concern for many of us and was reflected on comments made here as the season progressed. We used different terms to describe what we saw: inconsistent, struggling, needs improvement, a work in progress were all used at some point or the other during the season. To put it mildly, The CRU offense was nowhere near championship caliber. UMHB struggled against lesser defenses and, in the playoffs, were pretty much kept in check the final three playoffs games - including The Stagg. The concern as the playoffs progressed was, "Could the UMHB offense score enough to win?" As long as The CRU defense gave the offense short fields to work with, UMHB generated enough points to secure a win. The only aberration was the Linfield game where The CRU offense had two 90+ yard drives. The hope that was kindled in that game was dashed when St. Thomas controlled the UMHB offense. There was no one reason for The CRU's offensive malaise, but it was there all season long.
I write the above to say Mount Union had a great defensive game plan and exploited UMHB's obvious weaknesses. All credit to UMU, however, the Purple Raiders did not put the clamps on some kind of offensive juggernaut. Every serious UMHB fan knew the offense was not up to the par of past CRU offenses and was not championship caliber.
On the defensive side of the Stagg Bowl for UMHB, The CRU did enough to win. They kept a high powered Raider offense in check. Concerning the long pass for a TD, two UMHB defenders had an opportunity to make the interception and did not. The UMU receiver maintained concentration and made a great catch. All credit goes to Hill for making the play. UMHB's defense created a couple of turnovers, but they were pretty deep in CRU territory and the offense quickly gave the ball back to UMU.
The call for running into the kicker on the punt return seemed to be the right call for me sitting in the stadium. Others said replay made it seem a bit more controversial. I suspect that is a bit of UMHB bias coming through. It really matters not, because it is the call the ref made, so a great play was wiped out. It was a play The CRU really needed.
I find it amusing to read some posts concerning this game. If I had not watched the game and did not know the score, I would assume UMU beat UMHB 50-0. The game was, in fact, a close game that was in doubt until the 4th quarter. At least, from a UMHB perspective, there was hope into the 4th quarter.
On Thursday night I was talking with some folks and I said that I believed there were three scenarios that were possible for the Stagg.
1) UMHB's offense does not show up at all. It doesn't move the ball and give any help to the defense. In this, WORSE CASE scenario, I said the worse I see The CRU getting beat is 14-0, maybe 17-0. In the survey before the game, I indicated UMU would score less than 16 points in the game. I had watched an incredible defense all year long and unless UMU had an other-worldly offense, they would have a problem against UMHB's defense.
2) In the BEST CASE SCENARIO, I could see the UMHB O playing the best game of the year and CR3 performing to the potential we know he has. In this scenario, I said I could see UMHB winning 21/24-10.
3) A sort of in the MIDDLE SCENARIO, I could see the offense getting some success and UMHB's defense holding serve and it could go either way being decided by a FG.
After the safety, I texted one of the people I talked to on Thursday evening and the message simply said: "WORSE CASE SCENARIO."
I offer no excuses. UMU had a great defensive game plan and stymied a UMHB offense that we all knew was anything but championship caliber this year. The UMHB defense played well enough to win, but, again, Mount Union's defense was much better than The CRU offense on Friday night.
I have seen some complaining that Fulford was nowhere on the all-American list. There is no doubt he is a very good quarterback. However, IMO, Germinerio from Brockport and even Baca from East Texas Baptist were better against UMHB. They both gave The CRU fits and did not have near the supporting cast that Fulford has. Note I stipulated IMO.
If UMHB is to make another run at the Stagg Bowl next year that are some obvious issues to be addressed. I hope/believe the coaches will do all they can in order to have The CRU in position come September.
Congratulations to Mount Union! UMU's 13 crowns reins supreme.
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