FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[Fido0650]

Maybe VK can take over the YSU program after today's Geoff-like debacle in Youngstown. YSU was up 35-7 at half and played not to lose, and choked it away.

Would not surprise me if the Penguins are looking for a new leader after today. VK's name would have to be in the conversation!

I'd be surprised to see a HC change, Phillips got YSU to two post-seasons in 4 years, which is much better than any coach since Tressel.

New DC? Absolutely, but that would be a bit of a downgrade for VK

I heard that Meatchicken head coach is looking for a new job.  Right now the top prospect is either an assistant manager of or a gourmet cook at the local 7-11, his choice.

[BillyRayJimBob]

Now that we have relished in another Mount Union playoff domination [win] (and an Ohio State victory), is there an early guess on the spread on the Purple Raider-Blew Streak game?
I am neither a statistician nor mathematician, but I do work budget for my agency ... which means nothing ... Thus, I flexed on 9.5 to 12.5 ... settling on the latter.
Mount Union Purple Raiders advance.
But what do I know? ... Mount Union could win by 50 ... or 49.

[WRMUalum13]

Massey computer rankings has it as Mount Union -11, 35-24 specifically. That feels about right to me.

[Fido0650]

For the smack talk you didn't know you wanted or needed, I present an image of my dog scoring a touchdown on Saturday as Mount's players look on in dismay 

What is going to feel worse?
1.  Changing conferences and losing  to Mount in the playoffs.
          OR
2.  Being in the OAC, losing to Mount in the regular season and not making the playoffs.
Tough choice.

[WRMUalum13]

 I was extremely happy to see how well the Mount D handled the Mules run game. Muhlenberg was a decent rushing team (4.47 yards per rush on the season). We held the Mules to 2.26 yards per rush and only 91 yards total.

Our run defense has been my biggest concern all year, glad to see we didn't let a playoff quality team run all over us.

[Dr. Acula]

I watched the first half sporadically, but what I watched seemed like the most complete effort I've seen this season.  They looked dominant when I was watching.  I hope that extrapolated to the entire game because that was a focused effort when I was watching.  We call out the coaching when it's not up to standards so rightfully I have to applaud what I saw because that was excellent across the board.  They were ready to go and executed.

[D3fanboy]

Mikey Maloney in his 3 games vs playoff teams

62-80 (77.5%) 914 yards passing 10 TD 0 Int
16 carries 105 yards 4 TD

not too shabby

[hsbsballcoach7]

Everyone deserves credit (players and coaches) for the good win, but everyone is coming for the Purple Raiders... focus on JCU first bc they're going to come in with an upset mindset.

It was great to see Maloney make quick and decisive decisions with the RPO and throws on dining routes and in the right places. Muhlenberg barely laid a hand on MM when he pulled it a couple of times. The WR unit deserves credit for solid routes, no drops and creating yards after the catch. We will need that and great play on both lines to continue.

Keep it up Raiders!

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

I just re-watched the game today. I I agree with the other posters that that was one of the most complete games Mount has played in a while.

Did anyone else notice that both Muhlenberg quarterbacks were wearing braces on their right shoulders?

[Raider 68]

After attending the Raider game last Saturday, a few thoughts:

- Mahoney was outstanding
- running game very quick and aggressive
- defense against the run, much improved
- good play call mix

JCU will have their hands full on Saturday!

[WRMUalum13]

After attending the Raider game last Saturday, a few thoughts:

- Mahoney was outstanding
- running game very quick and aggressive
- defense against the run, much improved
- good play call mix

JCU will have their hands full on Saturday!

I'm more nervous about JCU now that they're the team that beat the team that beat Whitewater!

[D3fanboy]

re-watched the Mount game today

- Maloney is special

- Davion Grant has grasped the Mount offense and has a rhythm with Maloney.  He is the #1 WR.  Taking the endzone shot after the INT was vintage Mount football. 

- Shaun Thomas being back is huge for Mount.  He is by far the best back between the tackles

- Stiehl is a road grader at TE, almost an extra OL in most cases. no recognition by the all-OAC teams is a travesty.

- Bowden just eats up blockers in the middle.  Mount has a good DL this year, but this could have been a '05 type DL with a healthy Jackson Harris.  Gannelli and Solis have improved leaps and bounds, but a healthy Harris is an all-OAC/AA type player.  2026 should have pretty good DL depth

- Ehrhardt keeps getting better and better each week getting back into football

- Kosta T is going to be an AA CB this year.  That'll help in the future transfer portal conversations.  Kudos to Kosta and CB coach Lou Berry. (I'm sure Blue Streaks remember him)

- Liebler literally never gets thrown at

- much quicker/crisper pace offensively.  plays were in and snapped 5-10 sec earlier nearly every play...chef's kiss

- gotta work on the kick coverage when we're not getting touchbacks

- lets hope for a much bigger crowd with no thanksgiving break and UM/OSU game, the boys deserve it.

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

RE: Mount Union Run Defense

They were much better last week than in the regular season.  But I don't think they had to focus as much on the Pass game of Muhlenberg.  The Mules had a below average passing game, especially when the "passing" QB went out.

Mount's Defense will need their A Game vs. the Streaks.

[D3fanboy]

RE: Mount Union Run Defense

They were much better last week than in the regular season.  But I don't think they had to focus as much on the Pass game of Muhlenberg.  The Mules had a below average passing game, especially when the "passing" QB went out.

Mount's Defense will need their A Game vs. the Streaks.

watching the JCU-RM game now, not sure that I've seen JCU throw a pass more than 5 yards downfield.  Their 6th year QB has completed them all though.  Tackling is going to be key for Mount...obviously.  Very dink and dunk-ish a la the Braxton Plunk era.  screen, short out, screen, short cross...then maybe a shot to the cover 2 window

the Randolph Macon offensive game plan is...uh...something

per the usual, JCU OL is going to be bigger than typical for Mount, but JCU likely hasn't seen the speed of Mount yet this year. 

looks like JCU lost their starting LT and senior captain for the year, stinks.  great career for that kid.  All-OAC and All-NCAC.  dawg

JCU is 3rd or 4th in the NCAA in 3rd conversion rate...Mount has to stop those short passes/runs to get away from the 3rd and shorts

its going to be a hard hitting "rivalry" game on Saturday for sure

Mount isn't the NCAC or RMU....I'm sure that we're gonna see the best JCU team....but ...its gonna have to be much much better to beat Mount

[D3fanboy]

listening to the D3football podcast...


wait...the JCU coach brought up "running from competition" in his post game presser in round 2?  lol