Beyond the Marquee

Kurt Rocco. Jeff Donovan. Levell Coppage. Cecil Shorts. Those are probably the four players squarely on the radar as we approach the 2009 Stagg Bowl. But an interesting angle to think about as we approach THE GAME, is which players beyond those four could be the difference maker in the determining the 2009 National Champion. Of course anyone on the field could make "the difference" by coming up with a big play at the right time. But, I've chosen three players on each side who I think could make a big difference in the outcome on Saturday's title game.

MOUNT UNION

1. #89 Kyle Miller. 6'6" 260 lbs. Tight End. Elida, OH.

At 6'6", Miller presents matchup problems for most linebackers. Although Miller has caught only 2 passes for 36 yards in the playoffs, over the course of the regular season he was one of Kurt Rocco's favorite red zone targets with 8 of his 17 catches being for TD's. Miller can also sneak deep as two of his touchdowns went for 36 and 52 yards. When the Purple Raiders move inside the red zone, look for them to look for big #89

2. #12 Lambert Budzinski. 6'3" 240 lbs. Sr. Defensive Tackle. Canton, OH

Although just having a defensive tackle wearing #12 is itself interesting, Budzinski's story goes far beyond that. He was a backup defensive lineman and special teams standout up until the past two weeks. However, he has always come up big. Budzinski was involved in one of the biggest plays of the Purple Raiders' season. In Mount's closest game this season, Capital had a 1st and 10 on the Mount Union 47 with less than 6 minutes left in the game and the score tied 21-21. Budzinski recovered QB Marty Assman's fumble on the 49. MUC scored on the ensuing possession, ensuring a 28-21 victory. Since being inserted in the starting lineup two games ago, all Budzinski has done is rack up 8 tackles, 5 assists, and 6.5 sacks! If UWW Jeff Donavan is sacked or UWW puts the ball on the ground, don't be surprised if Lambert Budzinski is on the bottom of the pile.

3. #40 Judd Lutz. 6'1" 230 lbs. Sr. Linebacker. Tiffin, OH

Lutz probably shouldn't be considered beyond the Marquee since he is Mount Union's nominee and a Top 10 Finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy, the award for the finest Division 3 football player. Lutz leads the Purple Raiders #1 ranked scoring defense in tackles with 87. Lutz was named to the Ohio Athletic Conference all acedemic team. If Mount Union is able to be successful in limiting the rushing attack of UW-Whitewater, you can be sure Lutz will be a big part of that success.

UW-WHITEWATER

1. OFFENSIVE LINE.

OK, this is probably cheating, but with line play, one man breaking down can cause the whole operation to fall out of synch. Mount Union will be the most talented defensive line UWW has faced this year. If the Warhawks are going to establish drives and spring their playmakers, the offensive line MUST win the battle up front. Make no mistake, if Jeff Donovan or Levell Coppage win the Stagg MVP, the real heros will likely be the men in the trenches for UWW.

2. #82 Adam Brandes. 6'3" 194 lbs. Jr. WR. Burlington, WI

Third on the team in receptions, Brandes leads the Warhawks receiving corp by averaging 17.8 yards per catch. Brandes has a significant size advantage over the MUC cornerbacks, Chaz Jordan (5'8" 170 lbs) and Ryan Renbarger (6'0" 180 lbs). In the last three playoff games, Brandes has caught 12 passes for 231 yards (19.25 ypc) and 2 TD's. If UWW needs a big play late in the game, don't be surprised if they call upon #82 to "go up and get one".

3. #17 Lane Olson. 5'10" 210 lbs. Jr. LB Racine, WI

I looked all over the internet to find the correct height and weight for "Lane Train" Olson. I just can't believe he isn't 6'2" 230 lbs. Because, believe me, that's how he plays. Full of energy and capable of devastating hits, Olson plays a crucial role in the hard hitting Warhawks defense. Having the ability to sack the quarterback, dump the running back in the backfield, defend the pass, and deliver the big blows, Lane is capable of generating the big play the UWW defense will be looking for on Saturday.

There are so many more players that could have been noted and that will probably make a big difference on Saturday. In fact, this list doesn't represent a "second tier" of any kind. Just look at it as a thought of who you may want to watch for as you enjoy the game on Saturday.