UWW Football

ADRIAN COLLEGE AT UW-WHITEWATER

The UW-Whitewater Warhawks open their 2010 season Saturday when they host the Adrian Bulldogs of Adrian, Michigan on Saturday. The 2010 Warhawks will be looking to establish their own identity, coming off a season in which the 2009 team won the NCAA Division 3 National Championship. The Bulldogs (6-4, 4-2 MIAA) will be making their debut under first year head coach Jim Deere.

WHEN ADRIAN COLLEGE HAS THE BALL

Look for the Bulldogs to do everything they can to control the ball and keep the ball out of the hands of the potent Warhawks offense. Whether Justin Hemm or Mike McGee are in the game, the Bulldogs will likely be leaning on the short passing game with an occasional shot down the field. Adrian would love to establish the run behind 6'4" 345 pound Demetrius Jackson. That will be difficult for this young offense in it's first game after scrapping the spread offense from 2009. If Hemm plays, he is an excellent athlete and could be looking to keep drives alive with his legs. The Bulldogs will likely run a low-risk offense (with an occasional trick play) against a quick and aggressive UW-W defense that will undoubtedly be looking to create turnovers.

WHEN UW-WHITEWATER HAS THE BALL

Junior Matt Blanchard gets his first start at QB in the post Jeff Donovan era on Saturday. The 6'3" Blanchard has the size (228 lbs) and athleticism to keep plays alive and make big plays with both his arm and his feet. Being his first start, the coaching staff may opt to open the game with some short, safe passes to allow the offense to establish a rhythm. There will likely be a lot of pounding the ball between the tackles with Levell Coppage, Antwan Anderson, and Booker Stanley. The Bulldogs have a young and untested interior defensive line and the UW-W veteran offensive line would love nothing more than to pound the rock.

The Warhawks typically spend the first half giving different looks and trying different things to test the reaction of their opponents defense. Look for that pattern to continue. They will take their shots down the field as both Adam Brandes and Aaron Rusch are big play receivers.

ANALYSIS

The Warhawks bring too much balance and firepower to expect the excellent Adrian defense to hold them down the entire afternoon. The young Bulldog offense will be hard pressed to match points against a defense as athletic and talented as UW-W's. Look for the Warhawks to wear down the Bulldogs and win this one going away.

SCORE PROJECTION

UW-W 38

Adrian College 0