UWW Football

Adrian College at UW-Whitewater The Take-Away

UW-Whitewater defeated Adrian College 35-0 on Saturday afternoon to open their 2010 season at Perkins Stadium. There were some questions answered, some surprises, some expected results, and some questions that remain. Below is a discussion of each area.

Questions Answered:

Warhawks QB Matt Blanchard answered as many questions as he possibly could have in one afternoon. Blanchard directed the UW-W offense to 24 first downs and 35 points in a first game victory. He completed 19 passes in 25 attempts for 289 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also carried the ball 5 times for 46 yards and another touchdown. He was not sacked and he did not throw an interception. Seven of Blanchard's passes were completed for more than 15 yards, including both touchdowns. He both managed the game well and threw the ball downfield well.

Surprises

UW-W was held scoreless in the first quarter. The first drive resulted in a 3 and out. The second drive ended on the second play due to a Lavell Coppage fumble. The third drive was ruined by a holding penalty on a play that would have gone for a first down. The slow start is not a big deal unless it becomes a pattern.

Obviously, missing three straight extra points would have to qualify as a surprise.

The third surprise was the lack of big plays in the Warhawks' running game. Adrian's 4-4 defense was certainly set up to stop the run, but there are days in which that doesn't necessarily matter. Adrian should be given credit.

Finally, it was a surprise that the Bulldogs won the turnover battle, 2-1, although Adrian did have a +7 turnover ratio a year ago.

Expected Results

Most people expected the relatively easy UW-W victory and the 300 yard gap in total offense between the two teams. Adrian's lack of success running the ball and their inability to sustain anything offensively was expected. UW-W's strong second half was also very predictable.

Still Unanswered

Clearly it will take some time to sort out the kicking situation. After Stephen Guelff won the kicking job in camp, he missed 3 straight extra points in his debut. He was replaced by fellow freshman Eric Kindler, who went 2 for 2 on extra point and made his only field goal attempt (24 yards).

Blanchard could not answer as to how well he could play against stronger competition or as to whether he will be able to be consistent week in and week out. (Some things are worth waiting for!)

The Warhawks pass defense was not tested. The Bulldogs opted to start their running quarterback, rather than their passer. When their passing quarterback came into the game with 12:30 left and a 28-0 deficit, he completed 9-11 passes for 64 yards.

The identify of the 2010 Warhawks is still a work in progress. 2009 was a year marked by teams having to "pick their poison" as they tried to stop equally devastating rushing and passing attacks. Defensively, the 2009 Warhawks were fast, swarming, and hard hitting. Certainly, when the field turf rubber settled on Saturday afternoon, nothing had transpired to indicate that the 2010 Warhawks will be all that different than the 2009 version.