Coach Lance Leipold told anyone who would listen that the 2010 UW-Whitewater Warhawks football team must create its own identity separate and apart from the 2009 National Championship squad. Aside from winning all three pre-conference games, the UW-Whitewater coaches hoped to learn more about the strengths, weaknesses, and personality of the 2010 edition of the Warhawks. The three game pre-conference sample provides enough data to draw some conclusions as to what to expect from the 2010 Warhawks.
10 OBSERVATIONS:
1. The Offensive and Defensive Lines have a chance to be dominant.
Clearly, the lines on both sides of the ball will face much stiffer competition in the WIAC than they have faced so far. However, outrushing their weaker foes 1003 to 136 is a very promising sign. Warhawk QB's have been sacked only once. UW-W's running game didn't miss a beat when the second and even third units were brought on. The offensive line appears very deep and talented.
Defensively, UW-W limited their foes to just 1.4 yards per rush in 95 attempts. In addition, they have sacked opposing Quarterbacks 9 times. Overmatched teams have not taken many deep drops for fear they would not have time to get the pass off.
2. UW-W likely has the best and deepest offensive backfield in the Nation.
First Team All-American Levell Coppage, Senior Antwan Anderson, and University of Wisconsin transfer Booker Stanley lead a rushing attack that has averaged 7.0 yards per carry over 143 attempts. Having three runners of this caliber will give the coaches rare luxuries in terms of going with the "hot" back and keeping all three fresh throughout the season. If all three remain healthy this could come up big if the Hawks make the playoffs. UW-W could have unusually fresh legs carrying the load when the cold weather hits. Over the past 3 years, UW-W's Thunder and Lightening combination of Anderson and Coppage formed the best running back duo in the nation. Now UW-W has added the physical presence of Stanley and his ability to dent a defense. Thunder, Lightening, and Hail?
3. Matt Blanchard is ready to lead this team.
Blanchard has made plays with both his arm and his feet. He has made good decisions as reflected by his 7-0 TD to interception ratio and his 193.3 efficiency rating. With the weapons at his disposal, Blanchard is capable of gashing a defense who tries to load up to stop the vaunted Warhawk running game. Blanchard is an excellent athlete who can buy time in the pocket. He also has averaged 7.1 yards per carry in his 10 attempts.
4. UW-W has multiple receiving threats.
The UW-W passing game has shown variety and an ability to get deep. Adam Brandes (23.3 ypc), David Leaf (17.1 ypc), and Aaron Rusch (14.6 ypc) can all stretch the defense. All have excellent hands and an ability to catch the ball in a crowd. Tight End John Novak has caught only three balls so far, but the offense is still developing and he is sure to get more touches. UW-W has not emphasized incorporating the backs into the passing offense to any great degree, yet. However, don't be surprised to see FB Bernie Tamsett catching key 3rd down passes as the season wears on.
5. The Cannon isn't the only thing that goes boom.
Once again, this appears to be an extremely physical football team. From the crisp blocking of the offensive line, to the physical running backs, to the physical defensive line, to the to the attacking linebackers, to the athletic defensive backs, to the special teams coverage units, this team loves to hit. There will likely be several more "ohhhhh" moments from the crowd after a devastating hit before the year is out.
6. The defensive backfield is athletic, but untested.
UW-W has allowed 60% completions but only 154.7 yards per game so far this season. They have not yet faced a well developed passing attack, although Campbellsville did possess some talented and fast receivers. The continued development of the pass defense will be instrumental if the Warhawks are make yet another run to the Stagg Bowl.
7. The punting game looks great.
How's this for production? Of Kris Rosholt's 9 punts, three have gone for over 50 yards and the other 6 have been downed inside the 20. The punting game will be a valuable weapon in helping the Warhawks play on a shorter field than their opponents this year.
8. The kicking game is a big question mark.
Both freshman kickers have done fine with long, booming kickoffs. However, neither has shown any ability to consistently make kicks thus far. If the kicking struggles continue, it will likely have an impact on strategy as the Warhawks may be more inclined to look at possessions inside the opponents 40 as four down territory. This may change 3rd down play calling to avoid 4th and long situations.
9. The approach and demeanor appear similar to past Leipold seasons.
Since Coach Leipold's arrival, the philosophy of this program has been to improve, not one GAME at a time, but one DAY at a time. This year's team appears to approach each day with the seriousness and focus necessary to get better, yet with a passion that can only come from loving the game. There have been very few "off" games in Leipold's tenure. In the first three games against inferior opponents, this trend seems to be continuing.
10. Let the (WIAC) games begin.
This team appears ready for the challenges that lie ahead. It appears to be a confident team that believes in what they are doing and in each other. There seems to be a great mix of talent, work ethic, and togetherness. From Coach Leipold, to the coaching staff, to the players, the egos seem to have been checked in at the door. Teams inevitably face adversity throughout the course of a season. Last year's team had phenomenal senior leadership, led by QB and MVP Jeff Donovan. If this year's seniors continue to lead the way Leipold thinks they will, this team has all the ingredients of a team poised to win another WIAC championship.
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