The UW-Whitewater Warhawks clinched a share of their sixth consecutive WIAC football championship with a 27-14 victory over UW-Stevens Point on Saturday. Each and every Warhawk championship team formed their own identity and had their own strengths. The following is a look at seven of the ingredients of the Warhawks' 2010 title in no particular order.
1. Coaching and Leadership: So far, this team simply refuses to have an "off game". Of course some performances are better than others, but most of the evaluations separating them are simply splitting hairs. This team brings physical and remarkably consistent play every single Saturday. In following the 2010 Warhawks, one gets the clear sense that only an exceptional team playing at an extremely high level would have a chance to beat them. The demeanor, the focus, the tenacity, and the passion this team plays with every single Saturday can be traced directly back to Coach Leipold, his staff, and the student athlete leaders on this team.
2. Offensive and Defensive Line: It's no secret that football games are won and lost in the trenches. Fittingly, the Warhawks' record (8-0, 5-0 WIAC) accurately reflects the play of the UW-W offensive and defensive lines. The phrase "it all starts up front" could not be more accurate in describing this football team. Offensively, Robby Ustruck, Matt Weber, Mark Gawronski, Logan Allemand, and Grant Murray has a convincing 8-0 record in winning the battle at the line of scrimmage. In most games, the push this unit has achieved has been noticeable and dramatic. On many occasions, Warhawk ball carriers have moved moved beyond the line of scrimmage before even encountering traffic. The O-Line has paved the way for 6.3 yards per carry average and has allowed only 3 sacks in 8 games.
Defensively, the Warhawks have also dominated up front. John Baldwin, Wesley Hicks, Luke Hibner, and Jake Keeser have done the "dirty work" as they have occupied and pushed back opposing offensive linemen allowing the Warhawks talented linebackers to flow to the ball. Linebackers Lane Olsen, Greg Arnold, and Max Ford lead the team in tackles which signals that the defense is operating exactly as it is designed. The defensive line, including freshman pass rushing specialist Lou Minett, has made more than their share of plays combining for 69 tackles and 11.5 sacks. In all, UW-W has allowed only 1.8 yards rushing, recorded 25 sacks, and forced 19 fumbles.
3. Running the ball and stopping the run: This formula is as ancient as football itself. Any team that averages 6.3 yards per carry and holds opponents to 1.8 yards per carry is putting itself into a great position to win a championship. The depth and quality of the UW-W running backs rivals any in the country. All-American Levell Coppage, Booker Stanley, and Antwan Anderson have paced a rushing attack averaging over 300 yards per game. UW-W ranks 8th nationally in rushing offense. Defensively, the Warhawks have held 7 of their 8 opponents to less than 75 yards on the ground. UW-W ranks 3rd nationally in rushing defense.
4. Taking care of the ball: The Warhawks have turned the ball over only 5 times in 8 games. UW-W has had no turnovers in 5 of their 8 games this year. QB Matt Blanchard has led the way by playing 8 games and throwing 183 passes without an interception. Starting running back Levell Coppage has not lost a fumble since his first carry of the year and primary backups Booker Stanley and Antwan Anderson have not fumbled at all. The Warhawks' ball protection has propelled them to a plus 14 turnover ratio over the first 8 games.
5. A sophisticated and dynamic passing attack: Anchored by the superior offensive line, the Warhawks employ a creative passing attack that often finds receivers roaming alone in the secondary. QB Matt Blanchard has completed 72.7% of his passes for 1771 yards and 17 TD's. Blanchard ranks 3rd nationally in passing efficiency. All time school reception leader Aaron Rusch has caught 47 passes for 580 yards and 8 touchdowns. Acrobatic Adam Brandes has hauled in 37 passes for 711 yards (a 19.2 yards per catch average), and 5 TDs.
6. Strong performance in the Red Zone: UW-W scores 83% of the time they enter the red zone, including scoring TD's 74% of the time. Defensively, the Warhawks rank 10th nationally allowing opponents to score only 56% of the time they enter the red zone. Opponents score TD's only 44% of the time they enter the red zone.
7. Excellent punting: Kris Rosholt's high, booming punts have been a major force in securing advantageous field position for the Warhawks in 2010. Rosholt has averaged 42 yards per punt. Fourteen of Rosholt's punts were placed inside the 20, while he has had only four touchbacks. Six of Rosholt's 23 punts have been longer than 50 yards.
Having secured a share of their sixth consecutive conference championship, the Warhawks now set their sights on being the outright WIAC champions with a win Saturday at UW-Oshkosh. If UW-W is successful in accomplishing that goal, they can seek to achieve a second consecutive undefeated regular season against the UW-LaCrosse Eagles on November 13th. Then the Hawks will position themselves to see just how far their championship formula can carry them.
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