Depth. Perhaps no other word so accurately describes the most important difference between a Championship program and the other top programs in NCAA Division 3 football. UW-Whitewater showed off it's depth on Saturday as back-up quarterback Lee Brekke led the Warhawks to a 52-21 First Round Playoff victory over 24th ranked Franklin College (Franklin, Indiana). The decision to play Brekke was well guarded until game time. Blanchard took part in pre-game warmups after suffering a thumb injury in last week's game against UW-LaCrosse, but the coaches were concerned about him banging his thumb and opted for Brekke.
Brekke completed 23 of 30 passes for 292 yards and 4 TD's as UW-W outscored the Grizzlies 31-7 in the second half to advance to a second round game against Trine University (Angola, Indiana) at Perkins Stadium. Perhaps as importantly, Brekke did not turn the ball over, helping the Warhawks to a 4-0 takeaway/giveaway ratio on the afternoon.
For Warhawks fans concerned that the 2010 team's defensive backs have been untested this year, that certainly isn't the case any more. Franklin brought the 6th ranked passing offense and Kyle Ray, the Nation's top ranked QB to Whitewater on Saturday. The Grizzlies are a team perfectly comfortable making their living through the air and certainly gave it their best shot. Ray's air assault included 40 completions in 72 attempts for 373 yards and 3 touchdowns. However, UW-W did intercept Ray 3 times and forced an after-the-catch fumble. Ray came into the game with a completion percentage of 71.8%, 32 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions. In addition to the 3 interceptions, the UW-W defense held Ray to a 55.6% completion percentage, well below his norm. Ray most certainly wasn't used to the type of pressure he faced on Saturday. Although he was able to to escape the pocket numerous times, he was sacked a season high 6 times.
Franklin's passing game operates at a high level when compared to other playoff teams UW-W will likely face. The Warhawks' next opponent, Trine University, has a very balanced attack. If UW-W can shut down the run, Trine will be much less comfortable trying to rely on a one dimensional passing attack than the Grizzlies. If UW-W beats Trine, either #1 seed North Central College or Ohio Northern awaits. Both of those teams gain more yards running the football than throwing it. However, if UW-W advances to the semi's and beyond, Wesley, Mount Union, and Linfield are three opponents that would likely put the UW-W secondary under the gun again.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the game Saturday was Franklin's ability to limit the UW-W rushing attack. The Warhawks were held to 3.9 yards per carry on their 40 attempts. The Grizzlies filled the box with 8 men and used a variety of run blitzes to keep Whitewater from dominating on the ground. The Grizzlies were aggressive and physical. It was the first time all year the Warhawks' offensive front was fought to at least a draw in the run game. Having said that, it should be pointed out that leading rusher Levell Coppage did gain 142 yards on 6.7 yards per carry. In the passing game, Brekke was given plenty of time to throw for the most part. Although he was sacked three times, many of Whitewater's longer developing routes were given plenty of time to unfold. While the offensive line might not have been as dominating as UW-W fans are used to seeing, it wouldn't be fair to say they didn't play a solid game. A team doesn't score 52 points without the offensive line playing well.
All-time Warhawks' reception leader Aaron Rusch had a monster day with 12 catches for 169 yards and 3 touchdowns. Adam Brandes added 3 catches for 69 yards, including a huge 54 yard TD pass to open the scoring in the 3rd quarter. With Brekke leading the way, Whitewater demonstrated that a team must focus on more than the run if they are going to stop this offense.
In the grand scheme of things, there are two important things when it comes to playoff games. Winning and staying healthy. UW-W accomplished the first with flying colors. As far as the second, most of us won't know for sure until game time next week. Who will start at quarterback next week? Will any other starters be forced to the sideline next Saturday? Perhaps the biggest question of all: Will it matter? It certainly didn't seem to on Saturday.
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