Thursday and Friday WIAC Games

UW-River Falls at (11) Ohio Northern

The River Falls Falcons will travel to the Buckeye State to face highly rated Ohio Northern to open the 2010 on Thursday, September 2^nd. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 PM Central Time.

The Falcons, who ranked last in the WIAC in defense in 2009, will bring an extremely young team to Ada, Ohio to face the 11^th ranked Polar Bears.

What must River Falls do to win?

The Falcons veteran offensive line must win the battle against a rebuilt ONU defensive front. Junior Taylor Edwards the 2^nd leading rusher in the WIAC last year must carry the load to help keep the UW-RF defense off the field. The underdog Falcons must control the clock, avoid turnovers at all costs, and find some way to slow down QB Kyle Simmons (1,739 yards and 16 TD’s last year) and a Polar Bear Offense that averaged over 34 points a game a year ago. If River Falls’ young defense can force two or three turnovers, they could be in position to come away with the win.

Analysis

This is an extremely tough opener for the young Falcons. With a defense that will be learning as they go, UW-RF will be hard pressed to keep the Polar Bears in check. A shootout could be in the making, which does not play into the strength of the Falcons.

Score Projection: Ohio Northern 38 UW-River Falls 17

UW-Stout at Black Hills State University

The UW-Stout Blue Devils travel to the Black Hills of South Dakota to kickoff their 2010 season against the Black Hills State University Yellow Jackets. Game time is scheduled for 6:00 PM Central Time.

The Blue Devils, coming off their most successful season (8-2 overall, 5-2 WIAC) since 2000, face a Yellow Jackets team that finished 6-4 overall and 5-3 in the Dakota Athletic Conference (NAIA).

What must UW-Stout do to win?

The pressure is on the revamped offensive line to pave the way for the WIAC 3^rd leading rusher of 2009 Craig Warminski. That unit faces a Yellow Jackets team that lead the DAC in rushing defense and total defense a year ago. QB Ross Carey must provide just enough production through the air to loosen up the Jackets defense so the Blue Devils running game can take over.

Analysis

UW-Stout was one of the most physical teams in the physical WIAC a year ago. Although replacements are needed, especially on defense, look for their physicality to remain and wear down Black Hills. The Yellow Jackets will be playing their second game of the season. Normally, this would be an advantage, but after gaining only 61 total yards in their season opening loss (28-0) to Grand Valley University, confidence could be an issue.

Score Projection: UW-Stout 24 Black Hills State 10

2010 WIAC PROJECTED FINAL STANDINGS

1. UW-Whitewater. WIAC will eventually catch up to UW-W. Not yet.

2. UW-Stout. Wins a close game against UW-Stevens Point to claim 2nd.

3. UW-Stevens Point. Presence of Jenkins make Pointers a threat every week.

4. UW-LaCrosse. Athletic Eagles move into the upper half.

5. UW-Eau Claire. Bluegolds have higher aspirations, but have a lot to replace.

6. UW-Oshkosh. Offense improves but run defense keeps Titans 6th.

7. UW-Platteville. Pioneers more competitive than final record will show.

8. UW-River Falls. Solidifying defense a must to rise in conference this good.

WIAC PREVIEW CAPSULE #8: UW-WHITEWATER

UW-Whitewater (7-0 WIAC, 15-0 overall)

The defending NCAA D3 National Champion UW-Whitewater Warhawks enter the 2010 season having won 5 consecutive WIAC Championships and sporting a 34-1 record over that span. The average score in those 35 games is UWW 36.0 WIAC Opponent 11.6. Coach Lance Leipold, whose teams have won 2 National Championships in his three years as head coach, knows all too well that all those conference numbers are reset to zero beginning at 6:00 PM September 30, when the conference season kicks off at UW-Platteville. “Each year’s team is different and you have to come out and find out what your identity is going to be and it is a work in progress early in every season.” Leipold told Warhawkfootball.com as the UW-W broke training camp on August 27th.

So, what is "different" about the 2010 version of the Warhawks? The most logical place to start is behind center. Two year starting QB Jeff Donovan is gone. Donovan led the WIAC in passing efficiency a year ago completing 71.9% of his passes with 29 TD's and only 6 interceptions. He was an unquestioned team leader and will be missed. Junior Matt Blanchard has been leading the field to replace Donovan throughout camp. Blanchard has a different style than Donovan. He is extremely athletic and will likely be quicker to pull the ball down and run than the patient Donovan.

UW-W will return 4 of their 5 starting offensive linemen, but must find a replacement for First Team All-WIAC Center Garth Coats. UW-W must also find replacements for fullback Max Wasikowski and 2nd leading receiver Jordan Wells. However, UW-W does return 5 of their top 6 receivers, including UW-W all time leading receiver Aaron Rusch and tight end John Novak.

Number three running back CJ Miller will not be back in 2010. He was a great teammate and special teams player. He was also an excellent running back that would have started in many programs. However, little else has changed in the Warhawk backfield. Returning is First Team All American running back, junior Levell Coppage. Coppage rushed for 2,107 yards ( 6.8 ypc) and 35 TD's a year ago. Antwan Anderson (5.0 ypc and 9 TD's last year) also returns for his senior season. Former Wisconsin Badger Booker Stanley is also expected to play a role.

Defensively, UW-W ranked first in the WIAC in both scoring and total defense in 2009 giving up 276.9 ypg and 10.6 ppg. Up front, the Warhawks lose standout DE Anthony White (First Team All-WIAC) and Justin Ankley (2nd Team ALL-WIAC). Returning will be 2nd Team All WIAC Jon Baldwin and Wesley Hicks. Lane Olson, Max Ford, Greg Arnold, and Josh Williams return to lead a strong and deep linebacker unit. However, only Matthew McCulloch returns as a starter in the defensive backfield. According to Defensive Coordinator Brian Borland, although lacking experience, the group of defensive backs in 2010 may be even more athletic than 2009's group.

The defending national and WIAC champions come into the 2010 season with a different team, but the same mission. As Coach Leipold says, this team must form it's own identity. But given the level of talent on this football team, it's hard to argue with the many prognosticators who pick UW-W to win a 6th consecutive WIAC title. The conference quest begins September 30th.

WIAC PREVIEW CAPSULE #7: UW-RIVER FALLS

UW-River Falls (1-6 WIAC, 3-7 OVERALL)

Whoever said, "Everything evens out" didn't know what they were talking about. Or at least they didn't experience the Falcons 2009 football season. UW-RF opened the season by hosting national powerhouse St. John's. The Falcons led by 10 points with 9 minutes left in the game, but gave up two touchdown in a 5 minute span, losing a hard-fought 24-14 game. Foreshadowing? Possibly, as the Falcons lost 4 WIAC games by a TOTAL of 8 points in 2009!

The strength of the Falcon's 09 team was their ability to run the football. UW-RF rushed for 180.9 yards per game and 21 TD's last year. The Falcons return 8 starters from an offensive unit that ranked 3rd in the WIAC in rushing and 4th in scoring a year ago. Junior tailback Taylor Edwards returns having rushed for 1076 yards and 9 TD's a year ago. Quarterback Ryan Luessenheide also return. Luessenheide completed 50% of his passes for 1,535 yards and 10 TD's a year ago. He also ran for 322 yards and 5 TD's. The return of WR's Michael Woodward (34 catches, 486 yds, 2 TD) and Wade Schlicting (23 catches, 251 yds, 2 TD) will help. However, the Falcons lose First Team All WIAC tight end Ryan Hansen.

The defensive unit for UW-RF struggled for the most part in 2009. The Falcons ranked last in WIAC scoring defense, giving up 32.5 ppg last year. To make things even more challenging for veteran Coach John O'Grady, the Falcons lose 8 starters from that group, including linebackers Cole Lowell and Ben Arata who both received recognition on the All Conference team.

The Falcons clearly have enough firepower on offense to be a dangerous WIAC opponent on "any given Saturday". However, the Falcons must find a way to keep opponents out of the end zone if they hope to turn those narrow defeats into victories and crack the top half of the conference standings in 2010.

WIAC PREVIEW CAPSULE #6: UW-OSHKOSH

UW-Oshkosh (2-5 WIAC, 4-6 overall)

There are at least two schools of thought when it comes to scheduling non-conference games. One is to schedule weaker teams to work on your game and build confidence through likely victories. Another is to schedule championship caliber teams in an effort to improve your team and, ultimately, your program. Coach Pat Cerroni and the Titans have clearly chosen the latter when it comes to 2010. Oshkosh opens the season against 7th ranked Central College (Iowa) and 2nd ranked University of Mount Union. Those two perennial powers combined for a record of 24-2 a year ago.

The Titans return 10 offensive starters from a team that ranked 3rd in total offense in the WIAC in 2009. QB Nate Wara ranked 5th in passing yards per game as a freshman last year. His top six targets from a year ago are all back. The running back duo of Charlie Weissman and Jeremy Roach also return. Weissman, Roach, and Wara all rushed for over 500 yards last year.

Alex Mueske and John Nicholas, Jr lead a veteran offensive line.

The Titans return 6 starters from a unit that ranked 6th in total defense last year. The Titans ranked dead last in the WIAC against the run last year giving up an average of 194.6 yards per game on the ground. The Titans will return a young defensive line and linebacking corp in 2010. Missing will be the WIAC leading tackler, linebacker James Taraboi. Cornerback Nate Heard, who led the WIAC in passes defended last year, returns to anchor a veteran secondary.

Three of the Titans' five WIAC losses were by 7 points or less in 2009. The Titans offense figures to improve with the added year of experience for Wara and the entire offense returning virtually intact. However, UW-O MUST find a way to stop the run if they expect to tip the close games in their favor in 2010.

WIAC PREVIEW CAPSULE #5: UW-STEVENS POINT

UW-Stevens Point (6-1 WIAC, 7-3 OVERALL in 2009)

The Pointers enter 2010 off back to back 6-1 WIAC finishes and boasting one of the greatest weapons in the country in WR/P Jared Jenkins. The Pointers biggest challenge may be to replace Quarterback Jared Beckwith, who threw for 2527 yards (ranked #2 in WIAC) and 20 TD's last year. No other quarterback in the program threw more than two passes in 2009. Overall, the Pointers return 7 offensive starters from a unit that ranked 5th in total offense a year ago. Leading rusher Garrett Medenwald (635 yards) returns, but the Pointers ranked 7th in the WIAC in rushing a year ago. The Beckwith to Jenkins combination hooked up for 80 receptions for 1,210 yards and 12 TD's in 09. Jenkins also was named to the AFCA All America team as a punter a year ago averaging a WIAC best 42.8 yards per punt. #2 Receiver Anthony Aker also returns as does starting tight end Mike Mullins.

Point ranked 3rd in total defense and scoring defense and 2nd against the run a year ago. UW-SP loses seven starters from that staunch unit of a year ago. Two time All WIAC defensive lineman Matt Lunder returns and will be counted on to lead a group which includes returning linebacker Peter Peterson and defensive back Joe Mieziva.

While the Pointers have some transitioning to do on the defensive side of the ball, they have built a solid tradition and should continue to be one of the better defensive units in the WIAC.

Offensively, replacing the talented and clutch Beckwith will not be easy. However, the weapons surrounding the new quarterback will certainly help ease the transition. Add in Jenkins, one of the most athletic players in the country, and you have a team capable of battling UW-Whitewater and UW-Stout for WIAC supremacy this season.

WIAC PREVIEW CAPSULE #4: UW-PLATTEVILLE

UW-Platteville (1-6 WIAC, 3-7 overall)

The Platteville Pioneers will be looking for positives to build on as they come off a difficult end to their 2009 campaign. The Pioneers had a 3-2 record on the season and held a 23 to 14 lead at Eau Claire with less than three minutes to go in the third quarter. The Bluegolds struck on a 45 yard TD pass and went on to defeat the Pioneers 34-26. The Pioneers would not see another victory as they lost their next four games, two of them by only 3 points, finishing at 3-7 for the season.

The Pioneers welcome back 8 offensive starters in 2010. Sophomore QB Nick Anderson won the starting job as a freshman, but was hurt in the 5th game of the season and didn't play the rest of the year. Sophomore John Kelly also returns after playing in 6 games last year. Between Anderson and Kelly, they threw only 4 TD passes last year. Leading rushers Chad Roscoe and Brandon Hertrampf both return. However, they combined for only 512 yards rushing last year, so the Pioneers must find a way to establish a stronger rushing attack.

Defensively, the Pioneers gave up 28.1 points per game last year. They have been hit hard by graduation and their development of underclassmen will be tested on the defensive side this year. Defensive Backs Brian Snyder and Dave Daino, along with linebacker Jesse Lindemulder will be counted upon to lead the Pioneer's rebuilt defense.

With some close losses, in many ways last year was a year of what "could have been" for the Pioneers, which sounds strange for a team that won only one conference game last year. However, they have lost some key players and will have a challenge to improve on last year's record. Perhaps their best chance would be to open up the offense a bit, knowing their quarterbacks now have more experience under their belt. If history is any indication, the Pioneers will be competitive in most games and spring the upset on an unsuspecting foe or two.

WIAC PREVIEW CAPSULE #3: UW-STOUT

UW-Stout (5-2 WIAC, 8-2 Overall)

Clayt Birmingham takes over as the UW-S head coach after three years as the defensive coordinator at the school. Birmingham's defense ranked 2nd in the WIAC a year ago in both total defense and scoring defense. The Blue Devils will have to find replacements in the defensive line for two stalwarts, DE Marcus Ball (First Team All WIAC, 9 1/2 sacks), and 2nd Team All WIAC selection Greg Towner. The UW-S defense does return their top two tacklers from a year ago, linebackers Ryan Pearcy and Trevor Fiege. However, the secondary will have to adjust to losing three seniors that anchored the unit in 09.

Offensively, RB Craig Warminski (1057 yds, 9 TD) returns after being 3rd in WIAC rushing totals a year ago. The Blue Devils had the 2nd leading rushing attack in the WIAC and ran the ball over 66% of the time last year. Sr. RB Carlos Concepcion showed enough last year that he may be more involved in the offense in 2010. QB Ross Carey returns to guide the Blue Devils running oriented, low risk offense which ranked last in WIAC passing yardage at 130 per game, but also yielded only 5 interceptions all year. Carey's leading receiver, tight end Patrick Mengelkoch also returns.

It will be interesting to see if Offensive Coordinator Sean Hoolihan opens up the offense a bit with Carey now entering his junior year. Last year's defense gave up merely 16.1 ppg. This year, the offense may need to hit a higher gear, especially early in the season as the defense develops. UW-Stout was one of the most physical teams in the WIAC last year. With Birmingham taking over the reigns of the program, that isn't likely to change in 2010. UW-Stout has the makings of an upper echelon WIAC team again this year. If the offense can crank up the production a bit, a run at the title is within the realm of possibility.

WIAC PREVIEW CAPSULE #2: UW-EAU CLAIRE

UW-Eau Claire Bluegolds (4-3 WiAC, 6-4 Overall in 2009)

Last year, the Bluegolds finished strong winning 4 of their final 5 games to secure a winning record and 4th place in the WIAC. The Bluegolds lose the 2009 WIAC total offense leader, qb Kyle Paulson. Paulson led the WIAC in passing yardage, was second in passing efficiency, and threw 24 TD passes against only 8 interceptions. The Bluegolds also lose the 4th leading WIAC rusher Cory Sartorelli who rushed for 1,022 yards and 16 touchdowns a year ago. UW-EC only ran 19 offensive plays all year (including non-conference games) that wasn't a run or pass by either Paulson or Sartorelli. In all, the Bluegolds lose 6 starters from the #2 ranked offensive unit in the WIAC. Receiver David Goodman, who caught 39 passes for 733 yards and 10 touchdowns last year will be back.

UW-EC loses 7 starters from a defense that ranked next to last in scoring defense a year ago giving up an average of 32.2 points per game in WIAC action. The Bluegolds ranked 7th in rushing defense and 7th in passing defense in 09.

Eau Claire ranked in the top half of the WIAC with a 4-3 record in 09 largely on the skilled arm and feet of Paulson and the hard running of Sartorelli. The potency of the offense covered up many of the weaknesses in other areas of the team. However, against the top three teams in the league, the Bluegolds were 0-3 and outscored 122-62. Although the SID poll chooses UWEC to repeat their fourth place finish, that will require a tremendous team effort, shoring up areas of weakness, and replacing their two most potent weapons.

WIAC PREVIEW CAPSULE #1: UW-LACROSSE

UW-LaCrosse Eagles (2-5 WIAC, 5-5 Overall in 2009)

Starting quarterback Nick Anker, who engineered the 3rd ranked WIAC offense last year (29.9 ppg), returns along with four of his top 5 receivers. UW-L boasts the return of Travis Bordeau and Alex Maxinoski, the #2 and #3 receivers in the WIAC in 2009. The Eagles will have to replace 3 time letter winning running back Reid Oldenberg. Speedy jr. Lee Lauters, who ranked 8th in the WIAC in rushing is back and could be ready for a break out season. In all, the Eagles will have to find replacements for 5 starter on offense. Both the field goal kicker and punter are returning, as is the WIAC leading punt returner in Tyler O'Kane

Defensively, UW-L will have to replace 5 starters on their fifth ranked scoring defense. This unit is expected to be led by veteran defensive backs Derek Dreher and Dustin Drath, both of whom earned Honorable Mention All-WiAC honors a year ago, and Billy Niggeman who had three interceptions in 09.

The Eagles have the athletes and experience in key positions to break into the top half of the conference in 2010. However, to contend for the title, there needs to be dramatic improvement in both offensive and defensive line play. UW-L ranked second to last in sacking the QB last year and dead last in sacks allowed. In addition, the Eagles will have to finish drives with points. While they were second in the league in first downs a year ago, they ranked dead last in converting points in the red zone

5 Things to Look For in Harper College Scrimmage August 21

The 2010 UW-Whitewater football team completes it's first week of training camp with a scrimmage Saturday afternoon, August 21 at 3:00 PM at Perkins Stadium. The scrimmage will serve as a great opportunity for established starters to knock off some rust, for young players to begin to make a name for themselves, for position battles to begin to take shape, and for coaches to see how players respond to the first external competition of the season.

The following list are just five of MANY things that would be fun to look for during Saturday's scrimmage. Perfectly executed pass routes by Aaron Rusch, circus catches by Adam Brandes, head shaking moves from Levell Coppage, and so much more weren't even included.

But here are five things to pay attention to if you attend the scrimmage.

1. The crispness of blocking and tackling. The Warhawks have had only ONE DAY of practice in pads prior to this scrimmage. Although I have no doubt UW-W will dominate the lines of scrimmage, it's certainly possible there will be more sloppiness than is usually displayed during the regular season.

2. The chemistry between Matt Blanchard and his receivers. There are a number of talented quarterbacks in camp, but Blanchard is the current front-runner and his familiarity with the receiving corp adds to his edge. Zach Fry (Milton High School), a transfer from D2 Minnesota State Moorehead, Lee Brekke (Sun Prairie High School), a transfer from UW-LaCrosse, and Corey Knapp (St. Francis High School), who took some varsity snaps as a freshman last season, could also see some snaps.

3. The defensive backfield must replace 3 of 4 starters from last year's National Championship team. Senior Matt McCulloch (Janesville Parker) is the lone returning starter and will be counted on to provide leadership in the secondary. Former quarterback, junior Steve McCollom, juniors Jared Kiesow and Aaron Samplawski (both from Horicon High School), sophomore Ryan Wenkman (Wisconsin Dells), and junior Sam Overton (Milwaukee Riverside) are among those fighting for playing time.

4. Former Wisconsin Badger Booker Stanley could well see his first live action since 2005. The 5'9" 215 pound tailback gained over 1200 yards and scored 10 rushing touchdowns for the Badgers from 2003 to 2005. Stanley's role on the team is yet to be defined. First team All-American junior Levell Coppage and senior Antwan Anderson have formed the best running back tandem in the nation the past two years. Sophomore Lavell Hewlitt is among other backs that could get some carries on Saturday.

5. Linebacker Lane Olson. Attend the scrimmage Saturday. Then you'll know why he's on the list and why no explanation is necessary.