WIAC PROJECTIONS

UW-LaCrosse at UW-Stout

The Eagles (1-6, 1-3 WIAC) walk into Don & Nona Williams Stadium off a 31-17 loss to UW-Stevens Point. The Blue Devils (4-3,2-2) are playing their third straight home game after splitting the first two. UW-L has no consistency on either side of the ball. Stout's losses have been to WIAC's best.

UW-Stout 24

UW-LaCrosse 14

UW-Oshkosh at UW-Eau Claire

The Titans will enter Carson Park with title aspirations (4-3,3-1), while the BluGolds are trying to end a 3 game WIAC slide. Games like this will determine whether Oshkosh rises from the WIAC pack or helps form the middle of the conference. QB Nate Wara is special (19 TD, 2 interceptions, 437 yards rushing). UW-EC has given up 39 points per game over last 3.

UW-Oshkosh 35

UW-Eau Claire 21

UW-River Falls at UW-Platteville

The Pioneers (4-3, 2-2) have handled the teams they should all year long. The Falcons (0-7, 0-4) haven't been able to handle anybody. Do the Falcons have the pride and ability to rise up and get one for outgoing Coach John O'Grady? This may be their best chance.

UW-Platteville 27

UW-River Falls 13

UW-Stevens Point at UW-Whitewater

The Pointers (3-1, 5-2) formula may be the same as in 2008, when they hung around long enough to win it on their final drive. UW-Whitewater (4-0, 7-0) will use everything at their disposal to make sure it never comes down to that. Focus will not be an issue this year. UW-SP gave up 4.8 yards per carry running the football to LaCrosse last week. It's definitely rock pounding weather. UW-W makes a statement.

UW-Whitewater 38

UW-Stevens Point 14

Making their Point

The UW-Stevens Point Pointers invade Perkins Stadium Saturday having won 3 straight games and 5 of their last 6. The Pointers (3-1) are tied with UW-Oshkosh for second place in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, one game behind the Warhawks (4-0).

It was two years ago this week that the Pointers came into Whitewater and handed the Warhawks their only conference defeat of the Lance Leipold era. That loss dumped UW-Whitewater into "Pool C" status in the NCAA football playoff selection process. Both teams made the NCAA D3 playoffs in 2008. The Warhawks advanced to the Stagg Bowl while the Pointers bowed out in the first round, losing to Wartburg College. Once again this year, the automatic WIAC playoff berth could be on the line when the two teams meet on Saturday.

Strong Points

The Pointers boast one of the elite athletes in the conference in WR/P Jared Jenkins. Jenkins leads the league in pass receptions and is second in the league in punting. UWSP brings a statistically balanced offense into the game averaging 177.4 yards rushing and 184.7 yards passing per game. The three-headed rushing attack of Mike Griffin, Kleth Ingram, and Kyle Fuhrman have averaged 147.4 yards rushing per game. The Pointers boast the #2 WIAC offense in Red Zone efficiency, scoring 84.4% of the time they reach the opponents 20 yard line.

The Pointers' defensive front seven is aggressive and attacking. UWSP is second in the WIAC in sacks with 23 and they lead the league in tackles for loss. The Pointers are the 3rd ranked WIAC defense in scoring and total yards. Point's kicking game is solid with Jenkins being the #2 ranked punter and kicker Jared Fohrman leading the WIAC making 13 of 17 field goals and all 23 of his extra points. In addition, Anthony Aker leads the conference in kick-off returns, averaging 22.6 yards per return.

Points That Need Sharpening

While UWSP has achieved offensive balance on the whole, 497 of their 1242 rushing yards have come against 2 non-conference opponents. In contrast, the Pointers rushed for only 108 yards against UW-Stout and a surprisingly low 3.3 ypc against UW-Eau Claire, the WIAC's 7th ranked rushing defense.

If the Pointers struggle on the ground, they will be prone to turning the ball over against the aggressive UW-W defense. The Pointers have thrown 10 interceptions this year. UWSP has a -4 turnover ratio compared to the Warhawks' +11. UW-SP ranks 7th in passing efficiency in the WIAC and have completed 51.2% of their passes.

To the Point

Here is a look at the WIAC and National Rankings of various categories heading into the game:

Total Offense

WIAC Rank: UWW (1) UWSP (3)

NCAA Rank UWW (2) UWSP (94)

Rushing Offense

WIAC Rank UWW (1) UWSP (2)

NCAA Rank UWW (8) USP(68)

Passing Efficiency

WIAC Rank UWW (1) UWSP (6)

NCAA Rank UWW (2) UWSP (126)

Total Defense

WIAC Rank UWW (1) UWSP (3)

NCAA Rank UWW (2) UWSP (99)

Rushing Defense

WIAC Rank UWW (1) UWSP (3)

NCAA Rank UWW (5) USP (83)

Pass Defense

WIAC Rank UWW (1) UWSP (4)

NCAA Rank UWW (28) UWSP (129)

A glance at the WIAC rankings suggests UWSP will be one of the biggest challenges on the Warhawks' schedule this year. And they probably will. However, a glance at the National Rankings shows enough disparity to establish UW-W as a solid favorite heading into the game. That being said, the numbers will become meaningless as of 1:00 on Saturday. The seniors on both teams will undoubtedly remember the Pointers' last visit to Perkins Stadium on an October afternoon in 2008. Point will likely enter the stadium with a confidence few teams possess coming into Whitewater. The question is whether UWSP has what it takes to defeat the powerful Warhawks a second consecutive time at Perkins Stadium . The answer to that question will unfold between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm Saturday afternoon.

D3 Top 25 Fan Poll

1. UW-Whitewater (20) 500

2. Mt. Union 479

3. Wesley 453

4. North Central 435

5. St. Thomas 417

6. UMHB 394

7. Delaware Valley 336

8. Hardin-Simmons 318

9. Ohio Northern 305

10. Linfield 300

11. Wartburg 288

12. Wittenberg 269

13. Thomas More 264

14 Wheaton 242

15. Montclair St. 233

16. Trine 210

17. Coe 169

18. Bethel 167

19. Central 134

20. Hampden-Sydney 133

21. California Lutheran 90

22. Ursinus 84

23. St. John Fisher 56

24. Alfred 46

Pacific Lutheran 46

Dropped Out: Case Western Reserve

Others receiving votes: Case Western Reserve (36), Depauw (21), Rowan (17), Wabash (17), Franklin (16), Cortland St. (12), Willamette (8), Augustana (4)

WIAC PROJECTIONS

UW-Eau Claire at UW-Stout

Two teams at a crossroads meet in Menomonee on Saturday. Both are 1-2 (3-3 overall) after suffering consecutive conference losses the last two weeks. Stout comes into the game with the stronger running game, the stronger defense, and home field advantage. That should be enough.

UW-Stout 27

UW-Eau Claire 13

UW-LaCrosse at UW-Stevens Point

This game lines up as a trap game for Point, landing after a bruising showdown against UW-Stout and before UW-Whitewater. The Pointers' (2-1, 4-2) focus will be key against the Eagles (1-2, 1-5). Whatever UW-L is missing this year, will be hard to get back at Point.

UW-Stevens Point 38

UW-LaCrosse 17

UW-Platteville at UW-Oshkosh

The Pioneers (2-1, 4-2) head in to Oshkosh (2-1,3-3) having already won more games than all of last year when they won 3. As a result, this is a game that will help define the shape of the WIAC this year. The Pioneers's successful move of Lee Vlasik adds a run balance to the passing of Nick Anderson. The Titans, led by Nate Wara, are balanced and tested. This will be a shootout!

UW-Platteville 38

UW-Oshkosh 35

UW-Whitewater at UW-River Falls

One of the hallmarks of the UW-W 21 game winning streak has been to bring focus and purpose into every single contest. That is bad news for a team allowing over 400 yards per game, 5.1 yards per carry, and 16 TD passes (all WIAC worsts).

UW-Whitewater 56

UW-River Falls 0

D3 Top 25 Fan Poll

Team Pts

1. UW-Whitewater (16) 400

2. Mount Union 381

3. Wesley 361

4. St. Thomas 346

5. North Central 332

6. Mary Hardin-Baylor 328

7. Delaware Valley 262

8. Wittenberg 261

9. Hardin-Simmons 252

10. Ohio Northern 240

11. Linfield 218

12. Thomas More 216

13. Wartburg 213

14. Wheaton 187

15. Montclair St. 183

16. Trine 171

17. St. John Fisher 164

18. Bethel 136

19. Coe 123

20. Central 99

21. Pacific Lutheran 88

22. Hampden-Sydney 85

23. Cal Lutheran 46

24. Ursinas 36

25. Case Western Reserve 17

Also Receiving Votes:

Wabash (15), Franklin (12), Rowan (12), Willamette (12), Illinois Wesleyan (6), Cortland State (6), Augustana (5), Depauw (4)

Note: Thank you to the 20 D3Boards.com pollsters who agreed to put together ballots each week and to the 16 who were able to put together a ballot on short notice this week. Starting next week, we expect our full compliment of pollsters going forward.

Rating the Warhawks: Week 7

The UW-Whitewater Warhawks moved to 3-0 in WIAC play (6-0 overall) when they defeated the Eau Claire Blugolds 45-0 Saturday in Eau Claire. This team continues to be consistent and focused as the season moves forward. Saturday represented the first of back-to-back "same day travel" road trips as mandated by the WIAC. Trip One can be summarized in two words: Mission Accomplished. (The following aspects of the game will be rated Spectacular, Solid, or Needs Work)

THE RUNNING GAME

The Warhawks pounded out 237 yards, 18 first downs rushing, and 5.5 yards per carry behind a dominant performance by the offensive line. The forward push and holes created by the line made things easy for Levell Coppage (18 carries, 106 yds, 2 TD) and Antwan Anderson (10 carries, 77 yards, 1 TD). Michael Pirtle made his WIAC debut and gained 49 yards in 14 carries.

Rating: Spectacular

THE PASSING GAME

Matt Blanchard spread the ball around to 6 different receivers, led by Aaron Rusch's 9 catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. Rusch also completed a 10 yard TD pass to Jason Ford on a reverse that was wide open to jog into the end zone. Aaron decided to show off his arm and give Jason the opportunity for a TD. Matt Blanchard had his 6th consecutive start without an interception as he completed 18 of 26 passes for 170 yards and a TD. The offensive line held up strong in pass protection, not allowing a sack.

Rating: Solid

DEFENDING THE RUN

Leading rusher Joel Sweeney left with an injury after 3 carries. However, as well as the UW-W defensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, it's hard to imagine much changing even with Sweeney. UW-EC was held to 68 yards in 28 carries and 3 first downs rushing.

Rating: Spectacular

DEFENDING THE PASS

UW-W put good pressure on Blugold QB Austin Neu. Neu was limited to a paltry 3.9 yards per pass, completing 11 of 21 passes. The Warhawks intercepted two passes, including Matt McCulloch's 42 yard pick-six. Eau Claire gained only 150 yards through the air and picked up only 3 passing first downs.

Rating: Spectacular

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker Eric Kindler went 6-6 on PAT's and made his only FG attempt (37 yards). He also boomed his kickoffs an average of 66.1 yards. Kris Rosholt's 3 punts all went inside the 20. Two were fair caught on the 14 and the 7. The other was fielded at the 8 and returned to the 12. Rosholt's punting continues to be a powerful field position weapon for the Warhawks. The kickoff coverage unit was excellent allowing only 16.8 yards per return. UW-W averaged a healthy 25.0 yards on kickoff returns and 9 yards on punt returns.

RATING: Solid

EFFICIENCY

The Warhawks played a fourth straight game without a turnover. This is a team playing with striking fundamental precision right now. UW-W averaged 6.0 yards per play while accumulating 25 first downs. UW-W scored TD's on four of their first 5 possessions taking any suspense out of the game early. Whitewater had only 5 penalties, their lowest total since September 11th.

RATING: Spectacular

OVERALL

UW-W completely dominated a team that beat both St. John's and UW-Stevens Point. The difference in both the line play and at the skill positions was striking. UW-W played with a precision and dominance of a team headed for the post-season. If UW-W keeps playing this well, they will be hard to beat.

RATING: Spectacular

WIAC PROJECTIONS

UW-Platteville at UW-LaCrosse

The Pioneers (1-1)and Eagles (1-1) are both coming off their first WIAC victory of the season. While the Pioneers have been somewhat of a surprise (3-2) and the Eagles have been a disappointment (1-4), Saturday represents a very real WIAC opportunity for each. Home field is the difference in a game in which both teams' offense is better than their defense.

UW-LaCrosse 30

UW-Platteville 27

UW-Oshkosh at Lambuth (TN)

Both teams are (2-3) and looking to rebound from disappointing losses in their last game. The Titans lost last Saturday to Stevens Point 41-17, while the Eagles have the benefit of a bye week after being shut out their two previous games. The Eagles wins this year came at the expense of NCAA D1 (FCS) Georgia State and NCAA D2 8th ranked West Alabama. UW-O defense might be what Lambuth needs to get right.

Lambuth 27

Oshkosh 20

UW-Stevens Point at UW-Stout

The Pointers followed a disappointing loss to Eau Claire with a convincing win over Oshkosh heading into this WIAC showdown against Stout. The Blue Devils played UW-Whitewater strong before falling to even their WIAC record after beating River Falls in their WIAC opener. Point has won 7 straight in this series. Expect a close battle between two of WIAC's best.

UW-Stout 14

UW-Stevens Point 13

UW-Whitewater at UW-Eau Claire

Nothing against the Pioneers, but when is the last time a team beat St. John's and lost to UW-Platteville in the same season? Such is the nature of the 2010 version of the Blugolds. UW-W comes in nicked up in the backfield, but not on the offensive line. That probably spells trouble for the Blugolds who rank 157th nationally against the run.

UW-Whitewater 38

UW-Eau Claire 10

BPD3 Level System Top 25

To add to the intrigue and fun of the ranking system, I am creating "Levels" within the Top 25. In the "Level System", I will be grouping teams that are reasonably comparable in my opinion and exposing where I believe there is a drop-off of some kind between ranks.

All rankings have their flaws. My rankings come with certain biases. At least I acknowledge them. (Referring to some D1 polls, NOT d3football.com poll). WIAC bias? Without a doubt. Midwest bias? Perhaps to a degree. Probably a strange mix of acknowledging a school's tradition and track record and their current season's performance. Heavily influenced by my sense as to who would win head to head. Playing WIAC and especially UW-W tough over the past few years earns a lot of points. There will be serious volatility because, well, I think that's just more fun.

LEVEL 1

1. UW-Whitewater- Once again steps on gas in 2nd Half.

2. Mount Union- Closer than expected, but not Level dropping.

LEVEL 2

3. St. Thomas- Hammered defenseless Auggies.

4. Wesley- 2nd Straight explosion into 60's.

5. Linfield- Cats blare improved Sound.

LEVEL 3

6. UMHB- LEVEL DROP! Out of patience with Cru defense.

7. Hardin Simmons- Swats Yellow Jackets. Yawn.

8. North Central- Solid win over proud Vikings.

9. Wittenberg- No squeaker this time.

10. Delaware Valley- No stronghold from these devils.

11. Ohio Northern- Capitalizes with little resistance.

LEVEL 4

12. Coe- Win Saturday could bring Level Rise.

13. Wheaton- LEVEL DROP! Barely survives Blue Jay battle.

14. UW-Stout- Strong road showing against UW-W.

15. Thomas More- Saints pull away in 4th Qtr.

16. Willamette- Bearcats take it out on Boxers.

17. Central- Dutch calms Storm.

LEVEL 5

18. Trine- Up two spots but not a Level.

19. Montclair State- Red Hawks breezing toward 10/30 showdown.

20. St. John Fisher- Solid win earns top 20 appearance.

21. Pacific Lutheran- Stays NWC perfect.

22. Cal Lutheran- 2 solid wins have Kingsmen climbing.

23. Baldwin Wallace- Time to recognize 5-0 OAC team.

LEVEL 6

24. Bethel- Beats Johnnies for 4th time in 5 years.

25. Hampden-Sydney- ODAC's best inches up.

DROPPED OUT

UW-Oshkosh- Point blank smoked.

Wabash- Little Giants stub big toe.

UW-Eau Claire- Another WIAC casualty.

WIAC INSIDE THE NUMBERS: WEEK 6

UW-Stevens Point 41 UW- Oshkosh 17

UW-O grabbed a 14-0 lead, converting two UW-SP turnovers into points. However, it was the Pointers who did most of the capitalizing as they scored 24 of their 41 points off of Titans' turnovers. Jared Jenkins' 55 yard TD reception in the second quarter gave the Pointers' the lead for good at 17-14. It was Jenkins longest reception of the year. Quarterbacks Nate Wara and Jake Swank led their teams in rushing with 107 and 75 yards respectively. Overall,the play was fairly sloppy as the teams combined for 14 penalties, 8 fumbles, and 3 interceptions.

UW-Platteville 35 UW-Eau Claire 14

The Pioneers wanted to get playmaker Lee Vlasak more touches and found a creative way to do it. Vlasak, the Pioneers' leader in receiving yards was moved to running back and gained 114 yards and scored 5 touchdowns. UW-P rushed for a season high 176 yards. The Pioneers scored all five times they were in the Red Zone while the Blugolds were 2-4. Platteville sacked Austin Neu 5 times, while the Blugolds never got to Pioneer QB Nick Anderson. Platteville outgained UW-EC by a hundred yards (376-276) and each team turned the ball over once.

UW-LaCrosse 37 UW-River Falls 20

Falcons' star running back Taylor Edwards left the game with an injury after just 3 carries. River Falls held a 14-7 lead midway through the 2nd quarter when backup running back John Schimenz scored from 4 yards out. UW-L held merely an 8 yard advantage in total yardage 380-372, but won the turnover battle 4-2. After scoring on their 2nd and 3rd possessions, the Falcons' next seven drives were futile: fumble, held on downs, end of half, safety, fumble, fumble, punt. During this time the Eagles ran out to a 37-14 lead. The Eagles featured a balanced attack gaining 202 yards on the ground and 178 through the air.

UW-Whitewater 30 UW-Stout 7

Although Stout never led, they trailed by only 3 points at half-time. After Stout's TD with 2:25 remaining in the first half, the Blue Devils didn't advance past their own 40 yard line again until their final possession when they were trailing 30-7. UW-W outgained UW-S 468-238 and neither team had a turnover. The efficient Warhawks were 10-14 on third down conversions, 3-3 in red zone scoring, and did not turn the ball over or allow a sack.

RATING THE WARHAWKS: WEEK 6

The UW-Whitewater Warhawks improved to 2-0 in conference play (5-0 overall) with a 30-7 decision over the UW-Stout Blue Devils on Saturday. The Warhawks outscored the Devils 20 to 0 in the second half to secure their 20th consecutive victory. (The following aspects of the game will be rated Spectacular, Solid, or Needs Work)

THE RUNNING GAME

If all had gone according to plan Levell Coppage may not have played at all on Saturday due to a leg injury. As fate would have it, Coppage was forced into action as Booker Stanley left the game with an shoulder injury after just 3 carries. Coppage responded, gaining 163 yards and two TD's in his 20 carries. His effort on a bad wheel alone elevates this category into the Spectacular range. Antwan Anderson added 51 yards on 11 carries and Matt Blanchard scrambled for 27 yards on 4 attempts. All totaled, UW-W rushed for 255 yards and a 6.4 average.

Rating: Spectacular

THE PASSING GAME

Matt Blanchard was once again very accurate and made very good decisions. The offensive line gave him time to survey the field and the patient QB took what the defense gave him. He completed 22 of 30 passes for 213 yards and 2 TDs. In Blanchard's five starts for the Warhawks, he has yet to throw an interception. The UW-W passing game is very well developed and receivers continue to break free consistently. The only thing missing was the deep ball as UW-W's longest completion was 24 yards. Blanchard just missed Tyler Huber on a deep pass down the right sideline near the pylon.

Rating: Solid

DEFENDING THE RUN

The Blue Devils came into the game averaging over 4.3 yards per carry. The Warhawks held the Blue Devils to 61 total rushing yards and a 2.3 yards per carry average. The two longest runs of the day for Stout were 11 yards by QB Ross Carey and 10 yards by Craig Warminski in the 4th quarter after UW-W had the game in hand.

Rating: Spectacular

DEFENDING THE PASS

The Blue Devils came into the game with a strategy centered on a controlled passing game. QB Ross Carey squeezed several throws into small windows for impressive completions. On the day, Carey completed 17 of 35 passes for 177 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions. He was under pretty good, but not unmanageable pressure. Carey was outstanding on third down completing 8 of 10 passes for 8 first downs. Carey's excellent third down performance kept the ball out of the hands of the powerful UW-W offense. It should be noted he was sacked twice on third down. All of of the third down production only led to 7 points and football has always been a bottom line game.

Rating: Solid

SPECIAL TEAMS

It is hard to come up with the right word for the performance put in by UW-W punter Kris Rosholt. It is doubtful any punter in the country had a better weekend punting than Rosholt, including those who played on Sunday. Rosholt's two punt had enormous hang time and dead bounced straight up and each were downed on the one. Rosholt's NET average was 50.5. Eric Kindler averaged 60.2 yards on his 6 kickoffs and made his only field goal attempt. Kindler did miss one extra point, but the source of the problem seemed to be an errant snap. Nothing of note to report on returns

Rating: Solid

EFFICIENCY

UW-W had no turnovers for the third straight game. UW-W averaged 6.7 yards per play against a defense that had allowed just 3.86 yards per play entering the game. UW-W had the ball only 3 times in the first half, scoring a TD and a FG. In the second half, UW-W scored 3 TD's in their four possessions. In total, UW-W had seven possessions resulting in 4 TD, 1 FG, and two punts that were downed on the one. UW-W was penalized 8 times for 56 yards. Included in the penalties were 5 offensive holding calls. But overcoming penalties has been commonplace so far this year.

Rating: Spectacular

Overall:

UW-Stout is one of the strongest teams in the WIAC this season. They were within 3 at halftime and played a solid and very physical game. Most observers would agree that the football game had the feel of a pretty close game and for awhile it was. In looking at the scoreboard and at the statistics, UW-W secured a solid win against a very good football team.

Rating: Solid

WIAC PROJECTIONS: WEEK 6

UW-Eau Claire at UW-Platteville

The Blugolds have been struggling to run the ball the past two weeks and stopping the run is the strength of the Pioneer defense. The Pioneers defense is #2 in Red Zone Defense, while the Blugolds rank #7. Platteville has a dangerous passing attack and UW-EC is coming off three straight big games. UPSET SPECIAL.

UW-Platteville 23

UW-Eau Claire 17

UW-Oshkosh at UW- Stevens Point

The Titans are coming in after 2 straight WIAC wins, while the Pointers have started a disappointing 2-2. This is a classic passing team (UW-O) against a running team (UW-SP) matchup. The defense is the difference.

UW-Stevens Point 26

UW-Oshkosh 20

UW-River Falls at UW-LaCrosse

These two victory starved teams come into this game a combined 0-9. Defensively neither team has been able to stop the run. Offensively, the Falcons' Taylor Edwards and the Eagles' Lee Lauters ranks 1-2 in the WIAC in rushing yardage. This one could be a shoot-out.

UW-LaCrosse 35

UW-River Falls 31

UW-Stout at UW-Whitewater

The Blue Devils come into this one with a 3-1 record and a 3 game winning streak. Coming into the game, UW-W and UW-S rank 1-2 respectively in total offense and total defense in the WIAC. Both teams are facing far and away their toughest opponent to date. UW-S has gotten steadily better over the past 4 games. Their improvement will have to be dramatic to win this one.

UW-Whitewater 42

UW-Stout 7

SCOUTING REPORT: UW-STOUT BLUE DEVILS

The Blue Devils bring a 3-1 record and a 3 game winning streak to Whitewater on Saturday. Stout, 8-2 a year ago, defeated UW-River Falls 24-7 in their conference opener a week ago.

OFFENSE

OFFENSIVE LINE

The Devils' starting offensive line is comprised of 2 junior tackles, freshman and junior guards, and a sophomore center. Their tackles average 285 pounds, their guards 252.5, and their center is at 255. Other than 6'3" 310 pound Tyler Butzler, the rest of the offensive line averages 255 pounds. The line has paved the way for rushing game totals of 191.5 yards per game and 4.4 yards per carry. As far as pass protection, Stout QB's have been sacked 9 times.

QB

Jr. Ross Carey returns for his second season as the Blue Devils' starter. Last year Carey operated a low-risk attack, completing 57% of his passes for 1077 yards, 9 TD and 4 interceptions in 9 games. In 2009, Carey averaged 18 passes per game. This year, the 6'1", 175 pound Carey has thrown 25 passes per game, completing 64% of them for 818 yards, 7 TD's, and 1 interception. In overall games so far this season, Carey Ranks 3rd among WIAC QB's in efficiency and 5th in yardage.

RECEIVERS

6'4", 225 pound Sr. Tight End Patrick Mengelkoch is Carey's favorite target, catching 18 balls for 246 yards and 3 TD. Deep threat Antawan Walker has caught 13 passes at a 16.2 ypc clip and 2 TD. Running back Craig Warminski is the 3rd leading receiver, catching 13 passes for 155 yards and 2 TD's. Backup running back Carlos Concepcion has caught 3 passes swinging out of the backfield with a long of 33 yards and an average of 20.7 yards per reception.

RUNNING BACKS

Last season's 3d leading WIAC rusher Craig Warminski returns for his junior season. Warminski gained 90 yards and scored a TD in 16 attempts in last week's WIAC opener. The Blue Devils have been giving some carries to Carlos Concepcion, who has averaged 4.1 ypc in 41 attempts this year. Warminski, 2nd in the WIAC in all purpose yardage, is a do-it-all player for the Blue Devils handling kickoff return and punt return duties along with being the starting running back.

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINE

The Blue Devils defensive front is reforming their identity after losing All American defensive lineman Marcus Ball to graduation. The 2010 starting group is composed of 3 seniors and a junior. The defensive line averages just under 245 pounds per man, with Defensive End Brandon Wood being the smallest at 6'1" 215 lbs. The biggest is 6'5" 270 lb Justin Rindt. Wood has been credited with 1.5 sacks as has interior starting DL Cody Price.

LINEBACKERS

Juniors Trevor Fiege and Ryan Pearcy lead the linebacking corp. Fiege led the team in tackles last year and Pearcy was #3. They have combined for 5 tackles for loss in the first four games this year. Freshman Damian Guggenbuehl got his first start last week and contributed 4 solo tackles and 3 assists. The first three games, Stout opened in a nickel defense. Guggenbuehl is likely to get the start considering the rushing attack UW-W brings into the game. Stout has given up 73.8 yards per game and 2.3 yards per carry on the ground so far this year. Jamestown College had the most success on the ground, averaging 3.8 yards per carry in 30 carries in their 27-24 loss to the Blue Devils in Week 2.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Along with Marcus Ball up front, the Blue Devils also lose All-American CB Kendall Wade from last year's team. Among Stout's top 6 defensive backs, 3 are sophomores and 3 are juniors. Stout has given up merely 156.0 yards per game and 3 TD through the air so far this year. However, the passing attacks they have faced this year have been limited. Jamestown College did put up 324 yards passing against Stout in Week 2.

SPECIAL TEAMS

This is what the numbers say:

Average Punt: Gross 36.4, Net 32.6

Average Punt Return Allowed: 6.3

Average Kickoff Return Allowed: 14.1

Average Punt Return: 16.1

Average Kickoff Return: 21.5

The number that stands out is Punt Return. Warminski has averaged 18.3 yards on his 7 returns, including an 80 yard TD.

BPD3 Level System Top 25

To add to the intrigue and fun of the ranking system, I am creating "Levels" within the Top 25. In the "Level System", I will be grouping teams that are reasonably comparable in my opinion and exposing where I believe there is a drop-off of some kind between ranks.

All rankings have their flaws. My rankings come with certain biases. At least I acknowledge them. (Referring to some D1 polls, NOT d3football.com poll). WIAC bias? Without a doubt. Midwest bias? Perhaps to a degree. Probably a strange mix of acknowledging a school's tradition and track record and their current season's performance. Heavily influenced by my sense as to who would win head to head. Playing WIAC and especially UW-W tough over the past few years earns a lot of points. There will be serious volatility because, well, I think that's just more fun.

LEVEL 1

1. UW-Whitewater- Wins WIAC opener big.

2. Mount Union- Put ONU in its place.

LEVEL 2

3. St. Thomas- Did what #3's do. Won its circled game.

4. Wesley- Onslaught helps hold rank.

5. Linfield- Cats claw Bearcats hard.

6. UMHB- Outscores potent LC passing game.

LEVEL 3

7. Hardin Simmons- Nice bounce back win.

8. North Central- Shuts down high powered Carthage.

9. Wittenberg- 6 point win over weak foe incurs drop.

10. Delaware Valley- Hatty's 5 TD throws ground Dutchmen.

11. Ohio Northern University- UP a spot after being shutout?

12. Wheaton- Nice revenge win over Titans.

LEVEL 4

13. Coe- Barely wins duel over sword-less Spartans.

14. Thomas More- Who will challenge Saints before playoffs?

15. UW-Stout- National Champs are next.

16. UW-Eau Claire- Takes down Point in key WIAC clash.

17. Willamette- Bearcats' playoff hopes wounded.

18. Central College- Win was almost foregone conclusion.

LEVEL 5

19. Wabash- Overlooked Little Giants rise big.

20. Trine- Beats one of better conference foes.

21. UW-Oshkosh- Titans get huge monkey off back.

22. Montclair State- solid road win against Cougers.

23. St. John Fisher- Cardinals positioned well to qualify for playoffs.

24. Pacific Lutheran- beats improved Puget Sound.

25. Cal Lutheran- Redlands win earns way back in.

Dropped Out

UW-Stevens Point- Had must win and didn't.

St. John's- Had must win and didn't.

Ursinas- Wabash, St. John Fisher and Cal Lu have done enough to claw ahead of Bears for now.