UW-W Athletics earn another honor!

UW-W Athletics earn another honor!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

December: The Greatest Football Month


One of the most compelling aspects of college football is the significance of every single game.  In the UW-Whitewater football program, the players begin working out together in January. Weight room and speed drill work continues until spring practice.  During spring drills the coaches begin putting the pieces together and working with the players who are part of the program.  After spring drills, the players continue to work the weight, agility, and speed programs until they report for training camp in August.  They are joined by incoming freshmen and an occasional transfer student.


The first weekend of September, the pre-conference games begin.  The first weekend of October, the seven week battle for the WIAC championship kicks off.  For the sixth consecutive season, the Warhawks won at least a share of the conference championship and earned a bid to the Division 3 National Championship Playoffs.  The playoff field is comprised on 32 teams with one goal: to win a National Championship.  For the sixth consecutive season, UW-Whitewater has won it's first two playoff games and remains one of eight teams standing for the ultimate prize.


After months of hard work, it all comes down to the month of December. Championship Month.  Only eight teams have earned the right to play in December.  The weather turns cold in most sites.  The snow often flies.  The wind picks up.  The competition becomes tougher.   And the prize is in sight.  December.  It's the month that Champions step up and take matters in their own hands.


 Over the past 5 years, only the University of Mount Union can rival the Warhawks' performance in December.  Here is the road UW-W has traveled to Salem over the past five years:


2005
December 3, 2005
The Warhawks travel to #1 seeded Linfield, the defending National Champion.  In one of the most exciting games on record, the Warhawks upset the Wildcats 44-41 when Justin Beaver scored on a one yard run with 42 seconds left in the game to seal the win.  In this classic battle, the Wildcats and Warhawks gained over 1,000 yards in total offense and the lead changed hands 11 times.


December 10, 2005
The Warhawks hosted the Wesley College Wolverines.  The Hawks served notice that this would be a long day when Rob Widuch tackled Rob Nelson in the end zone for a safety 11 seconds into the game.  UW-W went on to outgain the Wolverines by over 300 yards and captured 4 takeaways in a 58-6 romp and their first Stagg Bowl date with Mount Union.


2006
December 2, 2006
The Warhawks hosted the 12th ranked St. John's Johnnies.  This was a fierce defensive battle.  Neither team gained 300 yards of offense.  Justin Beaver scored with 3:39 left in the third quarter  to extend the UW-W lead to 17-7.  The Johnnies scored with 9:01 left in the game to pull within 17-14. However, that became the final when the Johnnies were unable to advance past their own 39 after that point.


December 9, 2006
The 3rd ranked Wesley Wolverines visited Whitewater in the semi-finals for the second consecutive year, determined to avenge the embarrassing loss in 2005.  The Warhawks proved way too much for Wesley as they broke out to a 38-0 halftime lead.  Justin Jacobs threw 5 TD passes on the afternoon.  Wesley scored with 2:19 left in the game to avoid the shutout.  The 44-7 win propelled UW-W to a second consecutive Stagg Bowl appearance.


2007
December 1, 2007
The 12th ranked Wabash Little Giants invaded Perkins Stadium for this quarterfinal matchup.  UW-W imposed their will early as they jumped to a 35-0 halftime lead. Danny Jones threw 3 TD passes in the victory and freshman Aaron Rusch caught a 57 yard 3rd quarter TD pass to complete the scoring in the 47-7 win.


December 8, 2007
The  4th ranked University of Mary Hardin Baylor Crusaders made their second trip of the season to Whitewater after losing on October 27, 41-14.  The Warhawks held the powerful Cru rushing attack to 105 yards on 50 attempts in a hard fought 16-7 victory and earned a trip to Salem for the third consecutive season.


2008
December 6, 2008
The 5th ranked Warhawks hosted the unranked Wartburg Knights.  The Warhawks held a slim 20-17 lead heading into the fourth quarter.  At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Kyle Supianoski blocked a game tying field goal attempt at the beginning of the 4th quarter.  The Warhawks took over at midfield. Antwan Anderson promptly broke a 38 run.  Two plays later, Jeff Donovan hit Jordan Wells on a 13 yard TD to increase the Warhawk margin to 10.  Jace Rindahl sealed the win with a 45 yard interception return with 3:49 left in the game.


December 13, 2008 
UW-W travels to Belton, Texas to take on #4 UMHB.  This game, featuring some of the strongest wind in memory saw the Warhawks score a safety within the first 17 seconds of the game for the second time in the past 3 Decembers.  The game also featured a wind blown kickoff of (-6) yards by the Cru to open the second half.  UW-W dominated to second half, turning a 12-10 halftime lead into a 39-13 victory and  a fourth consecutive Stagg Bowl appearance.


2009
December 5, 2009
The Wittenberg Tigers brought a highly touted defense into Perkins Stadium for this quarterfinal.  UW-W led merely 14-13 with a minute left in the third quarter when Jeff Donovan hit Adam Brandes for a 28 yard TD to extend the lead.  Whitewater dominated the fourth quarter to secure a 31-13 victory.


December 12, 2009
The Warhawks hosted the Linfield Wildcats in a rematch of the 2005 classic.  QB Aaron Boehme passed for one TD and rushed for another as the Wildcats held a 17-13 lead with 8 minutes left in the game.  The play of the game occurred next as Jeff Donovan hit Jordan Wells with a 68 yard pass to the Linfield 1.  Antwan Anderson scored on the next play and UW-W led 20-17.  Jeremy Delbert intercepted Boehme on a 4th and ten with a minute and a half left to secure the win.  Levell Coppage scored from 40 yards out two plays later to secure the 27-17 victory.  UW-W was on it's way to Salem for a fifth consecutive year.

The month of December has seen UW-Whitewater go 10-0 on the road to Salem over the past five years.
Many games have been close. Some not so close.  But not one single team, not one single time, has been able to impose their will on the Warhawks in either the quarter-final or the semi-final round.


The Warhawks have been working hard since January.  They have earned themselves an opportunity to play in December.  December has finally arrived. The snow is flying. The temperatures are colder. The wind is stronger. And the victories are sweeter.




















Thursday, November 25, 2010

Round 2 Projections

Wesley 24
Montclair State 7
Wolverines ground Red Hawks' running game.

UMHB 34
Thomas More 13
Crusaders strike down Saints in ground game battle.

North Central 24
Ohio Northern 13
Takeaways key to Cardinals' triumph.

UW-Whitewater 55
Trine 14
Warhawks turn Thunder one dimensional.

Mount Union 34
Delaware Valley 10
Purple Raiders' balance overcomes tough Aggies' D.

Cortland State 24
Alfred 17
Red Dragons hand Saxons their third loss.

Linfield 31
St. Thomas 21
Too much Boehme for Tommies.

Bethel 20
Wheaton 17
Royals' D rises up big.

Monday, November 22, 2010

UW-W 52 Franklin 21

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.


Friday, November 19, 2010

First Round Projections

WESLEY BRACKET
Wesley 42
Muhlenberg 10
Not enough offense from Mules to keep up.

Montclair State 24
Hampden-Sydney 13
Red Hawks' defense surprises Tigers.

Thomas More 28
Washington and Lee 14
Saints' playoff experience pays off.

Mary Hardin-Baylor 63
Christopher Newport 7
Captains gave up 33 and lost to Frostburg State. Oh Oh.

NORTH CENTRAL BRACKET
North Central 49
St. Norberts 10
Green Knights' first taste of an elite defense.

Ohio Northern 31
Wittenberg 24 (overtime)
Polar Bears outlast Tigers in a thriller.

Trine 35
DePauw 31
Tigers fail to quiet Thunder's offense.

UW-Whitewater 52
Franklin 14
UW-W's engine just getting warmed up.

MOUNT UNION BRACKET
Mount Union 70
St. Lawrence 7
Purple Raiders begin annual trek to Salem.

Delaware Valley 31
Salisbury 24
Aggies' bounce back to eliminate Gulls.

Alfred 27
SUNY-Maritime 21
Saxons have a little too much offense for Privateers.

Cortland State 45
Endicott 10
Red Dragons have too much pedigree for Gulls.

ST. THOMAS BRACKET
St. Thomas 56
Benedictine 7
Eagles exposed to D3 gap.

Linfield 35
Cal Lutheran 21
No Mo'. No Advance.

Bethel 24
Wartburg 14
Royals defense holds down Knights.

Wheaton 34
Coe 24
Healthy Roberts the difference.









Tuesday, November 16, 2010

D3 Top 25 Fan Poll

1. UWW (13) 325
2. Mount Union 311
3. North Central 296
4. Wesley 283
5. St. Thomas 277
6. UMHB 258
7. Linfield 232
Ohio Northern 232
9. Wartburg 204
10. Trine 182
11. Thomas More 181
Wittenberg 181
13. Coe 161
14. Wheaton 146
15. Bethel 143
16. California Lutheran 124
17. Delaware Valley 118
18. Hardin Simmons 115
19. Pacific Lutheran 95
20. Cortland State 61
21. Hampden-Sydney 58
22. Rowan 56
23. Franklin 51
Montclair St. 51
25. Central 45

Also Receiving Votes: Wabash (27), Washington and Lee (4), Salisbury (3), Depauw (2), Redlands (2), SUNY Maritime (1)
Selective Intelligence

On Sunday afternoon, the NCAA D3 National Selection Committee did what no one else has been able to do this season. They put a beat down on UW-Whitewater. Ignoring both major national polls (because they can), dismissing a 25 game winning streak (the longest in the nation at any level), and disrespecting the fact that UW-W is the NCAA D3 Defending National Champion, the Committee granted Whitewater a 2 seed for the upcoming playoffs.

Relying heavily on a Strength of Schedule formula, the committee opted to place North Central College as the #1 seed in the bracket they placed Whitewater. North Central plays in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin, ranked as the 6th strongest D3 conference by d3football.com. UW-W plays in the WIAC, the strongest D3 conference by d3football.com. Strength of Schedule? North Central played a non-conference schedule against teams with a combined record of 4-26. Strength of Schedule? It was pointed out to me that the CCIW overall winning percentage was far greater than WIAC's. It doesn't take much research to look at the comparative non-conference schedules and see which conference played stronger teams. So in the world of the committee, North Central's strength of schedule was built upon playing weaker teams. The formula brewed to develop the criteria is flawed. The use of the criteria is applied unevenly.

At the end of the day, it won't matter. Each qualifying team has a path to the national championship and the cream will rise to the top. However, injecting a little common sense into the process seems like a good idea. If nothing else, for the sake of the tailgaters!

Here are three common sense ideas for the NCAA to consider:

1. Clarify the charge to the National Committee: Seed the best four teams #1 and build brackets around them. Use all the data available to you in making the decisions: strength of schedule, common opponents, past results, national polls, and common sense.

2. Establish a National DataBase to use in filling game dates. Post all open dates for all teams. Have each school submit a report each time they fill a date, each time they offer a game to another school, and each time they refuse an offer from another school. Any school refusing an offer from another school and subsequently scheduling a weaker team will be severely penalized in "strength of schedule" points. Provide extra strength of schedule points for scheduling teams who have been to the Final Four within the past 4 years.

3. Fill the committee with people who actually could watch a set of football games and have an idea of which teams were better from what their eyes told them. Football people who are given statistics to supplement what they see would be far better than administrators trying to apply faulty criteria to evaluate football teams.

For 2010 it is what it is. Beginning Saturday, seedings and strength of schedule and criterion and the committee's opinions won't help a team a bit once the whistle blows. UW-W got a beat down on a teleconference call. Now let's see if anyone can give them one on the football field.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

WIAC PROJECTIONS

UW-Oshkosh at UW-Stout
Oshkosh is coming off a 48-21 loss to Whitewater. Stout beat Platteville last week, 28-23. UW-O's Wara is a dangerous QB and the the creative Oshkosh offense will test Stout's defense. However, at the end of the day, the Blue Devils' do have the better defense along with home field advantage.

UW-Stout 31
UW-Oshkosh 27

UW-Platteville at UW-Stevens Point
The Pioneers play for a share of second place after winning only one conference game in 2009. It's been a much improved campaign for UW-P, but they aren't at Point's level yet.

UW-Stevens Point 34
UW-Platteville 17

UW-River Falls at UW-Eau Claire
The Falcons try to send out Coach John O'Grady on a high note after a winless 2010 season so far. The Blugolds are a disappointing 2-4 in the WIAC after a promising victory over Stevens Point in the opener. UW-RF will put forth the effort, but they lack the talent.

UW-Eau Claire 23
UW-River Falls 20

UW-LaCrosse at UW-Whitewater
Like UW-RF, the Eagles attempt to send their coach out a winner in his last game. The Eagles' Nick Anker has thrown 100 passes over the last two games. This game should be good final test for the Warhawks' pass defense. Eagles' running back Lee Lauters poses enough of a threat to keep UW-W honest. UW-W will play ball control offense, using their offensive line to wear down UW-L over four quarters.

UW-Whitewater 45
UW-LaCrosse 17



Thursday, November 11, 2010

It's LaCrosse Week. Enough Said.

One of the hallmarks of a rivalry game in college football is it's annual ability to transcend the circumstances of the current season. The UW-Whitewater Warhawks have already clinched an undisputed WIAC championship and the automatic NCAA Division 3 playoff bid that comes with it. On Saturday, the Warhawks face UW-LaCrosse in the final 2010 WIAC game for both teams. LaCrosse enters the game with a record of 3-6 over all and 3-3 in the WIAC. However, this game is far more than a playoff tuneup for UW-W. And it's far more than an opportunity for the Warhawks to put themselves in prime position for a #1 seed in the upcoming playoffs.

It's LaCrosse Week.

The bitter rivalry between Whitewater and LaCrosse extends the better part of the past five decades. When Forrest Perkins took over the Whitewater program in 1956, he inherited a team that had won 4 conference games the previous 4 years. LaCrosse, on the other hand, had won conference titles in 6 of the previous 7 years under head coach Bill Vickroy. After building his program for three years, Perkins led Whitewater to undefeated conference championships in 1959 and 1960. The second place team each year? LaCrosse. A rivalry was born.

In 1969, Roger Harring took over the rains for the Indians (LaCrosse's nickname before they changed their name out of political correctness run amuck). Harring wound up coaching 31 years and is all-time conference wins leader with 261. Perkins and his successor, Bob Berezowitz, are numbers two and three on the list. Harring and Perkins were fierce competitors and there was no love lost between either the coaches or the football programs. Then there's the matter of 1971. Too much to get into here, but to those involved in the UW-W program at the time, even 40 years is too short a time to forget UW-L's role in the injustice.

When Berezowitz took over in 1985, the former Whitewater QB and assistant coach was more than familiar with "LaCrosse Week". Berezowitz' duels with Harring was a legacy for the ages. LaCrosse and Whitewater won or shared every conference championship from 1986 until Harring retired after the 1999 season. LaCrosse won 8 championships and Whitewater won 6 over that span. LaCrosse also held an 8-6 head to head edge during that time. UW-W has won or shared the last 6 WIAC Championships. UW-L won the three previous to that.

What week stands out above all other conference games? Ask former UW-W players from any decade since the 1950's and you will be likely to hear the same answer: "LaCrosse".

It should be noted that the current coaching staffs of each school have a mutual respect for one another and don't hold the bitterness of past regimes. However, both head coaches are former players in their respective programs and well aware of the history involved in this rivalry. Not only did Terry play for LaCrosse, he was a ball boy when his father was an assistant coach for the Indians. Leipold was a record setting quarterback who played for both Perkins and Berezowitz.

The UW-W football program has rightly rooted itself in history and tradition. The coaches do a remarkable job of helping the current players understand that they are part of something very special at UW-W. One doesn't have to be part of the Warhawk family very long to know they are part of something very, very good. And one does not have to be in the family long to know a very important truth: We do not like LaCrosse.

Saturday will be the final game in Coach Terry's career at UW-L and surely the Eagles will be emotional as they take the field on Saturday. How can we be sure UW-W will match the intensity the Eagles will surely bring? The answer is easy. It's LaCrosse week. Enough said.




Tuesday, November 9, 2010

D3 Top 25 Fan Poll

1. UWW (20) 500
2. Mount Union 478
3. North Central 453
4. Wesley 439
5. St. Thomas 418
6. UMHB 397
7. Delaware Valley 351
8. Hardin-Simmons 338
9. Ohio Northern 325
10. Linfield 314
11. Wartburg 297
12. Wittenberg 274
13. Trine 260
14. Thomas More 249
15. Bethel 223
16. Coe 206
17. Wheaton 186
18. Cal. Lutheran 149
19. Depauw 111
20. Pac. Lutheran 105
21. Central 86
22. Cortland State 75
23. Rowan 67
24. Montclair 54
25. Franklin 48

Dropped Out: #23 St. John Fisher, #24 Wabash

Also receiving votes: Hampden-Sydney (34), St. John Fisher (20), Willamette (19), Washington U (5), Salisbury(4),Wabash(4),Williams(4), Alfred (2), Illinois Wesleyan (2), Albion (1), Baldwin-Wallace (1), Muhlenberg (1)

Friday, November 5, 2010

WIAC PROJECTIONS

UW-Eau Claire at UW-LaCrosse
The Bluegolds (4-4, 2-3 WIAC) visit LaCrosse (2-6, 2-3 WIAC) for Eagles' Coach Larry Terry's final home game. Both teams are coming in off a win after starting the WIAC season a disappointing 1-3. Eau Claire's inability to protect the passer in an otherwise evenly matched game sends Terry home a winner in his final home game.

UW-La Crosse 26
UW-Eau Claire 20


UW-Stevens Point at UW-River Falls
Falcons Coach John O'Grady is also coaching his final home game on Saturday. Unfortunately, his (0-8, 0-5 WIAC) Falcons are no match for the Pointers (5-3, 3-2 WIAC). Point bounces back big

UW-Stevens Point 45
UW-River Falls 14

UW-Stout at UW-Platteville
The Blue Devils (4-4, 2-3 WIAC) travel to Platteville (5-3, 3-2) looking to create a WIAC log jam in the middle of the WIAC. UW-Stout's 2nd ranked WIAC defense figures to make things tough for the Pioneers.

UW-Stout 28
UW-Platteville 13

UW-Whitewater at UW-Oshkosh
The Warhawks (8-0, 5-0) will be looking to clinch an undisputed WIAC championship when they visit the Titans (4-4,3-2). The Titans will put the ball in the hands of QB Nate Wara, the WIAC's Total Offense leader with 2241 total yards. Look for UW-W to spend the day keeping the ball away from Wara. UW-O is dead last in the WIAC in time of possession, partly because they are 7th in preventing 3rd down conversions. UW-W wears down the Titans and wins going away.

UW-Whitewater 52
UW-Oshkosh 14


Thursday, November 4, 2010

Championship Formula

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.






Tuesday, November 2, 2010

D3 TOP 25 FAN POLL

1. UW-Whitewater (20) 500
2. Mount Union 478
3. Wesley 444
4. North Central 440
5. St. Thomas 428
6. Mary Hardin-Baylor 392
7. Delaware Valley 343
8. Hardin-Simmons 324
9. Ohio Northern 312
10. Linfield 304
11. Wartburg 286
12. Thomas More 275
13. Wheaton 261
14. Wittenberg 240
15. Trine 227
16. Bethel 190
17. Coe 189
18. Hampden-Sydney 168
19. Central 151
20. California Lutheran 121
21. Pacific Lutheran 66
22. Depauw 62
23. St. John Fisher 54
24. Wabash 44
25. Cortland St. 41
Montclair St. 41


Also Receiving Votes: Franklin (36), Rowan (36), Salisbury (11), Willamette (11), Case Western Reserve (4), Washington University (3), Alfred (2), Ursinus (2), Baldwin-Wallace (1), Williams (1)

Monday, November 1, 2010

Rating the Warhawks

The UW-Whitewater Warhawks defended their home turf on Saturday with a 27-14 victory over the UW-Stevens Point Pointers. The Warhawks (8-0, 5-0 WIAC) now set their sights on a conference championship as they travel to UW-Oshkosh to face the Titans (4-4, 3-2). The Pointers (5-3, 3-2) finish out the season at River Falls and hosting UW-Platteville. (The following aspects of Saturday's performance by UW-Whitewater will be rated Spectacular, Solid, or Needs Work).

THE RUNNING GAME
LeVell Coppage gained 179 of the Warhawks' 221 yards on the ground and both of UW-W's rushing TD's. Coppage made a rare "solo" appearance as the backup running backs were limited to 3 Booker Stanley carries. In 38 carries, Coppage gained positive yardage 34 times (2 losses, 2 no gains) and gained at least 4 yards 22 times in 38 attempts. This was the strongest defensive front the UW-W Offensive Line has faced this year and they paved the way for Coppage to average 4.7 yards per attempt. The work up front also allowed Whitewater to control the ball for nearly 22 minutes in the second half. Against a good defense, a performance doesn't have to be flashy to be spectacular.
Rating: Spectacular

THE PASSING GAME
Matt Blanchard has now thrown 183 passes without an interception in his first season as a starter. Adam Brandes' spectacular 50 yard reception on the final play of the third quarter helped preserve the streak. Brandes continues to make plays that leave defenders scratching their heads. In all, the passing game was steady as Blanchard completed 16 of 24 for 205 yards and a 6 yard Bernie Tamsett touchdown. All time UW-W reception leader Aaron Rusch added 5 catches for 57 yards.
Rating: Solid

DEFENDING THE RUN
With sacks factored into the equation, all of the Pointers' rushing yardage was gained on one play, a 47 yard 3rd quarter burst by Kleth Ingram late in the third quarter, with Point down by 17. By holding UW-SP to 47 net rushing yards, UW-W held an opponent to under 75 yards rushing for the 7th time in 8 games. Seven of Stevens Point's 23 rushing attempts went for 4 or more yards.
Rating: Spectacular

DEFENDING THE PASS
It's hard to make a living off of 10 total completions, especially when you gain only 47 net yards rushing. However, QB Jake Swank made the most of his 10 completions gaining 7 first downs and 2 TD's. The Pointers averaged 18.4 yards per completion, led by Jared Jenkins' 6 catches for 85 yards. UW-W put excellent pressure on Swank with 4 sacks and numerous knockdowns. Although giving up 184 yards through the air, the Whitewater defense did limit Swank to 10 completions in 30 attempts and added a Steve McCollom interception.
Rating: Solid

SPECIAL TEAMS
Fans were treated to an entertaining punting duel between All-American Jared Jenkins and Kris Rosholt. Jenkins' six punts averaged 54.7 yards, with a long of 70. He had no touchbacks. Rosholt averaged 41 yards per punt, with a long of 65 and 2 touchbacks. Rosholt allowed only 2 punts to be returned for 7 total yards. Kicker Eric Kindler made both of his field goal attempts and averaged 61.8 yards on kickoffs.
Rating: Solid

EFFICIENCY
The Warhawks had a zero turnover performance for the 5th time in 8 games. QB Matt Blanchard has not thrown an interception and starting running back Levell Coppage has not lost a fumble since his first carry of the season. Primary backups Booker Stanley and Antwan Anderson haven't fumbled at all. Saturday, UW-SP forced a season high 7 Warhawk punts and held UW-W to 17 first downs, seven below the previous season low of 24. However, UW-W scored all 5 times they penetrated the Red Zone, which was more than enough given the defensive performance.
Rating: Solid

OVERALL
UW-W turned in a methodical, workmanlike performance against the best opponent they have played to date. These are the types of foes that ready a team for the playoffs. Although the Warhawks will continue to work to get better day by day, this level of performance in the playoffs will make for a deep run.
Rating: Solid