Creating an Identity

Coach Lance Leipold told anyone who would listen that the 2010 UW-Whitewater Warhawks football team must create its own identity separate and apart from the 2009 National Championship squad. Aside from winning all three pre-conference games, the UW-Whitewater coaches hoped to learn more about the strengths, weaknesses, and personality of the 2010 edition of the Warhawks. The three game pre-conference sample provides enough data to draw some conclusions as to what to expect from the 2010 Warhawks.

10 OBSERVATIONS:

1. The Offensive and Defensive Lines have a chance to be dominant.

Clearly, the lines on both sides of the ball will face much stiffer competition in the WIAC than they have faced so far. However, outrushing their weaker foes 1003 to 136 is a very promising sign. Warhawk QB's have been sacked only once. UW-W's running game didn't miss a beat when the second and even third units were brought on. The offensive line appears very deep and talented.

Defensively, UW-W limited their foes to just 1.4 yards per rush in 95 attempts. In addition, they have sacked opposing Quarterbacks 9 times. Overmatched teams have not taken many deep drops for fear they would not have time to get the pass off.

2. UW-W likely has the best and deepest offensive backfield in the Nation.

First Team All-American Levell Coppage, Senior Antwan Anderson, and University of Wisconsin transfer Booker Stanley lead a rushing attack that has averaged 7.0 yards per carry over 143 attempts. Having three runners of this caliber will give the coaches rare luxuries in terms of going with the "hot" back and keeping all three fresh throughout the season. If all three remain healthy this could come up big if the Hawks make the playoffs. UW-W could have unusually fresh legs carrying the load when the cold weather hits. Over the past 3 years, UW-W's Thunder and Lightening combination of Anderson and Coppage formed the best running back duo in the nation. Now UW-W has added the physical presence of Stanley and his ability to dent a defense. Thunder, Lightening, and Hail?

3. Matt Blanchard is ready to lead this team.

Blanchard has made plays with both his arm and his feet. He has made good decisions as reflected by his 7-0 TD to interception ratio and his 193.3 efficiency rating. With the weapons at his disposal, Blanchard is capable of gashing a defense who tries to load up to stop the vaunted Warhawk running game. Blanchard is an excellent athlete who can buy time in the pocket. He also has averaged 7.1 yards per carry in his 10 attempts.

4. UW-W has multiple receiving threats.

The UW-W passing game has shown variety and an ability to get deep. Adam Brandes (23.3 ypc), David Leaf (17.1 ypc), and Aaron Rusch (14.6 ypc) can all stretch the defense. All have excellent hands and an ability to catch the ball in a crowd. Tight End John Novak has caught only three balls so far, but the offense is still developing and he is sure to get more touches. UW-W has not emphasized incorporating the backs into the passing offense to any great degree, yet. However, don't be surprised to see FB Bernie Tamsett catching key 3rd down passes as the season wears on.

5. The Cannon isn't the only thing that goes boom.

Once again, this appears to be an extremely physical football team. From the crisp blocking of the offensive line, to the physical running backs, to the physical defensive line, to the to the attacking linebackers, to the athletic defensive backs, to the special teams coverage units, this team loves to hit. There will likely be several more "ohhhhh" moments from the crowd after a devastating hit before the year is out.

6. The defensive backfield is athletic, but untested.

UW-W has allowed 60% completions but only 154.7 yards per game so far this season. They have not yet faced a well developed passing attack, although Campbellsville did possess some talented and fast receivers. The continued development of the pass defense will be instrumental if the Warhawks are make yet another run to the Stagg Bowl.

7. The punting game looks great.

How's this for production? Of Kris Rosholt's 9 punts, three have gone for over 50 yards and the other 6 have been downed inside the 20. The punting game will be a valuable weapon in helping the Warhawks play on a shorter field than their opponents this year.

8. The kicking game is a big question mark.

Both freshman kickers have done fine with long, booming kickoffs. However, neither has shown any ability to consistently make kicks thus far. If the kicking struggles continue, it will likely have an impact on strategy as the Warhawks may be more inclined to look at possessions inside the opponents 40 as four down territory. This may change 3rd down play calling to avoid 4th and long situations.

9. The approach and demeanor appear similar to past Leipold seasons.

Since Coach Leipold's arrival, the philosophy of this program has been to improve, not one GAME at a time, but one DAY at a time. This year's team appears to approach each day with the seriousness and focus necessary to get better, yet with a passion that can only come from loving the game. There have been very few "off" games in Leipold's tenure. In the first three games against inferior opponents, this trend seems to be continuing.

10. Let the (WIAC) games begin.

This team appears ready for the challenges that lie ahead. It appears to be a confident team that believes in what they are doing and in each other. There seems to be a great mix of talent, work ethic, and togetherness. From Coach Leipold, to the coaching staff, to the players, the egos seem to have been checked in at the door. Teams inevitably face adversity throughout the course of a season. Last year's team had phenomenal senior leadership, led by QB and MVP Jeff Donovan. If this year's seniors continue to lead the way Leipold thinks they will, this team has all the ingredients of a team poised to win another WIAC championship.

WIAC PROJECTIONS: WEEK 5

UW-Whitewater at UW-Platteville

The Warhawks begin their WIAC title defense at Platteville at 6:00 PM on Thursday. The Pioneers have defended the run well in their three pre-conference games. However, they have not seen anything remotely like UW-W's powerful attack. UW-P has the leading WIAC overall passing offense and they will need it because they don't figure to be able to run against the Warhawks. It will take a superlative effort for the Pioneers to keep this one close.

UW-Whitewater 45

UW-Platteville 14

UW-Stevens Point at UW-Eau Claire

The Pointers take to the road for the first time in their conference opener at Eau Claire on Saturday. UW-EC will need RB Joel Sweeney to provide enough of a ground attack to provide balance against a tough UW-SP defense. The Pointers seem a little more cohesive than the Blugolds at this point of the season. Pointers' wide receiver Jared Jenkins is due for a big afternoon.

UW-Stevens Point 27

UW-Eau Claire 20

UW-LaCrosse at UW-Oshkosh

Oshkosh's rugged pre-conference games seemed to pay off big in week 1 as the Titan's roughed up River Falls 43-15 in their WIAC opener in River Falls. Nate Wara has thrown for 9 TD's and 0 interceptions. He is also the Titans leading rusher. UW-LaCrosse has opened 0-3 in pre-conference games. The Eagles have been susceptible to the big play and Wara is more than capable of taking advantage. UW-O has been good against the run against high level competition. UW-LaCrosse is facing a possible 8th straight loss going back to last year. LaCrosse is a stunning 35-0-2 the last 37 years against Oshkosh. How do you pick against that?

UW-Oshkosh 31

UW-LaCrosse 30

UW-Stout at UW-River Falls

The Falcons are 0-4 (0-1 WIAC), having come no closer to an opponent than 14 points. Not exactly the way venerable Coach John O'Grady would want his final year to start. Stout has played unevenly as well, but has a 2-1 pre-conference record heading into their WIAC opener. Stout won last year 13-12 when UW-RF failed in their attempt to go for two after drawing within a point in overtime. The young Falcons defense better grow up in a hurry. They are allowing 5.3 yards per carry on the ground. Opponent QB's are throwing at a 63.9% with 12 TD's and 0 interceptions against them.

UW-Stout 24

UW-River Falls 20

Endangered Species?

It's impossible to question the historical pedigree of the UW-LaCrosse Eagles football program. Two National Championships (1992 and 1995), 11 NCAA D3 playoff appearances, and 33 WIAC/WSUC Championships speak for themselves. However, the Eagles have fallen on hard times in the recent past. What follows is a look at the current struggles of the UW-L football team, which has left the program as the biggest question mark in the WIAC as conference play commences in full this weekend.

Eleven Minutes

On September 29, 2007 Jeff Schebler lined up a 41 yard field goal. His Warhawks trailed the UW-La Crosse Eagles 28-10, an 18 point deficit with 11 minutes to play. Schebler made the kick, cutting the UW-W deficit to 28-13. What happened during that 11 minutes of football in LaCrosse, appears to have had a lasting effect on the Eagles' program.

The mighty UW-LaCrosse Eagles walked onto the field that September afternoon with a record of 41-23 since 2000. They were 2-0 in the current 2007 season and coming off a 9-2 season in 2006. The Eagles' appeared poised to re-claim the position as top dog in the conference and determined to stop the UW-W Stagg Bowl run at two.

UW-Whitewater delivered a mighty blow to the Eagles on that September afternoon, outscoring their rival 25-0 in the fourth quarter to take home a 35-28 victory. Something beyond that football game appears to have happened in those fateful 11 minutes. The Warhawks went on to win their first National Championship that season. The Eagles went just 3-3 the rest of the 2007 season, losing games by 2,3, and 3 points.

In 2008, while UW-W was making it's fourth consecutive Stagg run, The Eagles started off 0-5 and finished the year 3-7.

In 2009, while UW-W earned their fifth consecutive Stagg Bowl and second national championship, the Eagles finished 5-5, losing their last four games.

So far in 2010, while UW-W sits at 3-0, the Eagles are 0-3, running their losing streak to seven games. On the dawn of the 2010 WIAC season, perhaps no team is a greater mystery than the Eagles.

The Streak

Much has gone wrong for UW-L during their seven game losing streak. Below is a brief capsule of each game and turning points that ultimately sealed the Eagles' fate in each game.

1. October 24, 2009 UW-Stevens Point 26 UW-LaCrosse 14

Reid Oldenberg scored on a 2 yard run, capping a 91 yard drive to draw the Eagles to within 19-14 with 10 minutes left in the game. However, Colton Zimmerman returned the ensuing kickoff 45 yards to the UW-L 40. On the next play, Pointers' QB Jared Beckwith hit Anthony Aker for 39 yards to the Eagles' 1. Point scored two plays later to expand the lead to 26-14. UW-L never got closer than the UW-SP 47 the rest of the game.

2. October 31, 2009 UW-Stout 35 UW-LaCrosse 28

With the score tied 14-14, the Eagles had a first and goal on the UW-S 4 yard line late in the first half. After three plays netted only two yards, the Eagles then missed a FG with 6 seconds left in the half and the teams went into the locker room tied. Stout began the second half with a 65 yard TD drive. After the Eagles' ensuing drive stalled at the Blue Devil 34, Christian Hallingstad's punt was downed at the Stout 1. However, the Blue Devils drove 99 yards to give themselves a 28-14 lead. After the Eagles, pulled to within 28-21, they gave UW-S a short field as Carlos Concepcion returned the ensuing kickoff to the UW-L 46. The Blue Devils turned the short field into points as they scored 5 plays later to take a commanding 35-21 lead.

3. November 7, 2009 UW-Eau Claire 27 UW-LaCrosse 17

Holding a 10-0 lead in the 2nd quarter, the Eagles drove from their own 4 yard line all the way to a first and goal on the Blugolds' 3. However, two plays later, QB Nick Anker was sacked and fumbled, giving the ball back to Eau Claire. On the next play, QB Kyle Paulson hit David Goodman for a 93 yard TD pass, making the score 10-7, as opposed the 17-0 possibility of moments earlier. With just under 2 minutes left in the first half, the Eagles had a 4th and 5 at the Blugolds' 11. UW-L elected to go for it, but Anker's pass fell incomplete. UW-EC scored TD's on their first two possessions of the second half to take a 20-10 lead. Early in the fourth quarter, the Eagles scored to narrow the gap to 20-17. However, with just under 3 minutes to play, the Blugolds sealed the win by scoring on a fake-punt 45 yard TD pass.

4. November 14, 2009 UW-Whitewater 58 UW-LaCrosse 21

This was the only game in the streak in which the Eagles had no shot. They were outgained by over 300 yards and committed 3 turnovers.

5. September 4, 2010 East Texas Baptist 33 UW-LaCrosse 20

The Eagles opened the 2010 season by losing to ETB, whom they had beaten 28-13 in 2009. ETB scored on TWO runs from scrimmage of at least 95 yards (95 and 98). UW-L held a 14-13 lead and faced a 4th and 2 on the ETB 37 with 1:30 left in the first half. Nick Anker's pass was intercepted and returned 55 yards to the UW-L 13. ETB scored on the next play to take a 20-13 lead into the locker room. The score was still 20-14 when ETB blocked a UW-L punt and recovered on their 23 yard line. The short field led to another TD and, after missing the PAT, the score was was 26-14. The Eagles scored (and also missed the PAT) to draw within 26-20. However, the next two times UW-L got the ball they turned it over. Then, with 25 seconds left in the game, Sed Harris scored on a 98 yard run to provide the final margin.

6. September 11, 2010 Mary Hardin-Baylor 24 UW-LaCrosse 19

The Eagles had a 4-0 takeaway advantage and a 19-0 lead 3rd quarter lead, but found a way to lose. Special teams played a key role in the UMHB win. Down 19-0, Darius Wilson returned a kickoff to the 43. The Cru then drove 57 yards to make it 19-7. They then held the Eagles to a "3 and out". Geoff Myles returned the ensuing punt 37 yards to the UW-L 40, leading to another short field TD drive, making the score 19-14. After another "3 and out" and a net 22 yard punt, the Cru took over on their own 43. Once again, they took advantage, driving to a 21-19 lead. The Cru added a FG for the final margin. All total, once UMHB scored its first TD, the Eagles responded with 4 consecutive "3 and out" series, a series that ended on downs at the UMHB 25, and "4 and out" series.

7. September 25, 2010 Missouri S & T 31 UW-LaCrosse 24

This might well have been the most disheartening loss of the seven game losing streak for the Eagles. This is a team they destroyed 48-0 in 2009. The Eagles held a 10-0 lead with 2 and a half minutes left in the first half. UW-L then gave up 3 huge plays in the next 3 and a half minutes of play. With 2:24 left in the first half, Miner's QB Steve Watson hit Chad Shockley for a 77 yard TD pass, to make the score 10-7. UW-L then went 3 and out before Watson found Shockley again, this time from 47 yards out with 1:02 left in the half for a MST 14-10 lead. Then in the first minute of the 3rd quarter, Jordan Ashley of MST recovered UW-L QB Nick Anker's fumble and returned it 36 yards for a TD and a 21-10 Miner's lead. UW-L battled back and took the lead 24-21. This was the first time during the streak that they had re-taken the lead after losing it. MST kicked a field goal to tie the game at 24-24 with 8:30 left in the game. However, UW-L stalled and then a 4 yard punt gave MST the ball on the Eagles' 46 yard line. The Miner's took advantage driving to a TD and a 31-24 lead with 3:24 to play. With their final shot to end the losing streak, the Eagles drove all the way to the Miner's 9 yard line. However, Anker's 4th down pass fell incomplete with 38 seconds remaining and the Eagles' streak moved to seven.

What's the problem?

A statistical analysis of the Eagles' seven game losing streak would reveals flaws to be sure. The Eagles' running game is very inconsistent. So is their ability to defend the pass. Their special teams coverage units are below average at best. However, in looking at the seven games in the current losing streak, UW-L had the ability to win six of them, flaws and all. Here are some themes that run consistently through the streak:

1. When UW-L had the lead, they failed to show the killer instinct required to build on a lead and finish off an opponent.

2. When things began going wrong, the Eagles did not respond well.

3. The Eagles offense often completely shut down after they had given up the lead.

4. UW-L made key mistakes or gave up big plays in the most crucial of situations.

UW-L opens WIAC play Saturday when they travel to UW-Oshkosh. They have the opportunity to operate from a clean slate and re-establish themselves as a power in the WIAC. However, they will have to recapture the confidence and the swagger that seemed to have been taken from them on that September Saturday in 2007.

WIAC INSIDE THE NUMBERS: WEEK 4

North Central 20 UW-Eau Claire 6

NCC limited the Blugolds to 0.4 yards per rush, 186 total yards, and 2 field goals. Every Eau Claire first half possession ended with a punt. After recovering a fumble on the NCC 6 with three minutes left in the game, UW-EC gained 0 yards the next three plays before settling for a field goal. The Blugolds longest drive of the day was 40 yards. The Cardinals scoring drives were of 68, 45, 65, and 64 yards.

UW-Stevens Point 59 Albion 14

UW-SP scored on 7 of 9 possessions, including 6 TD's and 1 FG. The Pointers blew the game open with two big plays in the last 3 minutes of the first quarter. Free Safety Joel Mleziva intercepted a pass and returned it 50 yards for a TD. Less than 2 minutes later, Peter Peterson returned a punt 45 yards to give the Pointers a 21-0 lead at the end of the First Quarter. Point did not punt until 48 seconds remained in the game.

Missouri S&T 31 UW-LaCrosse 24

Steve Watson connected with Chad Shockley for TD passes of 77, 47, and 25 yards in the Miner's win. UW-LC had more first downs (23-13), more total yards (338-222), and allowed the MST to drive into the red zone only one time all afternoon in the loss. The Miners won the takeaway battle 2-0 including a 46 yard fumble recovery return for a TD. The Eagles rushed for only 79 yards after gaining 228 on the ground against the Miners in a 48-0 victory a year ago.

UW-Oshkosh 43 UW-River Falls 15

After the Falcons' Taylor Edwards' one yard TD run with 34 seconds left in the 1st Qtr tied the score, the Titans ran off 22 straight points over the next 18 minutes of play to take control of the game. The Titans held UW-RF to 2.5 ypc on their 50 rushing attempts and outgained the Falcons 420-239 on the afternoon. UW-O showed balance and discipline as they gained 183 yards rushing, 243 yards passing, and didn't turn the ball over. Oshkosh QB Nate Wara went 13-19 for 246 yards and 4 TD's. He also rushed for 45 yards on 11 carries.

Bleed's D3 Top 25

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.

1. UW-Whitewater- Enters conference play unchallenged by non-conference foes.

2. Mount Union- Another (OAC) One Bites the Dust.

3. St. Thomas- Big hump to get over Saturday.

4. Wesley- Sottilare shreds Cap.

5. UMHB- Comes up big against HSU again.

6. Wittenberg- Tigers avoid Gator bite.

7. Linfield- Big chance to justify ranking Saturday.

8. Coe- Signature victory propels Kowhawks up the rankings.

9. Delaware Valley- Opens MAC Saturday.

10. Hardin Simmons- Settling between Cru and Bearcats for now.

11. Willamette- Epic NWC clash with Linfield Saturday.

12. North Central- Breaks into top dozen with solid win over UW-EC

13. Ohio Northern- Trying to climb the Mount and the rankings Sat.

14. Thomas More- Passes Presidential test.

15. UW-Stout- It's like growing while you sleep.

16. UW-Stevens Point- Pointers back in picture with convincing win.

17. Central College- Yields 37 points and 533 yards to Coe.

18. Wheaton- Thunder keeps storming.

19. Trine- More Thunder!

20. St. John's- Fighting for playoff lives against Tommies

21. UW- Eau Claire- Running game stymied by CCIW's Cardinals.

22. UW- Oshkosh- Bucks a strong trend to win a WIAC blowout.

23. Montclair State- Wins as expected, Kean on deck.

24. Pacific Lutheran- To open NWC portion Saturday.

25. Ursinas- 4-0 Bears taking aim at CC title.

Dropped Out

Illinois Wesleyan- Will climb right back in with Wheaton win Saturday.

WIAC WEEK 4: First Glance

UW-Oshkosh 43 UW-River Falls 15

In a conference that annually takes until the final week of the season to determine the final pecking order, the Titans stated a very strong case for being in the upper half with a 4 TD win over the Falcons. Before Saturday, the Titans last 5 conference wins (dating back to the final game of the 2007 season) were by no more than 3 points. Only 2 games in the WIAC all last year that didn't involve UW-Whitewater had a margin of at least 28 points.

Missouri S&T 31 UW-LaCrosse 24

It's not a good sign that the winless Eagles lost to a team they beat 48-0 a year ago. The Eagles have now lost 7 straight games going back to last year. The Eagles had better circle the wagons quickly because next Saturday, they have to travel to Oshkosh to take on the Titans, who will be lifted by their conference opening win on Saturday.

North Central 20 UW-Eau Claire 6

North Central clearly won the battle of the line of scrimmage,which is impressive and a credit to the CCIW power. Line-play is clearly a traditional strength of the WIAC and one of the prime reasons the WIAC is seen by many to be the strongest D3 conference in the nation. NC limited the Blugolds to 2 FG's and held UW-EC to 13 net rushing yards. Eau Claire cannot afford to be one dimensional starting next Saturday as they open their WIAC schedule when they host UW-Stevens Point.

UW-Stevens Point 59 Albion 14

Has UW-SP turned a corner to become the team many expected this season? Or is Albion as weak as this score might indicate? Clearly the Pointers played well in every phase, as they scored both defensive and special teams touchdowns. Unlike last week, the Pointers were able to put together some drives as they accumulated 25 first downs. While it looks to be another sub-.500 year for Albion, the Pointers to appear to have taken a step forward before opening their conference season next week on October 2nd at Eau Claire.

WIAC PROJECTIONS: WEEK 4

UW-Eau Claire (2-0) at North Central (2-0)

The Blugolds come into this one well rested and on a high note after defeating nationally ranked St. John's September 11th and then a bye week. Freshman sensation Joel Sweeney has rushed for 271 yards and 5 TD's in UW-EC's first two games. The Blugolds will try to ride him to control the clock and keep the ball away from high scoring North Central who averaged 49 points per game last year and 46.5 ppg this year. North Central is stepping way up in class compared to first two opponents. This game has shootout written all over it.

North Central 38

Eau Claire 31

UW-LaCrosse (0-2) at Missouri Science and Technology (0-3)

The Eagles are looking for their first win against a team they beat 48-0 last year. RB Lee Lauters is off to a great start with 155 yards per game and 5.8 yards per carry this year. UW-L will be looking to crank up their passing game before conference play. QB Nick Anker has gone 28-62 with 4 interceptions and 1 TD so far this year. MS&T is severely offensively challenged this year, scoring only 31 points in three games, averaging only 1.6 yards rushing, and throwing 8 interceptions. Look for the Eagles to bust out on Saturday.

UW-LaCrosse 42

MS&T 14

Albion (1-2) at UW-Stevens Point (1-1)

UW-SP's Jake Swank is scheduled to start once again at QB as Casey Barnes continues to recover from his injury. Barnes is suiting up and avaliable for duty. The Pointers will looking to sustain some drives and seek some balance in their final non-conference game. UW-SP has thrown for only 210 yards in two game so far. Swank is only 12-30 for 99 yards in just under a game and a half. Mike Griffen leads a Pointer rushing attack that has averaged 202 yards per game. Look for the Pointers to wear down Albion and secure a victory heading into WIAC play.

UW-Stevens Point 24

Albion 10

UW-Oshkosh (0-2) at UW-River Falls (0-3)

UW-O and UW-RF filled their pre-conference schedule with nationally ranked teams and came up empty in the victory department. Both teams found positives along the way. Oshkosh QB Nate Wara completed 37 of 58 passes for 417 yards, 5 TD, and 0 interceptions in 2 games. River Falls, led by Taylor Edwards' 156 ypg and 5.1 ypc, averaged 191.3 yards rushing per game over 3 games. Wara figures to thrive against a Falcon defense that has yielded a 63% completion percentage and has not intercepted a pass yet this season.

UW-Oshkosh 31

UW-River Falls 23

Bleed's D3 Top 25

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.

1. UW-Whitewater- 142-14 Margin of Victory after 3 games.

2. Mount Union- Annual parade through OAC has commenced.

3. St. Thomas- Tommies roll as expected.

4. Wittenberg- 30 point win keeps Tigers in top 4.

5. Hardin-Simmons- Impressive win week before UMHB.

6. Wesley- Stepping up due to UMHB drop.

7. UMHB- Yielding 512 yards to unranked McMurry matters here.

8. Linfield- CLU did Linfield no favors this week either.

9. Delaware Valley- No penalty for close loss to higher rank.

10. Central College- Dutch roll as expected.

11. Willamette- Good bounce back win for Bearcats.

12. Ohio Northern- Bounces 'Bein in strong OAC start.

13. Coe- Central will test Kohawks ranking Saturday.

14. Thomas More- Held rank, but vulnerable due to weak schedule.

15. North Central- Big Chance to shoot up against Blugolds.

16. UW-Eau Claire- Still benefitting from Johnnie win.

17. St. John's- Opens MIAC with expected win.

18. UW-Stout- running game finds form against weak foe.

19. Trine- Solid 2nd half wins respect against WIAC.

20. Wheaton- Destruction of WIAC foe always helps.

21. UW-Stevens Point- Must find offensive balance to move up.

22. Montclair State- Win over respected Rowan earns a place in field.

23. Illinois Wesleyan- Seven point win at Aurora earns a drop.

24. UW-Oshkosh- Can anyone not yet listed put 28 on Mount Union?

25. Pacific Lutheran- Beating CLU deserves mention.

Dropped Out

Cal Lutheran- Letdown loss to PLU costly.

Mississippi College- 35 point loss to HSU not good enough.

Otterbein- 24 point loss to ONU not good enough.

WIAC INSIDE THE NUMBERS: WEEK 3

UW-Stout 63 Eureka College 0

After throwing 74 passes in their first two games, the Blue Devils revved up their ground game to the tune of 408 yards rushing on 61 carries. Stout completely dominated the line of scrimmage, holding Eureka to -33 yards rushing and 52 total yards. Stout led 35-0 after 1 quarter and 49-0 at halftime. Twelve Blue Devils had at least one carry in the game.

Wheaton College 51 UW-Platteville 20

UW-P actually led this game 10-6 with 2:00 left in the first half. Things didn't go so well after that. The Pioneers outgained WC 412-389, but four second half big plays not reflected in the yardage totals sealed the Pioneers fate. A punt return of 41 yards to the UW-P 27 led to a 3rd quarter TD. WC intercepted a pass and returned it 78 yards for a TD, also in the 3rd quarter. In the 4th quarter Wheaton returned one punt 80 yards for a TD and another 31 yards to the UW-P 30, setting up another TD.

Trine 35 UW-River Falls 14

Trine outscored the Falcons 21-0 in the second half to secure their victory at River Falls. Trine mauled UW-RF for 515 total yards, including an astounding 313 yards rushing. Although only 18 of Trine's 67 plays were passes, 3 of them went for TD's. The Falcons' Taylor Edwards gained 169 yards rushing on 34 carries for a 5.0 ypc ratio. In spite of the second half deficit, River Falls threw for only 104 yards. Neither team had a turnover in the game.

UW-Stevens Point 29 Missouri Science & Technology 10

Kicker Jared Fohrman made 5 field goals, the longest of which was 40 yards. He missed one from 57. The Pointers rushed 249 yards, but QB Jake Swank was only 7-21 for 56 yards passing and 1 TD. Pre-Season All American wide receiver Jared Jenkins caught only 2 passes for 7 yards, but scored the Pointers only offensive TD, a 6 yard reception with 12:33 left in the 1st quarter. The Pointers only TD drive consisted of that one play, set up by a 37 yard interception return by Curtis Krump to the 6. The Pointers won the turnover battle 5-0, intercepting 4 passes and returning one of them for a TD.

UW-Whitewater 37 Campbellsville University 7

For the second consecutive game Lavell Coppage, Antwan Anderson, and Booker Stanley all rushed for more than 100 yards. The Warhawks had a season high 32 first downs. Campbellsville possessed the ball only 8:21 in the second half. The first three possessions, UW-W had TD drives of 75, 67, and 80 yards. The Warhawks scored at least one TD in every quarter, running their string to 11 consecutive quarters with a TD. In the second quarter, Matt Blanchard was sacked for the first time this year. Blanchard went a third consecutive game without an interception.

WEEK 3 WIAC PROJECTIONS

UW-Platteville at Wheaton College

For the second straight year, UW-P has opened the season with wins over Buena Vista and Dubuque. As in the past two years, a more difficult test now awaits. Wheaton College won it’s opener last Saturday, 17-6 at Albion, Michigan. Wheaton boasts a 96-27 record since 1999.

Score Projection:

Wheaton College 24

UW-Platteville 13

Trine at UW-River Falls

It gets a little easier for UW-RF this week, but not much. Trine returns 18 starters and is coming off two 10 win seasons. They started 2010 with two resounding victories over lesser opponents, outscoring them 133-13 and gaining at least 600 yards each game. Things won’t come as easily for them on Saturday.

Score Projection:

Trine: 30

UW-RF 20

Missouri Science & Technology at UW-Stevens Point.

MS&T has not yet gotten its offense untracked, scoring only 21 points in their season opening losses. Stevens Point isn’t likely to be in the mood to mess around after an ugly opener. Jake Swank gets the start at QB for the Pointers.

Score Projection:

UW Stevens Point 31

MS & T 7

Eureka College at UW-Stout

The Blue Devils have opened with two nail-biters, one win and one loss. This week will allow their nails to grow without hindrance.

Score Projection:

UW-Stout 45

Eureka 7

UW-Whitewater at Campbellsville, Ky

The Warhawks take to the road for the first time in 2010. Campellsville appears talented, but mistake-prone. Their resume’ of stopping the run is not strong enough to believe they will stop UW-W.

Score Projection:

UW-Whitewater 34

Campbellsville 10

Bleed's D3 Top 25

All polls have their flaws. My poll comes 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.

1. UW-Whitewater- Defending Champs not challenged yet.

2. Mount Union- Strong Start for Seaman.

3. St. Thomas- Pounding WIAC scores big here!

4. Wittenberg- Move up due to demotion of LW 4 and 5

5. Hardin Simmons- Impressive win over Willamette

6. UMHB- Too close against WIAC costs big here!

7. Linfield- Still believe in Cats despite upset

8. Wesley- Capricious and inexcusable drop from #5

9. Delaware Valley- Shutout of a 9 win team scores big.

10. Central College- Close wins keep Dutch in Top 10

11. Willamette- two cross country trips caught up to Bearcats

12. Ohio Northern- Idle week keeps ONU in Top Dozen

13. Cal Lutheran- Win over Linfield moves CLU past 15 teams.

14. Coe- 2 easy wins, now for the IIAC

15. Thomas More- Still 15 after dominating weaker foe.

16. North Central- High flying Cardinals soar in opener.

17. Mississippi College- 2 close wins against decent teams.

18. Illinois Wesleyan- Improved after shaky opener

19. Otterbein- Huge OAC opener against #12 ONU this Saturday

20. UW-Eau Claire- Blugolds join the party at expense of Johnnies.

21. St. John's- Nothing fluky about loss to Blugolds

22. UW-Stevens Point- 2 weeks to stew on loss to Willamette

23. UW-Stout- 1-1 vs NAIA leaves Blue Devils' status in peril

24. Trine- A chance to earn additional respect this Saturday

25. Wheaton- Another quality team uses WIAC to prepare for conference play.