Game of the Week
Stevens Point Pointers (2-3, 0-2) River Falls Falcons (0-5, 0-2)
vs
Last weeks Point homecoming didn't go according to how coach John Miech probably envisioned it. After jumping out to a 10-0 lead over Stout, the Pointers gave up 16 second-half points to lose 19-22. Adding insult to injury, Point's starting QB, Casey Barnes, went out with an ankle injury late in the first half. Time will tell if he'll be able to suit up this Saturday against River Falls. If he's unable to go, backup sophomore Mitch Beau will be under center for his first career start. Filling in last week, Beau finished throwing for 73 yards on 6-of-9 passing with one TD and one INT. It's clear for Stevens Point that a 15th WIAC title is probably out of reach at this point, even though it's only two games into its conference schedule. Which seems very disappointing considering they started the season ranked 23rd in the country. The only thing that is on the line now is this 
team's pride - especially the seniors. Nobody wants to be "that team" that hands River Falls its first win of the season. I certainly wish Barnes all the best with his recovery but a new QB under center may be just what the Pointers need to jump start this stagnant offense, which ranks last in the WIAC in scoring (14.4 ppg). Beau could provide that spark that the Pointers desperately need to rally around. He's extremely athletic and is very mobile in the pocket, along with having the capability of creating plays with his feet. The Pointers' defense has been able to hold its own considering the amount of time they've been on the field, as they rank third in the conference in scoring defense (17.6 ppg). Unfortunately, a lot of pressure is placed on the defense's shoulders as the offense is only converting under 24% of its third downs, good enough for last in the WIAC. While its defense is forcing opposing offenses to a 34% success rate on 3rd downs (third best in conference). Giving the defense some much needed breathing room, in regards to field position, has been the punting of Brandon Matznick. The junior is second in the WIAC in punting, averaging a hair under 40 yards per punt. As I stated before about the pride of this football team, the last thing coach Miech wants to happen is see his program be the lone win-less team in the WIAC. Although I don't see them losing this game, I did notice a River Falls team play the number one team in the nation pretty tough last week. A win at home will be what the Pointers need to restore its confidence.
team's pride - especially the seniors. Nobody wants to be "that team" that hands River Falls its first win of the season. I certainly wish Barnes all the best with his recovery but a new QB under center may be just what the Pointers need to jump start this stagnant offense, which ranks last in the WIAC in scoring (14.4 ppg). Beau could provide that spark that the Pointers desperately need to rally around. He's extremely athletic and is very mobile in the pocket, along with having the capability of creating plays with his feet. The Pointers' defense has been able to hold its own considering the amount of time they've been on the field, as they rank third in the conference in scoring defense (17.6 ppg). Unfortunately, a lot of pressure is placed on the defense's shoulders as the offense is only converting under 24% of its third downs, good enough for last in the WIAC. While its defense is forcing opposing offenses to a 34% success rate on 3rd downs (third best in conference). Giving the defense some much needed breathing room, in regards to field position, has been the punting of Brandon Matznick. The junior is second in the WIAC in punting, averaging a hair under 40 yards per punt. As I stated before about the pride of this football team, the last thing coach Miech wants to happen is see his program be the lone win-less team in the WIAC. Although I don't see them losing this game, I did notice a River Falls team play the number one team in the nation pretty tough last week. A win at home will be what the Pointers need to restore its confidence.River Falls
In 2009, the Falcons lost to Whitewater 14-63. Heading into last week's contest against the Warhawks many assumed, including myself, a similar outcome in-which the Levell Coppage would gain 200 yards....at the half. However, the Falcons held the All American to just 74 yards on the ground this time around, and found themselves only down by a touch down midway through the second quarter. I know its not that impressive
e but the game seemed much closer than its 28-7 half-time score. Partly because River Falls was able to accomplish something few have done against the Warhawks: contain Coppage (for the most part) and apply pressure to its quarterback. Point being is coach Matt Walker, despite being win-less, has been putting a very competitive team on the field this season. I think the Falcons have a solid chance against a very vulnerable Stevens Point team, that as a few injury concerns this week. If they apply the same defensive scheme to the Pointers (as they did to Whitewater), I think they can get coach Walker his much-deserved first win. There's a chance Stevens Point starts an inexperienced QB on Saturday, so blitzing and applying constant pressure might force him in making some bad decisions and force turnovers. I don't think I'm going out on a limb by saying Taylor Edwards will have a better week rushing the ball. Whitewater held the talented RB to just one yard on 13 carries. Stevens Point defense does mediocre - at best - against the run, giving up a little over 156 yards per game. Taylor should experience little more room to maneuver against the Pointers front seven. Unfortunately, outside of Edwards, the team really struggles moving the ball. The Falcons only put up 15.2 points per game (second worst in the WIAC). They have a very young and inexperienced offensive line, consisting of one senior, one junior, two sophomores and a freshman. I can't imagine how much better of a season Edwards would be having with a more jelled front five. Despite being a struggling offense, junior John Wahlstrom is leading the WIAC in receptions with 30. However, the 5'11' junior is still waiting for his first touch trip to the endzone this season, which is a bit surprising for me considering he's averaging six receptions per game. Apart from its current losing streak, the Falcons have another streak in mind they would like to end Saturday. River Falls hasn't won in Stevens Point since 1997.
e but the game seemed much closer than its 28-7 half-time score. Partly because River Falls was able to accomplish something few have done against the Warhawks: contain Coppage (for the most part) and apply pressure to its quarterback. Point being is coach Matt Walker, despite being win-less, has been putting a very competitive team on the field this season. I think the Falcons have a solid chance against a very vulnerable Stevens Point team, that as a few injury concerns this week. If they apply the same defensive scheme to the Pointers (as they did to Whitewater), I think they can get coach Walker his much-deserved first win. There's a chance Stevens Point starts an inexperienced QB on Saturday, so blitzing and applying constant pressure might force him in making some bad decisions and force turnovers. I don't think I'm going out on a limb by saying Taylor Edwards will have a better week rushing the ball. Whitewater held the talented RB to just one yard on 13 carries. Stevens Point defense does mediocre - at best - against the run, giving up a little over 156 yards per game. Taylor should experience little more room to maneuver against the Pointers front seven. Unfortunately, outside of Edwards, the team really struggles moving the ball. The Falcons only put up 15.2 points per game (second worst in the WIAC). They have a very young and inexperienced offensive line, consisting of one senior, one junior, two sophomores and a freshman. I can't imagine how much better of a season Edwards would be having with a more jelled front five. Despite being a struggling offense, junior John Wahlstrom is leading the WIAC in receptions with 30. However, the 5'11' junior is still waiting for his first touch trip to the endzone this season, which is a bit surprising for me considering he's averaging six receptions per game. Apart from its current losing streak, the Falcons have another streak in mind they would like to end Saturday. River Falls hasn't won in Stevens Point since 1997. So you want stop Whitewater's Levell Coppage? Try placing eight to nine guys in the box just like River Falls did last week, who held Coppage to a season-low 74 yards. However, there's a downside. The coaching will make adjustments and QB Matt Blanchard will just pick apart the secondary. Against the blitzing Falcons, Blanchard threw for touchdown plays of 45 yards and 60 yards. So pick your poison: Blanchard or Coppage. I can run down the stats of the Warhawks this season, but there's nothing new I can offer that hasn't been said about the number one team in the country already. If you must know, be my guest. As for Stout, a late touchdown by Clayt Birmingham's Blue Devils was the difference maker as they ambushed Point's homecoming last week 22-19. Tight End Josh Peterson (offensive player of the week) had himself a day with five catches for 110 yards and touchdown. However, Peterson and Stout don't really match up too well against the Warhawks this week. Stout surrenders the second most points in the WIAC, while Whitewater scores the most. The Blue Devils defense will need to channel its inner 2009 and 2010 season to slow down the Warhawks offense Friday night. The worst thing Whitewaer can do is look ahead to next week's monster game against at Oshkosh. ******SPOILER ALERT****** Which might just be next week's Game of the Week.
Eau Claire Blugolds (3-2, 1-1) at La Crosse Eagles (2-3, 1-1)
Despite a "gutsy" performance from quarterback Austin Neu, Eau Claire dropped its homecoming game last week 16-23, even though they lead 16-7 at the half. During the game reports indicated that Neu received an elbow to the stomach when diving out of bounds to pick up a first down. Shortly after, the junior QB "lost his breakfast" on the field. Neu stayed in the game and still threw for 210 yards on 19-35 passing. A rejuvenated La Crosse team will try to make it three straight this week, after dropping its first three of the season. The Eagles looked great in a win against the NAIA team Jamestown (ND), 42-6. Through five games this season, the Eagles have given up the most passing yards in the WIAC. This is not a good sign as the Blugolds come into La Crosse with the best passing offense in the conference. However, the Blugolds are very suspect against the run surrendering over 170 yards per game. If La Crosse can get its ground game going, then they will be able to control the clock and keep this high-powered Blugolds passing attacked off the field. Unfortunately the Eagles haven't found much success running of late, they average only 130 ypg (second to last in the WIAC). As far as intangibles go, this is La Crosse's Family/Friends & Alumni Weekend (homecoming?). So a good-sized crowd should be expected on hand this Saturday at Veterans Memorial Field.
Oshkosh Titans (4-1, 2-0) at Platteville Pioneers (3-2, 1-1)
This game was a very strong contender for Game of the Week. Especially if Platteville is fully healed coming off the bye week. The Pioneers were inundated with injuries following (and going into) the Whitewater game two weeks ago. When healthy, Platteville has a very strong team and can contend with just about anyone. Outside of Whitewater, its only loss came against nationally ranked Wheaton College. If QB Nick Anderson can go, this will give the Pioneers a huge boost on the offensive side of the ball. Anderson is very athletic and poses as a dual threat passing the ball or tucking it in and running with it. A part from being its homecoming, Platteville had two weeks to prepare for a very good Oshkosh program. The Titans are coming off a very pivotal victory on the road against a good Eau Claire team last week. The victory catapulted them into the top 25 for the first time in the D3football.com poll's nine-year history. Even a healthy Platteville defense will have its hands full against a very dangerous quarterback in Oshkosh's Nate Wara. Wara remains the conference's third leading passer AND rusher in yards per game. The junior has accounted for 12 touchdowns this season (throwing for nine, and rushing for three) for the Titans. However, the Blugolds did show the WIAC that Wara can be controlled, as he only threw 68 yards on 6-12 passing, with one pick (and sacked SIX times) last week. On the ground he only averaged 2.7 yards per carry that game. That's down from his 4.9 season average. So, if Platteville can come back healthy, and apply similar style defense that Eau Claire did to Oshkosh last week, it just might be a happy homecoming for UWP alumnus attending.
Best of luck to all teams, and here's to everyone staying healthy......Cheers!
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