Random thoughts on the Tuesday of North Central week

- If you haven't heard, it looks like Matt Blanchard may be back in the line-up for the North Central game. On last night's KOOL 106.5 UW-Whitewater Coaches Show, Coach Leipold to Gary Douglas and me “Right now its looking like Matt (Blanchard) will start. He (Blanchard) has made steady progress in his rehab process,” Leipold said. “His work during this week’s practice will ultimately determine if he (Matt) will be back after missing the first two playoff games.”

- The ON-LINE VOTING deadline for the Gagliardi Trophy is 12-Noon Today. Make sure you cast your vote for Aaron Rusch by clicking onto the Warhawkfootball.com News Wire where the top story will allow you to link the the official Gagliardi Trophy ballot.

- Over the past two weeks. the Warhawks have played, and beaten, two of the elite passing teams in the country. This week, the Hawks prepare for a team that relys on its solid defense and balanced offense to enter Saturday's NCAA Division III Quarterfinal game against UWW on Saturday in Naperville.

- The Cardinal's defense is led by Matt Wenger who has caught the attention of NFL scouts. The CCIW Defensive Player of the Year will enter Saturday's showdown vs. UW-Whitewater with impressive stats. Wenger has 107 tackles on the season - 57 more than the No. 2 Cardinal tackler.

- NCC's defense is definitely NOT JUST Matt Wenger. Valente Garza and Wille Hayes have combined for 22 sacks so far in 2010. Pressure on the quarterback has been a key component to the North Central defense's success.

- An updated weekend weather forecast for Saturday's game down in Naperville calls for snow showers and a high in the mid 30s.

Dedicating this post to Mike "Cannon Man" Lesco

- OK, we are a couple of rounds into the playoffs and a very familiar constroversy has popped up again. The NCAA has "silenced" UW-Whitewater's traditional cannon AGAIN. The NCAA indicated "it had received some complaints" about the cannon going off following each of UW-Whitewater scores during the Franklin game. So much for that dastardly TRADITION that is demeaning to the visiting team. Since cannon fire is demeaning and emabarassing, maybe, due to the fact Whitewater has scored 45 and 52 points vs. NCAA Division III PLAYOFF COMPETITION this season, maybe not being able to say the score after Whitewater scores over 30 points in any NCAA playoff game will be next on the NCAA's list? ie: Whitewater ___ - Oponent 7. That would be much less demeaning wouldn't it?

- Lets see, the NO CANNON rule now stipulates "the cannon" cannot be located in the stadium, or adjacent to the stadium where it could be heard by spectators or participants of the NCAA Division III playoff game. During Saturday's broadcast I jokingly said that maybe we should have "Cannon Man" Lesco park his cannon in my driveway at my condo over at 640 Foxglove Lane just a flop sand wedge away from the Perk. I'll invite my grand-kids down to Whitewater for a cannon party.
Sure everybody at the Perk will here the cannon fire, howitzer fire, or whatever. Maybe the NCAA has the power to tell me that I can't have the "cannon party" in my driveway because it would be demeaning to my neigbors?! Maybe Paul Plinske can get a ruling for me (just kidding)!. Oh, I forgot, Whitewater must go on the road now. To be continued...

- I just found out the Northwestern has now protested to the Big 10 and NCAA because it was humiliating to watch Wisconsin score 70 points against the Wildcats Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium. It was embarassing and demeaning for Northwestern fans to have to listen to ABC TV to describe the action from Madison throughout the nation.

- It is at this time that I sort of understand the rule and the NCAA's concern over the physche of losing football teams at the college level. Maybe I should link the Geico Namby Pamby commercial again this week.

- Hey it is Division III Quarterfinal Week. North Central College in Naperville is just a two-hour jaunt from Whitewater and even closer to many of our Warhawk Nation bretheran. NO EXCUSES, it you are Warhawk fan, you will want to be at Saturday's game in Naperville!!!

Voice's random thoughts of UWW's 45-31 win over Trine

- I'm lucky I took by blood pressure medicine Saturday morning. The 1st half of the Warhawk's 2nd Round Division III playoff game reminded me of Whitewater's 2005 win over defending National Champion No. 1 ranked Linfield in McMinnville, Oregon. That game is commonly referred to as "the greatest game in UW-Whitewater history." Trine quarterback Eric Watt entered Saturday's game ranked No. 1 in Division III in passing. If you one of the 1400 at Perkins Stadium Saturday afternoon you understand why.

- I've been broadcasting football for the past three decades. I'm always amazed when "bigtime" players make "big time" plays in big games. Add Levell Coppage (again) to the list. The former Oak Park-River Forest High School running back rushed for 300 yards (150 in the 1st half and 150 in the 2nd half). With the help of his teammates on offense, Coppage scored two 4th quarter touchdowns after seeing the game tied 31-31 entering the 4th quarter.

- Add Lane "Lane-Train" Olson to that list. The senior linebacker out of Racine had 15 tackles in the win. Lane has set the tempo for the defense the entire 2010 season.

- And please add Aaron Rusch to the list. The Gagliardi Trophy finalist (final ten)led all receivers with nine catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns. In the first two playoff games this month Rusch has 21 catches for 266 yards and 5 TDs.

- Due to the controversial seeding process of making UWW a No. 2 seed, the Warhawks now have to play on the road in the defending National Champion's bid to get back to the Stagg Bowl for a 6th consecutive season. In his postgame press conference following Saturday's win, Hawk head coach Lance Leipold said his team is looking forward to being the underdog heading into its Division III quarterfinal game at North Central.

- And speaking of playing in Chicagoland next Saturday, I want to see a huge throng from the Oak Park, River Forest area for the UWW at North Central College game. I've been giving OPRF High School props for three years now and I sure hope a large contingent will be on hand to root on Levell, Max, and the rest of the Oak Park-River Forest connection.

- It is really amazing the number of players from the Chicago area that are currently on the UW-Whitewater roster.

- Time for this old broadcaster to hit the rack. Talk to you Sunday morning.

GO HAWKS!!!!!!!

Voice

Hawks outlast Trine 45-31 in 3rd round playoff action.

UW-Whitewater took another step in the 2010 NCAA III playoffs, defeating Trine University 45-31 Saturday at Perkins Stadium to move on to the field of eight to play North Central College (12-0) in Naperville, Illinois Saturday, December 4 at 12:00.

The Hawks broke open a 31-31 game entering the fourth quarter with two Levell Coppage touchdowns.

Coppage rushed 38 times for 300 yards, the second highest single game output in school history. (Coppage rushed for 386 versus UW-Eau Claire October 10, 2009.) Meanwhile quarterback Lee Brekke went 12-24 for 168 yards, three touchdowns and one pick. Aaron Rusch, a finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy, led the way in the recieving department for Whitewater with nine catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns. In the Warhawks first two playoff games of the 2010 postseason Rusch has 21 catches and five touchdowns.

UW-W rushed for 348 yards, averaging 6.8 per carry in the game. The Warhawks earned 16 first downs rushing, breaking the school record of 163 first downs rushing (now 171) set by the 2007 Warhawks.

Whitewater has totaled 3,451 yards rushing this season, breaking the 3,436 school record set just last year.

Trine quarterback Eric Watt, also a finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy, went 26-38 for 276 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Curtis had five of the receptions for 81 yards, and Wyman caught seven for 79. Linebacker Aaron Shoemaker led The Thunder with twelve tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss.

Reader's Poll: What Kept Warhawk Fans From Attending Last Week's Playoff Game

We are set for another NCAA Division III playoff game to be played in low to mid-30 degree weather Saturday at Perkins Stadium. Only 1,468 turned out for last Saturday's Warhawk win over Franklin College. During the regular season, UW-Whitewater drew a school-record average 7,900 fans to Perkins Stadium per game.

A Voices Eye on Football Blogspot Reader's Poll this week asked the question: What is the reason for the poor attendance at Perkins Stadium for the Warhawks playoff game vs. Franklin College?

Here are the final results of the poll

1. Deer Hunting (54%)
2. Too Cold (28%)
3. Increased cost of tickets including students (25%)
4. Why go because the Hawks will win anyway (19%)
5. Not interested after the regular season (3%)
6. Over saturation of live media coverage of game (3%)

Check out the adjacent photo of Warhawk fans (students included) who were at Perkins Stadium for a 2005 playoff game vs. Wesley.

Bundle up, join your friends for some Warhawk style pregame tailgating followed by rooting the Hawks on to a 2nd round playoff win over a very good Trine University team.

GO HAWKS

Thanksgiving is over, time for some Warhawk playoff football!

- Hope all had a happy Thanksgiving. I myself worked on my delicious turkey dinner for eight from Daniels Sentry. Outstanding!!! By the way, I still have enough turkey to feed six. My menu for the next week - Thanksgiving turkey dinner leftovers!

- The Warhawk football team practice Thursday morning - many made a quick run home for Thanksgiving dinner - back home for Friday afternoons walk-through practice session.

- Matt Blanchard will be a gametime decision

- Saturday's playoff game at Perkins Stadium will feature the top two scoring teams in the country. Trine is No. 1 averaging 47.5 points per game. UWW is No. 2 averaging 43.6 points per game. The Warhawks rank No. 3 in Division III giving up just 9.8 points per game. Trine ranks 12th giving up 12.9 points per game.

- Trine's defense leads the nation in Red Zone Efficiency.

- Remember back in September when the Warhawks place kicking game was struggling mightily? Eric Kindler missed four consecutive field goal attempts in the Warhawks' victory down in Campbellsville, Kentucky. Fast-forward to week 11. Kindler is now a major factor in the Warhawks ability to put points and the scoreboard. The freshman from Germantown is 61 of 62 in points after touchdowns. His only miss (vs) Stout was due to a bad snap. Kindler is 9 of 16 in field goals and is 9 of 13 inside the 40 yard line.

- Plan on putting your thermal underwear on and get ready for a great gameday Saturday at Perkins Stadium. Remember it is a 12-noon kickoff. It will be a great day to tailgate and get ready to cheer on the Hawks 2nd step in getting back to Salem, Virginia next month.

- I'll talk to you later today!

- Voice

Happy Thanksgiving Warhawk Football Fans

Welcome to a Thanksgiving Day edition of Voice's Eye on Football Blog
- I watched Warhawk football practice Wednesday evening in the rain, wind, and chilly (37 degrees) conditions of Perkins Stadium. It was good to see a spirited practice and considering the weather conditions were not the best, I was impressed by the way the Hawks performed. Hey, if it is playoff time at Perkins Stadium - the weather can get challenging can't it?

- Matt Blanchard will be a game-time decision for the UWW coaching staff for Whitewater’s 2nd round playoff game vs. unbeaten Trine University (Indiana).

- Trine head coach Matt Land tells D3football.com that he’s certainly not downplaying taking on the Warhawks. He said it will be a great challenge for the Thunder to duplicate the numbers they have produced all year while going 11-0, but the Thunder will be prepared to try to do just that. “It’s the biggest game we’ve had in five years,” Land said. “It’s big when you’re playing the defending national champion and No. 1 team in the country with a pretty good football team. It’s all we can ask for. A lot of people want to make our seed and strength of schedule a topic of conversation.

- The UW-Whitewater men’s basketball team opened the home portion of its schedule Wednesday evening with a an 82-67 non-conference victory over Wisconsin Lutheran College at the Kachel Gymnasium. Great balance for the Warhawks who were led by junior center Chris Davis' double-double, 21 points and 15 rebounds. Davis also led Whitewater with four steals and was tops in the game with three blocked shots. Four others joined him in double figures, including sophomore guard Antone Byrd 16, senior guard D.J. Dantzler 13, freshman guard Cody Odegaard 12, and junior forward Alex Edmunds with 11.

Pat Miller’s team will take the holiday weekend off prior to opening conference play next Wednesday night by hosting UW-La Crosse.

- What a win for Keri Carollo’s Warhawk women’s basketball team Tuesday night. The Hawks knocked off 6th ranked Illinois Wesleyan 74-60 at the Shirk Center in Bloomington, Illinois. Emily Bestor, Katie Burton, and Jamie Swanson scored eleven points each to lead a balanced Warhawk attack.

The Warhawk women’s next game will be at Clarke College in Dubuque on Saturday. The first home appearance of the 2010-2011 season will be Wednesday, December 8 at 7:00 versus UW-Stevens Point.

- For all of you that have been regular readers of Voices Eye on Football Blog, along with Warhawkfootball.com, thank you for clicking on to the two internet sites for your Warhawk football information. In the past seven days Voices Eye on Football Blog has been accessed not only in the United States but the Blog has been accessed 10 times this week from Russia. Multiple “hits” have come from Iraq, Canada, Spain, Israel, Poland, Germany, Mexico, and our Warhawk “Far East Correspondent, BoBo in South Korea.

- And finally, to all of you out there in Warhawk Nation, have a happy and safe Thanksgiving. For UW-Whitewater football fans around the world – our football team has given all of us plenty to be thankful for. GO WARHAWKS.

Welcome to Wednesday of Round 2 Playoff Week Blogging

- Congratulations to UW-Whitewater’s Aaron Rusch who is among 10 NCAA Division III student-athletes on the 2010 Gagliardi Trophy ballot. On-line voting is underway and you may click onto Warhawkfootball.com’s Newswire to cast your ballot.

- In a unique situation, two of the other Gagliardi Trophy candidates include: Eric Watt, Trine University quarterback who will face UW-Whitewater on Saturday in NCAA Division III 2nd round playoff action at Perkins Stadium. Another of the candidates is Kyle Ray who was the quarterback for Franklin College, last week’s Warhawk playoff opponent.

- Weather forecast for Saturday’s game at the Perk is calling for partly cloudy skies with a high near 40 degrees.

- The http://www.voiceseyeonfootball.blogspot.com/ Reader’s Poll question asking: What is the reason for the poor attendance at Perkins Stadium for the Hawks 1st Round playoff game vs. Franklin College indicates the following two reasons for why only 1468 fans showed up at Perkins Stadium last Saturday. The No. 1 answer is it was the opening day of deer hunting season. The No. 2 answer is it was too cold (36 degrees).

- Do you realize that during the winter, if the temperature gets to 40 degrees, many of you will be outside with only a light jacket or hooded sweatshirt? Hey Warhawk fans – 40 degrees on Saturday – lets not be known as namby-pamby fans when it comes to tailgating and cheering the Warhawks back to another Stagg Bowl!

-So I was inducted into the UW-Whitewater Athletics Hall of Fame last month. My track record indicates I do a lot to promote UW-Whitewater athletics, and I sort of know what’s going on. Well, I am recording the halftime show for Wednesday night’s Warhawk men’s basketball broadcast vs. Wisconsin Lutheran. I am interviewing the Warhawks transfer center, Chris Davis. So I’m doing the interview and it seems to be flowing well. I get to the end and find out I called him Chris SMITH the entire interview. Oops – take 2!

- Have a great Wednesday and GO Hawks and GO Ohio Northern!!

Warhawk fans will want to be Ohio Northern fans on Saturday

If you are at UW-Whitewater football fan you need to be an Ohio Northern fan on Saturday. The Polar Bears will be in Naperville, Illinois for a NCAA Division III second round playoff game vs. North Central College.

Why should Warhawk fans be rooting for Ohio Northern? North Central is the No. 1 seed in the bracket and UW-Whitewater is the No. 2 seed. A win by Whitewater over Trine and an Ohio Northern win over North Central would give the Warhawks a home game in week-three of the playoffs.

GO POLAR BEARS!!!

Voices Thoughts on Round 1 nationally and the power at the top

- The Top-10 teams in Division III took care of business in a big way in 1st round playoff action Saturday:

(No. 1) Whitewater 52, (No. 24) Franklin 21
(No. 2) Mount Union 59, St. Lawrence 0
(No. 3) Wesley 53, Muhlenberg 10
(No. 4) St. Thomas 57, Benedictine 14
(No. 5) North Central (Ill.), St. Norbert 7
(No. 6) Mary Hardin-Baylor, Christopher Newport 7
(No. 7) Ohio Northern 37, (No. 9) Wittenberg 14
(No. 8) Linfield 42, (16) Cal Lutheran 26
(No. 10) Thomas More 42, Washington & Lee 14

- The winning teams among the Top 10 outscored its opponents in Saturday’s 1st Round by a 406 to 113 margin.

- Coming next Saturday in Round 2 action in the North Central Bracket: (No. 7) Ohio Northern 37 at (No. 5) North Central (Ill.)
(No. 12) Trine at (No. 1) Whitewater 52 ** a Whitewater win and North Central loss next Saturday would give the Warhawks the home field for Round 3

- Congratulations to University of Mount Union head coach Larry Kehres. The No. 2-ranked Purple Raiders defeated St. Lawrence, 49-0, in an NCAA Tournament first-round matchup at Mount Union Stadium on Saturday. With the victory, Kehres improves his career record to 300-22-3. He became the 11th college football coach in all divisions -- and the fastest -- to reach the 300-win mark, doing it in just 325 games. He's recorded a .928 winning percentage.

- I read somewhere last night that Mary Harden-Baylor head coach Pete Fredenburg reportedly sent Louisiana College's head coach a dozen 32 oz. steaks for Louisiana College's win over Hardin-Simmons knocking HSU out of playoff consideration on the final day of the regular season.

Why the poor attendance in the playoffs? Voice your opinion on this week's poll question

Here is your chance to voice in on why UW-Whitewater and many other Division III schools have trouble drawing big crowds during the Division III Playoffs each year.

Only 1468 showed up at Perkins Stadium for Saturday's 1st Round playof win over Franklin College. When looking at the visiting stands, nearly as many Franklin fans made the drive from the Indianapolis area to Whitewater as Whitewater fans did in making the short trek to the Perk.

Voice your opinion my checking out this week's poll question (What is the reason for the poor attendance at Perkins Stadium for the Hawks 1st Round playoff game vs. Franklin College)

The poll is located on the upper right section of the blog.

Good morning! Here are some thoughts on the Hawks 52-21 1st round playoff win over Franklin

- I knew most of the week that Matt Blanchard probably was not going to play against Franklin College. Obviously, it was a situation that I wasn't going to publish.

- OK, how many of you knew anything about the talents of Lee Brekke prior to yesterday's game?

- As I said on a story I published on Warhawkfootball.com, in the 52-21 win it was the big plays by the defense that were a huge key to Saturday's win. 6 sacks and 3 interceptions.

- Reading some of the posts in the D3football.com chatroom, there are a number of posts that criticize the Hawks pass defense against Franklin. I just want to remind you that Franklin quarterback Kyle Ray has thrown for over 3,000 yards and leads all NCAA Division III quarterbacks in pass efficiency. It is not a sin to give an opponent some love is it?

- Kudos to the Hawks' defense for totally shutting down Franklin's rushing game. Holding a playoff team to -11 yards on the ground is some "pretty heady stuff!"

- I thought Franklin College had a good scheme to keep Levell Coppage "in check" for much of the game. His 55 yard TD run in the 2nd quarter was huge as the game was tied 7-7 at the time and the Grizzlies controlled the momentum of the game at the time.

- How about the wide receiver matchup between Franklin's Matt Zmich and Whitewater's Aaron Rusch. Aaron finished the game with 12 catches for 169 and 3 touchdowns. Zmich, 17 catches for 171 yards and a TD - Wow!

- I know it was cold and it was the opening weekend of deer hunting but COME ON - an attendance of 1468 with a very nice contingent of Grizzly fans making the trip up from the Indianapolis area? I want to know why you average 8,000 fans per game in the regular season and less than 15-hundred for a playoff game? Maybe Warhawk fans take the team "for granted" on each year's run to the Stagg Bowl.

- UW-Whitewater isn't the only team in the playoffs that didn't draw well at the gate in Saturday's playoff games.
Muhlenburg at No. 3 Wesley 918
Benedictine at No. 4 St. Thomas 1628
St. Norbert at No. 5 North Central 1100
No. 9 Wittenberg at No. 7 Ohio Northern 1380
No. 2 Mount Union did not release an attendence figure on its official statistics

- Next up for the Hawks will be No. 12 Trine University next Saturday at Perkins Stadium. The Thunder scored four first-quarter touchdowns but had to hold on to oust Depauw 45-35 in the first round of the NCAA Division III football playoffs Saturday. Trine finished with 419 yards of total offense, including 80 yards on the ground. Depauw finished with 437 yards.

Much like Franklin College, Trine features an outstanding quarterback and an offense that has averaged 47 points per game.

- If winning Playoff games was easy, everyone would do it!!! More coming up...

- Voice

NCAA Division III North Central Bracket 1st Round Scores

1st Round NCAA Division III Football Playoff Results
UW-Whitewater rolls over Franklin 52-21 -UW-Whitewater backup quarterback Lee Brekke, playing for injured QB Matt Blanchard, finished 23 of 30 for 292 yards and four touchdowns leading the defending national champions to a 52-21 NCAA Division III opening round win over Franklin College. The Warhawks will host Trine University next Saturday in a round-two North Central bracket matchup.

Trine outscores DePauw 45-35 - Trine University held on for a 45-35 victory over DePauw in NCAA Division III Playoff action. Trine jumped out in front of DePauw 27-7 in the first quarter only to see the Tigers roar back and take a 28-27 lead with 2:46 left in the third quarter. The Thunder answered with a 59-yard touchdown pass from Eric Watt to Ja Vontae Hence to regain the lead. DePauw pulled even again on Michael Engle touchdown pass to Alex Koors but Trine scored 10 points on its next two drives to pull ahead for good. .

North Central Crushes St. Norbert, 57-7 - Scoring on their first nine possessions, the North Central College football team leaped into the postseason on Saturday. The Cardinals came out firing on all cylinders, dismantling St. Norbert College (Wis.), 57-7, in the first round of the NCAA Division III Football Playoffs at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.

Ohio Northern Thumps Wittenberg, 37-14 - No. 7-ranked Ohio Northern picked off a school-record seven interceptions and posted a 37-14 victory over Wittenberg in the first round of the NCAA Division III Football Playoffs Saturday afternoon at Dial-Roberson Stadium.

Good morning, its GAMEDAY!!!

- The UW-Whitewater football begins defense of its 2009 NCAA Division III Football Champion this afternoon by hosting Franklin College (Indiana) at Perkins Stadium in first round playoff action.

- If your're headed to the Perkins Stadium parking lots for pregame tailgate festivities dress warm. Mid 30's for your tailgate - near 40 degrees for the top temp this afternoon.

-Congratulations to both the UW-Whitewater men's and women's basketball teams who opened the season last night with impressive road wins.

(men) UWW 95, Defiance (OH) 91 @ Wheaton (IL)
(women) UWW 60, Calvin (Michigan) 54 (@ Wisconsin Lutheran)

- The Warhawk men's soccer team lost in the round of 16 last night in the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Championship - The Warhawks and Calvin College were tied 1-1 through two overtimes. Calvin advances by winning the shootout 9-8.

- I'm heading over the the press box at Perkins Stadium to join Gary Douglas and Arnie Peck for a LIVE AM-940 WFAW Sportsline at 8:15. You can listen to the show on the net - remember the show is on WFAW, not KOOL 106.5

-I'll be talking to you at 8:15 - GO WARHAWKS!!

Voices random thoughts on the 2010 D III Playoffs

- What is the saying? If you aren't a little bit nervous you're not really focused at th task at hand. The Warhawks are just 36 hours away from opening a sixth consecutive Road to Salem NCAA Division III Playoff drive.

- I blogged earlier this week that in any lose and your out tournament or playoff you better take each and every opponent seriously. The Hawks ARE taking pass happy Franklin College.

- My halftime player profile interview Saturday is Aaron Rusch. The senior co-captain admits the news on Sunday that his team had been relagated to a No. 2 seed was shocking and took several hours to clear the mind.

- As for how the team is focused heading in its Round 1 playoff game vs the Franklin College Grizzlies. "One game at a time," Rusch told me. "We will be playing with a bit of a chip on our shoulder."

- From Keith McMillan's D3football.com Around the Nation column this week: It’s the playoffs. If UW-Whitewater really is the best team – and I believe it is – then a road game isn’t going to stop them from fulfilling their destiny. If 11,000 fans can make it to a Whitewater home game, then a significant fraction of that can wrap themselves in purple and black, make the 100-mile, two-hour drive, and scream ‘Pound the Rock’ at North Central’s Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. A bunch of the Warhawks are from Northern Illinois anyway. There might not be a cannon going off after every touchdown, but who says it can’t feel like a home game?

Best line in D3football.com's team-by-team capsules of the 32 teams in the playoffs. Benedictine (Ill) travels to St. Paul, Minnesota for a 1st Round gave vs. top-seeded St. Thomas. The D3football.com prognostication crew gives Benedictine little chance of upsetting the Tommies. The closing quote: To St. Paul and back. Stop at the Norske Nook in Osseo. Wis., to get a pie. UMMMM Pie!

- Check the blog this afternoon as I'll be blogging my thoughts and info on both Franklin College, the Warhawks and the other games to be played Saturday in the North Central College (North) Bracket.

- Voice

Hello again everybody, welcome to another day of blogging here on Voiceseyeonfootball.blogspot.com

- Congratulations to Levell Coppage named this week as the 2010 WIAC Player of the Year.

I will again that when Justin Beaver ended his remarkable career, I along with a lot of Warhawk fans thought that it would be a longtime, if ever, that Justin's career marks would be broken.

With a lot of help from his friends, Levell is in the process of re-re-writing the UWW record book. Entering the postseason playoffs of his junior season, Levell has rushed for 4719 yds and scored a record shattering 71 touchdowns.

The 4719 career rushing yards ranks second to Beaver's 6,584 yards.

The most amazing is Coppage's 71 career touchdowns. Coppage has eclipsed Justin's UW-Whitewater and WIAC career TD mark of 44.

For you Warhawk football fanatics (BoBo, Badgerwarhawk, 02 Warhawk, Bleedpuple), go to the record book and add up Chad Wurth, Justin Beaver, and Levell Coppage's career rushing numbers and discover why UW-Whitewater could also be referred to as Tailback U


- Could the 2010 WIAC Max Sparger Scholar Athlete Award gone to a more worthy recipient than the Warhawks Aaron Rusch? Everytime I have interviewed or just talked to one of the UWW coaching staff over the past four years, you understand the impact the Rusch has as a captain, on the field, in the locker room and off the field.

Hopefully Aaron will be strongly considered for the 2010 Gagliardi Tophy symbolic of the top player in Division III.


- Having Justin Beaver being the recipient of the 2007 Gagliardi Trophy and Ryan Kleppe a finalist in 2006, I think it speaks volumes for the quality of student athletes that make the University of Wisconsin home.


- As far as the 2010 All-WIAC Football Team selections are concerned. I am saddened to find that Adam Brandes was relegated to a 2nd Team selection. Brandes ranked second the (likely All-American) Jared Jenkins in recieving yards per game and touchdowns. Adam finnished the regular season 5th in the conference in the number of receptions.

I have said several times on the radio this season that Adam Brandes and Aaron Rusch are the top recieving tandem in the country.


- Current weather forecast for Gameday Saturday: Mostly cloudy (dry) with a high of 42 degrees.


- Voice

Aaron Rusch Named the 2010 Max Sparger Football Scholar-Athlete Recipient

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Aaron Rusch has been named the 2010 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Max Sparger Football Scholar-Athlete.

A senior from Hartford, Wis., Rusch boasts a 3.82 grade point average and is majoring in physical education with a minor in health and special education. Rusch is a three-time member of the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll and been named to UW-Whitewater’s Dean’s List in each of his eight semesters. He is a Golden Key National Honor Society nominee and Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honor Organization nominee. Rusch has served as a representative on UW-Whitewater’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

A team captain this season, he holds numerous UW-Whitewater records, including career receiving yards (3,392), career receptions (256) and most receptions in a season (85 receptions in 2008). Rusch’s 85 receptions during the 2008 season rank third in WIAC history, while his 256 career receptions rank second and 3,392 yards fourth.

Rusch received All-WIAC first team honors in 2009 and 2010 after claiming second team accolades in 2008. He helped UW-Whitewater to national titles in 2007 and 2009, as well as four consecutive WIAC crowns. Rusch was an All-West Region third team selection in 2009 by D3football.com.

In addition to his academic and athletic accomplishments, Rusch is a member of the Coaching, Health, Athletics, Recreation and Physical Education (C.H.A.R.P.E.) national organization. He has served as a weight room supervisor and volunteer with the “Lunch Buddy” and “Reading with the Warhawks” programs.

The WIAC Scholar-Athlete Award is named after Max Sparger, who served as commissioner of the Wisconsin State University Conference from July, 1971 - July, 1993.

In order to be nominated for the scholar-athlete award, a student-athlete must have a minimum 3.25 grade point average. In addition, he must be in his last year of competition, or on schedule to graduate this academic year, and have competed for a minimum of two years.

Coppage WIAC Player of the Year, Leipold Coach of the Year

Announced late Tuesday afternoon - UW-Whitewater’s Levell Coppage was voted the Player of the Year to top the 2010 All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Football Team that was selected by the league coaches. In addition, UW-Whitewater head coach Lance Leipold was chosen the George Chryst Coach of the Year.

Coppage, a junior running back, secured first team recognition for the third consecutive year. He leads the conference with 1,121 rushing yards, 15 rushing touchdowns and 90 points scored, while ranking eighth with 1,126 yards of total offense. Coppage has surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in eight of nine games this year, including a season-high 179 yards against UW-Stevens Point Oct. 30. The performance against the Pointers also included a season-high 38 carries.

Coppage holds the WIAC career record with 71 rushing touchdowns, while ranking second with 4,689 rushing yards and eighth with 791 rushing attempts. He has topped the 100-yard rushing mark in 26 of his 37 career games.

UW-Whitewater student-athletes selected to the 2010 All-WIAC Football Team include:

First Team - Offense
Matt Blanchard, Whitewater, Junior, Quarterback, 6-3, 228, Lake Zurich, Ill.
Levell Coppage, Whitewater, Junior, Running Back, 5-8, 180, Oak Park, Ill.
Aaron Rusch, Whitewater, Senior, Wide Receiver, 5-11, 168, Hartford, Wis.
Robbie Ustruck, Whitewater, Senior, Offensive Line, 6-2, 280, West Allis, Wis.
Matt Weber, Whitewater, Senior, Offensive Line, 6-3, 285, Oregon, Wis.
Mark Gawronski, Whitewater, Senior, Center, 6-0, 270, New Berlin, Wis.
Kris Rosholt, Whitewater, Junior, Punter, 6-3, 229, Reedsburg, Wis.

Second Team Offense
John Novak, Whitewater, Senior, Tight End, 6-5, 278, Michigan City, Ind.
Adam Brandes, Whitewater, Senior, Wide Receiver, 6-3, 186, Burlington, Wis.

Honorable Mention Offense
Logan Allemand, Whitewater, Junior, Offensive Line, 6-3, 294, Kenosha, Wis.

First Team Defense
Jon Baldwin, Whitewater, Senior, Defensive Line, 6-3, 247, Spring Grove, Ill.
Wesley Hicks, Whitewater, Senior, Defensive Line, 6-3, 274, Milwaukee, Wis.
Lane Olson, Whitewater, Senior, Linebacker, 5-10, 195, Racine, Wis.
Matt McCulloch, Whitewater, Senior, Defensive Back, 6-3, 180, Janesville, Wis.

Second Team Defense
Luke Hibner, Whitewater, Senior, Defensive Line, 6-1, 240, Elmhurst, Ill
Greg Arnold, Whitewater, Junior, Linebacker, 6-2, 224, Mukwonago, Wis.

Honorable Mention Defense
Max Ford, Whitewater, Senior, Linebacker, 6-0, 210, Oak Park, Ill.

All-Sportsmanship Team
Grant Murray, Whitewater, Senior, Offensive Line, 6-2, 240, Waukesha, Wis.

Franklin College leads Division III in scoring

The Franklin College Grizzlies own the No. 1 ranked scoring offense in the nation accordint to NCAA Division III national statistics released Tuesday.

The Grizzlies run out of the "spread" offense and do it very well.

Franklin is averaging 48.1 points per game while Whitewater is ranked 10th at 42.8 points per game.

The Grizzlies rank seventh in the country in "pass offense" (316 yards per game)

Franklin is seventh nationally in "total offense) at 485.5 yards per game. Whitewater ranks fifth at 512 yards per game during the regular season.

Both Franklin and UWW rank high in "scoring defense." The Grizzlies rank 14th giving up 11.8 points per game. Whitewater ranks fourth at 8.7 points per game defensively.

Franklin ranks fourth in the country in "pass efficency defense" by giving up 1684 yards and 6 touchdowns while intercepting 23 passes. The Warhawks rank 47th giving up 8 touchdowns while intercepting 8 passes.

The absolute "cardinal rule" in the playoffs is to understand that that any of the 32 Division III playoff participants are capable of beating any of the other teams on the "road to Salem."

The Warhawk's 1st Round game on Saturday shapes up to be a very intreguing matchup.

Kickoff is set for 12-Noon at the Perk.

Franklin College at UW-Whitewater Playoff Ticket Information

UW-Whitwater student Ticket Information
DLK Enterprises and UW-W Residence Life have each purchased 200 student tickets for the Whitewater-Franklin game November 20. DLK Enterprises is located on Tratt Street, where tickets can be picked up during normal business hours.

UWW Residence Life tickets are reserved for UW-W student residents and can be picked up at the office on the second floor of Goodhue Hall. A photo ID is required. Tickets at both locations are first come, first served.

Round-One Ticket information for the general public

Tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for youth and student tickets. Tickets can be purchased at the University Center ticket office on the main campus mall during normal business hours. Tickets will also be available at Perkins Stadium on game day. Call 262-472-2222 for ticket information.

UW-Whitewater, 10-0 and the defending National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III champion, begins play in the NCAA III championship playoffs Saturday, November 20, hosting Franklin College (IN), 9-1. Kickoff is set for 12:00 in Perkins Stadium.

Another day of blogging Warhawk football is underway

Good Tuesday morning everybody....

- How about the news that broke last night that Adrian was breaking its contract with UWW and backing out of the 2011 season opening non-conference game in Adrian, Michigan with the Warhawks?

- Division III selection committee chair, Dr. Joy Solomen, was a guest on a popular East coast internet DIII sports show "The HuddLLe."(correct spelling) Dr. Solomen faced some tough question in regards to how teams were selected. In regards to the committee's comparison between UWW and North Central, I was shocked when she indicated that "it was difficult to compare the two teams because there were no comparisons due to the lack of common opponents."quoting from the interview: "The process of determining the No. 1 seeds is not an easy process. We cannot deal with history (UWW being the defending DIII champion)...

There wasn't any comparison since there was no common opponents this season. North Central's numbers (Strength of Schedule) were a little stronger

I'm shocked at the answer In truth both NCC and UWW played UW-Eau Claire in the regular season.

North Central 20, UWEC 6 (9/6 in Naperville, Ill)
UWW 45, UWEC 0 (10/16 @ Eau Claire)

I think that is a comparison according to NCAA criteria.

-As far as being penalized for playing two NAIA schools due to the fact that D III schools have long refused to play the Warhawks... the following is a quote from UW-Whitewater athletic director Paul Plinske...
“I understand the criteria used by the Committee, but it has been inconsistently applied for years. We continue to search for answers on how to find Division III schools in the West Region to play us. If we don’t, then I’m not sure how we can be accurately and fairly measured in the selection and seeding criteria.”

- On last night's KOOL 106.5 Warhawk Coaches Show, Warhawk head coach Lance Leipold joined Dr. Plinske on the seeding issue, but made it crystal clear that it is imperative that the coaching staff and team direct its energy on preparing for Round 1 opponent, Franklin College (Indiana). In Coach Leipold's words, "If we don't beat Franklin, the seeding is a moot issue."

- The weather forecast is looking great for Saturday's 12-Noon start vs. Franklin at Perkins Stadium. Variable clouds with a high of 52 degrees. I plan to see you at the "Perk" on Saturday!

- More to come

Voice

We refuse to schedule UW-Whitewater conspiracy gets more curious be the hour

Less than 24 hours after the NCAA Division III football selection commitee shocked Division-Three Nation by making defending national champion and unbeaten UW-Whitewater a No. 2 seed in the 2010 NCAA Division III Football Championship, comes a story that broke Monday afternoon.

The following press release comes from the office of UW-Whitewater athletic director Paul Plinske..........

Adrian College, the 2010 non-conference opener for the Warhawks, has decided to break their contract with UW-Whitewater for the 2011 season opener. The game was scheduled to be played at Adrian College in Michigan on Saturday, September 3.

Each year, the Warhawks fill three non-conference games. In 2010, UW-Whitewater had non-conference games against NAIA Campbellsville (Kentucky) and NAIA Dakota State (South Dakota), along with Adrian.

The Warhawks have traditionally struggled to find NCAA Division III non-conference opponents. Director of Athletics Paul Plinske states, “This ties right in with what we have been saying for years: Few, if any, are willing to play UW-Whitewater, especially in our region. Here we are (again) searching for an NCAA Division III opponent.”

Adrian’s decision came a day after the Warhawks learned that they were seeded number two in the 2010 NCAA Division III Football Championships behind North Region North Central (Illinois). The broadly discussed item that is of most concern to UW-Whitewater is the seeding criteria used by the NCAA Division III Football Championships Committee. This year, the Committee enhanced its emphasis on the Strength of Schedule (SOS), which is why UW-Whitewater was seeded number two.

“I understand the criteria used by the Committee, but it has been inconsistently applied for years. We continue to search for answers on how to find Division III schools in the West Region to play us. If we don’t, then I’m not sure how we can be accurately and fairly measured in the selection and seeding criteria.”

UW-Whitewater is now looking for a 10th game (home or away) in 2011.

Good morning - Happy Monday everybody

Is there any truth that the NCAA Division III Committee referred to UW-Whitewater as the Boise State of Division III – good team but they don’t play anybody during the regular season? Just kidding.

Current D3football.com poll question on the popular Website’s homepage:
Which one of these teams (North Central or UW-Whitewater) should have gotten a No. 1 seed? Poll results as of 6:45 this morning: Whitewater (140 votes) 79%, North Central (36 votes) 20%. Poll went online this morning.

OK, its time to forget the negative No. 2 seed talk and focus on the task at hand.

The North Central Playoff Bracket includes he Top 4 quarterbacks in Division III in Pass Efficiency according to NCAA Division III statistics entering the weekend:
No. 1: Kyle Ray (Franklin College Indiana)
No. 2: Ben Zoeller (Wittenberg, Ohio)
No. 3: Eric Watt (Trine, Indiana)
No. 4: Matt Blanchard (UW-Whitewater

Congratulations to the UW-Whitewater men’s soccer team and Coach Greg Henschel on going 3 & 0 on the opening weekend of the NCAA Division III Men’s Soccer Championship. 3rd and 4th round action will be held this weekend at a site that will be determined this morning.

Voice's thoughts on D III Football Selection Sunday uproar

The sun set late Sunday afternoon with most Division III football fans scratching their heads, and voicing displeasure, on UW-Whitewater not being selected as one of the four No. 1 seeds in the 2010 NCAA Division III Football Championship.

Let me say that I am one of the head scratchers however former UW-Whitewater football coach Bob Berezowitz told me last Thursday that North Central College had the advantage over UWW due to placement in the Regional Rankings. Remember, Coach Berezowitz was a member of the committee in the latter years of his coaches' career.

I have listened to all the talk about "regional rankings" and "SOS strength of schedule." A couple of thoughts on the criteria. Whitewater is being penalized for having to play two non-conference games vs. NAIA competition due to the fact that NCAA Division III institutions, particularly in the Midwest, simply refuse to play Whitewater, or other WIAC schools. I don't understand the criteria. Is the NCAA saying Whitewater is playing "inferior" competitions simply to improve its record?

In the final Regional Rankings, Whitewater is No. 2 in the West Region. Is there a formula to compare the "ranking" of North Central and Whitewater?

Lets go to SOS (Strength of Schedule) between NCC and UWW. Admittedly, UWW played the two NAIA schools but won 10 games with the closest being the Hawks 24-0 win over La Crosse on Saturday. North Central also takes a 10-0 record into the playoffs. The lone common opponent is UW-Eau Claire. North Central beat UWEC 20-6 on September 25th at NCC. UWW defeated UW-Eau Claire 45-0 in late October in Eau Claire.

North Central's non-conference opponents have a record of 4-26. All four of those wins were by UWEC. So much for strength of schedule.

After thinking it over, once a playoff game starts, seeding has little to due with winning and losing.

UW-Whitewater, winners of two of the last three National Championships will play one playoff game at a time with the "pot of gold" being a sixth consecutive trip to Salem, Virgina and a chance to win back-to-back National Championships for the first time in school history.

The sun WILL rise tomorrow.

Good night everybody

Voice

First look at Franklin College Grizzlies

Here's a capsule look at Franklin College (Indiana), UW-Whitewater's Week-One Division III Playoff Opponent

Franklin College captured the Victory Bell trophy, its third Heartland Conference outright football championship in four years and its third automatic bid to next week’s NCAA Division III playoffs in a 48-25 decision over arch rival Hanover College.

The Grizzlies finished their HCAC schedule with an unblemished 8-0 mark and improved to 9-1 overall. FC, ranked 24th in the D3football.com Top 25 Poll and rated 21st by the AFCA

Quarterback quarterback Kyle Ray leads the way for Hanover. The senior signal-caller completed 34 of 41 passes for 361 yards and five touchdowns and ran for a score in the Grizzlies high scoring victory on Saturday.

The Heartland Conference champion Grizzlies (9-1 overall) – making their third appearance (in four years) in the NCAA playoffs with an automatic bid since becoming affiliated with Division III in 1992 – are a No. 7 seed and will travel to University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (10-0) on Saturday, Nov. 20.

Franklin is located just south of Indianapolis, Indiana on I-65.

Immediate reaction to the NCAA Division III Commitee's snub of UW-W for a No. 1 seed

I am shocked that UW-Whitewater is not a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Division III National Championship.

D3football.com’s Keith McMillan, as knowledgeable, if not more knowledge as some on the D III NCAA Football National Committee members, had this immediate reaction to the lack of a No. 1 seed for Whitewater - A bracket where the defending champion and consensus No. 1 team in the nation, UW-Whitewater, went 10-0 and did not earn a No. 1 seed. If there’s any gripe, that’s it. Yet, the Warhawks will play home games until a potential showdown with North Central, which got the fourth No. 1 seed, and is placed across the bracket from five-time Stagg Bowl opponent Mount Union.

I also am dumbfounded at the order of the four No. 1 seeds.

According to McMillan, The committee released the order of its No. 1 seeds, which is how the brackets are then paired. The order is Wesley, St. Thomas, Mount Union and North Central. That means if the No. 1s held and UW-Whitewater won its bracket, the Warhawks road to Salem would go through Dover, Del. and the Purple Raiders’ would go through St. Paul, Minn.

As one poster in the D3football.com West Region chat room wrote following the announcement of the pairings:…

Ok, who from UWW ticked off the selection committee because this is nuts. UWW being a #2 seed makes no sense at all. I would like someone to explain how they arrived at this decision. The defending national champion, rolls through a perfect season in what is considered by most the toughest conference and the committee still sees them as a #2 seed and only 5th best (maybe) overall….Wow! I’m sure UWW will still make it Salem but it is obvious the committee is doing all it can to prevent it.

- Voice

Hawks in the North Central (North) Bracket

Here is a look at the North Central (North) Bracket:
#8 St. Norbert (WI) @ #1 North Central (IL)
#5 Wittenberg (OH) @ #4 Ohio Northern

#6 Trine (IN) @ DePauw (IN)
#7 Franklin (IN) @ #2 UW-Whitewater
All NCAA Division III Playoff Games start at 12-Noon local time

Warhawks NOT a No. 1 seed

The Warhawk football team WILL NOT be a No. 1 seed in this year's NCAA Division III Championship.

Whitewater is the No. 2 seed in the North Central (North) Regional.

The Hawks will host Franklin College, champions of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference in first round action on Saturday, Nov. 20 at Perkins Stadium.

More coming up shortly

-Voice

Playoff pairings to be announced shortly

Hi everybody - Voice Pattison here. Welcome to the first of hopefully five weeks of daily blog items on the UW-Whitewater football team's road back to Salem.

The NCAA Division III bracket will be announced LIVE on ESPN News shortly after 2 pm (in minutes).

I'll have the Warhawks playoff road and first round opponent blogged here on Voiceseyeonfootball.blogspot.com shortly

Reporting Live from the press box at Perkins Stadium

Arrived at Perkins about 20 minutes ago. Very light has been falling all morning HOWEVER the National Weather Service says the showers will be more scattered this afternoon with breezy conditions. 48 degrees right now with huigh of 53.

The Warhawks and archrival UW-La Crosse coming up - kickoff is set for 1:05.

Voice out!

Back to blogging football for Voice

I'M BACK!

I apologize for the lack of updates over the post month or so. I am in the process of developing a Warhawk men's and women's basketball blog. Voice's Eye on Warhawk Basketball Blog is a project I'm very excited about and I'm looking for it to go online on November 15th. I've spent maybe too much time on its development. I also over-extended both physically and mentally in the days leading up to my induction into the UW-Whitewater Athletics Hall of Fame a couple of weekends ago. It was one of the highlights of my career and again I was deeply humbled to recieve the honor.

A post by WarhawkDad this week on the D3football.com West Region Message Board has kicked me in the butt and its time to get up off the mat and get busy blogging again.

I'll be adding a number of blog items on the Warhawks 6th consecutive WIAC football title later Friday morning.

- Voice