Mules Report September 25

Mules Report
September 25, 2007

Mules Report Archive

ZERO:

That's the number of 1st downs Washburn was able to muster in the entire first half against the Mules in Topeka on Saturday.

ZERO:

That's also the number of points the Ichabod offense was able to score in the first half.

ZERO:

That's the number of points the Mule defense expects to give up each game according to All American safety, Kendall Ricketts.

That'll be a tall order this weekend when the Gorillas of Pittsburg State return to Vernon Kennedy Field for the first time since the 83-21 shellacking they took in 2005. Pittsburg State will be coming in angry. Not only did they suffer the worst loss in the modern history of their program at the hands of the Mules in '05, but they just got beat in the Jungle last Saturday by a young, rebuilding Missouri Western squad. More on this weekends match-up in a minute, but first, a little "I told you so".

* * * * *

THE WASHBURN GAME

I told folks to look for pick from Ricketts, as he was the only member of the Mule secondary without a stolen pass on the season. Well, not any more. In fact, the Mules picked off four more passes and continue to be one of the most dangerous defensive backfield's in Division II Football with 10 picks in just 4 games.

Speaking of passing, UCM QB Stinson Dean hit eight (!!) different receivers on the day. I'd hate to be the PSU defensive coordinator trying to figure out how to defend so many different weapons. The Mules haven't even utilized a tight end in a real receiving role yet. Perhaps that's being saved for just the right time?

I also told folks to look for RB Glenn Milner to run for over 100 yards for the first time on the season, and that he did; 119 yards and three (3) TDs in fact, and added on another 28 yards receiiving for good measure. It appears Milner truly is a double threat out of the backfield. Going back to our pre-season theme, I'm going to refer to him again as a "soup & salad" running back. What is most encouraging about Milner is that he is now putting his shoulder down more and running over folks rather than simply trying to break every run to the outside. His (and RB Jeremy Braden's) continued success running can only help the Mules passing game open up even more.

I told folks to expect a 7-10 point win in Topeka. Well we won by 14. I wasn't counting on RB Justin Gore to tack on 7 of his own.

I also told folks I expected Dean to start and he did. He got his first collegiate start of his career. Despite his two interceptions on the day, he led the Mules on several sustained drives that seemed to take their toll on the Washburn defense. I expect Dean and the entire offense will improve every week, making this young team more dangerous each game of the season.

* * * * *

THE MATCH-UP WITH PITTSBURG STATE

Gorilla fans are as critical of their team as they've been in a long time, and it appears the majority of that criticism is aimed at their lackluster defense; ranked 7th in the MIAA in both scoring and in total defense and 9th in rushing defense. What's particularly disturbing to Gorilla fans is it's not like they've played any top ranked teams yet either.

Their defensive woes play well into the need for Dean to get a little more time before going up against the better defenses in the MIAA. The Mules offense should be able to score and score often against the Gorillas.

On the other side of the ball, Pittsburg State has a very potent rushing attack. However, that run game will be facing the best defense it's seen (or may likely see) all year. I will not elaborate much here as most of you know where this Mules defense stands in regard to stopping the run by now; just suffice it to say, opponents are averaging a paltry 1.2 yards per rush against the Mules as they near the mid-point of the regular season.

The Gorillas' problems aside, I don't think for a second they're going to come into Warrensburg expecting to lose. In fact, they will likely play one of their best games of the year as another loss this early could spell doom for their playoff hopes having to travel the following week to Arrowhead Stadium in KC to play the Bearcats of Northwest Missouri.

* * * * *

THINGS TO LOOK FOR:

Expect a PR or KR for Touchdown. It's coming folks, I promise you.

Expect a very physical game. The Mules are now factoring this into every game as it seemed to be the intangible that's carrying them over the top in games.

Expect the Mules to run, run, and run some more.

Expect the biggest crowd of the year (thus far) at Audrey J. Walton Stadium.

Expect the Mules to win by 14 at home.

Bill Steinke is a writer for MulesCentral.com. His Mules Report is published every Tuesday throughout the season. Bill resides in Knoxville, TN.

Want to see your company or business logo here?

Click here to become a sponsor of MulesCentral.com!