Now THIS is what I’m talking about! Efficient, ball control offense. Stellar special teams play, with good blocking on returns and aggressive tackling on coverage unites. A defense that swarms like bees on honey. If you haven’t noticed, the University of Central Missouri Mules are playing the kind of tough, hard-nosed football Willie Fritz and his staff like. Almost makes you want to tear out that shiny, manicured SprintTurf, and throw down some good old-fashioned dirt and grass! (Just kidding Jerry Hughes, PLEASE don’t tear out the turf!)

RBs Glenn Milner and Jeremy Braden make for a potent one-two punch, and not in the traditional sense. Usually when a team has a two-headed monster at running back, one is a grinder and the other is a slasher, ala Lee Thompson and Kegan Coleman, or Marion Barber and Julius Jones of my beloved Dallas Cowboys. Nope, Glen and Jeremy are a couple of bruisers. One will pound and pound on the defense, then the other will come in and pound some more. I like it!

The Mules offensive line really seems to be settling into its own, too. Sure it would be nice to have some more depth (when is THAT not the case?), but the "big nasties" up front really look to be growing familiar with one another and with the schemes. Case in point: In their last three ballgames, the Mules have averaged 203.7 yards rushing (after just 80 in the season opener), and starting quarterback Stinson Dean has yet to be sacked.

Defensively, I have to say I LOVE the Mules starting combo at linebacker, Adrian Singletary and Mike Dillon. L-U-V, luv ‘em! I get so fired up watching these two guys play the game with passion, intensity and reckless abandon! I pray little boys in the stands are paying attention when Mike and Adrian take the field. Both of whom are a bit undersized compared to the average MIAA linebacker (about 6-1, 225). Mike is 6-0 220, and Adrian is 5-9 and generously listed at 220, but as the saying goes, they don’t measure heart, and these two young men have it. I’m glad they are on my team. Their play has led a defense that has held its last two opponents to just 302 yards on 116 plays (that’s just 2.6 yards per play for those of you dividing in your heads).

But with all the excitement over the offense and defense, I think my favorite part of this team is the special teams. I haven’t asked Coach Fritz about this, but it seems there are a lot more back-ups and younger players on special teams this year for the Mules. I’m seeing a lot of numbers out there I don’t see on offense or defense. I think that is a brilliant strategy. These are youngsters who are trying to become known. They play with gusto.  As a result, the starters get more of a breather and more of an opportunity to visit with the coaches on the sidelines.

Yes, it has been a treat to watch the Cardinal & Black this season. This Saturday’s clash with the ever-outstanding Pittsburg State Gorillas promises to be quite a show. If you haven’t been to a game yet, get out to Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field for the 1:30 p.m. kickoff. If you have come out, come out again and bring a friend (bring 10), wear red, and be loud!

It’s going to be a heck of a show!