UNI v WKU

[Reed Rothchild]

UNI has not had success against WKU since we came back to claim the Gateway title in 01. Sanders will be a factor in this game as he improves from injury everyday. I think UNI can win b/c WKU will miss Moore a little too much.

[Hansel]

Is this game on TV in Iowa?

[nmatsen]

Is this game on TV in Iowa?

Yes in the Des Moines and Cedar Falls areas.

[crunifan]

What about Cedar Rapids? Do you know if it will show there? I have to go home this weekend and I REALLY want to see this game.

[nmatsen]

What about Cedar Rapids? Do you know if it will show there? I have to go home this weekend and I REALLY want to see this game.

I don't know, why don't you go over to panthernation.com and I bet someone over there can help you out. I've never lived in C.R.

[TopsInDaVille]

Well, we're not gonna miss Whitlock because he plays for Southern Illinois (trust me, we're REALLY not going to miss him!). I'm assuming you mean Lerron Moore, who probably won't play because of a shoulder injury. Stephen Willis has been a pretty good replacement when Moore has been out, and G.J. Wooldridge is a pretty good backup to Willis.

This game worries me a lot, especially if Sanders is healthy. Seems like Western plays its best football away from L.T. Smith Stadium. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that Western has lost back-to-back games just once since 1999 (at Auburn and at Western Illinois in 2003). Hopefully these guys can continue the trend of bouncing back well from tough losses.

I say Western's defense will be the difference, Hilltoppers 31, Panthers 21.

[igo4uni]

What about Cedar Rapids? Do you know if it will show there? I have to go home this weekend and I REALLY want to see this game.

It's on KFXA and KFXB Fox 28/40. I believe their signal makes it down to Cedar Rapids.

peace

igo4uni

[crunifan]

Yeah, KFXA/KFXB is out of Cedar Rapids, so it will definitely be on. Thanks a ton. :D

[Toppermaniac]

Who's making the trip to Bowling Green this weekend?

[crunifan]

Honestly, if Bowling Green wasn't over 650 miles away I would be there. But its just too far. :(

I've always felt as though UNI and WKU have had a very respectful rivalry, so I really hope to go down and see a game there sometime and experience it.

[rabidsaluki]

Isn't the Gateway game of the week? If it is, it's on Fox Midwest.

[primetime21]

Last year Western Kentucky's coach said that UNI receiver Surrency was one of the toughest receivers to defend against because he can catch the ball anywhere on the field...............fast forward to this year.................unless UNI comes to their senses and uses this kid, they don't even have to plan how to defend him because they aren't throwing him the ball. We may have alot of "weapons" but not a one of them have been more consistent game after game than Surrency. To win on Saturday, UNI needs to use Lindgren and Surrency on alot more quick outs and hitches; this and the running game will open up the long ball. They do this UNI wins.

[Reed Rothchild]

Well, we're not gonna miss Whitlock because he plays for Southern Illinois (trust me, we're REALLY not going to miss him!). I'm assuming you mean Lerron Moore, who probably won't play because of a shoulder injury. Stephen Willis has been a pretty good replacement when Moore has been out, and G.J. Wooldridge is a pretty good backup to Willis.



Thanks. Post has been editited.

I have not doubt that WKU has runningbacks lined up out the door to run that offense. They ALWAYS have talent.

[Reed Rothchild]

Last year Western Kentucky's coach said that UNI receiver Surrency was one of the toughest receivers to defend against because he can catch the ball anywhere on the field...............fast forward to this year.................unless UNI comes to their senses and uses this kid, they don't even have to plan how to defend him because they aren't throwing him the ball. We may have alot of "weapons" but not a one of them have been more consistent game after game than Surrency. To win on Saturday, UNI needs to use Lindgren and Surrency on alot more quick outs and hitches; this and the running game will open up the long ball. They do this UNI wins.


21
Question. Why do you think we haven't been using Surrency as much this year. You throw any ball his way and he WILL catch it. Best hands I've seen in a long time. We NEED to get the ball to him to win this game.

[unialum95]

and I'll take a Wingert FG to win 24-21. This will be close either way. Both teams have too much to play for to let this open up.

[Reed Rothchild]

LERRON MOORE is the wheels of that offense and when he is out they struggle like they did against SIU. We'll see...


I sure hope that is the same vs UNI.

[primetime21]

21
Question. Why do you think we haven't been using Surrency as much this year. You throw any ball his way and he WILL catch it. Best hands I've seen in a long time. We NEED to get the ball to him to win this game.


I believe Farley and Solomon got caught up in a speed mania frenzy early in the season. Against the poorer caliber teams, you could just send Jamie and Patrick long and score a couple times a game. But once we got into the meat of the season, UNI needed to go back to the basics of running the ball and throwing the underneath passes to set-up the long ball. For whatever reason, this is the adjustment that I don't see our coaches are making.

Last week they threw to Surrency 2 times....both times on 3rd down. That equaled 2 first downs. It's there all day, everyday and UNI will need to use it, and use it often if they want to make the playoffs.

[wkukid]

This game makes me worry. I still believe we can win but it will be a close game. I'm not going to be in BG this weekend, so I'm going to miss the game. :(

Western by 6

[PantherMan]

If Sanders plays like he did the first 4 games of the season, UNI will win. If he is still hobbling around like against YSU, I don't like our chances of pulling the "upset".

Prediction: UNI 31 - WKU 27; both teams win out to secure playoff berths.

[igo4uni]

Sanders is super important to this team. He's only a sophomore, but he truly makes a difference when he is on the field. Let's hope he stays healthy the rest of his UNI career.

peace

igo4uni

[Mountain Panther]

Last week UNI/YSU was on Fox Midwest but taped delayed until 2:00 am Sunday morning. The game will be live on Fox College Sports but I believe this is only available on some digital cable providers (Comcast for sure).

UNI by 4.

[igo4uni]

Last week UNI/YSU was on Fox Midwest but taped delayed until 2:00 am Sunday morning. The game will be live on Fox College Sports but I believe this is only available on some digital cable providers (Comcast for sure).

UNI by 4.

Don't know..............All I know is that I will watch it live and listen to Rima and Petey on the radio!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

peace

igo4uni

[nmatsen]

If Sanders plays like he did the first 4 games of the season, UNI will win. If he is still hobbling around like against YSU, I don't like our chances of pulling the "upset".

Prediction: UNI 31 - WKU 27; both teams win out to secure playoff berths.

A UNI win this weekend far from secures a berth into the play-offs. IF (BIG) we win this weekend we must them beat a very hungry SIU team to win the GFC. If YSU (now a underated YSU) wins out then we would not only have to win this weekend but also at home against two 1-AA power (or former) houses in SIU and Northern Arizona (one team who is not intimidated to play in a dome) just to finish 8-3 as YSU would win the GFC.

[PantherMan]

A UNI win this weekend far from secures a berth into the play-offs. IF (BIG) we win this weekend we must them beat a very hungry SIU team to win the GFC. If YSU (now a underated YSU) wins out then we would not only have to win this weekend but also at home against two 1-AA power (or former) houses in SIU and Northern Arizona (one team who is not intimidated to play in a dome) just to finish 8-3 as YSU would win the GFC.

We've had SIU's number of late. The Dome doesn't suit them well. Northern Arizona is in shambles, and if we were to beat SIU and lose to them, we wouldn't deserve the playoffs anyway. If UNI wins the remaining three games, regardless of what the other conference teams do, they will be in the playoffs with an At-Large. One loss and it's all over though.

[Mountain Panther]

I'm very nervous about this game. If UNI takes the field with a do-or-die attitude we have a shot. Better listen to lots of AC/DC in the locker room. :confused:

[galojay]

Lerron Moore has been injury plagued and we've won without him before. I do agree with what you say to a degree.. but not 100%. Our problem against SIU was not only Moore was out, but so was Woolridge... ALL we had was Willis.



LERRON MOORE is the wheels of that offense and when he is out they struggle like they did against SIU. We'll see...

[igo4uni]

Better listen to lots of AC/DC in the locker room. :confused:

Ahhhhhhhhhh............AC/DC:

http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B0000DG7BZ.03.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

peace

igo4uni

[siugrad99]

SIU beat WKU plain and simple. SIU has injuries all season as well and we aren't using them as excuses. Even with Moore SIU had your # on that given day. Hope we have YSU's & UNI's next weekend too ;) (UNI scares the Crap out of me as a Saluki Fan)

[Mountain Panther]

I must give props to the WKU mascot - very unique. I see it makes a regular appearance on ESPN when they have mascots walking around in the background of the commercials. Does he have a name?????

[therealbigredrules]

I must give props to the WKU mascot - very unique. I see it makes a regular appearance on ESPN when they have mascots walking around in the background of the commercials. Does he have a name?????

Thanks - he is BIG RED. You can check out all of his ESPN Work from the following link. He was the star of ESPN's 25,000 show commercials. He is the real deal.

http://herald.wku.edu/1.html

[galojay]

SIU beat WKU plain and simple. SIU has injuries all season as well and we aren't using them as excuses. Even with Moore SIU had your # on that given day. Hope we have YSU's & UNI's next weekend too ;) (UNI scares the Crap out of me as a Saluki Fan)

Calm down, no one stole your thunder. Geez... sound insecure.

[Hansel]

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051105/SPORTS020702/511050346/1003/SPORTS

[skinny_uncle]

I hear Cap'n Cat is suiting up for the game.
http://www.ahajokes.com/cartoon/cat_hat.jpg

[Mountain Panther]

I hear Cap'n Cat is suiting up for the game.
http://www.ahajokes.com/cartoon/cat_hat.jpg

That's animal abuse! A lime is not a sufficient helmet for a cat anyway.

[skinny_uncle]

You should have seen him at the party last week.
http://eclectech.co.uk/b3ta/partycat.jpg

[windwalker]

I hear Cap'n Cat is suiting up for the game.
http://www.ahajokes.com/cartoon/cat_hat.jpg

No wonder that cat looks ticked off!!! a lime no less... could have been a tangerine!!!! LOL

[Chi Panther]

UNI gets ball to start 3 and out.....WKU gets ball and 3 and out.....both teams sound nervous.....

[Chi Panther]

Big pass play by UNI inside WKU 20

[Chi Panther]

UNI's Wingert misses a 28 yd FG......he has been choking all year....WTF!!!

[Chi Panther]

I'm too nervous to be posting on here now....back later.....

[Mountain Panther]

Wingert missed ANOTHER one from 38...he is breaking my heart. Still 3-0 WKU 11:00 min to go in first half.

[strike00]

I really wish we would not be so conservative in the red zone.

[Hansel]

I'm watching it on TV, nice to show they are showing the WKU "home stands" on TV, it looks like a big time stadium (from this angle)

[Mountain Panther]

They just said the TV replay showed Wingert's FG as GOOD. The ref f'ed up. That 3 points may hurt us later.

[strike00]

Goodwin with a great catch to keep the drive going!

[Mountain Panther]

Wingert finally connects. 3-3. Could be 9-3 UNI. Oh well....

[CrushMI]

FSN or internet?

[Hansel]

KDSM, local Fox affliliate out of Des Moines IA

[MiloCat]

They just said the TV replay showed Wingert's FG as GOOD. The ref f'ed up. That 3 points may hurt us later.

He missed it. It was close, but No Good.

[rabidsaluki]

Updates guys?!

Is it still 10-3?

[Mountain Panther]

Yes. End of 3rd. WKU has ball inside own 10 and is about to punt into the wind.....

[Mountain Panther]

UNI 1st and 10 at the WKU 38.

[Chi Panther]

WKU scored on a 22yd reverse with 30sec left in 2nd quarter

WKU made a 53 yd FG.

UNI has mad a 27yd FG and missed a 28 and 34yd FG.

No TOs between the two teams.....sounds VERY windy

[Mountain Panther]

2nd & 9 UNI on WKU 25.

[skinny_uncle]

How much time left?

[Mountain Panther]

Fumble...WKU has it. :bang:

[TopsInDaVille]

UNI fumbles at WKU 10. Toppers lead 10-3 with 10:45 left.

[Mountain Panther]

10 min.

[Mountain Panther]

PUNT RETURN FOR TD. OH BABY!

[Mountain Panther]

67 yard return. 10-10 with 7:30 left. Welcome to the Gateway.

[skinny_uncle]

Really?
The Salukis had one in the fourth quarter that put their game away.
Lightning can strike in a hurry sometimes.

[TopsInDaVille]

Our special teams have killed us all season.

[crunifan]

Wow, I don't know if I can take much more of this. You can tell both teams really want this!

[Mountain Panther]

Penalties have killed both teams. And we fumbled last time we were in the red zone. Gotta play perfect football here.

[ISUMatt]

How is the running game for both teams?

[Mountain Panther]

INTERCEPTION...DRE DOKES. Bout time that guy stepped up.

[Mountain Panther]

Running game for both teams = non existent.

[Mountain Panther]

1st down UNI at WKU 24.

[skinny_uncle]

Life in the Gateway can be hard on one's fingernails.

[ISUMatt]

UNI moving backwards here

[ISUMatt]

3:51 to go 3rd and 27 for UNI at WKU 41

[Mountain Panther]

And my computer! Stuck with listening online.

[TopsInDaVille]

Can you say overtime?

[FlyYtown]

Wow this is exciting; both teams playoff lives could be on the line here. If UNI loses they are done. If WKU loses they play YSU in Youngstown with a 2 game losing streak; YSU is 5-0 at home. Then they play I-A Fla International in Florida; with a 3 game losing streak that could be tough too.

But now UNI blows a great chance and will have to punt.. This is exciting! Sounds like ISU-YSU or WIU-YSU ...

[ISUMatt]

SACK!!!!!!!!! 4th and 37!!!!

[ISUMatt]

Unsportsman like on UNI 4th and 52!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ISUMatt]

UNI started the drive on the WKU 24 and after the punt WKU starts on their own 37...they gained 13 yards after the INT

[strike00]

#11 was flat out choking Sanders. He had a right to be pissed.

[ISUMatt]

#11 was flat out choking Sanders. He had a right to be pissed.

Its always the 2nd guy that gets flagged have to keep composure in a 10-10 game with 3 minutes left

[Mountain Panther]

WKU 2nd and 10 at UNI 41. 1 min left.

[ISUMatt]

27 secs left 3rd and 2 at the UNI 33

[ISUMatt]

WKU down to the 17...

[ISUMatt]

and the GW FG is...................

[Killtoppers90]

:03 to go WKU at the UNI 20 yard line. Time for a 36 yard James FG!

[FlyYtown]

I hope he misses but congrats to WKU because he will make it..

Its a strong wind he is kicking into but he is great.

[strike00]

missed it

[Killtoppers90]

NO GOOD but a flag is down!

[strike00]

offsides UNI :bang:

[Killtoppers90]

Offsides on UNI - wku rekicks!

[skinny_uncle]

Could be a killer penalty there

[FlyYtown]

Well he misses but he will make it now..

This sucks..

00:00 left.
30 Yard Field Goal ahead.

[strike00]

Blocked!!!!!! OT

[Killtoppers90]

UNI blocks the kick - we got OT!

[FlyYtown]

BLOCKED!!!

UNREAL..

:eek: :eek: :eek:

[skinny_uncle]

Of Course
:D

[Mountain Panther]

WE BLOCKED IT. OVERTIME.

[crunifan]

*passes out*

[GASIUalum]

between his game prediction and the 2 FG's predictions it's clear FlyYtown is no Edgar Cayce

[ngineer]

This is UNBELIEVABLE....WISH I COULD LISTEN TO THIS..

[TopsInDaVille]

I'm about to get fired.

[Killtoppers90]

What a great game!!!!!

[Mountain Panther]

Oh but you can. Click on UNI vs WKU. Unless you don't have Realplayers.

http://unipanthers.collegesports.com/multimedia/niwa-multimedia.html

[hawkineer]

http://www.wkusports.com/page.cgi?page=Audio

[Mountain Panther]

4th & less then 1 on the 5 1/2. UNI talkin it over.

[strike00]

3rd and 6 and the Panthers run it. I dont really like that call. They did pick up 5. 4th and 1.

[strike00]

QB sneak...Sanders picks it up!!! 1st and G at the 4.

[Killtoppers90]

UNI first down and GOAL to go at the WKU 4

[Mountain Panther]

GOT IT. Freeney up the middle over and over and over. DO IT!

[strike00]

ugh...penalties

[strike00]

and another one

[Mountain Panther]

Why do we make it so hard on ourselves?

[Killtoppers90]

2 Offensive penalties in a row for UNI!

[strike00]

personal foul on WKU!

[Killtoppers90]

Now WKU is shooting ourselves in the foot

[Mountain Panther]

FACEMASK ON SANDERS. WOW WE NEEDED THAT.

[Killtoppers90]

Damn that hurts!

[skinny_uncle]

This is UNBELIEVABLE....WISH I COULD LISTEN TO THIS..
Go to http://unipanthers.collegesports.com/multimedia/niwa-multimedia.html

[strike00]

Sanders TD on 4th and G.

[Killtoppers90]

Freeney stopped at the one. Next play TD UNI!

[FlyYtown]

TD!!!

[Mountain Panther]

Both teams are so nervous. Holding both teams back. 17-10 UNI.

[crunifan]

I can't take this! :eek:

Hold them Panthers!

[TopsInDaVille]

That face-mask penalty was horse ****!

[Mountain Panther]

Same reverse play they used to score.

[ngineer]

Thanks guys--got the game on now. Pullling for UNI only because I always cheer for the underdogs...

[blur2005]

WKU to the 4. It'll be 2nd and goal.

[strike00]

That face-mask penalty was horse ****!

It makes up for the missed strangulation play.

[Killtoppers90]

WKU down to UNI 1 yard line....3rd and goal to tie the OT

[strike00]

TD WKU

[blur2005]

Touchdown WKU.

[FlyYtown]

TD WKU.

Can the kicker make one now?

[skinny_uncle]

TD
Wow!

[blur2005]

Extra point is good.

Going to the second overtime.

[Killtoppers90]

TD TOPPERS!!!!!! Game tied going to a second OT!!!

[Hansel]

what a game, too bad alot of the fans left

[blur2005]

what a game, too bad alot of the fans left
WHYYYY???

[blur2005]

Hilltoppers run ANOTHER reverse.

[Chi Panther]

sooooooooo
NERVOUS!!!!!!!!!

[strike00]

4th an 1 WKU at the 16

[FlyYtown]

WKU MUST KICK...

Kick is ........... GOOD.

[strike00]

FG good.

[blur2005]

Field goal is...GOOD.

WKU 20
UNI 17

[ISUMatt]

Nice hold UNI

[Killtoppers90]

FG is good! But the way UNI is running the ball I doubt we are gonna hold.

[skinny_uncle]

Ain't it fun?
:D

[strike00]

TD Surrency!!! UNI wins.

Great game all around by bothe teams.

[Killtoppers90]

****!!!!!! Goodbye to WKU's playoff hopes!

[blur2005]

TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! UNI WINS!!!!

[FlyYtown]

UNI WINSSSSS!!!!

YSU's Playoff Hopes are Back on the Track!

[ISUMatt]

That UNI announcer is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Party on Youngstown, Carbondale, and Cedar Falls

[skinny_uncle]

Title game is at the Dome.

[Mountain Panther]

TD UNI. SO PROUD OF MY PANTHERS TODAY! WHAT AN EFFORT BY BOTH TEAMS. BRING ON SIU!

[Killtoppers90]

F'ng bull****!!!!!! But congrats on a great win to UNI!

[Hansel]

Looks like we got an elimination game in Y'town next week

[ngineer]

WOW--Congrats UNI--what a finish. Congrats to the Colonels, too. Games like this shouldn't have losers.

[Killtoppers90]

WE have enough losers for both sqauds.......

[Hansel]

WOW--Congrats UNI--what a finish. Congrats to the Colonels, too. Games like this shouldn't have losers.
Errr you mean Hilltoppers?

[ISUMatt]

We beat UNI 38-3, lost to WKU 37-34 (OT), beat SIU 61-35 and lost to YSU 17-14...Frustrated Redbird fan tonight :)...just kidding!!!

[Chi Panther]

I'm soooooo Proud!!!!

Just ran out into my street here in Denver..........and screamed!!!!!!

"I LOVE I-AA COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!!!"


I can't believe at the begining of the season I bought a plane ticket back for the SIU game.........and what a game and atmosphere it will be........

I'm off to drink 24 beers....just like college case day on OLIVE St....

Great Game.....to bad WKU had to lose!!!!!!

[crunifan]

Wow, I am speechless. Congrats to my Panthers, you guys about gave me a heart attack but it was all worth it! And I have to give props to WKU, you guys are one tough team!

GO PANTHERS! :D

[ISUMatt]

WOW--Congrats UNI--what a finish. Congrats to the Colonels, too. Games like this shouldn't have losers.

Insult to injury :D :D :D :deadhorse :bang:

[skinny_uncle]

We beat UNI 38-3, lost to WKU 37-34 (OT), beat SIU 61-35 and lost to YSU 17-14...Frustrated Redbird fan tonight :)...just kidding!!!
At least your guys won today Matt

[ISUMatt]

At least your guys won today Matt

You are right WOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mountain Panther]

I was at the UNI/SIU game in the dome 2 years ago. BEST COLLEGE GAME I'VE EVER SEEN, ON TV OR IN PERSON. Cedar Falls is the place to be next weekend.

[Chi Panther]

ISU Matt....

I have no doubt that ISU would have beat UNI even if UNI was perfectly healthy......I'm pissed UNI lost to MSU without Sanders......but you definately have a right to be frustrated......ISU healthy is a Playoff team.....NO DOUBT!!!

[igo4uni]

That UNI announcer is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Yes, gotta love Gary Rima.

peace

igo4uni

[igo4uni]

Title game is at the Dome.

Woo Hoo!!

The Fabulous UNI-Dome should be rockin'!!!!!!!!!

peace

igo4uni

[siugrad99]

Will be an amazing atmopshere in Ceder Falls next weekend. 2 quality teams fighting it out for the Gateway championship. I am not excited about this game as a Saluki fan with the way UNI likes to crush all SIU sports chances (Basketball & Football) :) Best of luck next week UNI, you've been class fans all year and expect this week to be no different.

[crunifan]

Yeah, I really do hope lots of SIU fans can venture up to Cedar Falls to make this a huge game. I know our school with try as hard as possible to pack the stands to make the UNI-Dome even more intimidating!

[Chi Panther]

Agree with crunifan.......SIU fans need to come to CF.

Great atmosphere and you will only make it all the better.

[Mountain Panther]

I'm going to the SIU/UNI game from Denver, so every SIU/UNI fan within 800 miles of CF better be there...no excuses.

[siugrad99]

I won't be able to listen, UNI basically owns SIU when it comes to big games. 2 years ago you beat 2 SIU undefeated teams on the last game of the regular season to ruin their perfect conference records (bastards ! :)) SIU will have to steal a win in Cedar Falls next weekend if we want to 3 peat as conference champs.

[skinny_uncle]

Current Gateway standings:

SIU 5-1
UNI 4-2
YSU 4-2
WKU 4-2
ILS 3-3
MSU 2-4
WIU 2-4
INS 0-6

[siugrad99]

how about a 5 month old son :) I think that excuse will keep me busy ALL next weekend :), but he is well worth it

[Mountain Panther]

how about a 5 month old son :) I think that excuse will keep me busy ALL next weekend :), but he is well worth it

Hey, it's worth it. You never know when this might happen again! :o

[Chi Panther]

how about a 5 month old son :) I think that excuse will keep me busy ALL next weekend :), but he is well worth it

Congrats on the Son....I'm sure the Saluki fans attending will have you there in spirit.

[rabidsaluki]

I only have one thing to say...


DAMNIT!


Just what I needed another trip to the Fabulous UNI-Dome..

Or as Dan McGlochlan (sp?) would say then UNEEE-Dome.


Go Dawgs!!

[siugrad99]

Thanks for the kind words, he is the greatest thing to happen to me other than meeting my wife and being a damn proud saluki alumni :) Who knows maybe one day i'll be chattin here about him playing for the dawgs :) (wishful thinking no pressure) ;)

[Toppermaniac]

First off, congrats to UNI. Obviously I was there and it was a brutally hard fought game. My take on WKU and the game:

First, our offensive play calling is.....offensive. I took note of a lot of things in this game. During the entire first half we threw on first down 3 times, one early on and the other two very late in the half. The results? A 24 yard gain and a first down, an 11-12 yard gain and a first down, and a pass interference call and a first down. See any trends? We continually tried to pound the ball between the tackles with little success. Terrible play calling, especially considering we didn't have our star tailback in the lineup. The O coordinator needs to go. No excuse for it. He was terrible. The O line didn't play well either, but we're so damn banged up there that is expected.

Second, our special teams let us down terribly for the second week in a row. Last week we had a punt blocked for a TD and didn't make a first down on a fake punt (another example of the above-mentioned boneheaded play calling. This week? Our D held UNI to only a field goal through the entire regulation, but we give up a game tying punt return for a TD with about 7-8 minutes to go. If that isn't bad enough, we have a very makable field goal blocked that would have won the game in regulation. Another example of the above-mentioned piss-poor O line play.

Finally, before all the UNI fans start posting it, I'm not making any excuses because calls go both ways all the time. That said, the facemask on Deion Holtz in the first OT was bull****. I was there and I saw it. He did not have the facemask. That particular play was UNI 3nd and 12. Holtz got a sack for a loss of about 10-12 yards. UNI would have had to try a medium range field goal rather than get the ball first and goal at the 5. We scored a TD on our first OT possession and game would have been over. Again, not an excuse, just posting what happened. The bottom line is we make too many mistakes, particularly on offense and special teams and it has cost us dearly. Congrats again.

[Toppermaniac]

I only see one way we'll make the playoffs now. Funny to post that considering a week and a half ago we were looking at a possible # 1 seed. Boy how things have changed. Here's the only scenario I see WKU making the playoffs now. Obviously we have to beat YSU. We also need SIU to beat UNI. At this point, I dont' think we'll make it at 8-3 if both SIU and UNI make it, though it's possible. A lot depends on what the rest of the contending teams do across the country. At this point I don't think we'll beat YSU next week anyway. We have too many injuries and we're playing poorly and I'm sure the two losses have taken their toll on the team's confidence. What's everyone's take?

[PantherMan]

I only see one way we'll make the playoffs now. Funny to post that considering a week and a half ago we were looking at a possible # 1 seed. Boy how things have changed. Here's the only scenario I see WKU making the playoffs now. Obviously we have to beat YSU. We also need SIU to beat UNI. At this point, I dont' think we'll make it at 8-3 if both SIU and UNI make it, though it's possible. A lot depends on what the rest of the contending teams do across the country. At this point I don't think we'll beat YSU next week anyway. We have too many injuries and we're playing poorly and I'm sure the two losses have taken their toll on the team's confidence. What's everyone's take?

If you win convincingly at YSU, you're in, bank on it. If UNI wins next week, the Gateway will get 3 in, assuming SIU would go on to beat NDSU (I think they will).

[PantherMan]

First off, congrats to UNI. Obviously I was there and it was a brutally hard fought game. My take on WKU and the game:

First, our offensive play calling is.....offensive. I took note of a lot of things in this game. During the entire first half we threw on first down 3 times, one early on and the other two very late in the half. The results? A 24 yard gain and a first down, an 11-12 yard gain and a first down, and a pass interference call and a first down. See any trends? We continually tried to pound the ball between the tackles with little success. Terrible play calling, especially considering we didn't have our star tailback in the lineup. The O coordinator needs to go. No excuse for it. He was terrible. The O line didn't play well either, but we're so damn banged up there that is expected.

Second, our special teams let us down terribly for the second week in a row. Last week we had a punt blocked for a TD and didn't make a first down on a fake punt (another example of the above-mentioned boneheaded play calling. This week? Our D held UNI to only a field goal through the entire regulation, but we give up a game tying punt return for a TD with about 7-8 minutes to go. If that isn't bad enough, we have a very makable field goal blocked that would have won the game in regulation. Another example of the above-mentioned piss-poor O line play.

Finally, before all the UNI fans start posting it, I'm not making any excuses because calls go both ways all the time. That said, the facemask on Deion Holtz in the first OT was bull****. I was there and I saw it. He did not have the facemask. That particular play was UNI 3nd and 12. Holtz got a sack for a loss of about 10-12 yards. UNI would have had to try a medium range field goal rather than get the ball first and goal at the 5. We scored a TD on our first OT possession and game would have been over. Again, not an excuse, just posting what happened. The bottom line is we make too many mistakes, particularly on offense and special teams and it has cost us dearly. Congrats again.

I absolutely agree, there was NO facemask on that particular play. However, like you already said bad calls go both ways. The unsportsmanlike on Sanders in the 4th, a couple of obvious clips that WKU got away with, and some "questionable" penalties called against UNI. There were also other calls that went against the Toppers, that don't immediately come to mind, as one tends to remember blown calls against their team more readily... ;) All in all, that was an edge of your seat type of game. Seeing it on t.v. really did it no justice. By the way, was the second Wingert missed field goal good?!?

[crunifan]

I only have one thing to say...


DAMNIT!


Just what I needed another trip to the Fabulous UNI-Dome..

Or as Dan McGlochlan (sp?) would say then UNEEE-Dome.


Go Dawgs!!

I've never liked it when people called it "you-knee" dome, I prefer "you-na" dome.

[Toppermaniac]

I absolutely agree, there was NO facemask on that particular play. However, like you already said bad calls go both ways. The unsportsmanlike on Sanders in the 4th, a couple of obvious clips that WKU got away with, and some "questionable" penalties called against UNI. There were also other calls that went against the Toppers, that don't immediately come to mind, as one tends to remember blown calls against their team more readily... ;) All in all, that was an edge of your seat type of game. Seeing it on t.v. really did it no justice. By the way, was the second Wingert missed field goal good?!?

Now I'm really pissed. I just watched two replays of the facemask called on Holts and he didn't even touch he QB's helmet, much less his facemask. Yea, bad calls go both ways, but I'm tired of officials calling what they thought happened rather than what they actually see. The official obviously didn't SEE Holts grab the facemask because it didn't happen. Officials shouldn't call penalties in anticipation of something happening. If you don't actually see something, keep your damn flag in your pocket. There are a lot of bad calls during a game, but that one decided the game. It was critical. Still, we should have won it in regulation and none of this would have mattered.

[Reed Rothchild]

Congrats to WKU for playing such a superb game. I had no idea our defense would have played as well as they did. It was a fun game to watch and listen to. It was even more fun at the end!!!

[Toppermaniac]

I absolutely agree, there was NO facemask on that particular play. However, like you already said bad calls go both ways. The unsportsmanlike on Sanders in the 4th, a couple of obvious clips that WKU got away with, and some "questionable" penalties called against UNI. There were also other calls that went against the Toppers, that don't immediately come to mind, as one tends to remember blown calls against their team more readily... ;) All in all, that was an edge of your seat type of game. Seeing it on t.v. really did it no justice. By the way, was the second Wingert missed field goal good?!?

It was very hard to tell for sure from the angle I was sitting at, but it looked like it barely missed. I sure would hate to have made a call from my seat.

[Toppermaniac]

Congrats to WKU for playing such a superb game. I had no idea our defense would have played as well as they did. It was a fun game to watch and listen to. It was even more fun at the end!!!

Thanks, but not much comfort right now. Your D did play well, as did ours, but our offense really sucks right now. Our offensive coordinator should be sent packing. I'm really disappointed with our QB's (Justin Haddix) development. Haddix has started every game for the three years he's been here and he hasn't improved much in my opinion. I guess it's sort of hard for him to improve considering the ridiculous offensive play-calling our coaches seem to love. The past two weeks have really shown how inept they are. Too bad for our seniors.

[Toppermaniac]

If you win convincingly at YSU, you're in, bank on it. If UNI wins next week, the Gateway will get 3 in, assuming SIU would go on to beat NDSU (I think they will).

I was previously certain the Gateway would get three in, but I'm doubting it now. With both us and YSU losing two late games, I could see a scenario where we both miss the playoffs. As I said earlier, I think the only way for WKU to get in is by beating YSU and UNI losing to SIU. I don't see 3 8-3 Gateway teams getting a bid, unless many other teams contending for spots lose.

[PantherMan]

I was previously certain the Gateway would get three in, but I'm doubting it now. With both us and YSU losing two late games, I could see a scenario where we both miss the playoffs. As I said earlier, I think the only way for WKU to get in is by beating YSU and UNI losing to SIU. I don't see 3 8-3 Gateway teams getting a bid, unless many other teams contending for spots lose.

Good point. However, IF UNI wins next week and SIU follows it up with a win at NDSU. AND WKU wins their two remaining games, which stays home, SIU or WKU? IMO, that's a tough call, SIU did win the head to head. However, each team's three losses would all be to quality opponents:

Potentially:

SIU losses: WMU, ISU, and UNI
WKU losses: Auburn, SIU, and UNI.

Tough to leave either of those teams out for another 8-3 IMO... :confused:

[Toppermaniac]

Good point. However, IF UNI wins next week and SIU follows it up with a win at NDSU. AND WKU wins their two remaining games, which stays home, SIU or WKU? IMO, that's a tough call, SIU did win the head to head. However, each team's three losses would all be to quality opponents:

Potentially:

SIU losses: WMU, ISU, and UNI
WKU losses: Auburn, SIU, and UNI.

Tough to leave either of those teams out for another 8-3 IMO... :confused:

That's certainly possible and I hope you're right, but I have my doubts right now. The way we've played the past two weeks we don't deserve a playoff spot and I'm sure members of the selection committee are paying close attention.

[nmatsen]

I won't be able to listen, UNI basically owns SIU when it comes to big games. 2 years ago you beat 2 SIU undefeated teams on the last game of the regular season to ruin their perfect conference records (bastards ! :)) SIU will have to steal a win in Cedar Falls next weekend if we want to 3 peat as conference champs.

3 peat? If I am not mistaken you did not win the title in 03', do you remember why? You can not truly speak of owning a conference title unless you recieve the Auto-Bid, which you didn't. Maybe you can say you are going for back to back conference titles and we can say we are playing for our 3rd in 5 years? I like that.