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WGRE Sports -- 2004 Football
Season Report Cards
Game 9: DePauw 30, Rose-Hulman 3
by Brian M. Gustin
Passing Offense (C)
I know it was not exactly needed with how well the running game went, but
I can't bring myself to rate a 7-17 and 66 yards performance as anything
better than average. The completion percentage and total yards were the
second lowest of the year
Rushing Offense (A+)
In week 3, I gave the rush offense an A+ and said "It's hard to do much
better than nearly 400 yards rushing, as well as a huge average per
carry." Okay so I was wrong. Each week the ground game becomes more
powerful -- this time for the most yards ever in the SCAC, as well as
DePauw recording its first game with 3 players over 100 yards rushing.
Passing Defense (A)
The defense kept Rose-Hulman out of the end-zone all day, plus Hummel and
Gerhardstein were both running for their lives a few times.
Rushing Defense (B)
Hummel, Key and Gerhardstein all broke free for gains when they shouldn't
have -- and with as good as this part of the team has been the last few
weeks, the bar has been raised.
Special Teams (B)
Missed field goals hurt a first half that should have been DePauw by a
lot. For his part, Bill Riley, as nice of a guy as he is, sure looks a lot
better on the sidelines with the offense finishing up drives with TDs.
Coaching (A)
After a 3-3 first half, whatever happened in the locker room helped as
DePauw's offense exploded in the second half. The gameplan was right on as
the Tigers dismantled the Engineers defense.
Props of the Week
To the o-line and the blockers. It did not matter which guy was running
with the football, they always had somewhere to go. So props for winning
the war in the trenches!
Game 8: DePauw 41, Centre 26
by Brian M. Gustin
Passing Offense (A)
A great day for the pass as QB Ross Wiethoff has a career day, going for a
very efficient 240 yards and 3 touchdowns. Most impressive was when the
Tigers utilized a strong wind to their advantage, and got tight end Chase
Jonason involved in a couple of catches and a TD. Meanwhile, who can stop
Jamarcus Shephard?
Rushing Offense (B)
Every week it seems there is a different type of balance struck by this
rushing attack. This week it came in the form of the two-pronged attack
that will be known as Matt McMahon and Jeremiah Marks. Both closed in on
100 yard days, and both found the end zone, along with Wiethoff. The grade
deduction comes with two fumbles inside the five-yard line by Marks. Two
of the few freshman blemishes on an otherwise outstanding first campaign.
Passing Defense (B)
It's hard to give a grade higher than this when an opposing QB goes for
369 yards and three touchdowns. Centre wideout David Crowley torched the
Tigers secondary for 218 of those yards, as well. But, the grade is high
because the D did their most important job -- not let the passing game
beat them.
Rushing Defense (A+)
Centre's leading rusher had 42 yards on 19 carries -- that's a 2.2 yard
per carry average. The Colonels only totaled 31 yards on the ground as a
team. That's just sick.
Special Teams (B+)
Tyler Mallory had a busy day, attempting 6 extra points. Meanwhile Bill
Riley only had to punt twice, while the counterpart for Centre had 6
outings for punts, and only one PAT. I'd say DePauw won this match-up.
Coaching (A)
The scary part is how well this team is playing down the stretch, despite
making mistakes. Normally the turnovers in a game against a high scoring
opponent like this would have spelled disaster -- not with this team. The
composure that the coaching staff fuels the team with is phenomenal. Our
expectations are starting to get a lot higher from a team that has won 4
in a row and may not lose again.
Props of the Week
On the audible of the game plan after seeing the game conditions. DePauw
presumably went into it looking to use a ton of clock and run the ball all
the time. With a heavy prevailing wind, when the Tigers had it at their
backs they used it wisely. In the second and third quarters while playing
with the wind, DePauw's total time of possession was 8:50, compared to
21:10 for Centre. During that time the Tigers outscored Centre 28-7. Who
said this DePauw team couldn't score quickly?
Game 7: DePauw 38, Millsaps 7
by Brian M. Gustin
Passing Offense (B)
Why be two-dimensional when you can be effective when you are just one?
The passing game really did not need to be a weapon -- but was used as a
change of pace, or to take advantage of Millsaps cheating up -- they way
Coach Lynch likes to use it.
Rushing Offense (A)
Five rushing touchdowns. Millsaps did not have a glimmer of hope in
stopping the DePauw run, as four different players crossed the goal line.
Jeremiah Marks continues to be strong, and could have went for at least
twice as many yards had he been needed. Great to see the veteran Matt
McMahon score a TD. Plus John Michels has made a case for himself in the
rotation.
Passing Defense (A)
The pass defense got into the act after watching the rush defense have all
the fun. The secondary was as strong as it had been all year and neither
of the Millsaps quarterbacks will have fond memories of this game.
Rushing Defense (B+)
Kept Millsaps offense from getting on track, and more importantly made
their halfback Tyson Roy a non-factor. This continues to be a great area
of strength, after being a little weaker last year.
Special Teams (B)
A fine day from our kickers -- Tyler Mallory was perfect and included a
field goal for good measure, and Bill Riley only punted ONCE. BUT, the
grade gets docked for giving up an onside kick which everyone knew was
coming, which led to a score.
Coaching (A)
For the first time all year, put a team away. Millsaps had no chance
toward any comeback, and was lucky to have prevented getting shut-out. A
great game plan executed to perfection as DePauw scores the most points in
a game this season, and has its biggest margin of victory.
Props of the Week
I neglected to mention them as our player of the week on the game
broadcast, but they certainly deserved it. So they'll get recognition
here: the DPU offensive line, the tight ends, and the fullbacks. These
guys played one of their best games of the year against Millsaps, making
sure it didn't matter who was running the ball -- they were going to find
holes and they were going to find the end zone. The blockers often don't
get enough credit, but they deserved it this week!
Game 6: DePauw 27, Sewanee 13
by Brian M. Gustin
Passing Offense (B+)
Solid day through the air for DePauw, with Jamarcus Shephard making a
couple of unbelievable catches. It was also nice to see David Araiza and
Torey Rauch both catch balls, as DePauw's depth at wide-out is one of its
rarely used weapons.
Rushing Offense (A-)
Jeremiah Marks returns from injury and nearly breaks the record for most
yards in a game for a freshman. Look out Bart Simpson. Wiethoff breaks the
century-mark as well, with another mind-boggling long TD run. The only
reason the minus is included is because of the fumbles. Giving up the ball
three times on the ground is a great way to lose a ball game. DePauw
cannot afford to do this again as the schedule gets tougher from here.
Passing Defense (B)
After giving up late game drives to Trinity and Chicago, it appeared like
the defense would have another long afternoon, especially after giving up
an 80 yard flea flicker play to Sewanee. But the defense held, much like
it did throughout most of the game, holding the visitors to 1 of 4 in the
red zone.
Rushing Defense (A+)
You cannot have a much better day at defending the rush, as DePauw held
Sewanee to a 1.5 yard/carry average. A big day from the Tiger's front four
really limited Sewanee to be anything but one-dimensional on offense.
Special Teams (C+)
Not sure how to grade DePauw here -- Jamarcus Shephard finally got a
return, DePauw had great field position throughout (the average was at
their own 35 yard line), and the punt coverage did a nice job of pining
Sewanee deep, especially at the end of the game. BUT after coming into the
game perfect, Tyler Mallory had one blocked and flat out missed one as
well. We'll say more good than bad and be pretty sure this was a blip.
Coaching (A)
Not only did the Tigers do a great job of running all over Sewanee all day
long, but the team showed poise late in the game when things had come
unraveled the last two weeks. The DePauw coaches also looked like the
more-together crew as Sewanee had to burn their timeouts early in the
second half because they did not have the right personnel on the field.
Props of the Week
The props column has been a little bit of a hexer the last couple weeks,
so we'll take a week off to try and stop any momentum this thing has.
Instead the props of the week go to the BYE on the schedule, as DePauw
could really use it to get key players on both sides of the ball healthy
and ready for the stretch run.
Game 5: DePauw 28, Chicago 24
by Brian M. Gustin
Passing Offense (A-)
For the uninitiated, welcome to the Jamarcus Shephard show. The senior
All-American displayed his playmaking ability on the way to his best game
of the year. Hauling in 50 and 57 yard touchdown catches is nothing to
scoff at. Chase Jonason and Brian Culp are effective second and third
options, and can be great decoys.
Rushing Offense (C)
Well Ross Wiethoff had a 91 yard touchdown run, so the team still passes.
BUT otherwise the ground game was totally ineffective, especially against
a Chicago team that everyone expected DePauw to run over. Jeremiah Marks
was sorely missed with his ability to break to the outside and avoid the
blitzes.
Passing Defense (C)
Once again the pass defense played great for three quarters, but a late
hurry-up drive by Chicago managed to pick apart the Tiger's schemes. The
secondary needs more practice against a no-huddle offense in order to get
better at defending against a "two-minute drill."
Rushing Defense (A)
Frank Brown was frustrated throughout the day by the Tiger's front four
who had a great day. Mike Elkins and Rob Farrow filled in well at
linebackers, but DePauw will need Matt Koch and Aaron Key back by Centre.
Special Teams (B-)
Special teams literally decided this game. Missed extra points and a
conversion by Chicago meant the final difference in the score. The "punt
play" which will be one of the most memorable of the season ended up
turning into a positive with Eric Lewis having presence of mind, but it
could have been the worst mistake of the year. The punt game must become
more sound and mistake-free.
Coaching (C)
DePauw was outmatched in the second half with great adjustments by Chicago
really taking DePauw out of it's game. The run game ran out of steam
quickly and never got back on track. Despite a lot of emphasis on
Chicago's blitzes the team did not see to know how to handle them.
Props of the Week
This week one of the team's most underrated performers gets the nod --
kicker Tyler Mallory. While Mallory has not always been perfect, he has
been consistently good. Chicago showed how kicking can cost you the game,
and Mallory brings it every game.
Game 4: DePauw 28, Trinity 29
by Brian Gustin
Passing Offense (B+)
The prayers of many to open up the passing attack were answered as Brian
Culp and Chase Jonason were greatly used in the offense. It came at a cost
-- not seeing much of Jamarcus Shephard. While Trinity did a great job of
neutralizing J-mar as a threat, a few more balls thrown his way to let him
play-make would have made this an A.
Rushing Offense (C+)
Overall a good day running the football against a team that normally shuts
down the run. Some costly fumbles in the ground game and an inability to
keep a late drive going to run down the clock are demerits on the grade.
Nice to see the backs rotated by situation, not necessarily by series.
Each of the three half backs has his own specialties, and the
substitutions really tried to account for that.
Passing Defense (C)
Trinity was able to pick apart the DePauw secondary on two late drives
that turned the game on its heels. The defense, which was phenomenal in
the first half, really broke down when Trinity went no-huddle. Missed
opportunities at interceptions proved costly as well. Bright spot again
was the pass-rush as Dustin Hertel and Darron Lasley can seemingly only be
stopped by the O-line holding.
Rushing Defense (A)
The defense made Jerrold Jones a non-factor. The front four had a big day,
especially without a mainstay in Joseph Di Salvo. Holding Trinity to one
field goal on its first 5 possessions was huge in setting the tone that
DePauw can compete with Trinity. Will have to find depth at linebacker
with unfortunate loss of Aaron Key.
Special Teams (C)
Forced Trinity to kick away from Shephard in the return game, but seemed
to have problems with the squib kick. The punt game is slowly becoming an
issue as DePauw is out-punted for the fourth straight game.
Coaching (A-)
The coaches came up with a great game plan to beat a Trinity team which
Coach Lynch admitted had no weaknesses. Good attempt at finding offensive
balance and neutralizing some of Trinity's strengths. Some hints at a more
aggressive offensive attack, which this broadcaster would certainly enjoy
seeing more of in use.
Props of the Week
Not so much props, but this week a moment to send thoughts out to Aaron
Key to wish him a speedy recovery. Key's injury made folks on both sides
of the field pause and remember the seriousness of this game. It was a
great show of team unity to see the DePauw players all take a knee on the
sideline to watch their fallen comrade.
Game 3: DePauw 35, Hope 14
by Brian Gustin
Passing Offense (B+)
13 for 17 and three scores led to an efficient and effective day for Ross
Wiethoff throwing the football. Jamarcus Shephard was very involved in the
first half catching two TDs, but went unseen in the second half. Brian
Culp and Chase Jonason could become more involved to really open up the
offensive attack.
Rushing Offense (A+)
It's hard to do much better than nearly 400 yards rushing, as well as a
huge average per carry. Jeremiah Marks is not only the future at running
back, but the present as well. Wiethoff effectively used the option as a
means to rack up a new career high on the ground, rather than on
scrambles. Jason Murphy looked comfortable in the backfield and a great
option as a goal line set back.
Passing Defense (B+)
Dustin Hertel and Darron Lasley led a strong line effort to put pressure
on Hope QB Joe Schwander. Late game picks from Curran Clark and Chris
Lambring silenced any comeback attempts from Hope. Hard to fault a
secondary trying to cover guys six inches taller than them.
Rushing Defense (A)
Consistent penetration into the backfield meant that Hope RB Paul Burgess
had a rough afternoon. Luis Davila came up with the biggest stop on 4th
and goal which really solidified the momentum in the Tiger's hands.
Special Teams (B)
Did not play much of a factor in the game. The kickoff return team gave
way to a big gain for Shephard to set up a score. We're also finding out
Tyler Mallory's range for field goals.
Coaching (A)
Game plan read "run, run, run" and the team responded. Hope did not which
allowed DePauw's offense to be very one-dimensional in the second half,
and successful at the same time. This will not work against Trinity and
more receivers have to become involved to spread the defense.
Props of the Week
The offensive line dominated this contest. Wiethoff had all day to throw
in the pocket and huge holes to run with the football. Good specifically
in getting a push in goal line situations to allow Marks and Murphy in the
end zone for rushing scores. The props of the week go to the line of Jamie
Waymouth, Carl Albrecht, Chad Homan, Kerry Pappas and Jon Gratz.
Game 2:
DePauw 0, Wisconsin-Stout 23
by Teddy Tutson
Passing Offense (C+)
Despite the deceiving increase in the overall numbers (12-14-207), there
was no consistency to DePauw’s passing game. Ross Wiethoff will need to
work on distributing the ball to receivers not named Jamarcus Shepard in
order to stay competitive against Hope.
Rushing Offense (D)
Following last week’s monster game on the ground, to only have 73 yards
and average only 2.0 yards per carry is a huge letdown. The Tigers need to
find consistency and rhythm in their running game in order to open things
up downfield for Wiethoff. The Tigers also get marked down for the
curious decision not to keep Jeremiah Marks in the game after his blazing
hot second half start.
Passing Defense (C-)
The only thing preventing the Tigers from getting a D are the sensational
individual performances of defensive backs Greg Sylvester and Obinna
Ugokwe. Outside of that, the defensive line was unable to put ANY pressure
on Nick Ohman, allowing him to go 23-30 for 216 yards and 2 TDs. When a
quarterback has as much time to throw as Ohman did, it’s always going to
be tough for a defense to stop him.
Rushing Defense (C+)
Ryan Englebert and the Blue Devils’ option game was kept somewhat in check
by DePauw, with Englebert rushing for only 58 yards. However, quarterback
Nick Ohman scrambled and dashed his way to over 100 yards on the day, with
a touchdown to boot. The success of Ohman running the football was just
another example of DePauw’s rough afternoon defensively.
Special Teams (D)
With all the kickoffs the Tigers fielded, they were not able to do
anything spectacular with their return opportunities, even the
All-American Shepard. The Tigers also lose HUGE points for not being able
to force a punt all day and the missed field goal at the end of the half
by sophomore Tyler Mallory, which would have taken the Tigers into the
half tied at 3.
Coaching (C)
The Tigers could not find any offensive rhythm, Wisconsin-Stout dominated
time of possession, and no answer could be found to contain Nick Ohman. But
the biggest issue for the coaching staff is why Jeremiah Marks didn’t play
more of a role in the second half.
Game 1:
DePauw 20, Rhodes 14
by Brian Gustin
Passing Offense
(C)
Only 6 of 16 meant the Rhodes defense could focus on rushing. Look for
more receiver involvement in order for the Tigers to start a win-streak.
Rushing Offense (A-)
A great day running the ball was highlighted by the 83-yard touchdown by
freshman back Jeremiah Marks, who went over the century mark for yards in
his first game. Minus comes from missed opportunities to open up more big
plays.
Passing Defense (B+)
Picks from Andrew Huff and Greg Sylvester highlighted a productive day
frustrating one of the league's best quarterbacks in Rhodes' Daniel
Swanstrom.
Rushing Defense (B)
Did not let the Lynx establish any threats on the ground, forcing opposing
Coach Joe White to go to running back-by-committee.
Special Teams (B+)
Punt coverage was on it and blew open a big gain for Chris Gines, as well
as frustrating Rhodes' Rory Faver all the way to the bench on punt
returns. Conversion on 2 of 3 field goals by Tyler Mallory brings
confidence in the kicking game.
Coaching (A-)
Put faith in the defense toward the end of the game and was rewarded with
big stops. Great clock management, but offense must become more balanced.
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