Mines vs Shepherd SWOT

[DiggerAlum]

Let’s here the views of Mines vs Shepherd.

[DiggerAlum]

Size advantage to Shepherd in the front line on both sides of the ball. However Shepherd has smaller d-ends who on occasion will drop into pass coverage. Expect more of this as the Rams will work to disrupt Matocha.

The Rams RB Brown is quick, and Barry Sanders like although a smaller back than Mines faced in recent weeks. Mines attacks the ball well and has good LB speed. Rama front line chews up yard using their size and strength the bully their way down field. Mines D Line will need to play low, physical smash mouth football.

While Mines is undersized in a few positions they should compete well against a Shepherd, who don’t appear as physical as Minnesota State or Angelo.

However, both Mines recent competition capitalized on Mines weakness in the secondary and tendencies to give up bigger pass plays. Mines needs to make some adjustments and defend well agains the Rams Harlon Hill winning QB and taller receivers.

Rams secondary is physical and fast, closing the gaps quickly with a good, tight, bump and run coverage. However they on occasion get out of position which makes for big play opportunities deep. Mines OL will face an aggressive pass rush who dominated IUP last week.

Shepherd, like Mines, capitalized on turn-overs and special teams mistake last week leading to a lopsided score against IUP.

Overall, the stats indicate a surprisingly even matched set of teams on all sides of the ball. The Rams are a bigger but Mines toughness, discipline and conditioning will match well. Look for the Rams to tire in the 2nd half as they may struggle to deal with the +5,200 foot elevation gain, speed and tenacity of Mines. Expect the Rams to have a LB spy Matocha in an attempt to minimize his run threat which has been a big difference maker the past two games. Mines Run should expect similar effect as recent weeks but I anticipate 2nd half yardage to outpaces the first.

I give the edge to Mines who have had a tougher schedule, a more dominant offense and a very solid bend but don’t break Defense that rises to occasion consistently. The difference makers will be, not unsurprisingly, turn-overs, penalties, Matocha and receivers. Look for a high score and close game in the first half with Mines taking and keeping the lead in the 2nd half. Mines win by +7 in game that will have a combined score north of 80 points.

[GoneBlastin]

I’m really excited. First, I’m surprised it isn’t West Florida and a cogent argument can be made for them to host. But still happy it shook out like it did.

Seeing Matocha vs Bagent is going to be fantastic.

It seems like Shepherd is less one dimensional than they have been with Ronnie Brown having a good year at running back. That said this is going to be the best team by far that Shepherd has played on both sides of the ball.

Mines has given up yards in the passing game this year so that could be a challenge against Bagent. A strong pass rush will help Mines. Shepherd does a good job of keeping Bagent upright with a similar per game sack rate as Mankato but with more than twice as many attempts. Mankato made it tough on the Mines pass rush so they’ll have to work to get to Bagent.

Shepherd has a comparable run defense and a worse pass defense than Angelo and Mines hung 42 on Angelo. Granted turnovers helped.

I think this is a high scoring game but Mines has too much for Shepherd. Mines 52 Shepherd 35.

[Ram040506]

Good analysis by both you guys on this. Since the PSAC championship game, the offense has changed a bit for the better in the name of balance. Could be a couple reasons for it, one being our WR corps is decimated with injuries. We've been missing both our all conference WRs for the whole playoff run, and have been forced to play a couple true freshman and some other 1st year newcomers in their place. To their credit they've done well, and are making plays/catching what comes to them. Shepherd has a very good receiving tight end who is a big target at 6'5", and if the offense can maintain the balanced play calling it's had the last few weeks, it makes him harder to find for the linebackers and opens up the middle of the field for Bagent to work.

Ronnie Brown RB is our swiss army knife. Rams need to get him the ball and have made a concerted effort to do so in the playoff run and he's answered the bell every week. He's a big threat in the passing game as well, especially on wheel routes and up the seam. It can tire the LB corps out by chasing him everywhere at times. Should be a great match up there.

Rams defense has improved immensely since last year. They only returned 2 starters, but the young group has really meshed together well and they play well as a group. Tons of speed on the defense. Kicking game has been a circus this year, never know what you are going to get from week to week there.

With that said, it's no secret the Rams will be going up in weight class this week. This is usually the case once the SR1 winner make it out of the woods. I have faith that the Rams will put up a better showing than they did last year against that all time Ferris State team (55-7 shellacking). They are certainly the big underdog at this stage of the game, Mines has been tested and played in some huge games this year. They could have taken down GV in week 1, and avenged their other loss last week against another top 3 opponent. Machota seems to be the same as Bagent but more of a threat with his legs as well, sounds terrifying lol! Looking forward to a great game, and just hope the weather doesn't get too crazy out there.

[Wrecked Again]

Good analysis by both you guys on this. Since the PSAC championship game, the offense has changed a bit for the better in the name of balance. Could be a couple reasons for it, one being our WR corps is decimated with injuries. We've been missing both our all conference WRs for the whole playoff run, and have been forced to play a couple true freshman and some other 1st year newcomers in their place. To their credit they've done well, and are making plays/catching what comes to them. Shepherd has a very good receiving tight end who is a big target at 6'5", and if the offense can maintain the balanced play calling it's had the last few weeks, it makes him harder to find for the linebackers and opens up the middle of the field for Bagent to work.

Ronnie Brown RB is our swiss army knife. Rams need to get him the ball and have made a concerted effort to do so in the playoff run and he's answered the bell every week. He's a big threat in the passing game as well, especially on wheel routes and up the seam. It can tire the LB corps out by chasing him everywhere at times. Should be a great match up there.

Rams defense has improved immensely since last year. They only returned 2 starters, but the young group has really meshed together well and they play well as a group. Tons of speed on the defense. Kicking game has been a circus this year, never know what you are going to get from week to week there.

With that said, it's no secret the Rams will be going up in weight class this week. This is usually the case once the SR1 winner make it out of the woods. I have faith that the Rams will put up a better showing than they did last year against that all time Ferris State team (55-7 shellacking). They are certainly the big underdog at this stage of the game, Mines has been tested and played in some huge games this year. They could have taken down GV in week 1, and avenged their other loss last week against another top 3 opponent. Machota seems to be the same as Bagent but more of a threat with his legs as well, sounds terrifying lol! Looking forward to a great game, and just hope the weather doesn't get too crazy out there.

Long range forecast is 43F with slight breeze, 5-10 mph should be a good day for football!

[Packfootball]

Just might drive up to the game. Air Force has already won the Commanders in Chief trophy, so I don't need to watch the Army/Navy game.

[ASUPops]

No competition. Mines cruises into the NC game in McKinney. TX. and goes home with a Natty.

[GWolf]

Good luck, Mines. I'd watch the game but I'm boycotting extra charges like ESPN+.

[Wrecked Again]

I wanted to wish both teams the best and I hope for a great competitive game with no injuries. Go Mines, let's get it done this year!

[SPWOU]

No competition. Mines cruises into the NC game in McKinney. TX. and goes home with a Natty.

Close game so far. Mines just scored TD to go up 10-7

[SPWOU]

Mines defense scores on scoop &score. 17-3 at the half.

[RamPride]

Close game so far. Mines just scored TD to go up 10-7

Shepherd playing tentative. Shepherd OC gives up on the run way too soon. WR backups playing like crap.. Tyson just not getting enough help. Only good thing is 2 scores is not that bad to overcome going into the half.

[SPWOU]

Close game so far. Mines just scored TD to go up 10-7

Not close now. 31-3 Mines 7:56 3rd

[SPWOU]

Close game so far. Mines just scored TD to go up 10-7

Ooops, was 10-3

[FortLewis4Lyfe]

Mines was unstoppable today. Matocha is the best player in the country and it’s not close.