The Blue Caller Rivalry Comes to an End

All season I have discussed Wisconsin and their dominance but I really did not understand their team dynamic until I had the chance to talk to some of these guys in person. Jim Foster, Muffin, Shane, Mahowald and the rest of Wisco are not only incredible players but they are actually a great bunch of guys and regardless of what people may think of the Hodags, this is great example of a TEAM and good one at that.

Weather

The weather in Boulder was really erratic. It was hot, windy, cold, rainy, the works. The showcase field was buried inside a collection of burms that really shielded it from the wind coming over the mountains and despite a really powerful crosswind, the game was not adversely affected.

Finals Analysis

Coming into the finals, Wisconsin was clearly the fan favorite. Despite haters throughout the year, most people were pulling for the ‘dags. Muffin had been heckled during the Colorado game but as for the finals, most people wanted to see him and his team do well. I think most people, or at least me, were surprised at how un-douchey Wisconsin was. They are as intense as it gets but like Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, etc… they are really friends first and teammates second. There is a lot of camaraderie among baby blue and it really helped them stick it out and succeed.

As could be expected, Wisconsin came in fired up. They started on offense and quickly asserted themselves as the aggressor. Before Florida could even get into any sort of rhythm, Wisconsin was up 4-1. Kurt was trying to send hucks deep to Brodie but Wisconsin was ready. Shane lined up well on #21 and was never caught out of position. Brodie is an amazing downfield weapon but Shane had the ability to get into position and despite the fact that Brodie reeled in a few huge skies, he also got D’d a fair amount. Putting pressure on him to make a huge play was effective and it kept Florida from scoring.

On the other side of the disc, Wisconsin’s offense was just more fluid. They didn’t rely on a ton of hucks but rather good disc movement between Rebholz, Animal and Muffin. They were very patient and did their best to convert on Florida miscues. In addition, Florida was not playing tight man D in the first half. Underneath cuts came left and right and with Wisconsin’s exceptional throwers and hands, a 70 yard field quickly became 10. Wisconsin had some difficulty on the goal line but their ability to put constant pressure on every Florida player allowed them to correct their mistakes when/if they turned it.

I would like to say that Lokke or Foster or Gaynor had a huge game deep but that just wasn’t the case. Wisconsin spread the disc around a ton and most scores weren’t exactly exciting. Florida converted on a few 50/50 tosses but much like the finals last year, Wisconsin just came out so fired up early and Florida was constantly playing catchup.

Wisconsin took half 8-4 and they knew they had Florida on the ropes. They came out furious in the second half and Florida’s lack of composure was evident right away with a silly turnover on the first throw, which resulted in another break for the Hodags. Florida stepped up on their defense and had huge incut bids from Brodie and Cyle and they tried to go with their zone when they pulled. There was a stretch of 2 points where Florida’s D was exceptional with two stall outs on back-to-back Wisconsin possessions. However, Florida had a few suspect marks from Cole Sullivan and they really did not help themselves by playing overly physical ultimate. It was evident that they were frustrated and couldn’t contain Wisconsin’s flow.

In the end, this game seemed to be textbook Wisconsin. They came out fast and hard in the first half and basically set the tone early. With such a lead to work with there was no pressure on their offense and considering that they were up against a team they absolutely hate, their focus was really an advantage. Florida could have played a great game but Wisconsin was not going to give them any chances. Their defense was top notch and their offense clicked allowing them to collect break after break. This facilitated their second half success because it was all on Florida to D up and get breaks back. Florida had a few hail marries late but at 12-9 Brodie tossed a questionable 50 yard hammer which resulted in another Wisconsin break. I don’t care who you are, at 13-9, the game is over. The last few points were just a formality and Wisconsin claimed their second title in as many years.

Wisconsin/Florida Final Thoughts

I talked with Foster after the game and he told me that intensity was definitely their game plan. Come out with passion and fire and try and put Florida down early. Apparently it was effective. Wisconsin wanted to bring the intensity start to finish and he told me that they kept focus by saying things like “another game to 3, another game to 3”. In looking at the game so few points at a time, Wisconsin’s ability to constantly demoralize Florida was really apparent leaving the Gators with no possibility for a comeback. I also asked Foster what they took from their Centex experience to which he simply replied “motivation”. I can remember thinking in Austin that a quarters exit was definitely better than another tournament win because Wisconsin has a tendency to slip when they aren’t paying attention. Lowly Stanford gave them their closest game of the tournament right out of the gate and considering that Wisconsin had to push right away, their focus never dwindled. A quarters exit in Texas was the reality check they needed and I am sure the Hodag Love movie Muffin and Mahowald are making will articulate that.

As for Florida, they absolutely rolled for most of the year, especially since Centex. Quarters and Semis at Centex were both close games against Wisconsin and Colorado (respectively) but the series was a cakewalk for them. Taking out Georgia in the regional finals 17-5 is not exactly a challenge and I think Florida’s inability to assess their weaknesses hurt them in the end. Their run at Nationals reminds me of Furious back in 2006 when they steam rolled through pool play, power pools, quarters and semis and got beat by Sockeye in the finals. Alternatively, Sockeye had a dogfight with Bravo in Semis giving them the ability to realize where they were vulnerable. I kind of feel bad for Kurt because I know how crushing this weekend was for him but he has a national title, 2 trips to the Finals and more exciting ultimate experience than most players in the country ever dream of. Remember Gators, 99% of the ultimate community sat and watched on Sunday and things could be a lot worse.

I think the epic story of the Blue Caller rivalry has finally reached its climax. In 2006 Wisconsin and Florida were both independent entities with 1 goal in mind, a national title. They met 3 times that year and by Memorial Day, they both knew that the golden disc was going to one or the other. The 2006 Final was one of the better finals I have seen and Florida’s highlight reel offense got the best of Wisconsin’s depth. Much the way Colorado was in 2004 with Beau, they just had a series of offensive weapons that no one knew how to handle.

In 2007 turmoil struck the Gators and Wisconsin took control of the ultimate scene in their slight dip in success. I think the development of Brodie and the return of Cyle really helped Florida get back on top in 2008 and as if it were scripted, these two teams would face off once again. With so many 5th year veterans looking to end their careers with another national title, everything was left on the field. Both sides really gave it all they had and I think Florida’s obvious offensive tendencies allowed Wisconsin to make the adjustments to take them down when it mattered the most. I would like to think that the take home message here is despite personal or the appearance of invincibility, good team ultimate can overcome just about any obstacle.

Completely peripheral to the results of this weekend, both of these teams were exceptional examples of talent and dedication. Whatever you think of these two high profile programs, you have to respect them. In 3 years these teams only have a handful of losses and more wins than any other college program has mustered in a 3 year period. It has been a privilege to see these two teams fight tooth and nail and we as ultimate fans are in their debt. Congratulations on a not only a great season but great careers as college flatballers. Enjoy the time off, you’ve earned it.

Closing Thoughts

As I have already said, 2008 has been such a fantastic season to witness. From Arizona to Michigan to Colorado to Stanford to Tufts to Florida there have been so many stories and it has been so much fun to write about these teams. I will have a second nationals post with some Callahan talk and personal thoughts on how Nationals and 2008 went down. Stay tuned.

just my thoughts

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