I want to echo Scott Baer's comments about how gracious many of the Millsap parents were after the game.  I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Tyson Roy's dad before and after the game as we discussed, not only football, but what lied ahead for our sons as they near graduation. He is a true gentleman.

There's a bigger picture here that alll the hype will not change.  All of these kids will remember this experience for the rest of their lives, good or bad.  Having to overcome adversity and remain resiliant in life's ebb and flow is a noble venture. Putting the good experience in it's proper perspective may be an even greater challenge.  As bitter a disappointment that this game may be for Millsap, who knows what good will eventually result.  

Another thought... The Millsap parents had a slide show of pictures taken by a parent photographer I believe.  The photography was absloutely excellent.  Millsap parents, is there a way to contact that parent ans get copies of some of the pictures?

It's good to see the board light up with some diverse opinions.  It is true that over the last three years of watching SCAC play that there is less difference in ability amongst the teams.  I think that's a good thing after years of dominance by one particular team.  The stronger the SCAC gets, the higher the expectations, the further the SCAC champs will go in the playoffs.  Make no mistake about it, there will be a different attitude at TU this year.  Last year, the injury bug hit TU hard and the back-ups had some trouble stepping up to the level needed.  No where was that more evident than against a good team like Millsaps. 

As far as the reference to the one yard they couldn't get, that particular player had sucessfully completed 4th & 1 plays 99% of the time over the past three years.  I can tell you this, that has motivated him to hit the training room a little harder this spring and barring injury, he will be alot stronger and faster this year and pardon my "French", a real bitch to stop.  That was a tough moment in his career, and hard to listen to 3000 miles away, but facing adversity can either make you stronger or cause you to retreat into a hole.  It's time for TU to do a gutcheck and use last year's experience as a stepping stone to a successful season.   

Quote from: DPU3619 on July 27, 2007, 01:23:44 PM

Quote from: etg on July 26, 2007, 07:21:41 PM
my early line is Tigers by 17.

I believe this is the second time you've put TU at -17. 

Yet,  I don't believe you've provided a reason how or why TU could change the outcome by 39 points when this year's game is being played in the same venue.

The difference in that game was an early turnover inside the 20 that led to a touchdown and two kick returns for touchdowns, the only returns against TU all season.  Statistically, the game was evenly matched with TU having more yardage, first downs, etc.  Most of the yardage came from the passing game after they were down by 3 or four iouchdowns.  Had they been in the position to play more ball control, you could easily see a different outcome.  Also, the fact that they were playing the back-up QB, (could the back-up to JJ play as well as the TU QB did?) I could easily see a TU win if people stay healthy and all phases of the game are played with a minimum of mistakes.  If the conference championship is again on the line, as well as a bid to the playoffs, this could be a barnburner of a game

Speaking of football..... I'd be interested in hearing from fellow posters about the various SCAC team offenses and what the perceived strengths of each team.  I know it's just speculation, but I'm hungry to talk football.  For example, I think TU will have a strong backfield with lots of different looks that will help with ball control.  The starting QB is back and I think he's gong to fill the air with flying pigskins to some very capable receivers.  Does it matter that TU has the best blocking fullback and short yardage specialist in the SCAC, who can also catch passes out of the backfield? Okay, so maybe I'm a little biased on that one. 4 of the 5 lineman are returning, so I'm of the mind that most of the TU offensive players are very familiar with the system and that suggests more variations in the offensive packages.  Skilled, experienced players running a sophosticated offensive scheme could make it tough on the opposition.  Wadayathink?

I have a question.  I was reading through some publications from last year and was dumbfounded about how different they were in their predictions.  How is it that there is so much disparity in the preseason Rankings?  One publication, Street & Smith I think, didn't have Trinity in the top 25 while another publication had them ranked 4th in the nation.  Is there a credible website, besides this one of course, that puts out these rankings?   Frankly in retrospect, it really isn't a big deal either way, because the only thing that counts is what happens on the field of play, but it would be nice to know that someone who is an astute observer of the game can share their opinions.   

I have also heard rumors of a wide receiver with blinding speed that is a transfer from A & M, but as good as that sounds, the real strength of the team will be the 18+ starters that are returning this year.  This year they're not rebuilding; it's reload and go. The real test will be how motivated Trinity is to win again after a "disappointing" 8 - 2 season.  The Black Flag will need to replace an All American at defensive tackle.  I'm sure his the pass rush had something to do with Trinity's excellent pass defense.  Offensively, they return all but a wide receiver and a tackle.  If Trinity can stay healthy, i.e., no major injuries to key players like last year, they will be very competitive.  They have talent ans experience, do they have the right attitude?  Time will tell.

I guess it's my turn to weigh in.  This game has the makings of an epic battle between two very determined opponents. In Millsap, you have an excellent offense and a good defense against Trinity, which has an excellent defense and a good offense.  I was impressed with the stat about the Millsap O-line only giving up 4 sacks all year.  If the Millsap QB has time to throw, he could cause some damage to the Black Flag pass defense. However, to protect the QB, Millsap will need to establish a running game.  As always, at this point of the season, injuries take a toll on the effectiveness of a team. Thus, the Millsap running back injuries could be a factor.  Millsap's O-line has not reallly faced a defenseive line with Trinity's speed and quickness.  While Millsap may have a size advantage, Trinity routinely brings 7 to 8 defensive players to the point of attack.  

Offensively, Trinity has developed a balanced attack.  Trinity has had the same O-line intact since the beginning of the season.  The running attack has both power and quickness.  TU utilizes at least 6 to 7 receivers, which makes it difficult to focus on one in particular.  If Jake Cannon has the time to throw, it will be a long day for Millsap.  Trinity also has had it's share of devastating injuries, mostly on offensive, but so far, others have stepped up to keep things going.  

On special teams, TU has been vulnerable.  If Millsap can establish good field position, or even score, it could be tough for Trinity.

Finally, the intangibles.  Turn overs, home field advantage, history, injuries, Homecoming, weather, missed assignments, bad calls, all of it makes for interersting speculation.  In the end, I think that Trinity's depth, experience, and preparation will prevail, but it will be close.

My impression is that TU goes to great lengths to get quality student athletes.  The real measure of a team's success is how they perform during times of adversity.  Trinity has lost three excellent impact players to injury and ended up playing a third team and second team quaterback in two games. In spite of these major injuries, and transitions at QB, they continue their success.  In my opinion, it starts with quality people who are well coached and focused.  Sure, it was a close game against DPU, and that says alot for both teams, but the fact of the matter is that TU will continue to be a contender because of the school, families, alumni, and players commitment to excellence.  Spend some time around the athletes, staff and families at Trinity and you'll see what I mean.  

People, it's supposed to be about football.... What do you folks out there think about the Trinity / TLU match-up?  It sounds like there was some big time performances around the SCAC last week.  Is there anyone out there that could threaten Trinity's dominance? 

In regard to the inexperienced O-Line, the starting unit allowed only one sack in over 31 passing plays, and that was with an All-American at defensive end for ETBU.  On many of the passing plays, Barmore had time to pick out secondary receivers.  With regard to rushing offense, I agree that it was a bit spotty, but these kids are smart and well coached.  They'll be okay.  The real issue, in my opinion, is staying healthy.  ETBU was very tough and physical and there were some kids that got banged up.  If most of them recover for next week, they'll give TLU all they can handle.

The TU defense played a tough, experienced ETBU offense to a "goose egg," so they really played up to expectations.  In short, I was impressed with TU play on both sides of the ball.

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QuoteInteresting tidbit:  the Trinity two-deep provided by ETBU sports information has Blake Barmore listed as the starter at QB on Saturday.  The other surprise is Jonathan Plotnick listed as a backup at WR position.

With respect to JP, Jon is actually a running back / fullback, one of those rare birds at TU, although they use his particular position in passing formations.  I think the plan is to platoon both of them at the H-back position and also use the two of them in 2 back formations.  Of course, all of this could change, based on the effectiveness of rhe line play.

Ron, What do you see as the strengths of this year's Trinity offense?

Thanks dballa for the update.  I have a son on the team and we live out of state, so we don't get to many games and getting info from him is like getting blood out of a rock.

Did anyone see yesterday's scrimmage between TU & Harden Simmons?  If so, how did the Tigers look?