Reply to TU 2698: Huntingdon's close game against Trinity was no fluke and they have a good chance of beating the Tigers next year given the number of returning starters they have: QB, WR, RB and others. The tigers will definitely have their hands full in Montgomery.

Quote from: TU2698 on December 06, 2005, 04:26:34 PM
Gelling is not this issue.  They were at the top of their game in week 10.  They didn't have the offensive fire power this year.  The Tigers had two pretty good tailbacks, but neither was a game breaker like Boyce and I don't think either was even as good as Federle.  I think JJ only had 1 touchdown.  They did great WORK, which is great for a conference title.  With so many teams competing for the same national title, you need fire power.  You need home run hitters to win in the playoffs.

TU didn't have that in the backfield, and they didn't have it at WR, as evidenced by not scoring in the second half despite getting deep in UMHB territory three times.  In truth, that can be attributed to the pass rush, but the Tigers really didn't have scorers among them.  Even Kelner, who was really a good player, I think would have been an extra on some of the better teams that the Tigers have had.

What concerns me is whether or not the players believe they can win again in the playoffs.  And hopefully, they won't get complacent with their stranglehold on the SCAC.  It seems that the playoffs are the only true challenge for the Tigers right now, and it's tough to have to wait ten weeks to finally face that challenge. 

Reply to Pat Coleman: alright, so Huntingdon's is actually in its 3rd year, but only the second year with their current coach, Mike Turk.They went 0-7 first year playing most of their games on the road and having a hard time scheduling anybody to play them. Not sure if Trinity has scheduled a return visit next year, but if so, Huntingdon's chances will be good for a win with only two seniors on this year's team. Also, since  they are the only D-III team in the entire State, and very few D-III teams, if any, in Florida and Georgia, which are heaving recruited areas for them, they will only get better over time. If there is such a thing as a moral victory, HC got one today.

Trinity has an experienced offense and defense made up mostly of juniors and seniors with significant game experience except at the QB position. QB did not get much experience his first two years on the team  due to  the closeness of games when Desplanes was the QB. As he improves, the team improves. The offensive line is very experienced as are their running backs and receivers. Their personnel doesn't have quite the big play potential of some past teams but they are still very solid and good players. Their opponents have also improved their teams during the last couple of years, especially Austin College and Texas Lutheran, which use to be easy wins and often blow-outs.

Quote from: Ron Boerger (BfB) on October 01, 2005, 05:13:56 PM
DePauw 33, Chicago 9, final.

Ross Wiethoff   16-10- 3  122 yds  0TD
Jeremiah Marks 32 rush, 141 yds   2TD
Brian Culp      5 catches-49 yds

Mike Turk is an excellent coach. He has done a remarkable job at Huntingdon the last two years and will do even better in the future. They are really stepping up their level of competition against Trinity on the road. A close game would say a lot about their program, and a win, even more.