Well that was week 2 Pat-but ok.

Take aways after listening to today's podcast: Sounds like both St. John's and Bethel are in the post-season regardless of results. However, I do not for a moment think that means that either team is going to coast into the playoffs. The game this coming weekend has all the makings to be epic. I'm not sure that if BU wins that it will be considered much of an upset. The outcome will determine seeding, which I wish could have been discussed (being I'm a MIAC homey). As it is, the next podcast will be after the tourney announcement on Sunday night unless Pat and Greg do an extra one on Saturday beforehand.

Quote from: art76 on November 11, 2024, 08:25:28 AMSounds like both St. John's and Bethel are in the post-season regardless of results.

Pretty much everyone (except the committee) thought that last year, too. 

Happy to see how the Royals took care of business against the Cobbers.  Certainly left no doubt in a game I expected to be much closer.  I'm not sure what to make of the comparative SJU result against Concordia.

My gut says it will be closer than the 25 point margin in the first matchup, but I think BU will have to really perform well to knock off an SJU team led by an experienced QB playing the way that Syverson is on his last go-around.

Quote from: DuffMan on November 11, 2024, 10:11:03 AM

Quote from: art76 on November 11, 2024, 08:25:28 AMSounds like both St. John's and Bethel are in the post-season regardless of results.

Pretty much everyone (except the committee) thought that last year, too. 

Exactly. There's no subjective committee to play around with the criteria this time. SJU if they picked up a loss will be an NPI lock. BU with 2 losses feels much more uncertain. Logan Hansen has them safely in, but I'll believe it when I see it. With so many moving pieces around Pool A/C and a new system (cough WIAC cough), I don't think any of us really know exactly how the numbers will coalesce.

Not to mention, outside of the top 4 NPI teams getting a quad, how will they structure a bracket under the new system. I think it was Pat on the pod who noted that with all the selection discussion off the table, more time for the committee to simply construct the bracket should lead to a more balanced setup. Hopefully that's the case.

As for the game. Turnovers and run game doomed us the first time around. I expect Syverson to make plays (he had a dozen absolute dimes last time). The question is can we stop the run. SJU is the only team to have run on us this year. If we can't hold up better there we'll be in for a long day.

Hansen's newest data and Pool C Hierarchy:

SJU with a loss is 1st Pool C team in. Basically a playoff lock with Minimum possible NPI of 71.2. NPI cut line around 64.8 or so.

Bethel is 11th in the hierarchy with a second loss Saturday, minimum projected NPI of 65.6. In by the skin of our teeth. Keep in mind 11 is really 10 since there are 3 9-1 PAC teams listed as A/C and one of them will get the Pool A bid, sliding everyone up a spot.

Quote from: faunch on November 10, 2024, 03:39:51 PMIs this weeks game a noon start?

VOJ and Fasching emphasized on Saturday's post game show that it is noon.

Quote from: MadRedFan on November 11, 2024, 12:01:37 PM

Quote from: faunch on November 10, 2024, 03:39:51 PMIs this weeks game a noon start?

VOJ and Fasching emphasized on Saturday's post game show that it is noon.

I like the noon start time.

Is anyone still standing in the no-furnace camp?

Pappy has his thermostat at 55 ... which, coincidentally, is the point spread he's predicting in a Royals victory.

Quote from: GoldandBlueBU on November 11, 2024, 10:44:36 AMHappy to see how the Royals took care of business against the Cobbers.  Certainly left no doubt in a game I expected to be much closer.  I'm not sure what to make of the comparative SJU result against Concordia.

My gut says it will be closer than the 25 point margin in the first matchup, but I think BU will have to really perform well to knock off an SJU team led by an experienced QB playing the way that Syverson is on his last go-around.

I've never seen Bethel play better all around in a game as they did against the Cobbers last week. Cobbers lack of a run game was exploited, as their passing attack couldn't keep pace with Bethel's...and of course the turnovers didn't help. I was hoping for a close game.

If Bethel executes Saturday vs the Johnnies like they did last week, they win. Johnnies are strong, but I think the Royals have been more consistent and dominant, especially in recent weeks. I don't base that on inflated scores against against deflated opponents, but in the overall quality of play.

QuoteIf Bethel executes Saturday vs the Johnnies like they did last week, they win. Johnnies are strong, but I think the Royals have been more consistent and dominant, especially in recent weeks. I don't base that on inflated scores against against deflated opponents, but in the overall quality of play.

I can assure you if both teams play solid and execute, the Johnnies will win. They are better. Bethel has more emphatically dominated inferior opponents maybe, but when SJU is motivated and fired up (as I'm sure they will be) they are tough to beat.

BU will need to play their A game and SJU will need to play their C game for Royals to win.

Thought of a highlight from Saturday's SJU game that hasn't been mentioned.  I can't remember exactly when it happened, but Syverson threw an INT and then proceeded to make an absolutely textbook open-field tackle.  It was beautiful!!! 

It was great tackle ... hope I never see him do it again. He said it was a career high for tackles.

I just learned about this.  I think this will be the best Viking moment of the year.

https://x.com/cambeezy_/status/1855811598297776491?s=61&t=KbCNsWeom8KlUt8-D0TUlw