FB: American Southwest Conference

[USTBench]

USTBench

Maybe that kind of thinking explains why UST has never won the big one.
Always respect your opponent. Works for Mount Union!

You're the worst kind of haughty. Seriously, guy.

I'm sure Mt. Union's success has nothing to do with the fact that they have superior athletes and every single position 99% of the time. It's all about the respect. Mt. Union players probably toss and turn all night thinking about their upcoming game against Muskingum.

Everyone who follows D3 football knew MUC would sleep walk through Frostburg State. Even you. What you're doing is some sort of patronizing form of faux respect, to build some sort of coach-speak equity that is not required of you, because you're not a coach, you're a fan. "Derr, Frostburg sure looks tough. Man, I don't know if we can beat these guys." What is the purpose of building this insurance? Whether you "respect" Frostburg State or not has nothing to do with what Mount does on the field. Coincidentally, me making a JOKE about the competitive level of east region football, also, has nothing to do with the prospective outcome of the game. Mount Union hung 70 Frostburg State, maybe you were surprised by that, but I wasn't.

Outside of John Carroll, this weekend will be Mt. Union's first competitive game in nearly a year.

As an aside, UST held UMHB to -16 yards rushing and had 15 TFLs. So, I'm fairly confident UST had plenty of respect for UMHB, because those numbers don't manifest themselves out of sheer luck in play-calling. The Cru made key plays when it counted, but I think everyone who watched that game knew UST prepared well, the Cru were just better. It's about the Larry's and Joe's more than the Xs an Os, MUC57. Always has been.

[Pat Coleman]

USTBench

Maybe that kind of thinking explains why UST has never won the big one.
Always respect your opponent. Works for Mount Union!

You're the worst kind of haughty. Seriously, guy.

He's just a guy who graduated college in 1957. Context.

[USTBench]

USTBench

Maybe that kind of thinking explains why UST has never won the big one.
Always respect your opponent. Works for Mount Union!

You're the worst kind of haughty. Seriously, guy.

He's just a guy who graduated college in 1957. Context.

Trust me, that ran through my mind, but then I thought, "He is capable of finding a relatively obscure message board on D3 football, creating a profile, and insulting me personally." Thus, I shall afford him no quarter!

[wm4]

Cru Bryce Wilkersons runback  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWESiCAG9qU

Best of luck to UMHB.  I suspect they will get through to the Finals with a several score win on Saturday.

Let me preface by saying (a) Wilkerson is amazing (b) his effort and speed on that runback were legit (c) I think UMHB was the better team and absolutely deserved to win, (d) I am usually the last person to get on officials, and (e) I waited 2 days and re-watched the highlight several times to try to get over my own bias and make this seem less like sour grapes...

BUT how in the world were flags not thrown on the numerous blocks in the back throughout that return.  Specifically:

- 1:05-6 mark at the 31 yard line (UMHB player throws hands up to try to avoid call (well coached) but nonetheless smokes UST player in the back, who tumbles into another UST player)
- 1:11 mark at the 47 yard line
- 1:14 mark at the other 47/48 yard line

I fully admit to wearing (northern) purple tinted glasses, but those were all brutal misses - particularly the first and last one.

Upon further review, and seeing it on a much fuller screen, yes there were a couple other very questionable blocks on that particular play.  I say this not to blame the game outcome on the refs, but rather to either confirm or change what I thought I saw in person as the play developed.  The video replay absolutely confirms what we saw in person.

In the box score, there were 4 fouls called on each team.  In a quarter final game, against two of the top teams in the country, I'm ok overall with the "let them play" statement that such few flags makes.

I will say this...UST was generally awful with penalties early on in the year.  I know Coach Caruso likes to play aggressive, but UST fans knew those had to get cleaned up if we wanted to make a run against good teams.  As the year went on, I can happily say that was the case.  UST basically cut their penalties per game in half as the year went on. 

[MUC57]

USTBench

I would not insult you personally. I was responding to your comment, sarcasm, joke, whatever it was. You seem to have a double standard. You, OK. Me, whoa!
I'm done with this line of discussion. After all, this is a football site.
Whatever is said, Mount Union still has 12 national championships. St. Thomas has none.
If that sounds arrogant or haughty or anything else, so be it.

Pat Coleman

You have to excuse me. As you alluded to, I'm old. I get mixed up and I forget things.

[USTBench]

Cru Bryce Wilkersons runback  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWESiCAG9qU

Best of luck to UMHB.  I suspect they will get through to the Finals with a several score win on Saturday.

Let me preface by saying (a) Wilkerson is amazing (b) his effort and speed on that runback were legit (c) I think UMHB was the better team and absolutely deserved to win, (d) I am usually the last person to get on officials, and (e) I waited 2 days and re-watched the highlight several times to try to get over my own bias and make this seem less like sour grapes...

BUT how in the world were flags not thrown on the numerous blocks in the back throughout that return.  Specifically:

- 1:05-6 mark at the 31 yard line (UMHB player throws hands up to try to avoid call (well coached) but nonetheless smokes UST player in the back, who tumbles into another UST player)
- 1:11 mark at the 47 yard line
- 1:14 mark at the other 47/48 yard line

I fully admit to wearing (northern) purple tinted glasses, but those were all brutal misses - particularly the first and last one.

Upon further review, and seeing it on a much fuller screen, yes there were a couple other very questionable blocks on that particular play.  I say this not to blame the game outcome on the refs, but rather to either confirm or change what I thought I saw in person as the play developed.  The video replay absolutely confirms what we saw in person.

In the box score, there were 4 fouls called on each team.  In a quarter final game, against two of the top teams in the country, I'm ok overall with the "let them play" statement that such few flags makes.

I will say this...UST was generally awful with penalties early on in the year.  I know Coach Caruso likes to play aggressive, but UST fans knew those had to get cleaned up if we wanted to make a run against good teams.  As the year went on, I can happily say that was the case.  UST basically cut their penalties per game in half as the year went on.

For as aggressive as both defenses were last Saturday, that was a pretty clean game. Fast too, I think it ended at 2:22pm.

[joelmama]

USTBench

Maybe that kind of thinking explains why UST has never won the big one.
Always respect your opponent. Works for Mount Union!

You're the worst kind of haughty. Seriously, guy.

I'm sure Mt. Union's success has nothing to do with the fact that they have superior athletes and every single position 99% of the time. It's all about the respect. Mt. Union players probably toss and turn all night thinking about their upcoming game against Muskingum.

Everyone who follows D3 football knew MUC would sleep walk through Frostburg State. Even you. What you're doing is some sort of patronizing form of faux respect, to build some sort of coach-speak equity that is not required of you, because you're not a coach, you're a fan. "Derr, Frostburg sure looks tough. Man, I don't know if we can beat these guys." What is the purpose of building this insurance? Whether you "respect" Frostburg State or not has nothing to do with what Mount does on the field. Coincidentally, me making a JOKE about the competitive level of east region football, also, has nothing to do with the prospective outcome of the game. Mount Union hung 70 Frostburg State, maybe you were surprised by that, but I wasn't.

Outside of John Carroll, this weekend will be Mt. Union's first competitive game in nearly a year.

As an aside, UST held UMHB to -16 yards rushing and had 15 TFLs. So, I'm fairly confident UST had plenty of respect for UMHB, because those numbers don't manifest themselves out of sheer luck in play-calling. The Cru made key plays when it counted, but I think everyone who watched that game knew UST prepared well, the Cru were just better. It's about the Larry's and Joe's more than the Xs an Os, MUC57. Always has been.

You know very little about Mount and the history of this team.  Sure they have had some superior athletes but in the early 90's when they started this run that was not the case (particularly in 1993).  Also there have been years when they have been a little better and blew out their opponents through superior preparation and coaching (ST Johns in 93 rings a bell as does a couple of other games later in the 90's. 

In Mount's case it is for sure The "Larry" vs. the "Joes"

[tommiegun]

Cru Bryce Wilkersons runback  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWESiCAG9qU

Best of luck to UMHB.  I suspect they will get through to the Finals with a several score win on Saturday.

Let me preface by saying (a) Wilkerson is amazing (b) his effort and speed on that runback were legit (c) I think UMHB was the better team and absolutely deserved to win, (d) I am usually the last person to get on officials, and (e) I waited 2 days and re-watched the highlight several times to try to get over my own bias and make this seem less like sour grapes...

BUT how in the world were flags not thrown on the numerous blocks in the back throughout that return.  Specifically:

- 1:05-6 mark at the 31 yard line (UMHB player throws hands up to try to avoid call (well coached) but nonetheless smokes UST player in the back, who tumbles into another UST player)
- 1:11 mark at the 47 yard line
- 1:14 mark at the other 47/48 yard line

I fully admit to wearing (northern) purple tinted glasses, but those were all brutal misses - particularly the first and last one.

Upon further review, and seeing it on a much fuller screen, yes there were a couple other very questionable blocks on that particular play.  I say this not to blame the game outcome on the refs, but rather to either confirm or change what I thought I saw in person as the play developed.  The video replay absolutely confirms what we saw in person.

In the box score, there were 4 fouls called on each team.  In a quarter final game, against two of the top teams in the country, I'm ok overall with the "let them play" statement that such few flags makes.

I will say this...UST was generally awful with penalties early on in the year.  I know Coach Caruso likes to play aggressive, but UST fans knew those had to get cleaned up if we wanted to make a run against good teams.  As the year went on, I can happily say that was the case.  UST basically cut their penalties per game in half as the year went on.

They were really bad on penalties early - I'm not sure they weren't bad on penalties in this game, I think they got away with a bunch of questionable plays in the secondary.

I can't remember who said it, but yes, agree on the holds - they were pretty egregious on both sides of the line of scrimmage but I agree that UST seemed to be getting away with more of them.  That said, isn't the old adage "you could call holding on every play?" To me it seemed like they were really just letting them play - there were several no calls on what I thought were Pass Interference against St. Thomas and one big no call on what looked to be Pass Interference against UMHB on a pass to the endzone near the end of the first half (I think that was the drive that ended in a FG, but can't fully remember). 

I'm totally ok with letting them play in general, and I do think the better team won.  I just think its a shame that the game was essentially decided on a play with numerous obvious missed calls (and ones that really mattered - the replay makes it look like each of the 3 players blocked from behind had a chance to make the tackle).

[USTBench]

USTBench

Maybe that kind of thinking explains why UST has never won the big one.
Always respect your opponent. Works for Mount Union!

You're the worst kind of haughty. Seriously, guy.

I'm sure Mt. Union's success has nothing to do with the fact that they have superior athletes and every single position 99% of the time. It's all about the respect. Mt. Union players probably toss and turn all night thinking about their upcoming game against Muskingum.

Everyone who follows D3 football knew MUC would sleep walk through Frostburg State. Even you. What you're doing is some sort of patronizing form of faux respect, to build some sort of coach-speak equity that is not required of you, because you're not a coach, you're a fan. "Derr, Frostburg sure looks tough. Man, I don't know if we can beat these guys." What is the purpose of building this insurance? Whether you "respect" Frostburg State or not has nothing to do with what Mount does on the field. Coincidentally, me making a JOKE about the competitive level of east region football, also, has nothing to do with the prospective outcome of the game. Mount Union hung 70 Frostburg State, maybe you were surprised by that, but I wasn't.

Outside of John Carroll, this weekend will be Mt. Union's first competitive game in nearly a year.

As an aside, UST held UMHB to -16 yards rushing and had 15 TFLs. So, I'm fairly confident UST had plenty of respect for UMHB, because those numbers don't manifest themselves out of sheer luck in play-calling. The Cru made key plays when it counted, but I think everyone who watched that game knew UST prepared well, the Cru were just better. It's about the Larry's and Joe's more than the Xs an Os, MUC57. Always has been.

You know very little about Mount and the history of this team.  Sure they have had some superior athletes but in the early 90's when they started this run that was not the case (particularly in 1993).  Also there have been years when they have been a little better and blew out their opponents through superior preparation and coaching (ST Johns in 93 rings a bell as does a couple of other games later in the 90's. 

In Mount's case it is for sure The "Larry" vs. the "Joes"

"Some" superior athletes? Jim Ballard, Pierre Garcon, Chris Kern, Kyle Miller, Jasper Collins, Cecil Shorts III. I think in 2012 Mount Union sent more than 10 guys to pro camps. UST sent one. You can game plan all day against that kind of talent, have the best game plan imaginable, and you're still going to get housed.

There's a reason SJU beat MUC in 2003 going away, they had Blake Elliot (on one leg) and (Cam McCambridge and Jeremy Hood) and you didn't. Elliot was a legit NFL prospect making big plays. It wasn't because Gags was some sort of mad scientist. He only had like 6 plays.

When all things are equal, sure, game plan matters the most. But, Mount Union is a school in the middle of one of the most fertile recruiting grounds in the country and they know how to recruit. LK or VK could run nothing but fullback dives and punt on 3rd down all game long and beat 95% of D3 by 3 TDs.

[merlecanlas]

USTBench

Maybe that kind of thinking explains why UST has never won the big one.
Always respect your opponent. Works for Mount Union!

You're the worst kind of haughty. Seriously, guy.

I'm sure Mt. Union's success has nothing to do with the fact that they have superior athletes and every single position 99% of the time. It's all about the respect. Mt. Union players probably toss and turn all night thinking about their upcoming game against Muskingum.

Everyone who follows D3 football knew MUC would sleep walk through Frostburg State. Even you. What you're doing is some sort of patronizing form of faux respect, to build some sort of coach-speak equity that is not required of you, because you're not a coach, you're a fan. "Derr, Frostburg sure looks tough. Man, I don't know if we can beat these guys." What is the purpose of building this insurance? Whether you "respect" Frostburg State or not has nothing to do with what Mount does on the field. Coincidentally, me making a JOKE about the competitive level of east region football, also, has nothing to do with the prospective outcome of the game. Mount Union hung 70 Frostburg State, maybe you were surprised by that, but I wasn't.

Outside of John Carroll, this weekend will be Mt. Union's first competitive game in nearly a year.

As an aside, UST held UMHB to -16 yards rushing and had 15 TFLs. So, I'm fairly confident UST had plenty of respect for UMHB, because those numbers don't manifest themselves out of sheer luck in play-calling. The Cru made key plays when it counted, but I think everyone who watched that game knew UST prepared well, the Cru were just better. It's about the Larry's and Joe's more than the Xs an Os, MUC57. Always has been.

You know very little about Mount and the history of this team.  Sure they have had some superior athletes but in the early 90's when they started this run that was not the case (particularly in 1993).  Also there have been years when they have been a little better and blew out their opponents through superior preparation and coaching (ST Johns in 93 rings a bell as does a couple of other games later in the 90's. 

In Mount's case it is for sure The "Larry" vs. the "Joes"

"Some" superior athletes? Jim Ballard, Pierre Garcon, Chris Kern, Kyle Miller, Jasper Collins, Cecil Shorts III. I think in 2012 Mount Union sent more than 10 guys to pro camps. UST sent one. You can game plan all day against that kind of talent, have the best game plan imaginable, and you're still going to get housed.

There's a reason SJU beat MUC in 2003 going away, they had Blake Elliot (on one leg) and (Cam McCambridge and Jeremy Hood) and you didn't. Elliot was a legit NFL prospect making big plays. It wasn't because Gags was some sort of mad scientist. He only had like 6 plays.

When all things are equal, sure, game plan matters the most. But, Mount Union is a school in the middle of one of the most fertile recruiting grounds in the country and they know how to recruit. LK or VK could run nothing but fullback dives and punt on 3rd down all game long and beat 95% of D3 by 3 TDs.

why only bold the first half of the sentence?  Sure they have had some superior athletes but in the early 90's when they started this run that was not the case (particularly in 1993).  You only named the Mount guys that were signed in the NFL at some point.  Six dudes have won 12 titles...ok.  I hate to break it to you but most championship teams (take notes Tommies) have both x's and o's and jimmy's and joes.

Looks like the ASC board gets the Tommie douche posters this week.  Enjoy I guess

[USTBench]

Man alive. I say "Mount Union recruits well, has superior talent, and has sent many guys to the pros" and get called a douche.

Never even said LK or VK were mediocre coaches. Quite the opposite, part of coaching is, in fact, recruiting. My point is, with that kind of talent, a random grad assistant can get them to the semis.

You guys are so combative you don't even know when you're being complimented.

[wm4]

You guys are so combative you don't even know when you're being complimented.

+100

[wildcat11]

Looks like the ASC board gets the Tommie douche posters this week.  Enjoy I guess

Says the biggest douche on the board.

[merlecanlas]

Looks like the ASC board gets the Tommie douche posters this week.  Enjoy I guess

Says the biggest douche on the board.

love you too bb

[USTBench]

Not saying it's impossible, SJU has done it, UST has played in two championships, so it's conceivable. But if you take a look at the powers more closely, there are certainly factors that go beyond game plan that go into building a winning program. I already touched on Mount Union, but here are some others.

UWO - Can pull from Green Bay, Milwaukee and Madison areas. No D2 or FCS nearby to compete with. Competes with UWW over players.

UWW - Can pull from Milwauikee, Madion and Chicago areas. Top 2 or 3 stadium in D3. No D2 or FCS nearby to compete with. Competes with UWO over players.

UMHB - Between Austin and Dallas. Nicest stadium in DIII. Some FCS and D2 programs nearby, but more than enough talent to go around in Texas.

SJU - Top atmosphere in D3. Pulls from St. Cloud and the Twin Cities. Great tradition. One-of-a-kind experience. Negatives: competes with UST, Bethel, all Minnesota D2 schools and to a lesser extent UND and NDSU for players. All male school in the country.

UST - Nice urban campus in Minnepolis/St. Paul. Pulls from the Twin Cities, Wisconsin and has shown ability to get players from Chicago area. Facilities have improved vastly, to enhance game day experience. Opportunity to play in a big time atmosphere once a year. Recent success ensures more games than most college kids get. Negatives: Has to compete with SJU, Bethel, D2 schools and to a lesser extent UND and NDSU for players. Inconsistent fan support.

UST and SJU have had to get creative with recruiting recently to compete at their current sustained level. I think either UWW and UWO will manage to stay in the national conversation for years to come, simply because they can pull an incredible amount of talent from that region with little or no competition for recruiting. If you're not going to play for the Badgers and you're from Wisconsin, your options are going to play for an FCS school 500 miles away or staying close to home and playing for the local DIII school. UST and SJU have perennial D2 powers UM-Duluth and MSU-Mankato nearby offering scholarship money, and a tuition tab that is pretty substantial. Quite honestly, it's pretty amazing they're as good as they are.