FB: American Southwest Conference

[QB Jock Itch]

If you really look at this as a money saving issue, then it would seem the powers-that-be at the NCAA would want UMHB to make the Stagg Bowl. If The CRU is playing for the title on December 14, it will mean only one flight in the final. 

There is no perfect anything in this world. I think I understand the issues with the D3 playoffs and while I don't necessarily like some of it, it is what it is. Every year someone's going to be unhappy. That said, I will take the D3 playoffs over the FBS system every time.

We're into the second round, come on and let's put this bracket debate to rest.

Go CRU!

Thank you Kelly my eyes were burning reading all the comments on something no one on these boards can change. I know the players and coaches have moved passed this SOOOOO.

[Toby Taff]

Very busy week this week. Turkey day, the ren fest Friday, then Cru football Saturday before heading back to Abilene and getting back to the teaching grind. I will make one final comment about the bracket and I'll be done with it. Wally, you pointed out that everyone basically said that they don't like setting it up but geographical proximity necessitated it. I can except that, as I said before, it means good games to watch in Belton. My question is, if it's a problem for all envolved, why doesn't it get changed? Surely the people involved can find some solution so it doesn't happen year in and year out.

[edward de vere]

This is normally the point in the festivities when Pat Coleman jumps in to remind everyone that the NCAA diverts money every year from D1 Basketball March Madness to subsidize the D3 Football Championship Tournament.  That's right:  D1 basketball subsidizes D3 football.  (Which is fine by me.  I think March Madness has a few crumbs to spare.)

Pat must have hit the snooze alarm this time.

Anyhow, without that money, there might not BE a championship tournament, at least not one worthy of the name.  Unless Drayton McLane, Jr. were to provide the funding. 

(Of course, if he DID provide the funding, I suspect HSU could never meet UMHB anywhere other than the Stagg Bowl.) 

(Which would be permanently located in Texas.)

[trickytroy32]

Wally, normally I would agree with you HSU is a 3 seed at best , but not this year. The only 2 seeds in this year playoffs is St. John and Frostburg. Each has good arguments to be 1 seed over Whitewater and Brockport. However, past those it's a toss up. North Central: who did they beat? Illionois Wes. ?  Did lose to rank 22 Wheaton 52-30. John Carroll: who did they beat?Did lose 23-10  to 1 Mt union. John Hopkins they did beat muhlenburg. But lost to un rank  susqueanne. Whitworth who did they beat? HSU : who they beat? Did lose to 2 UMHB 26-0.  Whitworth deserved the 2 over all the others followed by a good arguments for John Carroll and HSU for final spot of 2.  So what does NCAA do? Let's put three teams that have arguments for two seed in UMHB bracket and have them face each other in each round till the semifinals. Put one weak argument one as a two and is more a 3 in Whitewater bracket that won't face till round 3. Let's put one in Mt. Union bracket(I do see the argument for John Carroll, but did feel HSU and Whitworth was better by watching them all play) What legit two team would lose to that team they lost to? That wouldn't have meet till Rd 3. And two teams that have a argument for 2 seed in the east that face in second round like it should.   Personally, 2 seeds should of been St John in West, Whitworth in South, John Carroll in north, and Frostburg in East.  Three seed would be North Central in West, HSU in South, Del Val in north, John Hopkins in East. Centre should move to south and Hanover in North. It wouldn't have stopped the UMHB vs HSU in first round, but makes the brackets balanced. The way the brackets are now gives Whitewater and Mt. Union alot easier path not facing really threats till semifinals while the south beats each other up and the east.....well it's the east. Truthfully it look rigged if it wasn't for me knowing the expense restrictions and even then makes me wonder if some politics are no being played that favor for Mt. Union and the Wiac champion. 

[Ralph Turner]

If Berry is legitimately a higher seed, then we shall see it on Saturday.  How much is home field advantage (HFA) for UMHB versus Berry, who will fly.

For the 3-4 hour bus ride from Abilene to Belton, it ought to be 3-4 points.

Is HFA for a plane flight 5 points? 6 points?

[Toby Taff]

If Berry is legitimately a higher seed, then we shall see it on Saturday.  How much is home field advantage (HFA) for UMHB versus Berry, who will fly.

For the 3-4 hour bus ride from Abilene to Belton, it ought to be 3-4 points.

Is HFA for a plane flight 5 points? 6 points?

Good question. I have friends that played for HSU in the Cruthedral that told me on the field is incredibly loud. When it feels as though the fans are quiet in the stands, the players experience is very different. Add to that the awe of a first time visit to the cruthedral and the travel together there...a touchdown, at least, would be my bet

[Ratbacker]

If Berry is legitimately a higher seed, then we shall see it on Saturday.  How much is home field advantage (HFA) for UMHB versus Berry, who will fly.

For the 3-4 hour bus ride from Abilene to Belton, it ought to be 3-4 points.

Is HFA for a plane flight 5 points? 6 points?

Good question. I have friends that played for HSU in the Cruthedral that told me on the field is incredibly loud. When it feels as though the fans are quiet in the stands, the players experience is very different. Add to that the awe of a first time visit to the cruthedral and the travel together there...a touchdown, at least, would be my bet

If they get there next week pretty sure SJU will not be intimidated or in awe of the "Crutherdral" or its crowd, they routinely lead the nation in attendance and almost anually play a game before crowds of 15-17k and also played in front of 37k last year at Target Field. The UMHB athletes may pose a problem for the Johnnies but the home field will not.

[SaintsFAN]

Wally, normally I would agree with you HSU is a 3 seed at best , but not this year. The only 2 seeds in this year playoffs is St. John and Frostburg. Each has good arguments to be 1 seed over Whitewater and Brockport. However, past those it's a toss up. North Central: who did they beat? Illionois Wes. ?  Did lose to rank 22 Wheaton 52-30. John Carroll: who did they beat?Did lose 23-10  to 1 Mt union. John Hopkins they did beat muhlenburg. But lost to un rank  susqueanne. Whitworth who did they beat? HSU : who they beat? Did lose to 2 UMHB 26-0.  Whitworth deserved the 2 over all the others followed by a good arguments for John Carroll and HSU for final spot of 2.  So what does NCAA do? Let's put three teams that have arguments for two seed in UMHB bracket and have them face each other in each round till the semifinals. Put one weak argument one as a two and is more a 3 in Whitewater bracket that won't face till round 3. Let's put one in Mt. Union bracket(I do see the argument for John Carroll, but did feel HSU and Whitworth was better by watching them all play) What legit two team would lose to that team they lost to? That wouldn't have meet till Rd 3. And two teams that have a argument for 2 seed in the east that face in second round like it should.   Personally, 2 seeds should of been St John in West, Whitworth in South, John Carroll in north, and Frostburg in East.  Three seed would be North Central in West, HSU in South, Del Val in north, John Hopkins in East. Centre should move to south and Hanover in North. It wouldn't have stopped the UMHB vs HSU in first round, but makes the brackets balanced. The way the brackets are now gives Whitewater and Mt. Union alot easier path not facing really threats till semifinals while the south beats each other up and the east.....well it's the east. Truthfully it look rigged if it wasn't for me knowing the expense restrictions and even then makes me wonder if some politics are no being played that favor for Mt. Union and the Wiac champion. 

How many games did you watch this year featuring the teams you named above?  I think the committee did a pretty good job of selecting and seeding, all things considered (like travel).  There are some exciting matchups.  Should SJU be a 1 seed??  Probably - they sure are playing like a 1.  What really hurt this year, as far as playoff bracket parity is the fact Wesley had a down year.  You need a dominant team from the Mid-Atlantic to step up in order to ensure that.  Its just the way it is.   

You make a good argument for spreading teams out, I'll give you that.  But just looking at schedules and saying teams didn't play anyone is silly - besides, by that standard you could say the same about Hardin-Simmons (minus the shutout against the Cru).

[wally_wabash]

Wally, normally I would agree with you HSU is a 3 seed at best , but not this year. The only 2 seeds in this year playoffs is St. John and Frostburg. Each has good arguments to be 1 seed over Whitewater and Brockport. However, past those it's a toss up. North Central: who did they beat? Illionois Wes. ?  Did lose to rank 22 Wheaton 52-30. John Carroll: who did they beat?Did lose 23-10  to 1 Mt union. John Hopkins they did beat muhlenburg. But lost to un rank  susqueanne. Whitworth who did they beat? HSU : who they beat? Did lose to 2 UMHB 26-0.  Whitworth deserved the 2 over all the others followed by a good arguments for John Carroll and HSU for final spot of 2.  So what does NCAA do? Let's put three teams that have arguments for two seed in UMHB bracket and have them face each other in each round till the semifinals. Put one weak argument one as a two and is more a 3 in Whitewater bracket that won't face till round 3. Let's put one in Mt. Union bracket(I do see the argument for John Carroll, but did feel HSU and Whitworth was better by watching them all play) What legit two team would lose to that team they lost to? That wouldn't have meet till Rd 3. And two teams that have a argument for 2 seed in the east that face in second round like it should.   Personally, 2 seeds should of been St John in West, Whitworth in South, John Carroll in north, and Frostburg in East.  Three seed would be North Central in West, HSU in South, Del Val in north, John Hopkins in East. Centre should move to south and Hanover in North. It wouldn't have stopped the UMHB vs HSU in first round, but makes the brackets balanced. The way the brackets are now gives Whitewater and Mt. Union alot easier path not facing really threats till semifinals while the south beats each other up and the east.....well it's the east. Truthfully it look rigged if it wasn't for me knowing the expense restrictions and even then makes me wonder if some politics are no being played that favor for Mt. Union and the Wiac champion. 

Troy, you're confounding NCAA rankings and seeding with the D3football.com top 25 and those things have nothing to do with one another. 

When I listed the #2 seeds earlier, that is informed by the NCAA's regional rankings and confirmed by who is hosting games this weekend.  Once the teams are ranked by the NCAA, there's no more subjective debate about which team is ranked/seeded higher than another- we know that information pretty clearly. 

[Ralph Turner]

If Berry is legitimately a higher seed, then we shall see it on Saturday.  How much is home field advantage (HFA) for UMHB versus Berry, who will fly.

For the 3-4 hour bus ride from Abilene to Belton, it ought to be 3-4 points.

Is HFA for a plane flight 5 points? 6 points?

Good question. I have friends that played for HSU in the Cruthedral that told me on the field is incredibly loud. When it feels as though the fans are quiet in the stands, the players experience is very different. Add to that the awe of a first time visit to the cruthedral and the travel together there...a touchdown, at least, would be my bet

If they get there next week pretty sure SJU will not be intimidated or in awe of the "Crutherdral" or its crowd, they routinely lead the nation in attendance and almost anually play a game before crowds of 15-17k and also played in front of 37k last year at Target Field. The UMHB athletes may pose a problem for the Johnnies but the home field will not.

True dat!

[DFWCrufan]

This is a part of what we hope to see this Saturday! Lets give a warm welcome, a sound game and a safe trip home to our visiting friends From Berry College  https://twitter.com/i/status/1064585567579590658

[umhb2001]

Looking forward to a great game.

[Toby Taff]

If Berry is legitimately a higher seed, then we shall see it on Saturday.  How much is home field advantage (HFA) for UMHB versus Berry, who will fly.

For the 3-4 hour bus ride from Abilene to Belton, it ought to be 3-4 points.

Is HFA for a plane flight 5 points? 6 points?

Good question. I have friends that played for HSU in the Cruthedral that told me on the field is incredibly loud. When it feels as though the fans are quiet in the stands, the players experience is very different. Add to that the awe of a first time visit to the cruthedral and the travel together there...a touchdown, at least, would be my bet

If they get there next week pretty sure SJU will not be intimidated or in awe of the "Crutherdral" or its crowd, they routinely lead the nation in attendance and almost anually play a game before crowds of 15-17k and also played in front of 37k last year at Target Field. The UMHB athletes may pose a problem for the Johnnies but the home field will not.

I,m just reporting what I've been told by people who have played @ the stadium ( one of which was an all American) I don't think intimidation was an issue for them either, but they did say it is unbelievably loud on the field. I asked that question of them because our crowd seems dead to us in the stands, but they said the crowd is a factor on the field. I don't expect the johnnies to be intimidated, but that doesn't mean there won't be a homefield. One example might be running in the end zone at speed. The lettering on the turf actually makes the turf look wrinkled in spots at a glance. Surely if you look at it it looks flat, but out the corner of your eye, it might be momentarily disorienting

[trickytroy32]

Saintsfan, that was my point. Alot are saying who did HSU play. I just wanted to point out the same point can be made about others. I seen all the above teams play three times for the exception of St. John(didn't watch them any) Wally, I know it's based on regional rankings. That worked when teams use to stay in it's region in playoffs many many moons ago(very few teams even made the playoffs) However, when you cross regions in playoffs you can't do that. If the NCAA did that John Hopkins would have been a two seed and John Carroll wouldn't. Because they did that means you can make a argument of HSU and Whitworth being a two seed. Expense can't be used because it would of made more sense in expense if St. John stayed in the west, moved centre to south and Hanover to north.  Again wouldn't have stopped hsu/ UMHB first round match up, but made the brackets even. The south is always a loaded bracket, but this year is beyond belief. Let's compare South: (N2,SR 1)vs (N7,SR3) (N20,SR 4) vs (N-,SR 10) (N10, WR3) vs (N-,R-) (N3,WR2) vs(N-,R-).  Equals Top ten National: 4 (2,3,7,10) Top five regional ranking: 5(1,2,3,3,4,). West: (N5,WR1) vs (N-,R--) (N12-NR 4) vs (N-,WR8) (N9, NR 2) vs (N-,R-) (N11, WR4) vs (N-,WR10). Equals Top ten National: 2 (5&9) top five regional: 4(1,2,4,4) North: (N1,NR1) vs (N-,R-)  (N24, SR5) vs (N17,SR7)(N8,NR3)  vs ( N-,SR8) (N13, ER4) vs (N23,SR6) Equals: Top Ten National 2(1&8) Top 5 regional 4 (1,3,4,5) East (N4,ER1) vs (N-,ER8) (N-,ER3) vs (N-,R-)  (N6,ER2) vs (N-,ER8) (N14,SR2) vs (N-,ER6) Equals: Top ten National 2(4,6) Top 5 regional 4 (1,2,2,3). What does this say?  South would have a top ten match up and top five regional in every round! West doesn't have a top ten match till quarterfinals  and first top five regional is second Rd. Mt Union wouldn't have face top ten until quarterfinals (now it's semi) and regional top 5 not until second round. East top ten match up....guess what not until quarter finals and  top five regional not till second round.  Now tell me again how NCAA couldn't make a balance bracket? The expense and regional ranks is not a argument as listed above.

[wally_wabash]

You can't just have St. John's in the "west" and Centre in the "south" and call it good.  Centre can't drive to anybody else in your "South" region, except Berry and they're not going to pair those two together if they don't have to (they don't). 

Go ahead and bracket the 32 for me in a way that:
- creates your perfect balance
- is informed by the NCAA's regional rankings
- maintains 1 first round flight
- doesn't guarantee more than 5 flights before the semifinals

I'll hang up and listen.