FB: Presidents' Athletic Conference

[Ralph Turner]

+1! Bob. 

[ExTartanPlayer]

Carnegie-Mellon scores TD in final minute to tie Westminster, then gets the ball back, kicks a 50-yard field goal to win it as time expires, 27-24.

Followed this via live stats on my cell phone (I was at the Central Michigan-Ohio game with my girlfriend, a professor at Central who has thankfully indulged my tastes for small college football and dutifully gone with me to all three home games for Central since she moved to Mount Pleasant, MI this year).  Looks like Westminster/the officials gave CMU a gift by committing a 15-yard penalty on the last play of the game (from the 48-yard line) - I do not know precisely what the call was or what actually happened, but there are VERY few explanations I can think of on the Westminster side for committing such a penalty. 

As a result, Carnegie Mellon has squeaked out two straight wins in games where they were, truth be told, badly outplayed (outgained 453-176 in last week's game vs. Geneva, which I saw, and then 388-203 by Westminster).  It is only be the grace of a few breaks the right way that we're 2-2 and not 0-4.  And yet, I'll take it.

Now that CMU is officially in the PAC, I'll try to do a little PAC shootaround on the boards here each week and a power-rankings (once there's enough data to reasonably rank the teams):

1. Washington & Jefferson (2-0, 4-0): After handling TMC this week, the Prez are squarely in the driver's seat.
2. Thomas More (2-1, 3-2): The Saints now face an uphill battle to make the playoffs.

3. Bethany (3-0, 4-1): don't look now, but the Bison have run off four straight wins since the Mount Union game.  Bethany has not finished better than 5-5 since 2001...but looking at the league right now, they'll be favored in every game but the W & J game (they did beat W & J last year!), and they don't play Thomas More...incredibly, the Bison could be one big upset away from a share of the league title (or even an outright league title).  Bison Fever.  Catch it.

Also, if anyone can explain why Bethany has played four PAC teams but is only listed as 3-0 in the league, I'd be grateful.  I assume that one of the games (Thiel?) is being counted as a nonconference game for both teams.  Actually, it looks like there are several of those around the league, now that I look closer (Geneva beat Grove City but still is listed as having zero league wins).  I assume that this has something to do with CMU/CWRU joining the PAC and only playing eight league games because they're keeping the WashU/Chicago UAA games.  It's going to make these rankings a bit confusing because Geneva has zero official "league" wins even though they have beaten a PAC team.  Whatever.

4. Waynesburg (2-1, 4-1): the Yellow Jackets could have had that #3 spot but lost to Bethany last week.  They, too, will be favored in every game until season-ending showdowns with Thomas More and W & J.  While I don't think they're good enough to win either of those (besides the loss to Bethany, they've had to work a little too hard to beat St. Vincent and Geneva), they should finish solidly on the right side of .500 mark.

I think those four spots are pretty clear.  After that...oy vey, what do we do with the middle of the pack?  Let's play follow the leader

5A. Thiel (1-2, 2-3):
5B. St. Vincent (2-1, 2-3):
5C. Case Western (2-2, 2-2):

These guys all get listed together because Thiel beat St. Vincent 21-20, St. Vincent beat Case Western 23-20, and Case Western beat Thiel 23-16.  All of those results tell me that these teams are more-or-less even with one another.

8. Carnegie Mellon (2-2, 2-2): currently a notch below the above triumvirate because they lost badly to Case Western (30-0) and currently have skin-of-their-teeth wins against two teams listed even lower than them in the rankings.  Still, the Tartans have managed to pull out W's the last two weeks while being badly outplayed both times.  No idea if this means they'll turn it up a notch and win a few more games, or if this is all they have and last week will be the season highlight.

9. Geneva (0-2, 1-4): As explained above, Geneva is listed with zero league wins despite having a "nonconference" win over Grove City.  Have to be ranked down here with the loss to Carnegie Mellon, and they've got a tough slate coming up.

10. Westminster (0-3, 0-5): staying above Grove City because they've actually been competitive in three of the five losses (the only blowouts coming vs. #1 and #2 in these rankings).  Sooner or later they'll win a league game, maybe two.  There are several opponents on the schedule that are within reach.

11. Grove City (0-2, 0-4): beaten badly in every game, including losses to Geneva and St. Vincent, not exactly league powers.  CMU this weekend and Westminster on 11/8 are their best chances for a win.

Overall, after the first four teams (or even the first two teams, really) the league is very mediocre.  But that will make it fun to follow.  I imagine teams #5-11 on this list will take turns beating each other all season.

[wally_wabash]

Also, if anyone can explain why Bethany has played four PAC teams but is only listed as 3-0 in the league, I'd be grateful.  I assume that one of the games (Thiel?) is being counted as a nonconference game for both teams.  Actually, it looks like there are several of those around the league, now that I look closer (Geneva beat Grove City but still is listed as having zero league wins).  I assume that this has something to do with CMU/CWRU joining the PAC and only playing eight league games because they're keeping the WashU/Chicago UAA games.  It's going to make these rankings a bit confusing because Geneva has zero official "league" wins even though they have beaten a PAC team.  Whatever.

We were doing the same thing over in the NCAC for a few years.  Things got out of whack when Earlham bailed...games were scheduled for league play and then all of a sudden seven teams had an empty spot and only six league games.  It was a mess.  I'm sure you've got a couple of years here where the PAC is going to have some similar issues with the addition of teams, but hopefully they'll be able to schedule non-league games with teams from, you know, not their own league soon. 

[Bob.Gregg]

.... Looks like Westminster/the officials gave CMU a gift by committing a 15-yard penalty on the last play of the game (from the 48-yard line) - I do not know precisely what the call was or what actually happened, but there are VERY few explanations I can think of on the Westminster side for committing such a penalty. 

I watched the video stream.  It was a gift from the Titans.  Officials really didn't have anything else they could have done but call it.  It was a CLEAR facemask, on 4th & 10 from midfield.....The Titans had overtime in their grasp and let it go and grabbed a handful of facemask...YIKES!

[ExTartanPlayer]

Also, if anyone can explain why Bethany has played four PAC teams but is only listed as 3-0 in the league, I'd be grateful.  I assume that one of the games (Thiel?) is being counted as a nonconference game for both teams.  Actually, it looks like there are several of those around the league, now that I look closer (Geneva beat Grove City but still is listed as having zero league wins).  I assume that this has something to do with CMU/CWRU joining the PAC and only playing eight league games because they're keeping the WashU/Chicago UAA games.  It's going to make these rankings a bit confusing because Geneva has zero official "league" wins even though they have beaten a PAC team.  Whatever.

We were doing the same thing over in the NCAC for a few years.  Things got out of whack when Earlham bailed...games were scheduled for league play and then all of a sudden seven teams had an empty spot and only six league games.  It was a mess.  I'm sure you've got a couple of years here where the PAC is going to have some similar issues with the addition of teams, but hopefully they'll be able to schedule non-league games with teams from, you know, not their own league soon.

Yeah, I know this happens.  I also vaguely recall a season where a few WIAC teams played each other twice, once in an official "league" game and once in a non-league game.

[wally_wabash]

Also, if anyone can explain why Bethany has played four PAC teams but is only listed as 3-0 in the league, I'd be grateful.  I assume that one of the games (Thiel?) is being counted as a nonconference game for both teams.  Actually, it looks like there are several of those around the league, now that I look closer (Geneva beat Grove City but still is listed as having zero league wins).  I assume that this has something to do with CMU/CWRU joining the PAC and only playing eight league games because they're keeping the WashU/Chicago UAA games.  It's going to make these rankings a bit confusing because Geneva has zero official "league" wins even though they have beaten a PAC team.  Whatever.

We were doing the same thing over in the NCAC for a few years.  Things got out of whack when Earlham bailed...games were scheduled for league play and then all of a sudden seven teams had an empty spot and only six league games.  It was a mess.  I'm sure you've got a couple of years here where the PAC is going to have some similar issues with the addition of teams, but hopefully they'll be able to schedule non-league games with teams from, you know, not their own league soon.

Yeah, I know this happens.  I also vaguely recall a season where a few WIAC teams played each other twice, once in an official "league" game and once in a non-league game.

I think that one was based on a league-wide mandate that they wouldn't travel out of state for games (for money reasons) and when you make that commitment and you play D3 football in Wisconsin, your options are pretty limited. 

[crufootball]

Also, if anyone can explain why Bethany has played four PAC teams but is only listed as 3-0 in the league, I'd be grateful.  I assume that one of the games (Thiel?) is being counted as a nonconference game for both teams.  Actually, it looks like there are several of those around the league, now that I look closer (Geneva beat Grove City but still is listed as having zero league wins).  I assume that this has something to do with CMU/CWRU joining the PAC and only playing eight league games because they're keeping the WashU/Chicago UAA games.  It's going to make these rankings a bit confusing because Geneva has zero official "league" wins even though they have beaten a PAC team.  Whatever.

We were doing the same thing over in the NCAC for a few years.  Things got out of whack when Earlham bailed...games were scheduled for league play and then all of a sudden seven teams had an empty spot and only six league games.  It was a mess.  I'm sure you've got a couple of years here where the PAC is going to have some similar issues with the addition of teams, but hopefully they'll be able to schedule non-league games with teams from, you know, not their own league soon.

Yeah, I know this happens.  I also vaguely recall a season where a few WIAC teams played each other twice, once in an official "league" game and once in a non-league game.

I think that one was based on a league-wide mandate that they wouldn't travel out of state for games (for money reasons) and when you make that commitment and you play D3 football in Wisconsin, your options are pretty limited.

Can just imagine the thrill of seeing UW-Whitewater on your schedule twice 

[D3MAFAN]

Also, if anyone can explain why Bethany has played four PAC teams but is only listed as 3-0 in the league, I'd be grateful.  I assume that one of the games (Thiel?) is being counted as a nonconference game for both teams.  Actually, it looks like there are several of those around the league, now that I look closer (Geneva beat Grove City but still is listed as having zero league wins).  I assume that this has something to do with CMU/CWRU joining the PAC and only playing eight league games because they're keeping the WashU/Chicago UAA games.  It's going to make these rankings a bit confusing because Geneva has zero official "league" wins even though they have beaten a PAC team.  Whatever.

We were doing the same thing over in the NCAC for a few years.  Things got out of whack when Earlham bailed...games were scheduled for league play and then all of a sudden seven teams had an empty spot and only six league games.  It was a mess.  I'm sure you've got a couple of years here where the PAC is going to have some similar issues with the addition of teams, but hopefully they'll be able to schedule non-league games with teams from, you know, not their own league soon.

Yeah, I know this happens.  I also vaguely recall a season where a few WIAC teams played each other twice, once in an official "league" game and once in a non-league game.

I think that one was based on a league-wide mandate that they wouldn't travel out of state for games (for money reasons) and when you make that commitment and you play D3 football in Wisconsin, your options are pretty limited.

Can just imagine the thrill of seeing UW-Whitewater on your schedule twice 

It was like that in the WIAC for a while because of schedule difficulties.

[crufootball]

Also, if anyone can explain why Bethany has played four PAC teams but is only listed as 3-0 in the league, I'd be grateful.  I assume that one of the games (Thiel?) is being counted as a nonconference game for both teams.  Actually, it looks like there are several of those around the league, now that I look closer (Geneva beat Grove City but still is listed as having zero league wins).  I assume that this has something to do with CMU/CWRU joining the PAC and only playing eight league games because they're keeping the WashU/Chicago UAA games.  It's going to make these rankings a bit confusing because Geneva has zero official "league" wins even though they have beaten a PAC team.  Whatever.

We were doing the same thing over in the NCAC for a few years.  Things got out of whack when Earlham bailed...games were scheduled for league play and then all of a sudden seven teams had an empty spot and only six league games.  It was a mess.  I'm sure you've got a couple of years here where the PAC is going to have some similar issues with the addition of teams, but hopefully they'll be able to schedule non-league games with teams from, you know, not their own league soon.

Yeah, I know this happens.  I also vaguely recall a season where a few WIAC teams played each other twice, once in an official "league" game and once in a non-league game.

I think that one was based on a league-wide mandate that they wouldn't travel out of state for games (for money reasons) and when you make that commitment and you play D3 football in Wisconsin, your options are pretty limited.

Can just imagine the thrill of seeing UW-Whitewater on your schedule twice 

It was like that in the WIAC for a while because of schedule difficulties.

Was it schedule difficulties or the desire to keep cost down? I thought I remembered it being an effort to keep cost to minimum, which makes total sense but I am guessing didn't exactly sound great to the players.

[DagarmanSpartan]

Gang,

Over on the NCAC board, there was a very interesting conversation comparing/rating the football venues in the conference.

I can't claim to have seen any of the venues in the PAC other than CWRU's.  Can someone who has seen them rank them all from best to worst, and provide a short description of each venue's quirks?  Thanks!

[E.115]

Bill Belichick gives a shout out to CWRU football.... His father's alma mater.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNp5UGmK2MU&sns=em

[WashJeff68]

I can't talk about any other PAC facilities since it has bee a LONG time since I have visited any, but here is some info about W&J's.

W&J's football stadium is a short walk from campus. Along the way you pass a few bars. Could make the walk back after the game a little longer.

Here is a link to the Cameron Stadium page at W&J's web site:

http://gopresidents.com/sports/2014/1/3/FH_0103141104.aspx

There is a weight room/etc for the varsity athletes in the Henry Center.

http://gopresidents.com/sports/2014/1/3/WBB_0103143531.aspx

I'm sure it is top notch.

Here is a link to the fitness center for students/faculty. This was the original gym, built in about 1890 nicely sort of  "re purposed."

http://gopresidents.com/sports/2014/1/3/GEN_0103145138.asp

The next W&J capital campaign provides for some updating of the Henry Center.

If no reps from other PAC schools respond I'll go to the school web sites and see if I can find similar links.

Jeff in Tennessee

[DagarmanSpartan]

WOW!!!!

The news just keeps getting BETTER!!!!

A $2 million donation has just been received to help Case build a 15,000 square foot indoor practice facility with artificial turf.  This, on top of the newly opened Wyant Field House/Belichik weight room.

Looks like CWRU may soon have among the very best athletic facilities in all of NCAA Division III!!!

GO SPARTANS!!!

http://cwru-daily.com/news/at-wyant-athletic-and-wellness-center-dedication-namesake-commits-5-million-more-to-cwru/

[DagarmanSpartan]

WashJeff,

Thanks for the info!

Case's football venue, DiSanto Field, is small (only seats 2,400, all on one side), but has an excellent field turf surface, and is in a wonderful setting, surrounded by fancy dormitory buildings from which students often view the games from their windows.  The small size can also be an advantage: it generally gets filled up, and together with the band, provides an lively gameday atmosphere.

http://athletics.case.edu/facilities/disanto_field

Of course, Case just opened a BREATHTAKING new training facility right next door to DiSanto: the Wyant Field House.  For more information on this facility, which includes a weight room funded by Patriots Coach Bill Belichick, and named after his Father, cardio equipment, and other items, see the link below:

http://athletics.case.edu/facilities/wyant_athletic_wellness_center

And as I mentioned, it doesn't end there: a 15,000 square foot indoor practice facility is now planned and partially funded!

http://cwru-daily.com/news/at-wyant-athletic-and-wellness-center-dedication-namesake-commits-5-million-more-to-cwru/

The football stadium, baseball/softball stadiums, and new Field House are located on the north end of campus.  The school's other athletic facilities: indoor track, basketball gym, natatoriums, wrestling room, tennis courts, offices, hall of fame, etc, are located on the South end of campus near the so-called "Case Quad."

http://athletics.case.edu/facilities/veale_center

http://athletics.case.edu/facilities/directions

Off-campus, CWRU operates a farm which doubles as the venue for cross-country meets.

[ExTartanPlayer]

I'm typing on my phone, but will post some infom on CMU's facilities at some point.

Anyways...a quietly fascinating storyline that I've been following for a few weeks now will come to fruition. The Bethany Bison will play W & J next week with a chance to claim the driver's seat in the PAC race. Bethany has not finished with a winning record since 2001, but they are currently 5-1 and have the opportunity. The Prez are undoubtedly the favorites and will presumably be out for revenge after Bethany upset them last year (seems like a case of looking-ahead, as W & J came out and bombed Thomas More the following week).

This game could be anything from a 40-point W & J win to a close win for the Bison. I must admit to pulling for Bethany, a program that's been downtrodden for so long, but as a PAC fan perhaps W & J would make the better playoff representative. There's no real reason to think Bethany is the better team, statistically.