FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[OzJohnnie]

I love how tons of posters still include an 0-2 CC team who just got smoked, but not an undefeated Gustie squad in their lists.

That's a point worth considering.   I'm looking forward to seeing (via reading a box score, obviously) how the Gusties and Olies play next weekend.  Who woulda thunk that one day I would be (silently) cheering for Gustavus?  Just checking out the office window here to see if there are any pigs flying by...

[TC]

 I'm looking forward to seeing (via reading a box score, obviously) how the Gusties and Olies play next weekend. 

Which ever teams wins--and GAC looks a lot more likely now than they did a few weeks ago--better be damn sure they take care of their non-SJU business or else it will cost the MIAC their second playoff team.  That's the only reason I'm semi-pulling for STO next weekend, I think they have a better chance of beating CC and Bethel. 

[OzJohnnie]

BTW - in case you didn't know - there's a Johnnie fan site at www.johnniefootball.com... 

Jesting aside, I appreciate the site.  All who contribute are doing a great job.  One more desperately needed place to feed my Johnnie fix.  I slept in on Sunday (stinkin' kids decided not to wake me for the first Sunday in 8 years) and I missed the game.  I was scouring the web for updates on the game like a chew fiend rubbing spittoon bilge on my gums two days before payday.

[Johnnie Red]

Dusty, I must admit that my Badger son is in his first year of law school at UST. Thank goodness he still wears the red and white for Wisconsin and stays away from anything purple.

[DuffMan]

I don't think I've posted since the game, but it was nice to meet those Cobbers that I met--Cobbernation, Maroon & Gold, Horan's Heros, CC Backer, thanks for showing up and enjoying the pre-game with us!  What a beautiful day it was!

As for the game...WOW!  I hope the boys can play like that the rest of the year.  They will be tough to beat.

[WAHOO3]

After first glance at the new top 25, I was a little miffed at why Olaf dropped from 21 to 22 after a 70-31 win, but after seeing that Salisbury beating Delaware State and Alfred beating Springfield are the primary reasons for it, it makes sense. It just goes to show you that until you actually play a game that matters there is no way to truly measure a team in D3. It's good to see the Gusties and Royals received some votes this week as well.

Early weather predictions for this Saturday in Northfield are 65 degrees and T-storms.

[justadad]

As for the game...WOW!  I hope the boys can play like that the rest of the year.  They will be tough to beat.

Tough to beat in the MIAC for sure, I know it's early to think playoffs, but is special teams putting it all together?  The kicking game is awesome and still seems to be improving.  There are two games left on grass, I sure hope Russell stays off the rug this week, that goes for snappers and holders as well.  A rain game on grass has a way of spooking kickers who are not experienced with it.   I have not been able to see any games, but from the information I read November could be special.  

[DuffMan]

...is special teams putting it all together?   

Kicking looks solid, snapping looks solid, punting looks good.  I have also been very impressed with kick-off and punt coverage.  Although they gave up a TD this weekend, nearly all of the coverages have been excellent thus far.  Our returners look good, too.  No Blake Elliots, but good none-the-less.

[johnniebackup67]

Dusty, I must admit that my Badger son is in his first year of law school at UST. Thank goodness he still wears the red and white for Wisconsin and stays away from anything purple.

Johnnie Red-
I am in my 2nd year there, an we do have a good anti-Tommie contingent.  Our student body president last year was a former rat pack member.  My favorite moment from last year was using my St Thomas id to get into the Johnnie-Tommie gamed decked out in all Johnnie gear. 

[justadad]

A TD this week, two blocks this season, and a mediocre game on grass week two.  This could again be a problem in November.  Without a doubt the kicker is performing great.  When a boomer punt,  or a FG, PAT is needed with the game on the line preperation and experience always help.  Carlton has ok turf, Bethel has less than acceptable by the end of the season.  Winning the MIAC just might require a big special team play.  Practicing on the grass this week will build confidence.  It is essential if and when the opportunity comes.

[DuffMan]

Practicing on the grass this week will build confidence.

Are you referring to the game, because although the game is on grass, SJU will practice on SprinTurf this week.

[justadad]

Early weather predictions for this Saturday in Northfield are 65 degrees and T-storms.

Yes,  but I am talking about any game, practice on what you are going to play on.  The snap and hold are critical, and they are different on poor grass.  I believe by the stats in RF that we had a less than acceptable punt from our own 18??.  Footing on turf is always good, can't say the same for grass.  Before the season started there was no one on the roster who had made a FG.  We have a top notch kicker, we should give him every opportunity to be successful. 

[oldtimefan]

Had a chance to check out the new GAC stadium and I was very impressed. Having the stands close to the field makes for great viewing. Should be a big boost for recruiting efforts. Even Johnnie fans might be impressed in a couple of weeks.
Also impressive was the new and improved GAC offense. The new spread no huddle scheme was clicking. GAC defense also looked solid. They had good success blitzing a couple of linebackers against the Hamline spread offense. Not sure that will work as well against SJU or STO.
GAC should give Olaf all they can handle this week. If the weather is nice, will be about a 50-40 game.

[retagent]

Wahoo et al - BoBo has a rant over on the WIAC board that questions some of the voting in the d3 poll, and he makes some good points. Hardly something to get worked up about at this point in the season, but common sense doesn't seem to be in great supply by too many voters.

[Pat Coleman]

I think I responded to his rant fairly comprehensively. It's hard to understand the poll if you don't look at the whole picture.

I HIGHLY disagree with your knee-jerk reaction that there is a lack of common sense. If you read my response you will see plenty of rational reason.