FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Lone Auggie Backer]

Well, my guys had a hand in keeping one team out (Wartburg)  while also getting to face two of the teams that got in.  Glad to see MIAC & WIAC were the two from the upper midwest that got two in.  Congrats to Bethel & SJU on getting in, and lets bring a title back to the MIAC!  Bethel, how about this year being the first to get a first round win and set up a rematch of last weeks game!

On to yesterday's matches - How is it that the Augsburg offense was able to put up huge passing yards vs. Bethel, yet SJU wasn't?  Is it that we, basically, JUST pass, and Bethel is very good stopping the run first, then stopping the pass second?  Was it a bad day by AK11?  It just seems to me that the talent that you guys (all you johnnie backers) have at receiver, you should have been able to throw the ball fairly well. I spoke to a former Bethel player last night that was at your guys' game yesterday, and he said that the O-line for SJU wasn't as good as they usually are - that AK11 had to play with quite a bit of pressure most of the game?  Any of you confirm that?

I got to speak with our coaching staff last night.  In a Meidt-less expression, our staff were in serious conversations during yesterday's game trying to find ways to NOT run up the score.  They mentioned that it was quite difficult, only because our offense is so heavily influenced by the passing game, and they were quite aware how bad it would look if they continued to throw the ball heavily.  Fortunately, the Hamline D came alive in the 4th quarter and shut us down so that never became an issue, but I was proud to hear from our coaching staff that they were well aware of what the scoreboard read, and made sure that no one was going to be embarrased by the outcome. 

So, it was a good year for our guys.  I would expect some of our guys to get some sort of post season recognition.  Winford, Nourie, & Berg had huge seasons for us, and I wouldn't be surprised or disappointed if they got some credit for their efforts both during the season and in this past off-season.   I am also proud of the way they have built some credibility for the years to come.  Hopefully, this will help in the recruiting front, and Haege can continue to get the guys they want, and need, in the door. 

Congrats, again to the Johnnies and the Royals.  Congrats to all of the Seniors that finished out their careers yesterday in the MIAC- Not that many people have the opportunity and privelage of experiencing the competition, comraderie and respect we all have for each other in this conference.  Best of luck to OUR two in the post season - may you all play well, stay healthy, and continue to make us all proud!  Get those first round wins, and give us all the opportunity to see the rematch in Arden Hills!

[sjusection105]

On to yesterday's matches - How is it that the Augsburg offense was able to put up huge passing yards vs. Bethel, yet SJU wasn't?  Is it that we, basically, JUST pass, and Bethel is very good stopping the run first, then stopping the pass second?  Was it a bad day by AK11?  It just seems to me that the talent that you guys (all you johnnie backers) have at receiver, you should have been able to throw the ball fairly well. I spoke to a former Bethel player last night that was at your guys' game yesterday, and he said that the O-line for SJU wasn't as good as they usually are - that AK11 had to play with quite a bit of pressure most of the game?  Any of you confirm that?

LAB:
This had many in the stands scratching their heads all day. I saw (1) shovel pass yesterday and it wasn't designed, rather it was an on-the-fly thing. Not too many draw plays and the bubble screen was available and not used either. If you are going to run, how about mixing in the option? There were many questions asked by fans who have seen this Johnnie squad do many things, but trying to pound it on the ground between the tackles against the top run defense in the MIAC wasn't one of the choices.

[SUMMIT!!!!!]

and in the bottom of the 5th inning,  my Dolphins are beating Buffalo 3-2!

105-- wasnt that shovel pass negated by a penalty?  But I agree, SJU didnt go to the air anywhere near what they normally do and their ground game was not cutting it. In addition to not airing it more, I dont understand why SJU kept handing to Patnode...was Blackmore playing hurt?

Three more years of Flannery has Johnson grinning I bet

[paddymac]

Your stadium looks awesome.  I think the dawgs are looking forward to playing at SJU.  Looking forward to a great time at SJU....GO BULLDOGS

[Veek]

Zip - glad to hear that you and the Polish might be making another trip this week.

I can't believe the playoff brackets.  Numerous exciting moves that I didn't expect although I did think that SJU had an outside shot at a home game because, like it or not, in DIII the NCAA certainly takes into account the almighty dollar as long as their choices can be defended to some extent.  

I like SJU's chances in this bracket but we need to take one game at a time and Redlands is the team to concentrate on this week.

After listening to yesterday's game I have a difficult time placing a majority of the blame on our offense.  While it is true that our defense "bent but didn't break" they allowed Bethel to stay on the field way too long which effectively took our offense out of its game.  I didn't agree with all of SJU's offensive calls but how much actual time lapsed from their last offensive series in the first half until they took the field for the first time in the second half?  It's not easy to bring momentum into a game if you have been idle so long.  If you want to pin a majority of the blame on any single area then I would have to vote for the play by our special teams.  They have given up big plays the entire season including another touchdown yesterday.  

As avid Johnnie football supporters I sometimes think that our expectations have become skewed based on prior year's teams and successes.  We obviously want, and expect, to win but when a game is close or things don't exactly "click" the way we hope for some complain about our team not measuring up.  This year's team was less than one minute away from having a unblemished regular season.  We lost by 3 points to a very good team on their field that hadn't loss since its opening day game.   And we have a home playoff game, too.  How many other DIII teams would love to be where we are?  

I have no problem with fans voicing their concerns or criticizing areas that need improvement but let's not cast this team aside or think that they are a "one and out" team.  The bottom line for me is that I am damn proud of this year's team and I am looking forward to a great playoff run.  

Congrats to Bethel on a hard, well-played game and conference championship.  I'm hoping for another rematch in a few weeks.

GO JOHNNIES!!!!
 

[sjusection105]

105-- wasnt that shovel pass negated by a penalty?  But I agree, SJU didnt go to the air anywhere near what they normally do and their ground game was not cutting it. In addition to not airing it more, I dont understand why SJU kept handing to Patnode...was Blackmore playing hurt?

Three more years of Flannery has Johnson grinning I bet

Maniac: You are correct, that shovel pass did have a penalty on it, I forgot. How could I forget that, they actually got a first down from the play & then it was brought back

I saw Blackmore getting his wrist taped, but that is all I know about injury to him.

I said it earlier in the year, Flannery is the horse Johnson has bet the farm on this go-round. This system he (Johnson) has worked out nicely in the past with Johnson and Porta. Those two were plow horses, Flannery is more of a "cuttin' horse" who will make you miss & then run past you vs. the other two who would just run over you again and again.

The Bethel O-line is scarey good. I was most impressed with Chris Luedemann Soph. OT, who pulled nearly every time Wetzell ran the ball. First the DE gets smoked by Luedemann, then the OLB or CB has to wrestle down a 6'3" 215lb QB who has decent wheels

[Veek]

Frank - thanks for the voicemail you left me last night, or should I say this morning, around 2:30 am.  I saved it so I can listen to it a few more times in an attempt to figure out everything you said but I did understand the part about you missing my supply of malt beverages as you ran out early.  You obviously were able to get refueled later, however, as it was apparent by your voice.   I trust that you kept Ritz, TDT, and TC in check.  Post some highlights for us once you wake up. 

[Rugman]

Has anyone seen the secret planning that drew up the 14 lateral touchdown.  http://www.slatev.com/ . Click on miracle play to the right.

[sjusection105]

Frank - thanks for the voicemail you left me last night, or should I say this morning, around 2:30 am.  I saved it so I can listen to it a few more times in an attempt to figure out everything you said but I did understand the part about you missing my supply of malt beverages as you ran out early.  You obviously were able to get refueled later, however, as it was apparent by your voice.   I trust that you kept Ritz, TDT, and TC in check.  Post some highlights for us once you wake up. 

Veek:
Frank's "Aura of Awesomeness" (new phrase he was throwing around yesterday) was on display at the Stiftungsfestivities, I can only imagine what 2:30AM brought. I asked TDT to take some pictures so we could all see how awesome the whole crew was in the early morning hours.

[bcflyguy1]

Just waking up on Monday morning here so am a little behind, but what a draw for the MIAC!   Johnnies get to host in the first round, Bethel gets a two seed and Concordia in the 1st round, and the 800 pound gorilla that is UWW gets shipped to the North.  WOW!  How fun would an all MIAC regional final at BU be?  First things first though, that first playoff win.  Go Royals Go!

[GoldandBlueBU]

Could someone with a better understanding than me explain the spot of the ball after bethel's blocked field goal attempt?  From what I saw, a sju player picked it up and was hit immediately, so why wasn't the ball just placed where he was tackled?

[cudub]

Greetings from the IBFC board!  Figured id take a look at what you guys over here in the MIAC are discussing considering we (concordia wis) got paired up with Bethel.  Anybody have any insight into what type of team Bethel is?  Im pretty sure most of us over in the IBFC have no idea who/what they are.  CUW is a damn good defensive team, but they have problems scoring in big games.  And as im sure you all know, the Illini-Badger isnt exactly the Big Ten.  But yea, any thoughts would be appreciated.  thanks guys.

[Mr.Shoes]

Could someone with a better understanding than me explain the spot of the ball after bethel's blocked field goal attempt?  From what I saw, a sju player picked it up and was hit immediately, so why wasn't the ball just placed where he was tackled?

From our vantage point (10 yard line, SJU side, that end) it appeared as though the defender never picked up the ball. He just fell on it. I, too, am shaky on the rule of placement, though.

[VOJ]

Bethel...they are a smash mouth football team happy with a 3 to 4 yard gain on every play...their offensive line is relentless, their quarterback is a playmaker complemented by a very quick runningback, you don't just play Bethel, you play the clock as well.   Their passing game is not a strong suit, in fact they really only hit one pass play against the J's all day, but it was the biggest play of the game...

Defensively, they stunt, blitz and try to cause havoc from the first down you are on offense...they are quick and hit hard.  You can pass on them, because you really can't run on them...at least very well

To sum it up...they are the best team you will play this year, to get by them would be quite the achievement and to be honest I don't see it happening.

[sjusection105]

Greetings from the IBFC board!  Figured id take a look at what you guys over here in the MIAC are discussing considering we (concordia wis) got paired up with Bethel.  Anybody have any insight into what type of team Bethel is?  Im pretty sure most of us over in the IBFC have no idea who/what they are.  CUW is a damn good defensive team, but they have problems scoring in big games.  And as im sure you all know, the Illini-Badger isnt exactly the Big Ten.  But yea, any thoughts would be appreciated.  thanks guys.

CUDUB:
What VOJ said plus some additional reading material http://cas.bethel.edu/athletics/Football/