FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[wildcat11]

It's on like Donkey Kong next weekend. A veritable battle royale in the Family Oz. We're coming back from Sydney on Saturday afternoon and going straight from the airport to the MCG in order to witness a top of the table clash for the ages between #1 Hawthorn and #2 Geelong. Mrs Oz and #3 are Cats supporters while #'s 1 and 2 line up with me and the Hawks. We've lost 10 in a row to the Cats but are on a 12 game winning streak (since losing to the Cats in round 1) and looking to set a club record of 13 in a row on Saturday night.  This game has all makings of an epic.

Maybe almost as good as The Battle of '89.

1st half highlights: http://youtu.be/xGEkZwKnSJI

Second half: http://youtu.be/t-v7wahIxFU

Oz,

I watched most of that 1st half highlight clip....that was great.  No idea what was going on but still enjoyed the action.

[OzJohnnie]

It's on like Donkey Kong next weekend. A veritable battle royale in the Family Oz. We're coming back from Sydney on Saturday afternoon and going straight from the airport to the MCG in order to witness a top of the table clash for the ages between #1 Hawthorn and #2 Geelong. Mrs Oz and #3 are Cats supporters while #'s 1 and 2 line up with me and the Hawks. We've lost 10 in a row to the Cats but are on a 12 game winning streak (since losing to the Cats in round 1) and looking to set a club record of 13 in a row on Saturday night.  This game has all makings of an epic.

Maybe almost as good as The Battle of '89.

1st half highlights: http://youtu.be/xGEkZwKnSJI

Second half: http://youtu.be/t-v7wahIxFU

Oz,

I watched most of that 1st half highlight clip....that was great.  No idea what was going on but still enjoyed the action.

Yeah, it was a brutal game at the tail end of the "old school" era.  The Hawthorn guy that got blind sided four seconds into the game ended up playing out the match with a torn spleen.  He spend the next three days in hospital.  The Hawthorn guy caught in the brutal headlock about two minutes in ended up with a couple broken ribs and a punctured lunch but finished the game.  A few Geelong criminals were also hurt but I can't remember what happened to those deadbeats.

Since Geelong came out early and hard at the man Hawthorn was able to run away to a big half time lead.  In the second half Geelong came storming back, lead by Gary Ablett Sr, and Hawthorn held on in a nail biter.

[AO]

Yeah, it was a brutal game at the tail end of the "old school" era.  The Hawthorn guy that got blind sided four seconds into the game ended up playing out the match with a torn spleen.  He spend the next three days in hospital.  The Hawthorn guy caught in the brutal headlock about two minutes in ended up with a couple broken ribs and a punctured lunch but finished the game.  A few Geelong criminals were also hurt but I can't remember what happened to those deadbeats.

Since Geelong came out early and hard at the man Hawthorn was able to run away to a big half time lead.  In the second half Geelong came storming back, lead by Gary Ablett Sr, and Hawthorn held on in a nail biter.

Hopefully he didn't have soup, might make a mess.   

[FearTheEar]

As we've entered the "age of UST" for the regular season, who do you think will be the next to beat them?  I'm thinking it will be a non-rival one-off.

After just taking a peek at the scores from last year's regular season and a little bit of the box scores:

St. Thomas 27, UW-Eau Claire 24 (come from behind victory)
St. Thomas 43, RF 9
St. Thomas 43, Saint John's Univ. 21
St. Thomas 47, Carleton College 24
St. Thomas 28, GAC 14 (survived 4 TO's)
St. Thomas 37, BU 0
St. Thomas 51, Hamline University 9
St. Thomas 30, AUG 14
St. Thomas 21, Concordia-Moorhead 7
St. Thomas 35, STO 21

It really looks like on paper that UWEC or the Cobbs are the closest.

[HSCTiger74]

Yeah, it was a brutal game at the tail end of the "old school" era.  The Hawthorn guy that got blind sided four seconds into the game ended up playing out the match with a torn spleen.  He spend the next three days in hospital.  The Hawthorn guy caught in the brutal headlock about two minutes in ended up with a couple broken ribs and a punctured lunch but finished the game.  A few Geelong criminals were also hurt but I can't remember what happened to those deadbeats.

Since Geelong came out early and hard at the man Hawthorn was able to run away to a big half time lead.  In the second half Geelong came storming back, lead by Gary Ablett Sr, and Hawthorn held on in a nail biter.

I know I'm nitpicking, but was it Sr. or Jr.? I would've thought Sr. (an amazing player in his own right) was in his 50s by now.

[USTBench]

It's on like Donkey Kong next weekend. A veritable battle royale in the Family Oz. We're coming back from Sydney on Saturday afternoon and going straight from the airport to the MCG in order to witness a top of the table clash for the ages between #1 Hawthorn and #2 Geelong. Mrs Oz and #3 are Cats supporters while #'s 1 and 2 line up with me and the Hawks. We've lost 10 in a row to the Cats but are on a 12 game winning streak (since losing to the Cats in round 1) and looking to set a club record of 13 in a row on Saturday night.  This game has all makings of an epic.

Maybe almost as good as The Battle of '89.

1st half highlights: http://youtu.be/xGEkZwKnSJI

Second half: http://youtu.be/t-v7wahIxFU

Oz,

I watched most of that 1st half highlight clip....that was great.  No idea what was going on but still enjoyed the action.

If the Cobbs or UWEC gets everything going the right way, it's a real possibility. Johnson will have BU back and pissed about the drubbing last year, so the Royals could catch UST on an off day. Don't know how Fasching will be as a head coach, so SJU is could be an option.

UST has fallen asleep on the Gusties the last two years, so...I have GAC as a darkhorse. Although, Auggie has played UST tough a number of times in the Caruso era.

Hmmm...tough one.

Anyone but Hamline or Carleton has a chance I would say (no offense). That's why I watch the games.

[OzJohnnie]

Yeah, it was a brutal game at the tail end of the "old school" era.  The Hawthorn guy that got blind sided four seconds into the game ended up playing out the match with a torn spleen.  He spend the next three days in hospital.  The Hawthorn guy caught in the brutal headlock about two minutes in ended up with a couple broken ribs and a punctured lunch but finished the game.  A few Geelong criminals were also hurt but I can't remember what happened to those deadbeats.

Since Geelong came out early and hard at the man Hawthorn was able to run away to a big half time lead.  In the second half Geelong came storming back, lead by Gary Ablett Sr, and Hawthorn held on in a nail biter.

I know I'm nitpicking, but was it Sr. or Jr.? I would've thought Sr. (an amazing player in his own right) was in his 50s by now.

SR in '89. People say he's the best that ever played. Jr plays now for Gold Coast, formerly at Geelong, and people say he's the second best to ever play.

AO; that made me belly laugh. Very funny.

[GoldandBlueBU]

It's on like Donkey Kong next weekend. A veritable battle royale in the Family Oz. We're coming back from Sydney on Saturday afternoon and going straight from the airport to the MCG in order to witness a top of the table clash for the ages between #1 Hawthorn and #2 Geelong. Mrs Oz and #3 are Cats supporters while #'s 1 and 2 line up with me and the Hawks. We've lost 10 in a row to the Cats but are on a 12 game winning streak (since losing to the Cats in round 1) and looking to set a club record of 13 in a row on Saturday night.  This game has all makings of an epic.

Maybe almost as good as The Battle of '89.

1st half highlights: http://youtu.be/xGEkZwKnSJI

Second half: http://youtu.be/t-v7wahIxFU

Oz,

I watched most of that 1st half highlight clip....that was great.  No idea what was going on but still enjoyed the action.

If the Cobbs or UWEC gets everything going the right way, it's a real possibility. Johnson will have BU back and pissed about the drubbing last year, so the Royals could catch UST on an off day. Don't know how Fasching will be as a head coach, so SJU is could be an option.

UST has fallen asleep on the Gusties the last two years, so...I have GAC as a darkhorse. Although, Auggie has played UST tough a number of times in the Caruso era.

Hmmm...tough one.

Anyone but Hamline or Carleton has a chance I would say (no offense). That's why I watch the games.

I'm awfully curious about Augsburg this year...Scott was very impressive as a freshman, so if he's improved they could have a pretty legit squad.  I admittedly don't know a thing about the rest of their team, but they would be my darkhorse...does anyone know enough to say whether they could possibly contend for the MIAC title next year?

[HSCTiger74]

Yeah, it was a brutal game at the tail end of the "old school" era.  The Hawthorn guy that got blind sided four seconds into the game ended up playing out the match with a torn spleen.  He spend the next three days in hospital.  The Hawthorn guy caught in the brutal headlock about two minutes in ended up with a couple broken ribs and a punctured lunch but finished the game.  A few Geelong criminals were also hurt but I can't remember what happened to those deadbeats.

Since Geelong came out early and hard at the man Hawthorn was able to run away to a big half time lead.  In the second half Geelong came storming back, lead by Gary Ablett Sr, and Hawthorn held on in a nail biter.

I know I'm nitpicking, but was it Sr. or Jr.? I would've thought Sr. (an amazing player in his own right) was in his 50s by now.

SR in '89. People say he's the best that ever played. Jr plays now for Gold Coast, formerly at Geelong, and people say he's the second best to ever play.

AO; that made me belly laugh. Very funny.

Thanks Oz; I completely missed the original reference to it being in '89. 

[sjusection105]

It's on like Donkey Kong next weekend. A veritable battle royale in the Family Oz. We're coming back from Sydney on Saturday afternoon and going straight from the airport to the MCG in order to witness a top of the table clash for the ages between #1 Hawthorn and #2 Geelong. Mrs Oz and #3 are Cats supporters while #'s 1 and 2 line up with me and the Hawks. We've lost 10 in a row to the Cats but are on a 12 game winning streak (since losing to the Cats in round 1) and looking to set a club record of 13 in a row on Saturday night.  This game has all makings of an epic.

Maybe almost as good as The Battle of '89.

1st half highlights: http://youtu.be/xGEkZwKnSJI

Second half: http://youtu.be/t-v7wahIxFU

Oz,

I watched most of that 1st half highlight clip....that was great.  No idea what was going on but still enjoyed the action.

If the Cobbs or UWEC gets everything going the right way, it's a real possibility. Johnson will have BU back and pissed about the drubbing last year, so the Royals could catch UST on an off day. Don't know how Fasching will be as a head coach, so SJU is could be an option.

UST has fallen asleep on the Gusties the last two years, so...I have GAC as a darkhorse. Although, Auggie has played UST tough a number of times in the Caruso era.

Hmmm...tough one.

Anyone but Hamline or Carleton has a chance I would say (no offense). That's why I watch the games.

I'm awfully curious about Augsburg this year...Scott was very impressive as a freshman, so if he's improved they could have a pretty legit squad.  I admittedly don't know a thing about the rest of their team, but they would be my darkhorse...does anyone know enough to say whether they could possibly contend for the MIAC title next year?

I may not know,but that hasn't stopped me from giving my opinion here before 

From what I recall,there was solid defense last year but I couldn't tell you if they were Sr. heavy squad or a young squad. The offense had  weapons other than Scott, that is what makes him so dangerous- you have to respect the other skill players.Again, I couldn't tell you if the RB & TE & WR were Sr. or underclassmen. There is also all around team speed for Auggie. They are a legit squad.

I may be wrong but I see one of two things happening, either UST is "falling back to the pack" or the pack is closing the talent gap. I see many more close games conference wide in 2013.

[OldAuggie]

It's on like Donkey Kong next weekend. A veritable battle royale in the Family Oz. We're coming back from Sydney on Saturday afternoon and going straight from the airport to the MCG in order to witness a top of the table clash for the ages between #1 Hawthorn and #2 Geelong. Mrs Oz and #3 are Cats supporters while #'s 1 and 2 line up with me and the Hawks. We've lost 10 in a row to the Cats but are on a 12 game winning streak (since losing to the Cats in round 1) and looking to set a club record of 13 in a row on Saturday night.  This game has all makings of an epic.

Maybe almost as good as The Battle of '89.

1st half highlights: http://youtu.be/xGEkZwKnSJI

Second half: http://youtu.be/t-v7wahIxFU

Oz,

I watched most of that 1st half highlight clip....that was great.  No idea what was going on but still enjoyed the action.

If the Cobbs or UWEC gets everything going the right way, it's a real possibility. Johnson will have BU back and pissed about the drubbing last year, so the Royals could catch UST on an off day. Don't know how Fasching will be as a head coach, so SJU is could be an option.

UST has fallen asleep on the Gusties the last two years, so...I have GAC as a darkhorse. Although, Auggie has played UST tough a number of times in the Caruso era.

Hmmm...tough one.

Anyone but Hamline or Carleton has a chance I would say (no offense). That's why I watch the games.

I'm awfully curious about Augsburg this year...Scott was very impressive as a freshman, so if he's improved they could have a pretty legit squad.  I admittedly don't know a thing about the rest of their team, but they would be my darkhorse...does anyone know enough to say whether they could possibly contend for the MIAC title next year?

I may not know,but that hasn't stopped me from giving my opinion here before 

From what I recall,there was solid defense last year but I couldn't tell you if they were Sr. heavy squad or a young squad. The offense had  weapons other than Scott, that is what makes him so dangerous- you have to respect the other skill players.Again, I couldn't tell you if the RB & TE & WR were Sr. or underclassmen. There is also all around team speed for Auggie. They are a legit squad.

I may be wrong but I see one of two things happening, either UST is "falling back to the pack" or the pack is closing the talent gap. I see many more close games conference wide in 2013.

The Auggies were young last year on offense with many underclassmen starting and with Mr. Scott running the show I agree; they are a legit team.  The defense had a couple of seniors in key spots but I think they will be fine this year.

[OzJohnnie]

It pains me greatly to say this but I will anyway: I think the Tommies will take the conference one more year. Only. This year will have great potential showing itself and next year will see the natural order restored.

[Retired Old Rat]

Bench, you've become quite the sandbagger in your later years.

If anyone in the MIAC beats St. Thomas this year it will be a major upset.  I expect them to cruise through the regular season.

[Tom Thumb]

It's on like Donkey Kong next weekend. A veritable battle royale in the Family Oz. We're coming back from Sydney on Saturday afternoon and going straight from the airport to the MCG in order to witness a top of the table clash for the ages between #1 Hawthorn and #2 Geelong. Mrs Oz and #3 are Cats supporters while #'s 1 and 2 line up with me and the Hawks. We've lost 10 in a row to the Cats but are on a 12 game winning streak (since losing to the Cats in round 1) and looking to set a club record of 13 in a row on Saturday night.  This game has all makings of an epic.

Maybe almost as good as The Battle of '89.

1st half highlights: http://youtu.be/xGEkZwKnSJI

Second half: http://youtu.be/t-v7wahIxFU

Oz,

I watched most of that 1st half highlight clip....that was great.  No idea what was going on but still enjoyed the action.

If the Cobbs or UWEC gets everything going the right way, it's a real possibility. Johnson will have BU back and pissed about the drubbing last year, so the Royals could catch UST on an off day. Don't know how Fasching will be as a head coach, so SJU is could be an option.

UST has fallen asleep on the Gusties the last two years, so...I have GAC as a darkhorse. Although, Auggie has played UST tough a number of times in the Caruso era.

Hmmm...tough one.

Anyone but Hamline or Carleton has a chance I would say (no offense). That's why I watch the games.

I'm awfully curious about Augsburg this year...Scott was very impressive as a freshman, so if he's improved they could have a pretty legit squad.  I admittedly don't know a thing about the rest of their team, but they would be my darkhorse...does anyone know enough to say whether they could possibly contend for the MIAC title next year?

I may not know,but that hasn't stopped me from giving my opinion here before 

From what I recall,there was solid defense last year but I couldn't tell you if they were Sr. heavy squad or a young squad. The offense had  weapons other than Scott, that is what makes him so dangerous- you have to respect the other skill players.Again, I couldn't tell you if the RB & TE & WR were Sr. or underclassmen. There is also all around team speed for Auggie. They are a legit squad.

I may be wrong but I see one of two things happening, either UST is "falling back to the pack" or the pack is closing the talent gap. I see many more close games conference wide in 2013.

I don't see St. Thomas "falling back to the pack" anytime soon. If anything, it would be the pack closing the talent gap. UST returns 14 starters from a team that went to the national championship. That includes 25 freshmen or sophomores on its two-deep squad. Matt O'Connell is only a junior and I think these next two years could be special for the Tommies considering their youth and the strong class they just brought in. But with that said, the conference will be strong again this year. Bethel will be tough. Augsburg has talent all over the field. But towards the end of the season it comes down to depth. Should be exciting to watch again this year.

[GoldandBlueBU]

I don't see St. Thomas "falling back to the pack" anytime soon. If anything, it would be the pack closing the talent gap. UST returns 14 starters from a team that went to the national championship. That includes 25 freshmen or sophomores on its two-deep squad. Matt O'Connell is only a junior and I think these next two years could be special for the Tommies considering their youth and the strong class they just brought in. But with that said, the conference will be strong again this year. Bethel will be tough. Augsburg has talent all over the field. But towards the end of the season it comes down to depth. Should be exciting to watch again this year.

I definitely agree with this...the "fall back to the pack" mantra is the hope that SJU fans are clinging to.  Why would they have reason to fall back to the pack?  Same coach and loaded recruiting classes would lead me to think there will be at least a few more years of them being the MIAC juggernaut.  If anything, as you pointed out, I think UST's performance will lead to an overall improvement of the competitive MIAC teams as they now have a new target to shoot for if a conference title is desired.