FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[art76]

Caught most of it online...UST defense looked solid when they needed it, but the offense was sloppy.  Also, 13 UST penalties for 101 yards didn't help.

Figured it would have been mostly over by halftime, but was surprised by the 7-0 score.

The only other UST game I've seen was the SJU matchup where they looked better.  Today's version would struggle to advance past the second round of the playoffs.

Personally, it's been very difficult to get to any BU home games and this was the first and only game I was able to get to. Earlier in the day I happened to have stopped at a Caribou Coffee shop and after ordering, strolled to the pick-up area where a St. Thomas co-ed was also waiting for her drink. As I walked by I said "go Bethel" (she was wearing a Tommie hoody) and she quickly retorted - "no way!" We then chatted a bit more where she shared that a couple of her room mates were dating a couple of the Tommie football players, and those players were sharing that they thought that this game with Bethel was going to be their toughest game of the season. So I took that info to the game.

Got to the game and was surprised at the lower crowd turn-out - especially the large lack of students in the designated student area. Truly, fare weather fans apparently.  And the weather was a factor for sure, as BU's QB had problems gripping the ball to get good passes off. He over-shot his receivers more times than I could count.

But the thing that really was difficult to watch as a BU fan was all the stinking penalties that cost them points and stopped scoring drives deep into the Tommies end of the field.  As Goldie alluded to, I was very happy to see the score at 7 to 0 at the end of the half. This was a game Bethel should have won, but they shot themselves in the foot.

I have to say, the Tommies didn't look like a team going back to the Stagg Bowl. They might get through the second round this year, depending on who they draw. I think they are over-rated in the D3 Top 25 poll - but what do I know?

[DuffMan]

Jamestown has won their last two games and shown improvement, but it's still a really, really, really bad loss for a playoff hopeful team.

In the Cobbers defense, it was a first-game loss.  My junior year, we lost to mid-level UW-EC and St. Olaf teams to start the season, and my senior year we lost to a mid-level UW-EC team in our opener, and both years, we ended up in the NCAA semis (2001, 2002).  It still looks bad, but the Cobbers are obviously a much better team now than that loss to Jamestown showed.

[DuffMan]

I think they are over-rated in the D3 Top 25 poll - but what do I know?

The problem with the poll (or any D3 poll), IMO, is that very few voters see many games outside of their region.  That makes it very tough to judge.

[miac952]

I have said it before, but I also don't think this is a Stagg Bowl UST team. I also thought that about the 2012 squad though, so what do I know. I dont get the sense that UST is overrated however. Think the competition might be a little more level this year. We will see when it comes to the playoffs though. Maybe Mount Union and/or MHB show they are a heap above.

St Thomas rolled up 520 yards on Bethel on Saturday. Moving the ball hasn't been a problem all season. Even against Concordia they moved the ball (460 yards) really well. The offense is much more finesse than a year ago though. A younger O-line and two RB's that aren't as powerful as Roberts mean they get yards a little differently. That gets a lot harder when they get into the red zone. Drive's stall, turnover's happen, etc. I think they are still adjusting to being a little different without Roberts.

On defense not a lot has changed. They bend a little, with big plays here and there.

I will be curious to see how the final two weeks and playoffs shake-out. I think this year has the makings for a little more parody across the board.

[repete]

Jamestown has won their last two games and shown improvement, but it's still a really, really, really bad loss for a playoff hopeful team.

In the Cobbers defense, it was a first-game loss.  My junior year, we lost to mid-level UW-EC and St. Olaf teams to start the season, and my senior year we lost to a mid-level UW-EC team in our opener, and both years, we ended up in the NCAA semis (2001, 2002).  It still looks bad, but the Cobbers are obviously a much better team now than that loss to Jamestown showed.

Exactly. And Horan is a quality coach. He would not have the longevity/success that he's had unless he knew how to improve teams throughout the seasons. And November in Moorhead is never fun. Tough, tough game ahead for the Jays.

[badger1845]

Jamestown has won their last two games and shown improvement, but it's still a really, really, really bad loss for a playoff hopeful team.

In the Cobbers defense, it was a first-game loss.  My junior year, we lost to mid-level UW-EC and St. Olaf teams to start the season, and my senior year we lost to a mid-level UW-EC team in our opener, and both years, we ended up in the NCAA semis (2001, 2002).  It still looks bad, but the Cobbers are obviously a much better team now than that loss to Jamestown showed.

I was on both those UWEC teams.  We were tied for conference champs in 01 and second in 02.  That's mid level?  I think we were pretty good.  Just saying.  Plus ended my career with a 3-1 mark against SJU.  Your 03 team was ridiculous.

[badger1845]

I have said it before, but I also don't think this is a Stagg Bowl UST team. I also thought that about the 2012 squad though, so what do I know. I dont get the sense that UST is overrated however. Think the competition might be a little more level this year. We will see when it comes to the playoffs though. Maybe Mount Union and/or MHB show they are a heap above.

St Thomas rolled up 520 yards on Bethel on Saturday. Moving the ball hasn't been a problem all season. Even against Concordia they moved the ball (460 yards) really well. The offense is much more finesse than a year ago though. A younger O-line and two RB's that aren't as powerful as Roberts mean they get yards a little differently. That gets a lot harder when they get into the red zone. Drive's stall, turnover's happen, etc. I think they are still adjusting to being a little different without Roberts.

On defense not a lot has changed. They bend a little, with big plays here and there.

I will be curious to see how the final two weeks and playoffs shake-out. I think this year has the makings for a little more parody across the board.

Defensively I think they are just as talented as last year.  I think it's the offense that is the difference.  Young OL and no Roberts makes a difference.  Plus that TE they had last year was impressive.  Just my opinions from having seen them last year and this year.

[DuffMan]

I was on both those UWEC teams.  We were tied for conference champs in 01 and second in 02.  That's mid level?  I think we were pretty good.  Just saying.  Plus ended my career with a 3-1 mark against SJU.  Your 03 team was ridiculous.

Really?  I guess that was quite a while ago, so my memory is a little foggy.  I didn't mean to take anything away from UW-EC--my point was that after those losses, I doubt many people saw SJU as semi-finalists.

Those were some good battles.  Man, that '02 game was hot!  We came in prepared for something other than what you threw at us.  The '03 team was something else.  Unfortunately, I had graduated the spring before.

[Pat Coleman]

I think they are over-rated in the D3 Top 25 poll - but what do I know?

The problem with the poll (or any D3 poll), IMO, is that very few voters see many games outside of their region.  That makes it very tough to judge.

More importantly, the top teams don't play each other, or play teams outside their region. That would be more telling.

[HansenRatings]

Jamestown has won their last two games and shown improvement, but it's still a really, really, really bad loss for a playoff hopeful team.

In the Cobbers defense, it was a first-game loss.  My junior year, we lost to mid-level UW-EC and St. Olaf teams to start the season, and my senior year we lost to a mid-level UW-EC team in our opener, and both years, we ended up in the NCAA semis (2001, 2002).  It still looks bad, but the Cobbers are obviously a much better team now than that loss to Jamestown showed.

But SJU still got in through Pool A. The committee does care about out of division losses (by how much is uncertain though), and my argument is that a loss to Jamestown could really set them back in the eyes of the committee. I also agree with badger1845, UW-EC was on a different level than what Jamestown is.

[newcru]

I think they are over-rated in the D3 Top 25 poll - but what do I know?

The problem with the poll (or any D3 poll), IMO, is that very few voters see many games outside of their region.  That makes it very tough to judge.

More importantly, the top teams don't play each other, or play teams outside their region. That would be more telling.

You say that but there was a game this year that had some top teams play this season 

[jamtod]

I think they are over-rated in the D3 Top 25 poll - but what do I know?

The problem with the poll (or any D3 poll), IMO, is that very few voters see many games outside of their region.  That makes it very tough to judge.

More importantly, the top teams don't play each other, or play teams outside their region. That would be more telling.

You say that but there was a game this year that had some top teams play this season 

Good point. St Thomas did already play St John's this year.

[newcru]

I think they are over-rated in the D3 Top 25 poll - but what do I know?

The problem with the poll (or any D3 poll), IMO, is that very few voters see many games outside of their region.  That makes it very tough to judge.

More importantly, the top teams don't play each other, or play teams outside their region. That would be more telling.

You say that but there was a game this year that had some top teams play this season 

Good point. St Thomas did already play St John's this year.

Hahaha also true jamtoTommie but you know what game im referring to that top 5 match up in week 3 that was out of region.  You know which one im talking about.  UMHB vs. Linfield.........

[Pat Coleman]

I think they are over-rated in the D3 Top 25 poll - but what do I know?

The problem with the poll (or any D3 poll), IMO, is that very few voters see many games outside of their region.  That makes it very tough to judge.

More importantly, the top teams don't play each other, or play teams outside their region. That would be more telling.

You say that but there was a game this year that had some top teams play this season 

Good point. St Thomas did already play St John's this year.

Hahaha also true jamtoTommie but you know what game im referring to that top 5 match up in week 3 that was out of region.  You know which one im talking about.  UMHB vs. Linfield.........

Thanks, newcru. I was there. At both of the games cited. Welcome to the board.

[OzJohnnie]

Well, the Vikings have predictably reverted to form. Sooner than I expected, I should admit.