FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[DuffMan]

My observations thus far support this.

I do agree with you, but it's pretty pathetic when recent scores like 59-0, 62-0, and 55-0 are the result of coaches throttling it back. 

[USTBench]

I guess my question, is if 2 or 3 teams really leave the MIAC, then what? Does the MIAC try to find a UMAC team or two to take their place, do they consider adjacent state expansion like the IIAC? I think it might be time for certain schools to start considering contingency plans, or the MIAC might just end up like the old NCC. Teams that didn't move up when they should have (UND, USD), were stuck playing games in atmospheres with the requisite charm of an abandoned tire plant, and the teams that made the jump (SDSU, NDSU) were having success much earlier than expected to an astonishing degree.

I know everyone on here prefers the conference staying together, but to what end? There's only 2 games a year SJU and UST are even remotely worried about. That lack of parity isn't interesting or good for anyone. Look at the OAC. Yeah, John Carroll now has the capability of knocking off MUC every decade or so, but that's about the best shot MUC is going to get until the semifinals.

If those schools leave I worry that SJU and UST are stuck in a conference with no AQ, trying to find games (like certain WIAC schools), which leads to 9 game regular seasons, games against NAIA/D2 opponents, or games against top notch regional opponents that can have massive playoff implications. Would a 6 or 7 team MIAC even be worth it?

[Pat Coleman]

Yikes! 227 to 3? Seriously? Ugh, and then Pat steals my punch line, to boot!

Sorry! What did I say?

[Pat Coleman]

I guess my question, is if 2 or 3 teams really leave the MIAC, then what? Does the MIAC try to find a UMAC team or two to take their place, do they consider adjacent state expansion like the IIAC?

I just don't know if this makes sense. I understand there's an imbalance in the force when it comes to football, but these schools play each other in a lot of sports. I know football is a big driver of these relationships, but it's hardly the only thing these schools have in common. Football doesn't drive these decisions the way it used to, and it doesn't drive them like it does in D-I.

[jamtod]

My observations thus far support this.

I do agree with you, but it's pretty pathetic when recent scores like 59-0, 62-0, and 55-0 are the result of coaches throttling it back. 

When you end up with random special teams scores, defensive scores, and short fields, at some point you have to let your 1s actually try to run your regular offense and get into something of a rhythm to prepare for the big games and a playoff run. I am amused to check the MIAC stats leaderboard and see none of the Tommies or Johnnies anywhere near the top as throwing the ball is mostly over with in the first half and the starters are pulled, spreading the stat-love around significantly.

[jamtod]

I guess my question, is if 2 or 3 teams really leave the MIAC, then what? Does the MIAC try to find a UMAC team or two to take their place, do they consider adjacent state expansion like the IIAC?

I just don't know if this makes sense. I understand there's an imbalance in the force when it comes to football, but these schools play each other in a lot of sports. I know football is a big driver of these relationships, but it's hardly the only thing these schools have in common. Football doesn't drive these decisions the way it used to, and it doesn't drive them like it does in D-I.

Yep, and going to the UMAC for a replacement isn't really going to solve the issue at all.
I will continue to believe this is all overblown football-centric thinking until the moment things really blow up (which I accept might happen, but I'm not going to lose sleep over it as a fan until that day).

[art76]

Yikes! 227 to 3? Seriously? Ugh, and then Pat steals my punch line, to boot!

Sorry! What did I say?

227 to 3 - I thought I would be the only one to think that way. 

[Pat Coleman]

I guess my question, is if 2 or 3 teams really leave the MIAC, then what? Does the MIAC try to find a UMAC team or two to take their place, do they consider adjacent state expansion like the IIAC?

I just don't know if this makes sense. I understand there's an imbalance in the force when it comes to football, but these schools play each other in a lot of sports. I know football is a big driver of these relationships, but it's hardly the only thing these schools have in common. Football doesn't drive these decisions the way it used to, and it doesn't drive them like it does in D-I.

Yep, and going to the UMAC for a replacement isn't really going to solve the issue at all.
I will continue to believe this is all overblown football-centric thinking until the moment things really blow up (which I accept might happen, but I'm not going to lose sleep over it as a fan until that day).

FWIW, I think there's one UMAC institution that could add to the MIAC profile. Possibly two, but the second might be a stretch in most sports.

[OzJohnnie]

If teams start dropping conferences because of competitive concerns then the NCAA will need to rethink the post-season formula in order to preserve the DIII personality. As little as 15 years ago the primary goal for the MIAC at least was to win the conference and post-season performance was a nice added bonus. But the arms race sparked by UWW’s specific ambition to compete with MUC and almost treat the conference as a bonus has spread to a number of programs across the nation who now have a similar philosophy about national competitiveness.

I suppose this juncture was inevitable as the post-season became more formal and prestigious. With DIII title games now getting the ESPN treatment we’re in for more of the same. Programs will be ever more competitive.  So it’s no surprise how it got here and it’s no mystery where it is heading.  The national NCAA structure created this situation and I don’t think the genie can be put back into the bottle. The implications will reach far further than just the MIAC.

[AO]

I guess my question, is if 2 or 3 teams really leave the MIAC, then what? Does the MIAC try to find a UMAC team or two to take their place, do they consider adjacent state expansion like the IIAC?

I just don't know if this makes sense. I understand there's an imbalance in the force when it comes to football, but these schools play each other in a lot of sports. I know football is a big driver of these relationships, but it's hardly the only thing these schools have in common. Football doesn't drive these decisions the way it used to, and it doesn't drive them like it does in D-I.

Yep, and going to the UMAC for a replacement isn't really going to solve the issue at all.
I will continue to believe this is all overblown football-centric thinking until the moment things really blow up (which I accept might happen, but I'm not going to lose sleep over it as a fan until that day).

FWIW, I think there's one UMAC institution that could add to the MIAC profile. Possibly two, but the second might be a stretch in most sports.

I don't know whether this is a shot or a compliment......

[OzJohnnie]

The MIAC could use spending limits or such to preserve parity in the conference but that will doom the AQ to one-and-done. No, it's an issue that is bigger than the MIAC.

[jamtod]

The MIAC could use spending limits or such to preserve parity in the conference but that will doom the AQ to one-and-done. No, it's an issue that is bigger than the MIAC.

And preserving parity in the conference for those with current national aspirations in the major sports might ultimately sabotage the conference in the other way. If UST is hamstrung from competing nationally in D3, then D2/D1 start to make more sense.

[USTBench]

The MIAC could use spending limits or such to preserve parity in the conference but that will doom the AQ to one-and-done. No, it's an issue that is bigger than the MIAC.

I would rather UST/SJU play independent schedule than see what grotesque abomination a spending cap would become.

The other day Old Dominion (0-3, recently went from FCS to FBS) beat #13 Virginia Tech.

Can you imagine Finlandia coming within 70 of SJU? I'm starting to believe that there should be another division for enrollment driven programs, or certain programs (the WIAC in its entirety, UST, SJU, UMHB) should consider whether this level is the right fit anymore.

[wm4]

FWIW, I think there's one UMAC institution that could add to the MIAC profile. Possibly two, but the second might be a stretch in most sports.

Think bigger...I think a good chunk of the Big 10 West could come over to help the MIAC.  Looking at you, Nebraska, Purdue and Illinois, and you too Minnesota if you don't pick it up.   

[AO]

MIAC PICKEMS
WEEK 4 STANDINGS


WEEK 5 Sep. 29

Conference: 3pts
Bethel @ Carleton (+50.5)
#9 St. John's @ Augsburg (45.5)
#3 St. Thomas @ Concordia (+14.5)
St. Olaf @ Hamline (+21.5)

National: 1pt
#21 Wheaton (+7.5) @ #5 North Central