FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[retagent]

In addition, he has shown that he can catch the ball. He will be a threat, probably this year. They might consider moving him to WR, but I'm sure we'll see him in the slot at some point.

[retagent]

The rest of the field is largely an afterthought as far as the big show goes but it does offer a unique experience to d3 which you cannot get from other associations.  And there's value in that too.

IMHO getting spun around and waxed 84-6, 48-6, 52-0, 49-0, 60-0 has no value.
If I was on those losing teams I would be out of sorts until Christmas.

More seriously, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that a play-in type arrangement is considered in the next few years.  With so many AQ's and such a disparity in approach between the big five or six conferences and the rest of the field, either we need to accept continued beatings or we need to winnow the field before the big boys get involved.

(Also, this Johnnie side is playing particularly hot.   They are executing extremely well, not physically dominating like a few of the massive sides have in the last few years. ML players weren't getting carried out on stretchers, they were just getting beat. Repeatedly.)

Perhaps the difference between a #1 and #2 seed?

When grasping at straws, there are no limits. I'm sure that was it. I'm sure they also take into consideration IQ, Distance from locker room to field, and other irrelevant factors. Keep thinking that there was a lot of investigation into separating UWW from SJU in the rankings. I'm sure you also have an explanation as to why SJU was rated higher in the d3.com Poll, as well as the West Region Fan Poll. Since they don't matter on the field either. Maybe it's the quality of pre-game meals.

[sjusection105]

Oh, it must also be said.  As good as the Johnnie execution is, the replay guy is exactly as awful.  Whatever sports broadcast tool they are using, they need another.  BU's is much better as it has slo-mo replays and variable length at a minimum.  We need an upgrade.  I don't mind paying but I want near broadcast quality if I'm putting out the cash.

Also, Trost is extremely quick.  As he puts some more meat on his bones over this summer (he's only 180) I reckon he'll turn into a first team threat next year as a sophomore.

With Trost's speed, I wonder if the coaches have considered having him return kick-offs during the play-offs?  Seems like he would be a threat to break some long ones.

Quick FYI: I've been following this board for about six years, but this is my first post.  I wanted to to let my skin grow some extra layers before wading into the occasional melee. 

Also, bennie, I hope you don't take offense (or for Oz, offence) at my choice of handles.  Not trying to steal your thunder.  BennieDad is just the best description of my status.

Welcome aboard

[57Johnnie]

The rest of the field is largely an afterthought as far as the big show goes but it does offer a unique experience to d3 which you cannot get from other associations.  And there's value in that too.

IMHO getting spun around and waxed 84-6, 48-6, 52-0, 49-0, 60-0 has no value.
If I was on those losing teams I would be out of sorts until Christmas.

More seriously, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that a play-in type arrangement is considered in the next few years.  With so many AQ's and such a disparity in approach between the big five or six conferences and the rest of the field, either we need to accept continued beatings or we need to winnow the field before the big boys get involved.

(Also, this Johnnie side is playing particularly hot.   They are executing extremely well, not physically dominating like a few of the massive sides have in the last few years. ML players weren't getting carried out on stretchers, they were just getting beat. Repeatedly.)

Perhaps the difference between a #1 and #2 seed?

When grasping at straws, there are no limits. I'm sure that was it. I'm sure they also take into consideration IQ, Distance from locker room to field, and other irrelevant factors. Keep thinking that there was a lot of investigation into separating UWW from SJU in the rankings. I'm sure you also have an explanation as to why SJU was rated higher in the d3.com Poll, as well as the West Region Fan Poll. Since they don't matter on the field either. Maybe it's the quality of pre-game meals.

........ And also what we have to say on this board

[bennie]

Oh, it must also be said.  As good as the Johnnie execution is, the replay guy is exactly as awful.  Whatever sports broadcast tool they are using, they need another.  BU's is much better as it has slo-mo replays and variable length at a minimum.  We need an upgrade.  I don't mind paying but I want near broadcast quality if I'm putting out the cash.

Also, Trost is extremely quick.  As he puts some more meat on his bones over this summer (he's only 180) I reckon he'll turn into a first team threat next year as a sophomore.

With Trost's speed, I wonder if the coaches have considered having him return kick-offs during the play-offs?  Seems like he would be a threat to break some long ones.

Quick FYI: I've been following this board for about six years, but this is my first post.  I wanted to to let my skin grow some extra layers before wading into the occasional melee. 

Also, bennie, I hope you don't take offense (or for Oz, offence) at my choice of handles.  Not trying to steal your thunder.  BennieDad is just the best description of my status.

The more Bennies and Bennie adjacents the better! Welcome to the board!

[repete]

Great day for the MIAC today!

Didn't even go over to the Johnnie game because it was such a blow-out. Watched about two-thirds of the Bethel game, and changing the oil for my daughter on her van. Looked in on a couple other games, but didn't really see anything too surprising. The Johnnies will see a little bit stiffer competition next week - about Oles or Gusties level is my estimation of Whitworth. North Central is about St. Thomas level, maybe not quite there, so Bethel definitely has the rougher road to get to the third round, but definitely doable. If they keep playing like they have the past few weeks, there's a chance that there could be a guaranteed MIAC team in the Stagg Bowl when the Royals go up to Collegeville in week four. Wouldn't that be a hoot?

If BU and SJU meet at Clemens for the semis it will be the greatest regret I have ever had about living overseas.

Oz -- Seeing some great airfare alerts to and from Oz ... $603 to MSP. Bad news, tho, that's from Sydney.

[Pat Coleman]

About expanding the playoffs -- as you might know, there is a ratio in Division III of one playoff spot for every 6.5 schools which offer a sport. There are 238 eligible teams who choose to compete (NESCAC) for the D-III postseason and that should get us 36 spots.

Of course, we don't, because we're landlocked at 32. The questions that adding another week of playoffs (even if it's only for eight teams) raises are as follows:

1) If we extend the season by a week, our playoffs run into Christmas. This is seen as not desirable. Next year the Stagg Bowl will be Dec. 19/20 -- if it were a week later, that's kind of tough. If we did what FCS did and pushed it later, then we are *really* extending the season and anything like that will be tough to get through the membership.
2) If we start the season one week earlier, to get our 11 weeks in and start with an early round of playoffs, schools, all schools really, will have to pay a significant amount of money to open camp one week earlier. That money is for housing and feeding kids for an additional week before classes start. We've already had discussions about that with other things in Division III football and schools do not want to do this, generally.
3) If we remove the bye week, and ask people to play their 10 games in 10 weeks, we'll run afoul of the medical people.

Those are the options that have been discussed for lengthening the season. The committee chair shared this info in Podcast 216.

[sfury]

FCS folks upset over newly released bracket as well. I'm not super familiar with all the teams but seems NDSU, 28-time champion and easily best team this year, have a tough draw with James Madison in quarters and SDSU in semis, among other things people are mad about.

And at least D3 is better than NAIA system in 1962 when unbeaten St. John's couldn't crack the four-team playoff system. Fortunately they did in 1963 and won it all. Anyway.

[USTBench]

FCS folks upset over newly released bracket as well. I'm not super familiar with all the teams but seems NDSU, 28-time champion and easily best team this year, have a tough draw with James Madison in quarters and SDSU in semis, among other things people are mad about.

And at least D3 is better than NAIA system in 1962 when unbeaten St. John's couldn't crack the four-team playoff system. Fortunately they did in 1963 and won it all. Anyway.

JMU is down this year and SDSU is always in their bracket. Also, I'm sure you're being facetious but this UND fan would appreciate if you didn't give NDSUCKS more titles than they actually have won

[OzJohnnie]

Great day for the MIAC today!

Didn't even go over to the Johnnie game because it was such a blow-out. Watched about two-thirds of the Bethel game, and changing the oil for my daughter on her van. Looked in on a couple other games, but didn't really see anything too surprising. The Johnnies will see a little bit stiffer competition next week - about Oles or Gusties level is my estimation of Whitworth. North Central is about St. Thomas level, maybe not quite there, so Bethel definitely has the rougher road to get to the third round, but definitely doable. If they keep playing like they have the past few weeks, there's a chance that there could be a guaranteed MIAC team in the Stagg Bowl when the Royals go up to Collegeville in week four. Wouldn't that be a hoot?

If BU and SJU meet at Clemens for the semis it will be the greatest regret I have ever had about living overseas.

Oz -- Seeing some great airfare alerts to and from Oz ... $603 to MSP. Bad news, tho, that's from Sydney.

$600 round trip for you or me?

[sjujohnnie]

I know it's only speculation/prognostication on paper, but according to the Versus Sports Simulator app, after running through the bracket as it sits after the first round, St John's would face Mount Union in the Stagg Bowl & come away victorious, 33-30. Forget sugar plums dancing in my head! I'll take a magical run through the postseason culminating with my wife & I in attendance to watch the Johnnies reign victorious in a rematch 15 years in the making! My wife went to Morningside & after running the remaining teams alive at the NAIA level, Morningside should claim their first national title. Would be something special to say both of our alma maters did so in the same year!

[jamtod]

The rest of the field is largely an afterthought as far as the big show goes but it does offer a unique experience to d3 which you cannot get from other associations.  And there's value in that too.

IMHO getting spun around and waxed 84-6, 48-6, 52-0, 49-0, 60-0 has no value.
If I was on those losing teams I would be out of sorts until Christmas.

More seriously, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that a play-in type arrangement is considered in the next few years.  With so many AQ's and such a disparity in approach between the big five or six conferences and the rest of the field, either we need to accept continued beatings or we need to winnow the field before the big boys get involved.

(Also, this Johnnie side is playing particularly hot.   They are executing extremely well, not physically dominating like a few of the massive sides have in the last few years. ML players weren't getting carried out on stretchers, they were just getting beat. Repeatedly.)

Perhaps the difference between a #1 and #2 seed?

When grasping at straws, there are no limits. I'm sure that was it. I'm sure they also take into consideration IQ, Distance from locker room to field, and other irrelevant factors. Keep thinking that there was a lot of investigation into separating UWW from SJU in the rankings. I'm sure you also have an explanation as to why SJU was rated higher in the d3.com Poll, as well as the West Region Fan Poll. Since they don't matter on the field either. Maybe it's the quality of pre-game meals.

........ And also what we have to say on this board

If your team was judged based on that, y'all would have been booted from d3 a long time ago

[repete]

Great day for the MIAC today!

Didn't even go over to the Johnnie game because it was such a blow-out. Watched about two-thirds of the Bethel game, and changing the oil for my daughter on her van. Looked in on a couple other games, but didn't really see anything too surprising. The Johnnies will see a little bit stiffer competition next week - about Oles or Gusties level is my estimation of Whitworth. North Central is about St. Thomas level, maybe not quite there, so Bethel definitely has the rougher road to get to the third round, but definitely doable. If they keep playing like they have the past few weeks, there's a chance that there could be a guaranteed MIAC team in the Stagg Bowl when the Royals go up to Collegeville in week four. Wouldn't that be a hoot?

If BU and SJU meet at Clemens for the semis it will be the greatest regret I have ever had about living overseas.

Oz -- Seeing some great airfare alerts to and from Oz ... $603 to MSP. Bad news, tho, that's from Sydney.

$600 round trip for you or me?

Ha .. saw it both ways. But I won't be flying Down Under until the Hawks climb the ladder a bit. 

But saw MEL-MSP RT for around $1K earlier in the day.

[OzJohnnie]

Can you PM me a limk

Great day for the MIAC today!

Didn't even go over to the Johnnie game because it was such a blow-out. Watched about two-thirds of the Bethel game, and changing the oil for my daughter on her van. Looked in on a couple other games, but didn't really see anything too surprising. The Johnnies will see a little bit stiffer competition next week - about Oles or Gusties level is my estimation of Whitworth. North Central is about St. Thomas level, maybe not quite there, so Bethel definitely has the rougher road to get to the third round, but definitely doable. If they keep playing like they have the past few weeks, there's a chance that there could be a guaranteed MIAC team in the Stagg Bowl when the Royals go up to Collegeville in week four. Wouldn't that be a hoot?

If BU and SJU meet at Clemens for the semis it will be the greatest regret I have ever had about living overseas.

Oz -- Seeing some great airfare alerts to and from Oz ... $603 to MSP. Bad news, tho, that's from Sydney.

$600 round trip for you or me?

Ha .. saw it both ways. But I won't be flying Down Under until the Hawks climb the ladder a bit. 

But saw MEL-MSP RT for around $1K earlier in the day.

Can you PM me a link, repete?  I want to send it to my parents who may be coming out around Easter.

[edward de vere]

About expanding the playoffs -- as you might know, there is a ratio in Division III of one playoff spot for every 6.5 schools which offer a sport. There are 238 eligible teams who choose to compete (NESCAC) for the D-III postseason and that should get us 36 spots.

Of course, we don't, because we're landlocked at 32. The questions that adding another week of playoffs (even if it's only for eight teams) raises are as follows:

1) If we extend the season by a week, our playoffs run into Christmas. This is seen as not desirable. Next year the Stagg Bowl will be Dec. 19/20 -- if it were a week later, that's kind of tough. If we did what FCS did and pushed it later, then we are *really* extending the season and anything like that will be tough to get through the membership.
2) If we start the season one week earlier, to get our 11 weeks in and start with an early round of playoffs, schools, all schools really, will have to pay a significant amount of money to open camp one week earlier. That money is for housing and feeding kids for an additional week before classes start. We've already had discussions about that with other things in Division III football and schools do not want to do this, generally.
3) If we remove the bye week, and ask people to play their 10 games in 10 weeks, we'll run afoul of the medical people.

Those are the options that have been discussed for lengthening the season. The committee chair shared this info in Podcast 216.

You're right.  I mis-thought the bye solution, which would be no solution at all because it would extend the season.

Drat.

But - wait a minute.  10 games in 10 weeks causes a problem for the medical people?  Almost every year, Mount Union plays 14 games in 14 weeks.  (15 games in 15 weeks when Mount's down week is the first week of the year.)  To me, this medical thing only makes sense if every team played 3-6 games and then had a week off.  (And some teams don't even play 10 games, anyhow.)

Start the season when you do now, play 10 weeks, start with 36 playoff teams and either have play-in games at the bottom or byes at the top.