FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[DustySJU]

Maniac:  Still waiting for your score prediction.  You can run, but you can't hide...

TDT-- you and you good bear buddy VOJ can stop salivating for my prediction. Here it is.

The drought of Biblical porportions cometh to an end. After 22 years without a win on the former cranberry field turned into a mecca for small college football, the Tommies will  board the busses back to St. Paul carrying the Holy Grail for the first time. UST 28, SJU 12. Setting the stage for a rematch in the 2nd round of the NCAAs at the House that IA Built...which will be one of the best games in the history of this rivalry

(what? you thought I'd pick against my alma mater?)

Wow...4 td's against the Johnnies D, that is a bit ambitious.  I see it as a 3 to 10 point game...either way.  There has been a major change in the Johnnies D since the opening two games...thinking less and just going out making plays.

Here is a subject for debate...what is UST's best win?  A down Concordia squad?  A Jeckyll and Hyde St. Olaf team?

If its Concordia consider the fact that the Cobbers made some mistakes, a blocked punt and an interception that UST returned for 6, so the game can be viewed as being closer than the final score would indicate

UST was down to St. Olaf at one point in time 14-13 and didn't the Oles have issues with FG's?

Just something to think about

The former contributor to www.johnniefootball.com refered to as "BrainBrew" covered some of this in an earlier post however the Johnnie and Tommie results from similar opponents are definitely "similar".  In fact the two teams' scores are practically identical.

Several significant differences do exist in that The Toms have yet to play a big game on the road while the Johnnies have four road wins and decent wins again two WIAC teams.  The Toms lone nonconference matchup was against Macalaster.

With identical scores against identical opponents, playing under potentially more difficult conditions while on the road, combined with multiple wins on the road and now a healthier Johnnie squad playing at home will give the J's the edge on Saturday.

No doubt it's a single game set to be played on a single afternoon with two well schooled teams.  Given a clean performance by the Johnnies QB & running backs the victory will go to the home team.

               SJU 28        River Falls, WI  24
               SJU 35        UW EClaire, WI 27               UST 54          Mac 14
               SJU 31        Cobb 17                               UST 31          Cobb 17
               SJU 38        GAC 10                                 UST 45          GAC 12
               SJU 16        BU 14                                   UST 27          Ole  16
               SJU 41        HU 7                                     UST 63          HU 10



Russell Gliadon - sharpen your toe!

[hazzben]

I should clarify--my list is Elliott, Hvistendahl, Winford (who I think, at least statistically, is closer to Hvistendahl than Hvistendahl is to Elliott) and two Post Patterns punchlines. 

There have been a lot of very good receivers in the MIAC, but when it comes to the best it's Elliott and then everyone else.

And to think, St. John's aggressively pursued Eric Decker.  That potentially could have had an effect on this conversation.

I think you're proving my point about Hvistendahl.  The mere fact that Elliot had 15 more games and only 84 more receptions and only 130 more yards speaks volumes. 

That and when you consider that Hvistendahl averaged almost exactly 1 TD/game for his career, if you give him an extra 15 games to match Elliot, the TD numbers would be close to identical.

@ Dusty: Ok, Trinity announcers were amazed at Elliot, and he had the flu.  How many announcers could we cite who were amazed at Hvistendahl?  And his last two games he had almost 450 yards receiving...on a torn ACL!!  And all that was merely en route to breaking Jerry Rice's all time collegiate career receiving yds record.

@ USTbench: "I believe if we're going just by stats and postseason play we'd have to go with B.E."  What??  The stats actually support Hvistendahl, hands down.  The only way to discredit the stats is to say BE made more 'amazing' plays, which only shows that the people in this argument never saw Hvistendahl play, except for maybe once a year.  And postseason play?  So we're going to knock Hvistendahl because his teams weren't as accomplished as B.E.'s?

And lets not forget, Hvistendahl was a true senior.  Unlike Elliot, he never had a medical hardship. 

Hvistendahl's freshman year he only had 295 yds receiving.  His sophmore year he had 1137.
Elliot's redshirt freshman year, 2000, he had 500 yds.  So when they were both technically the same age, SH = 1137, BE = 500.

Hvistendahl's senior year he had 1860 yds.  BE, his redshirt junior year had 1484 yds rec.  His redshirt senior year he had 1319.  No knock on Elliot for getting hurt as a freshman.  But what happens to Hvistendahl's career numbers if you throw out his 295 as freshman and give him another year of experience like BE had as redshirt senior. 

I realize that is all conjecture, but I think it says a ton that Hvistendahl had the numbers he had, considering what he did as freshman and without the benefit of a redshirt/medical hardship. Also, keep in mind, his freshman year was his first as a WR, since he was a RB in high school.

Guys, I just don't get it.  I'm not at all trying to take away from Elliot.  He was an all-time great.  I know, I played against him and we had to try to stop him.  But you are totally nuts if you think Hvistendahl was not in B.E.'s class. 

I think there is probably two things affecting this argument.  1- There is some understandable Johnnie bias.  You guys love Elliot, because he's your guy and because he was a great player.  I totally get that.  2- I think there are a ton of guys in this argument who A) never actually saw Hvistendahl play a single game, and so know of him only as a name (and because he wasn't a Johnnie, not a name that gets brought up multiple times a season) or B) only saw him play 4 games his entire career, aka, when he was playing your team.  As compared to BE, who Johnnie posters saw play multiple times.

All that to say, can I please have the last 1/2 hour of my life back, because I believe it was totally wasted looking up the stats for an argument that is probably already dead and I'm never going to win.  I mean, how do you convince Johnnie fans that BE wasn't the SJU version of 'Baby Jesus?'  I mean, someone has actually argued that had Decker gone to SJU, he may have put up BE type numbers!!  Really, can we all at least admit that as good as Hvistendahl and Elliot were, Decker is hands down in another class?  I mean, he's doing their type of thing at the DI level!!

[WithasilentK]

Maniac:  Still waiting for your score prediction.  You can run, but you can't hide...

TDT-- you and you good bear buddy VOJ can stop salivating for my prediction. Here it is.

The drought of Biblical porportions cometh to an end. After 22 years without a win on the former cranberry field turned into a mecca for small college football, the Tommies will  board the busses back to St. Paul carrying the Holy Grail for the first time. UST 28, SJU 12. Setting the stage for a rematch in the 2nd round of the NCAAs at the House that IA Built...which will be one of the best games in the history of this rivalry

(what? you thought I'd pick against my alma mater?)

Wow...4 td's against the Johnnies D, that is a bit ambitious.  I see it as a 3 to 10 point game...either way.  There has been a major change in the Johnnies D since the opening two games...thinking less and just going out making plays.

Here is a subject for debate...what is UST's best win?  A down Concordia squad?  A Jeckyll and Hyde St. Olaf team?

If its Concordia consider the fact that the Cobbers made some mistakes, a blocked punt and an interception that UST returned for 6, so the game can be viewed as being closer than the final score would indicate

UST was down to St. Olaf at one point in time 14-13 and didn't the Oles have issues with FG's?

Just something to think about

The former contributor to www.johnniefootball.com refered to as "BrainBrew" covered some of this in an earlier post however the Johnnie and Tommie results from similar opponents are definitely "similar".  In fact the two teams' scores are practically identical.

Several significant differences do exist in that The Toms have yet to play a big game on the road while the Johnnies have four road wins and decent wins again two WIAC teams.  The Toms lone nonconference matchup was against Macalaster.

With identical scores against identical opponents, playing under potentially more difficult conditions while on the road, combined with multiple wins on the road and now a healthier Johnnie squad playing at home will give the J's the edge on Saturday.

No doubt it's a single game set to be played on a single afternoon with two well schooled teams.  Given a clean performance by the Johnnies QB & running backs the victory will go to the home team.

               SJU 28        River Falls, WI  24
               SJU 35        UW EClaire, WI 27               UST 54          Mac 14
               SJU 31        Cobb 17                               UST 31          Cobb 17
               SJU 38        GAC 10                                 UST 45          GAC 12
               SJU 16        BU 14                                   UST 27          Ole  16
               SJU 41        HU 7                                     UST 63          HU 10



Russell Gliadon - sharpen your toe!

VOJ:

Against Concordia, Tommies built a 31-10 lead before letting up a garbage score.  Yes they had a blocked punt and INT but both were after it was 21-10.  The Cobbers also fumbled twice inside the Johnnies 5 yard line at a point when the game was close, so maybe THAT score was inflated.

Dusty:

Decent wins against 1 WIAC team.  Why do people think UWRF was good?  They weren't and they aren't.  And I will say this AGAIN...playing on the road DOES NOT MATTER.  It has little to no effect on the game.  They take a bus for an hour and a half, get there with plenty of time to get loose, and then think of how awesome it'll be to win and disappoint 10,000 Johnnie fans.  Road game is not a factor.  And I realize you said potentially more difficult conditions, but I can't stand when people bring up this argument.

I think it will take more than a clean game by the SJU's running backs and quarterback.  They are gonna have to do something game-breaking to give the Johnnies an edge over UST's D, and I don't know if that'll happen.   But, I'll also say it again, spreading them out turns UST's defense into a defense that is very scorable against.  If they do this, then my prediction will probably get trampled on.

A clean game by UST's runningbacks and quarterback could easily result in 4 scores for them and a win.

[Willy Wonka]

Maniac:  Still waiting for your score prediction.  You can run, but you can't hide...

TDT-- you and you good bear buddy VOJ can stop salivating for my prediction. Here it is.

The drought of Biblical porportions cometh to an end. After 22 years without a win on the former cranberry field turned into a mecca for small college football, the Tommies will  board the busses back to St. Paul carrying the Holy Grail for the first time. UST 28, SJU 12. Setting the stage for a rematch in the 2nd round of the NCAAs at the House that IA Built...which will be one of the best games in the history of this rivalry

(what? you thought I'd pick against my alma mater?)

Wow...4 td's against the Johnnies D, that is a bit ambitious.  I see it as a 3 to 10 point game...either way.  There has been a major change in the Johnnies D since the opening two games...thinking less and just going out making plays.

Here is a subject for debate...what is UST's best win?  A down Concordia squad?  A Jeckyll and Hyde St. Olaf team?

If its Concordia consider the fact that the Cobbers made some mistakes, a blocked punt and an interception that UST returned for 6, so the game can be viewed as being closer than the final score would indicate

UST was down to St. Olaf at one point in time 14-13 and didn't the Oles have issues with FG's?

Just something to think about

Really, VOJ? Take off the blinders for a minute and look in the mirror.

SJU's two nonconference wins came against what are currently the two worst teams in the WIAC. The Johnnies pounded bad Gustavus and Hamline teams, as is expected. They also needed a virtual miracle to beat a solid Bethel team. At home. On Homecoming. As someone else just said, the Tommies beat Concordia more impressively. I'm really not sure what to make of that argument...

Hazzben — I'm on board, but don't expect any positive feedback from the masses here. We have a couple posters who would literally have B.E.'s baby. I'm looking at you, TDT.

[cobbernation]

As we take a break from all the SJU/UST talk.  Concordia has just announced it's "Update the Jake" project.  The school is going to get field turf for the football/baseball field, new locker rooms for football and soccer players.  Also, more parking for the entire complex as well as lights for the football field.  I am guessing the lights are mostly for the chance of hosting high school playoff games, but it would be sweet to watch some D-3 football under the lights!  Here is the story:

http://www.cord.edu/dept/sports/outdoorfacilitiesannouncement091016.php

[DustySJU]

Maniac:  Still waiting for your score prediction.  You can run, but you can't hide...

TDT-- you and you good bear buddy VOJ can stop salivating for my prediction. Here it is.

The drought of Biblical porportions cometh to an end. After 22 years without a win on the former cranberry field turned into a mecca for small college football, the Tommies will  board the busses back to St. Paul carrying the Holy Grail for the first time. UST 28, SJU 12. Setting the stage for a rematch in the 2nd round of the NCAAs at the House that IA Built...which will be one of the best games in the history of this rivalry

(what? you thought I'd pick against my alma mater?)

Wow...4 td's against the Johnnies D, that is a bit ambitious.  I see it as a 3 to 10 point game...either way.  There has been a major change in the Johnnies D since the opening two games...thinking less and just going out making plays.

Here is a subject for debate...what is UST's best win?  A down Concordia squad?  A Jeckyll and Hyde St. Olaf team?

If its Concordia consider the fact that the Cobbers made some mistakes, a blocked punt and an interception that UST returned for 6, so the game can be viewed as being closer than the final score would indicate

UST was down to St. Olaf at one point in time 14-13 and didn't the Oles have issues with FG's?

Just something to think about

The former contributor to www.johnniefootball.com refered to as "BrainBrew" covered some of this in an earlier post however the Johnnie and Tommie results from similar opponents are definitely "similar".  In fact the two teams' scores are practically identical.

Several significant differences do exist in that The Toms have yet to play a big game on the road while the Johnnies have four road wins and decent wins again two WIAC teams.  The Toms lone nonconference matchup was against Macalaster.

With identical scores against identical opponents, playing under potentially more difficult conditions while on the road, combined with multiple wins on the road and now a healthier Johnnie squad playing at home will give the J's the edge on Saturday.

No doubt it's a single game set to be played on a single afternoon with two well schooled teams.  Given a clean performance by the Johnnies QB & running backs the victory will go to the home team.

               SJU 28        River Falls, WI  24
               SJU 35        UW EClaire, WI 27               UST 54          Mac 14
               SJU 31        Cobb 17                               UST 31          Cobb 17
               SJU 38        GAC 10                                 UST 45          GAC 12
               SJU 16        BU 14                                   UST 27          Ole  16
               SJU 41        HU 7                                     UST 63          HU 10



Russell Gliadon - sharpen your toe!

VOJ:

Against Concordia, Tommies built a 31-10 lead before letting up a garbage score.  Yes they had a blocked punt and INT but both were after it was 21-10.  The Cobbers also fumbled twice inside the Johnnies 5 yard line at a point when the game was close, so maybe THAT score was inflated.

Dusty:

Decent wins against 1 WIAC team.  Why do people think UWRF was good?  They weren't and they aren't.  And I will say this AGAIN...playing on the road DOES NOT MATTER.  It has little to no effect on the game.  They take a bus for an hour and a half, get there with plenty of time to get loose, and then think of how awesome it'll be to win and disappoint 10,000 Johnnie fans.  Road game is not a factor.  And I realize you said potentially more difficult conditions, but I can't stand when people bring up this argument.

I think it will take more than a clean game by the SJU's running backs and quarterback.  They are gonna have to do something game-breaking to give the Johnnies an edge over UST's D, and I don't know if that'll happen.   But, I'll also say it again, spreading them out turns UST's defense into a defense that is very scorable against.  If they do this, then my prediction will probably get trampled on.

A clean game by UST's runningbacks and quarterback could easily result in 4 scores for them and a win.

That's where we'll part company... for SJU to travel 2 1/2 hours west and then play on a natural surface it does make a difference.

For UST to play in the MIAC's most heralded surroundings it does make a difference.

Now if the Johnnie fans can get off their arse's and cheer it would make a huge difference.

I think I just identified my campaign for 2010.

Developing....

[WithasilentK]

Maniac:  Still waiting for your score prediction.  You can run, but you can't hide...

TDT-- you and you good bear buddy VOJ can stop salivating for my prediction. Here it is.

The drought of Biblical porportions cometh to an end. After 22 years without a win on the former cranberry field turned into a mecca for small college football, the Tommies will  board the busses back to St. Paul carrying the Holy Grail for the first time. UST 28, SJU 12. Setting the stage for a rematch in the 2nd round of the NCAAs at the House that IA Built...which will be one of the best games in the history of this rivalry

(what? you thought I'd pick against my alma mater?)

Wow...4 td's against the Johnnies D, that is a bit ambitious.  I see it as a 3 to 10 point game...either way.  There has been a major change in the Johnnies D since the opening two games...thinking less and just going out making plays.

Here is a subject for debate...what is UST's best win?  A down Concordia squad?  A Jeckyll and Hyde St. Olaf team?

If its Concordia consider the fact that the Cobbers made some mistakes, a blocked punt and an interception that UST returned for 6, so the game can be viewed as being closer than the final score would indicate

UST was down to St. Olaf at one point in time 14-13 and didn't the Oles have issues with FG's?

Just something to think about

The former contributor to www.johnniefootball.com refered to as "BrainBrew" covered some of this in an earlier post however the Johnnie and Tommie results from similar opponents are definitely "similar".  In fact the two teams' scores are practically identical.

Several significant differences do exist in that The Toms have yet to play a big game on the road while the Johnnies have four road wins and decent wins again two WIAC teams.  The Toms lone nonconference matchup was against Macalaster.

With identical scores against identical opponents, playing under potentially more difficult conditions while on the road, combined with multiple wins on the road and now a healthier Johnnie squad playing at home will give the J's the edge on Saturday.

No doubt it's a single game set to be played on a single afternoon with two well schooled teams.  Given a clean performance by the Johnnies QB & running backs the victory will go to the home team.

               SJU 28        River Falls, WI  24
               SJU 35        UW EClaire, WI 27               UST 54          Mac 14
               SJU 31        Cobb 17                               UST 31          Cobb 17
               SJU 38        GAC 10                                 UST 45          GAC 12
               SJU 16        BU 14                                   UST 27          Ole  16
               SJU 41        HU 7                                     UST 63          HU 10



Russell Gliadon - sharpen your toe!

VOJ:

Against Concordia, Tommies built a 31-10 lead before letting up a garbage score.  Yes they had a blocked punt and INT but both were after it was 21-10.  The Cobbers also fumbled twice inside the Johnnies 5 yard line at a point when the game was close, so maybe THAT score was inflated.

Dusty:

Decent wins against 1 WIAC team.  Why do people think UWRF was good?  They weren't and they aren't.  And I will say this AGAIN...playing on the road DOES NOT MATTER.  It has little to no effect on the game.  They take a bus for an hour and a half, get there with plenty of time to get loose, and then think of how awesome it'll be to win and disappoint 10,000 Johnnie fans.  Road game is not a factor.  And I realize you said potentially more difficult conditions, but I can't stand when people bring up this argument.

I think it will take more than a clean game by the SJU's running backs and quarterback.  They are gonna have to do something game-breaking to give the Johnnies an edge over UST's D, and I don't know if that'll happen.   But, I'll also say it again, spreading them out turns UST's defense into a defense that is very scorable against.  If they do this, then my prediction will probably get trampled on.

A clean game by UST's runningbacks and quarterback could easily result in 4 scores for them and a win.

That's where we'll part company... for SJU to travel 2 1/2 hours west and then play on a natural surface it does make a difference.

For UST to play in the MIAC's most heralded surroundings it does make a difference.

Now if the Johnnie fans can get off their arse's and cheer it would make a huge difference.

I think I just identified my campaign for 2010.

Developing....

I will concede that if the team is going from artificial to natural or vice versa, it can sometimes make a difference.  Usually depending upon the makeup of the team.

As for where you play though, I will not go quietly into the knight! (replace the I with a we, and a line from one of the best movie speeches ever appears)  Every player I've ever known loved playing up at SJU.  It's a fun and crazy environment.  I just don't believe it has an effect. 

[DustySJU]

Maniac:  Still waiting for your score prediction.  You can run, but you can't hide...

TDT-- you and you good bear buddy VOJ can stop salivating for my prediction. Here it is.

The drought of Biblical porportions cometh to an end. After 22 years without a win on the former cranberry field turned into a mecca for small college football, the Tommies will  board the busses back to St. Paul carrying the Holy Grail for the first time. UST 28, SJU 12. Setting the stage for a rematch in the 2nd round of the NCAAs at the House that IA Built...which will be one of the best games in the history of this rivalry

(what? you thought I'd pick against my alma mater?)

Wow...4 td's against the Johnnies D, that is a bit ambitious.  I see it as a 3 to 10 point game...either way.  There has been a major change in the Johnnies D since the opening two games...thinking less and just going out making plays.

Here is a subject for debate...what is UST's best win?  A down Concordia squad?  A Jeckyll and Hyde St. Olaf team?

If its Concordia consider the fact that the Cobbers made some mistakes, a blocked punt and an interception that UST returned for 6, so the game can be viewed as being closer than the final score would indicate

UST was down to St. Olaf at one point in time 14-13 and didn't the Oles have issues with FG's?

Just something to think about

The former contributor to www.johnniefootball.com refered to as "BrainBrew" covered some of this in an earlier post however the Johnnie and Tommie results from similar opponents are definitely "similar".  In fact the two teams' scores are practically identical.

Several significant differences do exist in that The Toms have yet to play a big game on the road while the Johnnies have four road wins and decent wins again two WIAC teams.  The Toms lone nonconference matchup was against Macalaster.

With identical scores against identical opponents, playing under potentially more difficult conditions while on the road, combined with multiple wins on the road and now a healthier Johnnie squad playing at home will give the J's the edge on Saturday.

No doubt it's a single game set to be played on a single afternoon with two well schooled teams.  Given a clean performance by the Johnnies QB & running backs the victory will go to the home team.

               SJU 28        River Falls, WI  24
               SJU 35        UW EClaire, WI 27               UST 54          Mac 14
               SJU 31        Cobb 17                               UST 31          Cobb 17
               SJU 38        GAC 10                                 UST 45          GAC 12
               SJU 16        BU 14                                   UST 27          Ole  16
               SJU 41        HU 7                                     UST 63          HU 10



Russell Gliadon - sharpen your toe!

VOJ:

Against Concordia, Tommies built a 31-10 lead before letting up a garbage score.  Yes they had a blocked punt and INT but both were after it was 21-10.  The Cobbers also fumbled twice inside the Johnnies 5 yard line at a point when the game was close, so maybe THAT score was inflated.

Dusty:

Decent wins against 1 WIAC team.  Why do people think UWRF was good?  They weren't and they aren't.  And I will say this AGAIN...playing on the road DOES NOT MATTER.  It has little to no effect on the game.  They take a bus for an hour and a half, get there with plenty of time to get loose, and then think of how awesome it'll be to win and disappoint 10,000 Johnnie fans.  Road game is not a factor.  And I realize you said potentially more difficult conditions, but I can't stand when people bring up this argument.

I think it will take more than a clean game by the SJU's running backs and quarterback.  They are gonna have to do something game-breaking to give the Johnnies an edge over UST's D, and I don't know if that'll happen.   But, I'll also say it again, spreading them out turns UST's defense into a defense that is very scorable against.  If they do this, then my prediction will probably get trampled on.

A clean game by UST's runningbacks and quarterback could easily result in 4 scores for them and a win.

That's where we'll part company... for SJU to travel 2 1/2 hours west and then play on a natural surface it does make a difference.

For UST to play in the MIAC's most heralded surroundings it does make a difference.

Now if the Johnnie fans can get off their arse's and cheer it would make a huge difference.

I think I just identified my campaign for 2010.

Developing....

I will concede that if the team is going from artificial to natural or vice versa, it can sometimes make a difference.  Usually depending upon the makeup of the team.

As for where you play though, I will not go quietly into the knight! (replace the I with a we, and a line from one of the best movie speeches ever appears)  Every player I've ever known loved playing up at SJU.  It's a fun and crazy environment.  I just don't believe it has an effect. 

.... then you missed a 49 yard field goal a couple weeks back.

[VOJ]

Maniac:  Still waiting for your score prediction.  You can run, but you can't hide...

TDT-- you and you good bear buddy VOJ can stop salivating for my prediction. Here it is.

The drought of Biblical porportions cometh to an end. After 22 years without a win on the former cranberry field turned into a mecca for small college football, the Tommies will  board the busses back to St. Paul carrying the Holy Grail for the first time. UST 28, SJU 12. Setting the stage for a rematch in the 2nd round of the NCAAs at the House that IA Built...which will be one of the best games in the history of this rivalry

(what? you thought I'd pick against my alma mater?)

Wow...4 td's against the Johnnies D, that is a bit ambitious.  I see it as a 3 to 10 point game...either way.  There has been a major change in the Johnnies D since the opening two games...thinking less and just going out making plays.

Here is a subject for debate...what is UST's best win?  A down Concordia squad?  A Jeckyll and Hyde St. Olaf team?

If its Concordia consider the fact that the Cobbers made some mistakes, a blocked punt and an interception that UST returned for 6, so the game can be viewed as being closer than the final score would indicate

UST was down to St. Olaf at one point in time 14-13 and didn't the Oles have issues with FG's?

Just something to think about

Really, VOJ? Take off the blinders for a minute and look in the mirror.

SJU's two nonconference wins came against what are currently the two worst teams in the WIAC. The Johnnies pounded bad Gustavus and Hamline teams, as is expected. They also needed a virtual miracle to beat a solid Bethel team. At home. On Homecoming. As someone else just said, the Tommies beat Concordia more impressively. I'm really not sure what to make of that argument...

Hazzben — I'm on board, but don't expect any positive feedback from the masses here. We have a couple posters who would literally have B.E.'s baby. I'm looking at you, TDT.

Willy...I would think having been involved in these battles on a personal level you would see this more clearly...what you call a miracle...others call making plays, was it a miracle that Bernstetter caught a long pass against SJU that resulted in a short field for the Royals two years ago in Arden Hills?  No he made a play...

Was it a miracle when Boyle hit Schnobrich ending the Knights season last year?  No he made a play...many of them on that drive for Number 30...

Was it a miracle when Lofboom hit Gearman on a halfback option pass against Concordia to turn that game around in Moorhead?  No he made a play...

Was it a miracle when Kofoed hit Gearman against the Cobbers in Moorhead?  Maybe it was but he made a play

That is what the Johnnies seem to do, they make plays and they made plays down the stretch to get the win and the win is the thing, isn't it?  "its why you play the game" right??

[sju56321]

Oh crap-4 scores, at least, against SJU, when did we schedule UWW.
If traveling doesn't matter, then schedule all the games at SJU, draws bigger crowds and the split would be bigger for the visiting team.

[VOJ]

Oh crap-4 scores, at least, against SJU, when did we schedule UWW.
If traveling doesn't matter, then schedule all the games at SJU, draws bigger crowds and the split would be bigger for the visiting team.

Good idea...SJU should start "buying" conference games...I would start with Hamline and Augsburg...I think Florida State bought Duke one year didn't they? 

[WithasilentK]

Maniac:  Still waiting for your score prediction.  You can run, but you can't hide...

TDT-- you and you good bear buddy VOJ can stop salivating for my prediction. Here it is.

The drought of Biblical porportions cometh to an end. After 22 years without a win on the former cranberry field turned into a mecca for small college football, the Tommies will  board the busses back to St. Paul carrying the Holy Grail for the first time. UST 28, SJU 12. Setting the stage for a rematch in the 2nd round of the NCAAs at the House that IA Built...which will be one of the best games in the history of this rivalry

(what? you thought I'd pick against my alma mater?)

Wow...4 td's against the Johnnies D, that is a bit ambitious.  I see it as a 3 to 10 point game...either way.  There has been a major change in the Johnnies D since the opening two games...thinking less and just going out making plays.

Here is a subject for debate...what is UST's best win?  A down Concordia squad?  A Jeckyll and Hyde St. Olaf team?

If its Concordia consider the fact that the Cobbers made some mistakes, a blocked punt and an interception that UST returned for 6, so the game can be viewed as being closer than the final score would indicate

UST was down to St. Olaf at one point in time 14-13 and didn't the Oles have issues with FG's?

Just something to think about

Really, VOJ? Take off the blinders for a minute and look in the mirror.

SJU's two nonconference wins came against what are currently the two worst teams in the WIAC. The Johnnies pounded bad Gustavus and Hamline teams, as is expected. They also needed a virtual miracle to beat a solid Bethel team. At home. On Homecoming. As someone else just said, the Tommies beat Concordia more impressively. I'm really not sure what to make of that argument...

Hazzben — I'm on board, but don't expect any positive feedback from the masses here. We have a couple posters who would literally have B.E.'s baby. I'm looking at you, TDT.

Willy...I would think having been involved in these battles on a personal level you would see this more clearly...what you call a miracle...others call making plays, was it a miracle that Bernstetter caught a long pass against SJU that resulted in a short field for the Royals two years ago in Arden Hills?  No he made a play...

Was it a miracle when Boyle hit Schnobrich ending the Knights season last year?  No he made a play...many of them on that drive for Number 30...

Was it a miracle when Lofboom hit Gearman on a halfback option pass against Concordia to turn that game around in Moorhead?  No he made a play...

Was it a miracle when Kofoed hit Gearman against the Cobbers in Moorhead?  Maybe it was but he made a play

That is what the Johnnies seem to do, they make plays and they made plays down the stretch to get the win and the win is the thing, isn't it?  "its why you play the game" right??

But if you're saying now that he made a play...you just tried arguing that UST's blocked punt and INT return were mistakes.  Weren't they plays that were made?  I agree with it being players makings plays, but you're switching your argument.  And don't get me started about No. 30 "making a play," you better make that play on that big of a blown coverage.

[USTBench]

Maniac:  Still waiting for your score prediction.  You can run, but you can't hide...

TDT-- you and you good bear buddy VOJ can stop salivating for my prediction. Here it is.

The drought of Biblical porportions cometh to an end. After 22 years without a win on the former cranberry field turned into a mecca for small college football, the Tommies will  board the busses back to St. Paul carrying the Holy Grail for the first time. UST 28, SJU 12. Setting the stage for a rematch in the 2nd round of the NCAAs at the House that IA Built...which will be one of the best games in the history of this rivalry

(what? you thought I'd pick against my alma mater?)

Wow...4 td's against the Johnnies D, that is a bit ambitious.  I see it as a 3 to 10 point game...either way.  There has been a major change in the Johnnies D since the opening two games...thinking less and just going out making plays.

Here is a subject for debate...what is UST's best win?  A down Concordia squad?  A Jeckyll and Hyde St. Olaf team?

If its Concordia consider the fact that the Cobbers made some mistakes, a blocked punt and an interception that UST returned for 6, so the game can be viewed as being closer than the final score would indicate

UST was down to St. Olaf at one point in time 14-13 and didn't the Oles have issues with FG's?

Just something to think about

Morse threw 3 INTs against Concordia...actually it was fixing to be a lot worse for the Cobbers had our QB not made those mental errors (hoping he doesn't make any this Saturday). But a win is a win, so the "best win" and the "worst win" still get filed under "W."

[VOJ]

Maniac:  Still waiting for your score prediction.  You can run, but you can't hide...

TDT-- you and you good bear buddy VOJ can stop salivating for my prediction. Here it is.

The drought of Biblical porportions cometh to an end. After 22 years without a win on the former cranberry field turned into a mecca for small college football, the Tommies will  board the busses back to St. Paul carrying the Holy Grail for the first time. UST 28, SJU 12. Setting the stage for a rematch in the 2nd round of the NCAAs at the House that IA Built...which will be one of the best games in the history of this rivalry

(what? you thought I'd pick against my alma mater?)

Wow...4 td's against the Johnnies D, that is a bit ambitious.  I see it as a 3 to 10 point game...either way.  There has been a major change in the Johnnies D since the opening two games...thinking less and just going out making plays.

Here is a subject for debate...what is UST's best win?  A down Concordia squad?  A Jeckyll and Hyde St. Olaf team?

If its Concordia consider the fact that the Cobbers made some mistakes, a blocked punt and an interception that UST returned for 6, so the game can be viewed as being closer than the final score would indicate

UST was down to St. Olaf at one point in time 14-13 and didn't the Oles have issues with FG's?

Just something to think about

Really, VOJ? Take off the blinders for a minute and look in the mirror.

SJU's two nonconference wins came against what are currently the two worst teams in the WIAC. The Johnnies pounded bad Gustavus and Hamline teams, as is expected. They also needed a virtual miracle to beat a solid Bethel team. At home. On Homecoming. As someone else just said, the Tommies beat Concordia more impressively. I'm really not sure what to make of that argument...

Hazzben — I'm on board, but don't expect any positive feedback from the masses here. We have a couple posters who would literally have B.E.'s baby. I'm looking at you, TDT.

Willy...I would think having been involved in these battles on a personal level you would see this more clearly...what you call a miracle...others call making plays, was it a miracle that Bernstetter caught a long pass against SJU that resulted in a short field for the Royals two years ago in Arden Hills?  No he made a play...

Was it a miracle when Boyle hit Schnobrich ending the Knights season last year?  No he made a play...many of them on that drive for Number 30...

Was it a miracle when Lofboom hit Gearman on a halfback option pass against Concordia to turn that game around in Moorhead?  No he made a play...

Was it a miracle when Kofoed hit Gearman against the Cobbers in Moorhead?  Maybe it was but he made a play

That is what the Johnnies seem to do, they make plays and they made plays down the stretch to get the win and the win is the thing, isn't it?  "its why you play the game" right??

But if you're saying now that he made a play...you just tried arguing that UST's blocked punt and INT return were mistakes.  Weren't they plays that were made?  I agree with it being players makings plays, but you're switching your argument.  And don't get me started about No. 30 "making a play," you better make that play on that big of a blown coverage.

I was responding to the "miracle" comment...and number 30 is conference championships, guess we can re-title that as number 30 hauls in number 30 on a play he suggested to Jimmy G.

[WithasilentK]

Maniac:  Still waiting for your score prediction.  You can run, but you can't hide...

TDT-- you and you good bear buddy VOJ can stop salivating for my prediction. Here it is.

The drought of Biblical porportions cometh to an end. After 22 years without a win on the former cranberry field turned into a mecca for small college football, the Tommies will  board the busses back to St. Paul carrying the Holy Grail for the first time. UST 28, SJU 12. Setting the stage for a rematch in the 2nd round of the NCAAs at the House that IA Built...which will be one of the best games in the history of this rivalry

(what? you thought I'd pick against my alma mater?)

Wow...4 td's against the Johnnies D, that is a bit ambitious.  I see it as a 3 to 10 point game...either way.  There has been a major change in the Johnnies D since the opening two games...thinking less and just going out making plays.

Here is a subject for debate...what is UST's best win?  A down Concordia squad?  A Jeckyll and Hyde St. Olaf team?

If its Concordia consider the fact that the Cobbers made some mistakes, a blocked punt and an interception that UST returned for 6, so the game can be viewed as being closer than the final score would indicate

UST was down to St. Olaf at one point in time 14-13 and didn't the Oles have issues with FG's?

Just something to think about

The former contributor to www.johnniefootball.com refered to as "BrainBrew" covered some of this in an earlier post however the Johnnie and Tommie results from similar opponents are definitely "similar".  In fact the two teams' scores are practically identical.

Several significant differences do exist in that The Toms have yet to play a big game on the road while the Johnnies have four road wins and decent wins again two WIAC teams.  The Toms lone nonconference matchup was against Macalaster.

With identical scores against identical opponents, playing under potentially more difficult conditions while on the road, combined with multiple wins on the road and now a healthier Johnnie squad playing at home will give the J's the edge on Saturday.

No doubt it's a single game set to be played on a single afternoon with two well schooled teams.  Given a clean performance by the Johnnies QB & running backs the victory will go to the home team.

                SJU 28        River Falls, WI  24
                SJU 35        UW EClaire, WI 27               UST 54          Mac 14
                SJU 31        Cobb 17                               UST 31          Cobb 17
                SJU 38        GAC 10                                 UST 45          GAC 12
                SJU 16        BU 14                                   UST 27          Ole  16
                SJU 41        HU 7                                     UST 63          HU 10



Russell Gliadon - sharpen your toe!

VOJ:

Against Concordia, Tommies built a 31-10 lead before letting up a garbage score.  Yes they had a blocked punt and INT but both were after it was 21-10.  The Cobbers also fumbled twice inside the Johnnies 5 yard line at a point when the game was close, so maybe THAT score was inflated.

Dusty:

Decent wins against 1 WIAC team.  Why do people think UWRF was good?  They weren't and they aren't.  And I will say this AGAIN...playing on the road DOES NOT MATTER.  It has little to no effect on the game.  They take a bus for an hour and a half, get there with plenty of time to get loose, and then think of how awesome it'll be to win and disappoint 10,000 Johnnie fans.  Road game is not a factor.  And I realize you said potentially more difficult conditions, but I can't stand when people bring up this argument.

I think it will take more than a clean game by the SJU's running backs and quarterback.  They are gonna have to do something game-breaking to give the Johnnies an edge over UST's D, and I don't know if that'll happen.   But, I'll also say it again, spreading them out turns UST's defense into a defense that is very scorable against.  If they do this, then my prediction will probably get trampled on.

A clean game by UST's runningbacks and quarterback could easily result in 4 scores for them and a win.

That's where we'll part company... for SJU to travel 2 1/2 hours west and then play on a natural surface it does make a difference.

For UST to play in the MIAC's most heralded surroundings it does make a difference.

Now if the Johnnie fans can get off their arse's and cheer it would make a huge difference.

I think I just identified my campaign for 2010.

Developing....

I will concede that if the team is going from artificial to natural or vice versa, it can sometimes make a difference.  Usually depending upon the makeup of the team.

As for where you play though, I will not go quietly into the knight! (replace the I with a we, and a line from one of the best movie speeches ever appears)  Every player I've ever known loved playing up at SJU.  It's a fun and crazy environment.  I just don't believe it has an effect. 

.... then you missed a 49 yard field goal a couple weeks back.

That field goal had nothing to do with SJU's field or atmosphere.  It was the players.  It is nice to play at home for various reasons, but not because it affects your gameplay.  Ask a Carleton team that drove 4 and a half hours Saturday morning to beat CCM last year.  Or a SJU team that drove 2 hours to play at Carleton last year.

VOJ:  Ok, I had no idea what his number was, I just assumed it was 30.