FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[stanbob]

TDT-you are the Jay Mariotti of D3.com, when are you going to be arrested and relieve us from your meaningless drivel?

We arrested him before. You guys wanted him back.

At the risk of being labeled a tail sniffer and a new found respect I have for a Johnnie faithful, (the only I might add), I am in full agreement with TDT. His analysis of both teams is on the right on money.

No matter the result of the upcoming game Saturday it's very refreshing to see a non-biased assessment coming from the Northwest Tundra!!!

Johnnie faithful?  (us)TDT?  Hardly.. you are about two years too late with that comment.  On another note, are the sprinklers turned on in Northfield yet?

[WashedUp]

I'm going to bite my tounge on the idea that playing at SJU is more difficult than any other place.

I think UST v STO will be interesting, but as long as UST doesn't allow too many big plays from Clark, I see at least a two score win for UST.

I'm going to watch Carleton v Bethel online and am hoping I see something that tells me Week 1 was just major 1st game jitters. I actually expect Carleton to move the ball, but to be plagued by poor defense and not finishing drives. I'm thinking 38-21 or something in that range, but I hope I'm wrong.

I want to be optimistic, but I think this will be a tough opponent for this Knights team.  I think they will struggle with Bethel's ground game, which will keep the Knights offense off the field and force them to press when they are on the field.  The passing game likely won't be as effective as it was against Crown and I don't see us running much at all.  If the Knights get down early, this could be a blowout.  If the Knights are able to pull it out, I see the game being much more like the 2006 win than the 2008 one, with a mix of trick plays and good luck. 

Bethel 42 Knights 17 (I hope I'm wrong)

[SUMMIT!!!!!]

Will not be in Northfield for tomorrow's game between UST and St. Olaf but I think the Oles will present a tough matchup for UST at Manitou Field.

At times UST seemed to struggle with run last week and Leon Clark is one of the better running backs they will see this year. Last year, UST was able to hold Clark to only 66 all purpose yards before he left in the 3rd quarter but allowed 70 yards rushing on 12 carries to Kevin Foss, an average of almost 6 ypc.

With UST's pass rush and stout secondary I don't see St. Olaf being able to throw the ball much, so defensively linebacker play will be key. Last week UST was able to adjust later in the game and UWRF ended up punting from their own end far more in the second half. UST rotates in plenty of linebackers that definitely have the talent and intelligence to adjust on the fly.

Offensively, UST will need long sustained drives to beat the Oles as they tend to avoid giving up the long play. Last year UST used drives of 73, 80, 80 and 67 yards to chew up a lot of clock and wear down the Ole D. Last week, UST's time of possession wasn't the greatest and the big play seemed to rule the day. I'd like to see more of Wartman and Tobin this weekend, and it seems UST has established 3 good passing threats outside of Waldvogel (Margarit, Gleisner, TE Marks). In all UST is deeper offensively than they were last year and I think that shows on Saturday.

There are two things to keep in mind however: STO has won 14 straight, and in 2008 they defeated UST in 6 overtimes, making that their 4th straight victory over UST in Manitou.

Prediction:

UST 31  STO 20

I must be missing something painfully obvious...what are you referring to when you say that STO has won 14 straight?

G & B-- At first, I assumed Bench meant 14 straight at home, but that wouldnt be true either as Ole lost at home last October to the Cobbers and your Royals.  Then I thought maybe he meant 14 straight at home vs UST, but the Tommies won at Manitu in 2002,  so now I dont know what he means    Interesting note -- UST is 20-6 all-tme @ Manitu and 36-18-2 overall.

Still I think Bench has the final score nailed close...although Id say 35-14 sounds more like it.

I'm, not as sold on Concorida as many on here (I love the thing Horan does but his roster looks young and a little lacking in expericne at skills positions). IF the game is as close as some are saying, then MAYBE CC can pull it off.... if it goes as I suspect, SJU should win by 14-18 pts. 

I am intrigued with Air Auggie and cant see them having any trouble with Hamline even if Ronnie G erupts for a career best game 

Bethel is the MIAC/West Region sleeper this year-- and should have minimal trouble with Carleton.

GAC--what? was Mac not available?  what about CSB flag-football team?  oh well, there isnt much dfferemce between CSB flag team and NWern.

weather and other factors permitting, I hope to make the game at Manitu....or if its sunny & nice and Pops Maniac wants to see his alma mater, then a trek to Collegeville is in order.

[USTBench]

Will not be in Northfield for tomorrow's game between UST and St. Olaf but I think the Oles will present a tough matchup for UST at Manitou Field.

At times UST seemed to struggle with run last week and Leon Clark is one of the better running backs they will see this year. Last year, UST was able to hold Clark to only 66 all purpose yards before he left in the 3rd quarter but allowed 70 yards rushing on 12 carries to Kevin Foss, an average of almost 6 ypc.

With UST's pass rush and stout secondary I don't see St. Olaf being able to throw the ball much, so defensively linebacker play will be key. Last week UST was able to adjust later in the game and UWRF ended up punting from their own end far more in the second half. UST rotates in plenty of linebackers that definitely have the talent and intelligence to adjust on the fly.

Offensively, UST will need long sustained drives to beat the Oles as they tend to avoid giving up the long play. Last year UST used drives of 73, 80, 80 and 67 yards to chew up a lot of clock and wear down the Ole D. Last week, UST's time of possession wasn't the greatest and the big play seemed to rule the day. I'd like to see more of Wartman and Tobin this weekend, and it seems UST has established 3 good passing threats outside of Waldvogel (Margarit, Gleisner, TE Marks). In all UST is deeper offensively than they were last year and I think that shows on Saturday.

There are two things to keep in mind however: STO has won 14 straight, and in 2008 they defeated UST in 6 overtimes, making that their 4th straight victory over UST in Manitou.

Prediction:

UST 31  STO 20

I must be missing something painfully obvious...what are you referring to when you say that STO has won 14 straight?

Whoops, last 4.

[USTBench]

Will not be in Northfield for tomorrow's game between UST and St. Olaf but I think the Oles will present a tough matchup for UST at Manitou Field.

At times UST seemed to struggle with run last week and Leon Clark is one of the better running backs they will see this year. Last year, UST was able to hold Clark to only 66 all purpose yards before he left in the 3rd quarter but allowed 70 yards rushing on 12 carries to Kevin Foss, an average of almost 6 ypc.

With UST's pass rush and stout secondary I don't see St. Olaf being able to throw the ball much, so defensively linebacker play will be key. Last week UST was able to adjust later in the game and UWRF ended up punting from their own end far more in the second half. UST rotates in plenty of linebackers that definitely have the talent and intelligence to adjust on the fly.

Offensively, UST will need long sustained drives to beat the Oles as they tend to avoid giving up the long play. Last year UST used drives of 73, 80, 80 and 67 yards to chew up a lot of clock and wear down the Ole D. Last week, UST's time of possession wasn't the greatest and the big play seemed to rule the day. I'd like to see more of Wartman and Tobin this weekend, and it seems UST has established 3 good passing threats outside of Waldvogel (Margarit, Gleisner, TE Marks). In all UST is deeper offensively than they were last year and I think that shows on Saturday.

There are two things to keep in mind however: STO has won 14 straight, and in 2008 they defeated UST in 6 overtimes, making that their 4th straight victory over UST in Manitou.

Prediction:

UST 31  STO 20

I must be missing something painfully obvious...what are you referring to when you say that STO has won 14 straight?

G & B-- At first, I assumed Bench meant 14 straight at home, but that wouldnt be true either as Ole lost at home last October to the Cobbers and your Royals.  Then I thought maybe he meant 14 straight at home vs UST, but the Tommies won at Manitu in 2002,  so now I dont know what he means    Interesting note -- UST is 20-6 all-tme @ Manitu and 36-18-2 overall.

Still I think Bench has the final score nailed close...although Id say 35-14 sounds more like it.

I'm, not as sold on Concorida as many on here (I love the thing Horan does but his roster looks young and a little lacking in expericne at skills positions). IF the game is as close as some are saying, then MAYBE CC can pull it off.... if it goes as I suspect, SJU should win by 14-18 pts.  

I am intrigued with Air Auggie and cant see them having any trouble with Hamline even if Ronnie G erupts for a career best game  

Bethel is the MIAC/West Region sleeper this year-- and should have minimal trouble with Carleton.

GAC--what? was Mac not available?  what about CSB flag-football team?  oh well, there isnt much dfferemce between CSB flag team and NWern.

weather and other factors permitting, I hope to make the game at Manitu....or if its sunny & nice and Pops Maniac wants to see his alma mater, then a trek to Collegeville is in order.

Oh, and to correct myself for MIACManiac, UST will be trying to avoid their 4th straight loss there. My editor was out to lunch when I submitted my last post.

2008 STO 29 to 23 (6 OT)
2007 STO 54 to 28
2005 STO 53 to 27

You can kind of see where things switched from Roney to Caruso if you look closely.

[Touchdown Tommy]

TDT kinda misses Don Roney.  He was a beauty.

Maniac come to Collegeville.  You owe me money!!

Closed Circuit to the Little Wiener Doggie:

TDT had lunch with a few customers at The Bulldog NE.  You'd like this spot.  Great menu, lots of unique beers on tap, some good looking tail scattered about, and a good vibe.  I went with the Kobe beef burger, Tillamook Smokey Cheddar with fresh cut fries.  They put some real nice thick cut bacon on there and throw in a couple Surly Furious...A good Friday afternoon ensues.

[SUMMIT!!!!!]

yup, Bench...the demarcation is crystal clear. A shame the line wasnt drawn a few years earlier

TDT-- yes I have your winnings.....looks like you wont win it all though...you are getting KILLED in semifinals. Its no surprise you would miss the Roney Era.

what is the weather forecast for cental MN?

[hazzben]

Some non-MIAC teasers for the board:

1- How many games until Brewster is fired as head coach for the Goophers?

2- Does Maturi get the ax as well?

3- Who are the most likely replacement candidates for head coach?
---------------------------
My take:

1- 7 games. After going 1-6 after the USD implosion (2-7 overall) they are officially out of contention for even the crappiest of bowls and Maturi cans Brewster in an attempt to save his own job.

2 - Yes. Maturi gets the ax after the team finishes 3-8, if for nothing more than to ensure that he has nothing to do with hiring the next Goopher football experiment.

3- Tony Dungy...the sexy, MN connections pick, but why on earth would he take this program on when he could have his pick of NCAA or NFL teams?
Mike Leach...might just be crazy enough to say yes.
Phil Fulmer...becaues Goopher U loves SEC sloppy seconds, no matter what the sport.
David Cutcliffe ...hey, even MN is a step up from Duke (at least it used to be). And they avoid the uncertainty of hiring a guy who's never been a head coach, which is significant after the Brewster disaster.
June Jones...a team that can put up tons of points but has a worthless defense seems like just what the doctor ordered.
Frank Solich...Is actually turning things around at lowly Ohio, and there is something sexy about Solich coaching against Nebraska in its inaugural Big Ten season
Todd Graham...Tulsa is a very good non-BCS team, maybe too good for him to consider coming to MN.
Kevin Sumlin...Houston gave him an extension, but maybe he's sick of being snubbed by the BCS?
Glen Caruso...I just couldn't resist!! 

Who'd I leave out?
Who are the favorites?
Who can Minnesota actually convince to come coach here, especially considering the competition they'll face next year in their new division.

Thoughts??

[hazzben]

Oh yeah, and Pat, I LOVE the new look!! Nice work...

[stanbob]

Some non-MIAC teasers for the board:

1- How many games until Brewster is fired as head coach for the Goophers?

2- Does Maturi get the ax as well?

3- Who are the most likely replacement candidates for head coach?
---------------------------
My take:

1- 7 games. After going 1-6 after the USD implosion (2-7 overall) they are officially out of contention for even the crappiest of bowls and Maturi cans Brewster in an attempt to save his own job.

2 - Yes. Maturi gets the ax after the team finishes 3-8, if for nothing more than to ensure that he has nothing to do with hiring the next Goopher football experiment.

3- Tony Dungy...the sexy, MN connections pick, but why on earth would he take this program on when he could have his pick of NCAA or NFL teams?
Mike Leach...might just be crazy enough to say yes.
Phil Fulmer...becaues Goopher U loves SEC sloppy seconds, no matter what the sport.
David Cutcliffe ...hey, even MN is a step up from Duke (at least it used to be). And they avoid the uncertainty of hiring a guy who's never been a head coach, which is significant after the Brewster disaster.
June Jones...a team that can put up tons of points but has a worthless defense seems like just what the doctor ordered.
Frank Solich...Is actually turning things around at lowly Ohio, and there is something sexy about Solich coaching against Nebraska in its inaugural Big Ten season
Todd Graham...Tulsa is a very good non-BCS team, maybe too good for him to consider coming to MN.
Kevin Sumlin...Houston gave him an extension, but maybe he's sick of being snubbed by the BCS?
Glen Caruso...I just couldn't resist!! 

Who'd I leave out?
Who are the favorites?
Who can Minnesota actually convince to come coach here, especially considering the competition they'll face next year in their new division.

Thoughts??

I've gotta bite on this one, brewster will last out the season, nothing to lose there.  Maturi falls on his sword this coming spring.  Coaches, 1 - 3, Solich (just because), Leach (because he's just crazy enough to), Caruso (where else can he go but up?)

[DuffMan]

Duff, don't you have a job? 

Happy Birthday Wooderson, and Guy Bellair!

Yeah, I suppose I do.  With my 5 year anniversary this year, I got an extra week of vacation.  Coupled with no "big" vacations this year, and I have a fair amount of time off to use up.  Better to use it before the snow flies!!!

I was unaware that Wooderson and Guy Bellair shared a birthday, but I guess that does make sense

Happy birthday to both!!!

[DutchFan2004]

Hey all.  I hope for a good game on Saturday.

Currently in Sorrento and visiting the Amalfi coast.  Beautiful, but I wouldn't want to live here.  Minnesota has nicer air and Australia has better beaches.  That said, the lemons are fantastic and it's a great holiday spot.

Naples is a hell hole.  TC would call it even worse than Wisconsin.

I'm visiting Pompei tomorrow with number two.  I expect that to be pretty good.

I also see that the Twinkies are killing the White Sox and are only a game off of the best record in baseball.  Go Target field!  Capps is still gonna blow it.

The best thing about Italy is the gelato.  i loved having some every night. 

[DuffMan]

what is the weather forecast for cental MN?

Collegeville: 

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 57. North northwest wind between 7 and 9 mph.

[SUMMIT!!!!!]

thanks Duff

[sjusection105]

CNation: I was actually thinking that may be too many points for the Johnnies.  They showed very little last week versus UWEC.  The 27 for the Cobbs is borne out of 4 TDs and 1 missed PAT.  I know your kicker is terrible...

I've had a busy 2nd half of the week,but now have time to respond to TDT's prediction of a Johnnie loss.
It is well known the TDT likes to ruffle feathers,however he can make a legitimate argument for this prediction.
I didn't go back to the box scores,but since the Coe game to close out the 2009 campaign the Johnnies have put the ball on the carpet A LOT, and that is a huge concern going into the 2010 MIAC season. As has been said by someone earlier,Hazzben I believe, with the Johnnies loss to UWEC the MIAC may not get a 2nd team into the tournament in 2010. Time will tell,but the Johnnies should have the mindset that they are in FULL ON play-off mode starting 9-18-10 @ 1300 hour CST.

I see the score more like 21-14 SJU.