FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Touchdown Tommy]

Looks like a touched a hot button for Tmerton.  No surprise as he is too close to the program to have any sort of objective analysis.  I had a feeling the "meaningless" might incite a comment from some ardent Johnnie supporters.  And you never fail me Clark.

If you think other alumni, former players, etc. aren't talking about the decline of Johnnies football this season you haven't been talking to enough people...

The truth is that 3-3 is the worse Johnnie squad since 1997 (also ironically the last time the J's lost to USTD).  The rest of the games are playing out the string so to speak.  When was the last time the Johnnies were guaranteed to be sitting at home for the playoffs in early October?  Sure the games mean lots to the kids pouring their hearts out each game (and like a good attorney you twisted my intended meaning into something else to fit your argument).  But for anyone besides those connected directly to the program (coaches, players, parents), the remaining schedule of Gustavus, Carleton, St. Olaf, and Hamline is truly meaningless...

The standards are higher in Collegeville and rightfully so.  It isn't enough to win the conference title and go one and done in the playoffs (or not make the playoffs all together).

Cue TC and Zip who I know also have strong feelings on this topic...

[DoubleO]

What is this all about??

http://www.tommiesports.com/ftbl/news/Letter_10-11.html

What exaclty is the question?

The guy impresses me more and more by the minute. Cue the Gopher talk!

The question is, why do you right this open letter? What is the purpose of it - it is just really weird.

On another note, attendance was 4,000 Saturday, I assume if both Bethel and UST are undefeated there will be 5,000 + at the game.

I couldn't disagree more strongly. Clearly the guy is trying to circle the wagons and strum up more support. I have absolutely NO issue with it.

[AO]

Week 7 Pick-Ems

[AlmostEx]

<<Clearly the guy is trying to circle the wagons and strum up more support.>>  That was my read as well, however, it should be noted that such self-effacing humility only comes from one place -- (perceived or otherwise) position of strength.

There are very few, if any, playoff level high school football teams (in the metro at least) who don't know who Coach C is.  He and/or his staff are frequent visitors.

[WashedUp]

There are very few, if any, playoff level high school football teams (in the metro at least) who don't know who Coach C is.  He and/or his staff are frequent visitors.

Everyone in Minnesota makes the playoffs in football.

[AlmostEx]

Yep, that was what I meant, everybody -- Coach C is omnipresent.  A few more omni(s) and we may be witnessing the second coming! 

[AO]

There are very few, if any, playoff level high school football teams (in the metro at least) who don't know who Coach C is.  He and/or his staff are frequent visitors.

Everyone in Minnesota makes the playoffs in football.

Only if you're in 4A or 5A, my alma mater (LP-GE) hasn't won a game in 5 years (they've got to be approaching some sort of record soon) and missed the playoffs last year when the number of teams in the section increased to 9.  

[sjusection105]

sjusection105, Duffman, ror, et al,

Is it possible to have a dscussion about the future of SJU football and the coaching staff without being considered a heretic?  Are there people of real influence close to this program who have a plan for the future or must the Emperor (no disrespect intended) be truly naked before the discussion commences?

I'm not exactly sure where you're going with this.  What do you want to discuss?  John's not going to retire till he's ready, and I think his job is pretty secure as far as the university goes.  I, along with the rest of the SJU faithful here, have no influence over the program.

I agree with Duffman- the fans or the reporters from the St. Cloud Times etc... have no influence over this at all.
I have full faith in the athletic department administration and the school to do what is right for the program in the long-run. No matter who replaces John or when they replace John there will be controversy and there will be second guessing. I don't envy those who are in charge of this decision.

[wildcat11]

What is this all about??

http://www.tommiesports.com/ftbl/news/Letter_10-11.html

What exaclty is the question?

The guy impresses me more and more by the minute. Cue the Gopher talk!

The question is, why do you right this open letter? What is the purpose of it - it is just really weird.

On another note, attendance was 4,000 Saturday, I assume if both Bethel and UST are undefeated there will be 5,000 + at the game.

I couldn't disagree more strongly. Clearly the guy is trying to circle the wagons and strum up more support. I have absolutely NO issue with it.

As someone who's observing form the outside this open letter is just odd.  Obviously, the guy has got the job done at UST but he sure does a great job in putting himself as the face of the program.  I know the UST backers don't care because of the results but there is just a slippery element to Caruso.  

[Freebird]

Have they raised all the money they need for their athletic facilities? If nothing else that looks like a fundraising letter to me. Who knows maybe he is actually just expressing his apperciation to everyone involved in the program. I mean that was a pretty significant win for the university right?

What is this all about??

http://www.tommiesports.com/ftbl/news/Letter_10-11.html

What exaclty is the question?

The guy impresses me more and more by the minute. Cue the Gopher talk!

The question is, why do you right this open letter? What is the purpose of it - it is just really weird.

On another note, attendance was 4,000 Saturday, I assume if both Bethel and UST are undefeated there will be 5,000 + at the game.

I couldn't disagree more strongly. Clearly the guy is trying to circle the wagons and strum up more support. I have absolutely NO issue with it.

As someone who's observing form the outside this open letter is just odd.  Obviously, the guy has got the job done at UST but he sure does a great job in putting himself as the face of the program.  I know the UST backers don't care because of the results but there is just a slippery element to Caruso.  

[Freebird]

BlueandGold, you won the game, enjoy it, or is that not enough.  Even in the back of your mind, you are asking yourself, what if SJU doesn't turn the ball over and looking at UST and saying "oh my"

AlmostEx,

Are you sure that isn't what has been in the back of your mind for the past couples weeks?

[Freebird]

They have still won the last 12 of 13 over Saint Thomas!

I think they keep bringing up the 5-5 decade record against Bethel so they are more comfortable with the possibility of a 5-5 record this season  

You're a beauty alright Clark.  He has your number just like I do.  Can't talk outta both sides of your mouth...

Cue Veek, "Oh oh oh great post Clark +K."

When does Bethel play UST?  

Very impressive decade versus the Johnnies for the Royals! 5-5 has got to be the best record anyone has had over a 10 year span against SJU.  You've succeeded in making the rest of the 2010 season meaningless for St. John's.  In fact TDT will be going to Chicago instead of watching WC11's favorite MIAC player Ray Grant hold the clipboard...

BTW I nailed it last week.  The tailgating scene at Bethel is 2nd to none.  The beer/bloody marys flow contrary to any bullish!t from Johnnie Red.

Theres that "past decade" stat again...

Don't worry...I'm sure you'll take comfort in the fact that your attendance will still be the best. Even if your team isn't.

BU plays UST Oct. 23rd @ UST

[DoubleO]

What is this all about??

http://www.tommiesports.com/ftbl/news/Letter_10-11.html

What exaclty is the question?

The guy impresses me more and more by the minute. Cue the Gopher talk!

The question is, why do you right this open letter? What is the purpose of it - it is just really weird.

On another note, attendance was 4,000 Saturday, I assume if both Bethel and UST are undefeated there will be 5,000 + at the game.

I couldn't disagree more strongly. Clearly the guy is trying to circle the wagons and strum up more support. I have absolutely NO issue with it.

As someone who's observing form the outside this open letter is just odd.  Obviously, the guy has got the job done at UST but he sure does a great job in putting himself as the face of the program.  I know the UST backers don't care because of the results but there is just a slippery element to Caruso.  

As a Tommie backer, I have ABSOLUTELY NO problem with the letter or his "putting himself as the face of the program." Afterall, it IS his program and you'd better believe that it'd be on him if it was headed in the opposite direction.

[sjusection105]

What is this all about??

http://www.tommiesports.com/ftbl/news/Letter_10-11.html

What exaclty is the question?

The guy impresses me more and more by the minute. Cue the Gopher talk!

The question is, why do you right this open letter? What is the purpose of it - it is just really weird.

On another note, attendance was 4,000 Saturday, I assume if both Bethel and UST are undefeated there will be 5,000 + at the game.

I couldn't disagree more strongly. Clearly the guy is trying to circle the wagons and strum up more support. I have absolutely NO issue with it.

As someone who's observing form the outside this open letter is just odd.  Obviously, the guy has got the job done at UST but he sure does a great job in putting himself as the face of the program.  I know the UST backers don't care because of the results but there is just a slippery element to Caruso.  

Perhaps the answer lies in this paragraph from the UST press release when he was introduced as coach:
Coach Caruso earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1996 from Ithaca, where he majored in sport studies. He earned his master's degree in education from North Dakota State University in 2004, and is currently working on his Ph D. in psychology.

Here is a link to the entire release: http://www.miac-online.org/news/2008/1/24/fb012408.aspx

[AlmostEx]

Freebird

Nope.  I have been asking myself what would have happened if SJU actually had an officiating crew working a game that understands the rule book and applied it correctly -- see a couple of those turnovers if called correctly, erase the score differential and theoretically result in a win for SJU, who would be 5-1 as as a result.  I have also been asking myself questions about some coaching decisions, but I will keep those to myself.

For the record, I will be cheering for UST and hope they crush BU, which they will.  I also know plenty of people associated with the UST program.