FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[faunch]

So is Bruns the guy for the Johnnies? 

[SagatagSam]

So is Bruns the guy for the Johnnies?

I'm thinking it's Bruns.
It seems to me that after Ries didn't do so hot on his first couple series, they gave Bruns a shot and he captured the moment.
After the game was well in hand, they gave Ries another shot, but I don't think his performance the second time out was enough to warrant a second start against UWEC.
It'll be #10 starting under center next week.

[SagatagSam]

I didn't realize how big Bruns was (6-3, 215). Are we seeing the second coming of Tom Linnemann? (sans the wit and sarcasm)

[hazzben]

I didn't realize how big Bruns was (6-3, 215). Are we seeing the second coming of Tom Linnemann? (sans the wit and sarcasm)

That would depend on where he is big wouldn't it? If I remember correctly, TL carried a fair amount of his weight around the midsection. 

[SagatagSam]

I didn't realize how big Bruns was (6-3, 215). Are we seeing the second coming of Tom Linnemann? (sans the wit and sarcasm)

That would depend on where he is big wouldn't it? If I remember correctly, TL carried a fair amount of his weight around the midsection. 

Ba-Zing! Point, hazzben!

[SJUrube]

@ccfMRF: John Gagliardi started game on SJU sidelines. No longer see him. Make a move to press box @rajko1973? #d3fb #GoJohnnies

@rajko1973: @ccfMRF Yes he was in the press box in the second half

I had the above Twitter exchange w/ Frank Rajikowski of the SCTimes. I was at the game with my dad and he was looking for Gags in the first half and we found him so I know he was on the sideline to start. I noticed midway through the 3rd quarter he was no longer there.

I know this is a non story as there have been a handful of games the last number of years where John has spent part or all of the game in the press box. What surprised me about today was how beautiful it was so I can't imagine there was heat or cold that moved him off the sideline. Maybe his eyes were hurting after a so-so first half and he wanted to get away.

As for the actual game, I'm not ready to make any proclamations. The biggest thing to get out of week one was a QB. I don't think it's been resolved yet but Bruns looks like the guy. He was aided by the running game performing better but he also seemed more comfortable in the pocket. On more than a couple of occasions Ries looked to leave the pocket when he wasn't under pressure.

Win next week against Eau Claire and the win over Northwestern looks more than fine. Lose next week and the Northwestern win doesn't look as good.

[hazzben]

As for the actual game, I'm not ready to make any proclamations. The biggest thing to get out of week one was a QB. I don't think it's been resolved yet but Bruns looks like the guy. He was aided by the running game performing better but he also seemed more comfortable in the pocket. On more than a couple of occasions Ries looked to leave the pocket when he wasn't under pressure.

It sounds like Bruns established himself on Saturday against NWC. If he can maintain that against UWEC, then I think you can officially say you've got yourselves a starter. That's the real trick though. Some guys look great against also rans but are wilting violets when the heat really starts. Other guys really start to show their stuff when the pressure starts to build. Next Saturday should be telling in this regard.

[sjusection105]

<a href="http://johnniefootball.com/archive/sjusection105/2011/09/04/johnnies-win-34-0-leaving-questions-unanswered/">SJU-Northwestern Game Story</a>  <---------- CLICK OVER THERE

[retagent]

I didn't realize how big Bruns was (6-3, 215). Are we seeing the second coming of Tom Linnemann? (sans the wit and sarcasm)

That would depend on where he is big wouldn't it? If I remember correctly, TL carried a fair amount of his weight around the midsection. 

Not to be a wise guy ( and you know I'm not) but reading about, and hearing his own words, Mr Linneman carried more than a fair share of his "weight" above the neck too.

[SJUrube]

As for the actual game, I'm not ready to make any proclamations. The biggest thing to get out of week one was a QB. I don't think it's been resolved yet but Bruns looks like the guy. He was aided by the running game performing better but he also seemed more comfortable in the pocket. On more than a couple of occasions Ries looked to leave the pocket when he wasn't under pressure.

It sounds like Bruns established himself on Saturday against NWC. If he can maintain that against UWEC, then I think you can officially say you've got yourselves a starter. That's the real trick though. Some guys look great against also rans but are wilting violets when the heat really starts. Other guys really start to show their stuff when the pressure starts to build. Next Saturday should be telling in this regard.

Bruns wasn't lights out yesterday but he did seem to control things better. What worries me is the coaching staff put Ries back in during the 3rd QTR after the offense had stalled a few times. I understand why they did it as the offense was extremely pedestrian during the quarter. Eventually, and sooner than later, they just need to pick a guy. I'm sure they are trying to be sensitive to Ries since he was the main backup the last two years but if you read through their quotes in the preseason they obviously really like the Bruns kid.

It was great to be back on campus for the afternoon. If you weren't there I used my iPad to take some video and put a quick recap together set to the Johnnie Fight Song. And if you were in Collegeville yesterday relive the beautiful day on campus. Video: http://bit.ly/osIXhj

[bennie]

@ccfMRF: John Gagliardi started game on SJU sidelines. No longer see him. Make a move to press box @rajko1973? #d3fb #GoJohnnies

@rajko1973: @ccfMRF Yes he was in the press box in the second half

I had the above Twitter exchange w/ Frank Rajikowski of the SCTimes. I was at the game with my dad and he was looking for Gags in the first half and we found him so I know he was on the sideline to start. I noticed midway through the 3rd quarter he was no longer there.

I know this is a non story as there have been a handful of games the last number of years where John has spent part or all of the game in the press box. What surprised me about today was how beautiful it was so I can't imagine there was heat or cold that moved him off the sideline. Maybe his eyes were hurting after a so-so first half and he wanted to get away.

The guy is 82 years old! He may have wanted to sit down, but couldn't see the field the way he wanted to by sitting in the sideline bench. My father is 82 too and I wouldn't want him to stand on the sideline for 2+ hour.

[57Johnnie]

@ccfMRF: John Gagliardi started game on SJU sidelines. No longer see him. Make a move to press box @rajko1973? #d3fb #GoJohnnies

@rajko1973: @ccfMRF Yes he was in the press box in the second half

I had the above Twitter exchange w/ Frank Rajikowski of the SCTimes. I was at the game with my dad and he was looking for Gags in the first half and we found him so I know he was on the sideline to start. I noticed midway through the 3rd quarter he was no longer there.

I know this is a non story as there have been a handful of games the last number of years where John has spent part or all of the game in the press box. What surprised me about today was how beautiful it was so I can't imagine there was heat or cold that moved him off the sideline. Maybe his eyes were hurting after a so-so first half and he wanted to get away.

The guy is 82 years old! He may have wanted to sit down, but couldn't see the field the way he wanted to by sitting in the sideline bench. My father is 82 too and I wouldn't want him to stand on the sideline for 2+ hour.

How about 84  -  85 on All Saints Day
Oh, I forgot that ladies can fudge a couple of years 

[faunch]

3070? Really?

[Touchdown Tommy]

VOJ: More Jim Cella...More Jim Cella...More Jim Cella...this cat has your number!!!  Best SID in the MIAC...Great to see you yesterday pal.  I'm sure we'll catch up more before the UWEC game when you come out for a special Veek wild rice sausage.

Great afternoon in Collegeville.  Thanks for the VIP 50 yard line seats Veek.  It was a pleasure to talk some pigskin with '78 National Champion QB Jeff Norman.  Also ran into my pals Chewey and Brice following the game.  They are confirmed for Mick's Office on the Friday night before the Johnnie/Cobber game.

RE: SJU QB

After 1 game the TDT approved depth chart would be:

1. Bruns...strengths include poise, really strong arm, accurate throws, good genes
2. Krebsbach...former MN HS all-star, had limited opps but looked promising in small sample size, Nephew of JohnnieIrish!!!
3. Ries...by far the most experienced in SJU offense, seems clumsy/trips over own feet, didn't see several wide open receivers

Couple additional observations:

-Very impressed by freshman NT Joe Zrust.  An absolute pork chop who takes on 2 blockers and doesn't move.
-Steve Johnson should be getting 80% of the carries.  Very good.  Continue to rotate Schneider and Awe in as a change of pace.  I've seen Awe throw that halfback option pass a few times.  Being a lefthanded thrower seems to throw off the defense and he does throw a real nice ball.  It was a bit disconcerting to have to resort to a pseudo-trick play on the 4 yard line against Northwestern.
-TE Taylor Freetly can be a big time weapon.  He's a big target with real soft hands and i've always believed that when the TE is an integral part of the offense the Johnnies are much more effective.
-Never seen so many freshmen play regular minutes.  Usually the Johnnies play their best recruits/promising future players on the special teams units to get the feet wet.  I distinctly remember Jeremy Hood being an absolute monster playing ST his freshman year.  I'm not sure if it is a sign that the recruiting was excellent or the existing team needs an infusion of fresh talent to be successful in 2011.

[SagatagSam]

3070? Really?

Go on... I'm listening.

3070 means __________?

That's not the last four digits of your social security number is it?