FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[sjusection105]

On a sidenote, god that 2002 team was good. Still not sure how they lost to Eau-Claire in that first game, but they were pretty much a machine from then on, even - and especially - after Denne took over for the injured Keating.

http://gojohnnies.com/schedule.aspx?path=football&schedule=29

How about the games against the Tommies and Oles? 709 yards against Tommies. 638 against Oles. Offensively they were even better than the 2003 team, with Crowley becoming a dominant force. Then they gave up 34 in first half against Trinity. Agh.

But yeah, Saturday...nice comeback.

Crowley was a BEAST- if they would have pulled out the win at Trinity it was doubtful he would have played in the Stagg Bowl as he was playing with a severely bruised or cracked sternum.
He was one of those guys who fumbled a couple times as a Soph. & never saw the field again. Then as a Jr. had a hamstring problem and as a Sr.- come hell or high water he was not going to let anything keep him off the field.
When he took a pitch outside he was off to the races. When he ran an inside trap, he would hit the hole hard & be off to the races. He made the most of his time in the spotlight.
I'm sure Duff could tell us more stories about the 2002 miracle run. The road trip to Linfield was quite fun!

[sfury]

On a sidenote, god that 2002 team was good. Still not sure how they lost to Eau-Claire in that first game, but they were pretty much a machine from then on, even - and especially - after Denne took over for the injured Keating.

http://gojohnnies.com/schedule.aspx?path=football&schedule=29

How about the games against the Tommies and Oles? 709 yards against Tommies. 638 against Oles. Offensively they were even better than the 2003 team, with Crowley becoming a dominant force. Then they gave up 34 in first half against Trinity. Agh.

But yeah, Saturday...nice comeback.

Crowley was a BEAST- if they would have pulled out the win at Trinity it was doubtful he would have played in the Stagg Bowl as he was playing with a severely bruised or cracked sternum.
He was one of those guys who fumbled a couple times as a Soph. & never saw the field again. Then as a Jr. had a hamstring problem and as a Sr.- come hell or high water he was not going to let anything keep him off the field.
When he took a pitch outside he was off to the races. When he ran an inside trap, he would hit the hole hard & be off to the races. He made the most of his time in the spotlight.
I'm sure Duff could tell us more stories about the 2002 miracle run. The road trip to Linfield was quite fun!

First, Rat, why don't you remember? Were you imbibing? In that game, Mac entered with one win, SJU with one loss. Weird. And of course a lot of the players who led them in '76 to the title.

Crowley - pride of Fulda High School. Hi, Bennie.

And I remember that injury and without him beating that Mount team would have been an even more monumental task. Elliott's receiving numbers were actually more absurd in 2002 than in 2003, would have been really fun seeing him go against former SCSU star Chris Kern, Mount's star CB (who was going to go to SJU but for some redshirting MIAC issues).

I'm sure Duff could tell us more stories about the 2002 miracle run and how it ended because he missed several tackles against Trinity.

Fixed? Kidding Duff. That was just one of those games where it all spiraled in the opening half.

[tmerton]

On another note, SJU kicker Jimmie Mattson has never missed a field goal in his Johnnie career. 15-for-15. And some of those are 40-plus yarders, and at least one from 50-plus. He's become a real nice weapon, especially for a team that historically could never find a kicker

The kid has the approach of Kevin Butler of the '85 Bears- he is tough and probably lifts on a regular basis (more-so)  than some of the O-linemen. Changing the mindset to the approach of a game plan and using him as a weapon instead of an afterthought which may be something new in 2012.

Sat by his family at the 2010 UST game and the one kick he did miss, in OT -which was a kick I didn't think he should have ever had to take (the D was worn down and we couldn't stop their running game at that point - suggested to me that we go for 2 and the win rather than play for the next OT period, when we would have had to go on offense first- but I digress).  Anyway, great family and player.

[Retired Old Rat]

Fury,  Most likely I had been imbibing.  However, unfortunately, I can generally remember things when I've been imbibing.  Many things I do remember I'd like to forget.

Don't recall the details of that game as a result of being old and having a $hitty memory.  I do remember Ron Groce being a hell of a runner.

[sjusection105]

All the Players of the Week from the SJU- St. Olaf game.
http://www.miac-online.org/news/2011/11/7/FOOTBALL_1107115107.aspx

Two weeks in a row for Jimmie Mattson

[DuffMan]

On a sidenote, god that 2002 team was good. Still not sure how they lost to Eau-Claire in that first game.

One of the biggest reasons is that we had implemented a a new defense that we thought would work well against the Blugolds.  It turns out that it didn't.   We went back to our bread and butter the second half, but our offense couldn't make up for it fast enough 

And have I mentioned that it was HOT that game?  John had us do warmups without shoulder pads and helmets.  It was weird.

[DuffMan]

I'm sure Duff could tell us more stories about the 2002 miracle run and how it ended because he missed several tackles against Trinity.

Fixed? Kidding Duff. That was just one of those games where it all spiraled in the opening half.

Ouch!  You're on my $hit list, now

In all honesty, that Trinity team was good.  We should have beat them, but they were good.  Along with MUC in 2001, Trinity had one of the best o-lines I have ever faced.  It's too bad their QB got himself suspended for the Stagg--it would have been a better game.  Of course, it would have been even better if it would have been us 

[carletonsid]

Just wanted to throw this out there for fodder.

In Saturday's game with my Knights, UST (or U$T, if you prefer), the Tommies ran a fake field goal, a halfback pass, an onside kick, and a fake punt.

I understand the reasoning to get all these plays on tape and make your NCAA opponent(s) prepare for such plays, but in a game where it was 42-0 midway through the second quarter, where does one cross the line into unsportsmanlike behavior in this instance? I also fully recognize that this is college football, not peewees, and the Knights need to play better to keep the game competitive.

Also, no need for the UST coaching staff to go ballistic when our punt returner had a nice little return and the refs picked up a flag. You were ahead 42-0 at the time--chill out.

OK, I'll hang up and listen to the responses.

[DustySJU]

I'm sure Duff could tell us more stories about the 2002 miracle run and how it ended because he missed several tackles against Trinity.

Fixed? Kidding Duff. That was just one of those games where it all spiraled in the opening half.

Ouch!  You're on my $hit list, now

In all honesty, that Trinity team was good.  We should have beat them, but they were good.  Along with MUC in 2001, Trinity had one of the best o-lines I have ever faced.  It's too bad their QB got himself suspended for the Stagg--it would have been a better game.  Of course, it would have been even better if it would have been us 

After a dreadful start by the Johnnies that Saturday in San Antonio something happened and the J's came storming back in the 2nd quarter.  I was standing on the goal line at the end of the first half when wr Jed Riggleman nudged the goal line in what should have been declared a touchdown.  A local San Antonio resident was standing next to me and was jumping up and down screaming it was a touchdown.  The Johnnies continued the battle into the second half and tied the score up on a Blake Elliott touchdown late in the fourth quarter.  Trinity commenced with 13 consective running plays to score the go ahead touchdown.  The drive was nearly stopped on a key 3rd or 4th down play with Jeremy Hood being called for a phantom facemask.  Despite the loss it was a plesantly warm December day in Texas and a well contested semifinal game.   

[WashedUp]

Just wanted to throw this out there for fodder.

In Saturday's game with my Knights, UST (or U$T, if you prefer), the Tommies ran a fake field goal, a halfback pass, an onside kick, and a fake punt.

I understand the reasoning to get all these plays on tape and make your NCAA opponent(s) prepare for such plays, but in a game where it was 42-0 midway through the second quarter, where does one cross the line into unsportsmanlike behavior in this instance? I also fully recognize that this is college football, not peewees, and the Knights need to play better to keep the game competitive.

Also, no need for the UST coaching staff to go ballistic when our punt returner had a nice little return and the refs picked up a flag. You were ahead 42-0 at the time--chill out.

OK, I'll hang up and listen to the responses.

I have no problem with it.  It's UST's job to do whatever they think will best prepare them for the playoffs, not to go easy on the opponent because they are up big early and it's Carleton's job to stop them (which we obviously couldn't).  UST has a bye week and then what should be an easy opening round (I'm assuming they'll play Scholastica), so you need to do whatever you can to keep the intensity high.

[SUADC]

SUADC in his incoherent rambling about how sweet Delaware Valley is, managed to muse a rather interesting thought.

If someone were to break up the seemingly inevitable UWW/Mt. Union reunion at the Stagg Bowl I just don't see that team coming out of the East.

Maybe it's talent saturation, maybe it's too many helicopter moms making their kids play soccer, but with a billion schools crammed into a very small geographical area and the East Coast culture of crabcakes and sailing, I doubt we'll see anyone from the East not ending its playoff run in a blowout for awhile.

St. Thomas has never played against the purple powers to show that they deserve to be #1. Yet, Bethel has played Mount Union twice since 2007, having a good game last year, but getting destroyed in 2007. I just don't think the 'West' should be represented by a team that has not proven themselves historically in the playoffs by not playing either Mount Union or Wisconsin-Whitewater. I would still consider Linfield more of a #1 seed than St. Thomas, because they have went toe to toe with "west" regional powerhouse Wisconsin-Whitewater. As far as Delaware Valley, they played Mount Union last year and got beat 31-3. But, at least they did not give up 24 points in one-quarter like Bethel who St. Thomas lost to last year. Now, go enjoy some east coast crabcakes and go sailing on the great lakes.

[WashedUp]

SUADC in his incoherent rambling about how sweet Delaware Valley is, managed to muse a rather interesting thought.

If someone were to break up the seemingly inevitable UWW/Mt. Union reunion at the Stagg Bowl I just don't see that team coming out of the East.

Maybe it's talent saturation, maybe it's too many helicopter moms making their kids play soccer, but with a billion schools crammed into a very small geographical area and the East Coast culture of crabcakes and sailing, I doubt we'll see anyone from the East not ending its playoff run in a blowout for awhile.

St. Thomas has never played against the purple powers to show that they deserve to be #1. Yet, Bethel has played Mount Union twice since 2007, having a good game last year, but getting destroyed in 2007. I just don't think the 'West' should be represented by a team that has not proven themselves historically in the playoffs by not playing either Mount Union or Wisconsin-Whitewater. I would still consider Linfield more of a #1 seed than St. Thomas, because they have went toe to toe with "west" regional powerhouse Wisconsin-Whitewater. As far as Delaware Valley, they played Mount Union last year and got beat 31-3. But, at least they did not give up 24 points in one-quarter like Bethel who St. Thomas lost to last year. Now, go enjoy some east coast crabcakes and go sailing on the great lakes.

So your argument for not making UST a #1 seed is that they have never played UWW or Mount Union and lost to a team (that they beat earlier in the year) that allowed more points in a quarter than Delaware Valley did last year against Mount Union?  Do you work for the BCS?

[DoubleO]

SUADC in his incoherent rambling about how sweet Delaware Valley is, managed to muse a rather interesting thought.

If someone were to break up the seemingly inevitable UWW/Mt. Union reunion at the Stagg Bowl I just don't see that team coming out of the East.

Maybe it's talent saturation, maybe it's too many helicopter moms making their kids play soccer, but with a billion schools crammed into a very small geographical area and the East Coast culture of crabcakes and sailing, I doubt we'll see anyone from the East not ending its playoff run in a blowout for awhile.

St. Thomas has never played against the purple powers to show that they deserve to be #1. Yet, Bethel has played Mount Union twice since 2007, having a good game last year, but getting destroyed in 2007. I just don't think the 'West' should be represented by a team that has not proven themselves historically in the playoffs by not playing either Mount Union or Wisconsin-Whitewater. I would still consider Linfield more of a #1 seed than St. Thomas, because they have went toe to toe with "west" regional powerhouse Wisconsin-Whitewater. As far as Delaware Valley, they played Mount Union last year and got beat 31-3. But, at least they did not give up 24 points in one-quarter like Bethel who St. Thomas lost to last year. Now, go enjoy some east coast crabcakes and go sailing on the great lakes.

Sweet logic. Doesn't even warrant a logical response other than to say, apologies in advance for MU being put in your bracket.

[repete]

Yeah, that's it, SUADC. The Stagg is all about regional top seed.

Hint: Win five games and the seedings take care of themselves.

SUADC has apparently solved the mystery about why an East Region team hasn't won a Stagg title since ...
   --TDT was wetting the bed (nope, check that)
   --my college freshman son wasn't yet born
    --Smells Like Teen Spirit topped the charts
  --Roney was just a potential head coach waiting to be discovered

[Chubbs]

After a dreadful start by the Johnnies that Saturday in San Antonio something happened and the J's came storming back in the 2nd quarter.  I was standing on the goal line at the end of the first half when wr Jed Riggleman nudged the goal line in what should have been declared a touchdown.  A local San Antonio resident was standing next to me and was jumping up and down screaming it was a touchdown.  The Johnnies continued the battle into the second half and tied the score up on a Blake Elliott touchdown late in the fourth quarter.  Trinity commenced with 13 consective running plays to score the go ahead touchdown.  The drive was nearly stopped on a key 3rd or 4th down play with Jeremy Hood being called for a phantom facemask.  Despite the loss it was a plesantly warm December day in Texas and a well contested semifinal game.   

I was at that game as well, proudly supporting the MIAC in a Bethel Football shirt.  First time I met the Godfather and ROR as well.  Happy days!

A couple Trinity fans were sitting in front of me, and at the half they were already hi-fiveing and making their travel plans for the Stagg.  I remember saying, "Don't get ahead of yourselves, fellahs.  Having been involved in four incredible games with these guys, I can say with no doubt that they're nowhere near done."  They scoffed initially, but every time the Johnnies scored they'd get more and more nervous.   They, along with the rest of the Trinity fan base, walked away that day knowing they dodged a bullet.

Incredibly gutsy performance by Blake Elliot playing with severe flu and still lighting up the Tigers in the second half.  Had to be carried from the field, as I recall.