FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[sjusection105]

BDB- for the record, every time the UWRF announcers mentioned- "We thank Bob & Steve's Petrol Rapid Stop & Liquor Emporium for their continued support of Falcon athletics" a large contingent of SJU fans (the usual suspects on MIACPP) would stand up & cheer 

[bleedpurple]

"It was more meant for the "Tommie come lately's" like Chicagotommie who act as if football in the MIAC begins and end with UST.  In the last three years sure.  But for those that follow MIAC football need to realize that Jim Christopherson and John Gagliardi are the one's who people think about when they think of MIAC football.  I also believe Steve Johnson will eventually be in the conversation as one of the legendary coaches in the MIAC if he sticks for another ten years, based on where he has brought Bethel's program.  Bethel before Johnson was current day Hamline or Macalaster."

Hey captain A$$ hat, stop living in the past move forward pick your thong out of your a$$ and relax...sorry your so offended by me "Tommie come lately" of course I will pound my chest for the Tommie's they are the team of the present! Routing for the past is great if you have no future!

I'm definitely no Johnnie or Tommie supporter, so I really don't know why I'd weigh in on this bitter (and fun!) rivalry/MIAC fight. But my two cents worth: Actually, CT, you don't know if the Tommies are the team of the present or not. I believe they are currently 0-0 in the MIAC. Therefore, you, like Capt. are looking at the past. You choose to focus on the recent past because it feels good and it benefits your argument. However, the Johnnies were really, really good for a long, long time.  Coach Gags had a profound impact on both the MIAC and the entire D3 world.  Coach Caruso and the St. Thomas admin deserve a ton of credit for the current state of the program. But realistically, St. Thomas wouldn't be who St. Thomas is without compelling motivation and a context to get there. St. John's has more than a little to do with providing that. 

CT, of course you have the right to beat your chest if you want to. The Tommies are good. We get it.  But don't expect to do it without getting called out by fans of a rival with a longer and richer history. And show a little class OK? After all,  Johnnie fans were never cocky when they were successful... oh, wait... never mind. 

[Capn34]

"It was more meant for the "Tommie come lately's" like Chicagotommie who act as if football in the MIAC begins and end with UST.  In the last three years sure.  But for those that follow MIAC football need to realize that Jim Christopherson and John Gagliardi are the one's who people think about when they think of MIAC football.  I also believe Steve Johnson will eventually be in the conversation as one of the legendary coaches in the MIAC if he sticks for another ten years, based on where he has brought Bethel's program.  Bethel before Johnson was current day Hamline or Macalaster."

Hey captain A$$ hat, stop living in the past move forward pick your thong out of your a$$ and relax...sorry your so offended by me "Tommie come lately" of course I will pound my chest for the Tommie's they are the team of the present! Routing for the past is great if you have no future!

I'm definitely no Johnnie or Tommie supporter, so I really don't know why I'd weigh in on this bitter (and fun!) rivalry/MIAC fight. But my two cents worth: Actually, CT, you don't know if the Tommies are the team of the present or not. I believe they are currently 0-0 in the MIAC. Therefore, you, like Capt. are looking at the past. You choose to focus on the recent past because it feels good and it benefits your argument. However, the Johnnies were really, really good for a long, long time.  Coach Gags had a profound impact on both the MIAC and the entire D3 world.  Coach Caruso and the St. Thomas admin deserve a ton of credit for the current state of the program. But realistically, St. Thomas wouldn't be who St. Thomas is without compelling motivation and a context to get there. St. John's has more than a little to do with providing that. 

CT, of course you have the right to beat your chest if you want to. The Tommies are good. We get it.  But don't expect to do it without getting called out by fans of a rival with a longer and richer history. And show a little class OK? After all,  Johnnie fans were never cocky when they were successful... oh, wait... never mind. 

+K  you are right on bleedpurple.  The thing that newbies like Chicagotommie need to realize is that the "bitter fights" in the rivalry are more about fun.  This isn't d1football.  What I always enjoyed about the rivalry is the fun digs in creative ways, but that we all go out for beers and work together afterwards.

[BDB]

BDB- for the record, every time the UWRF announcers mentioned- "We thank Bob & Steve's Petrol Rapid Stop & Liquor Emporium for their continued support of Falcon athletics" a large contingent of SJU fans (the usual suspects on MIACPP) would stand up & cheer 

105 -  You just made my day! I watched the whole game on the video stream and kept waiting for TDT to streak the field, but you guys must have kept him under control.    What a wild ending!

[art76]

OK, I was at the game last night at River Falls and this is all I could think of while taking in the final minutes for the game: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRW7pITY5Cg

I sat on the River Falls side of the field to take in the "home field ambience". As a neutral observer it was easier to be somewhat anonymous. However, I did strike up a conversation with the mom of the RF freshman place kicker that missed the FG, but got the two extra points. She was a wreck. She was somewhat relieved that the game did not come down to her sons performance at the end of the game in his first college football game. Alas it did. Had he made that FG earlier in the game this would have been a whole different game. But as they say, what's done is done.

Congrats to the Johnnies. I see a long tumultuous season ahead of them filled with highs and lows. Their fans might want to have lots of antacids in their pockets at the games.

Cheers.

[retagent]

bleedpurple hit the right tone. He is one of the UWW posters I would try to slap down when they got a little full of themselves. Over the past few years, their success has been impressive, and they (IMHO) have a certain reserved boastful confidence that comes with prolonged success. They have earned the right to be somewhat arrogant and cocky, but it is now tempered withperspective. They faced adversity (a bit) last year, and are hopeful they can return to dominance. I hope the Tommie posters find that perspective.

That being said, I know it was the first game of the season, but in watching the first half of the SJU/UWRF game last night, I was stunned by the lack ofprecision, especially defensively by the Johnnies. Both teams seemed determined to screw up every chance they got. In the end, the Johnnies were able to put it together. Let's hope that gives them some confidence in the future. But, more importantly, let's hope they now know what they need to do better. Otherwise, it will be a long, painful season. They showed flashes of competence which they need to carry through the entire game.

One very positive note - the kicker was excellent. It could come down to him in close games this year.

[sjusection105]

One very positive note - the kicker was excellent. It could come down to him in close games this year.

It already did.....

Duffman & I were noting the similarities to the 2001 season with a bunch of new guys getting their feet wet in game action. This isn't high school,so playing your assignment fundamentally well is of paramount importance. You (name almost anyone coming in as a Freshman) are no longer the best player on the field and you can not make up for a blown assignment with superior athletic ability which you may have had the luxury of doing in high school.

Looking at film on Tuesday will open some eyes & hopefully will eliminate some mental errors in the future.
Eau Claire
UST
Concordia
St. Olaf
Augsburg
...the next month will tell a lot

[hazzben]

I'm so torn right now...would I rather see SJU/Fasching beat UST in a few weeks or UST/Caruso continue 'the streak?' 

Judging by the last few days of posts, either outcome is probably a win in terms of stirring up all sorts of hatred. This has been some good theatre fellas. Is it extra perverse to want the game to be decided in a super controversial manner like a few years back? Probably, but watching you guys go apoplectic is a lot of fun.

In all seriousness, bleedpurple is pretty accurate. To pretend SJU isn't the dominant program in the MIAC, historically speaking, is just nonsense. Use whatever metric you want. Win percentage, conference titles, national titles, there's a reason Gags is a living legend. And UST has been the team to beat the last 3 years. From where I sit, both those realities suck 

The recent downward trend isn't all bad IMO for the SJU faithful in terms of increased perspective and sharing in the suffering that ever other program has tasted for much longer periods of time. There's been a fair share of Johnnie bravado on here if you look back, especially in the early 2000's. That said, the Johnnie posters make the board lively and have done a lot of leg(post)work to make the MIAC board what it is.

On the flip side, some of the UST guys can be a bit over the top and obnoxious. Especially some (though not all) of the more recent additions. There are some great Tommie posters who balance reasoned analysis with good natured jabs. But there are also some that need to learn the adage 'act like you've been there before.' Granted, they've had to swallow years of SJU propaganda and braggadocio, but it's sorta the flip side of the Johnnie posters taking their chops.

Ironically, to me anyway, it's the UST posters who've been on here the longest that would have the most right to chest beating. They were posting back in the 2-8 years and taking it on the chin from their Johnnie cousins. In reality, they are the most respectful and balanced of their brood.

But man, it is fun to be back in football season! GO ROYALS!!

[SUMMIT!!!!!]

Good luck to the Johnnies tonight, let's hope Gary gets off to a great start to the season and is 2-0 heading into the Tommie Game. 

It's time for the Tommies on the board to assume the position they have had for most of thier football history, playing second fiddle to the Johnnies.  It seems some Tommies take a three year run to mean that they have been historically the dominant team in the MIAC.  Fact is if you look at MIAC history they are probably at best, third fiddle to SJU and Concordia, and maybe even fourth to the Gusties(historically speaking).

Alright a self proclaimed man of facts.....what's the history say about going undefeated in the conference three seasons in a row? Or maybe 34 regular season games in a row?

As the guy who checks the facts at UST wrote.....
Glenn Caruso (57-8 record), last season's AFCA and Liberty Mutual Division III National Coach of the Year, surpassed 50 Tommie coaching victories in 2012, his fifth seasons at UST. By comparison, John Gagliardi won his 50th game at St. John's in his 10th season; Mount Union's Larry Kehres won his 50th game in his seventh season.... Caruso moved into first in UST football coaching victories last postseason he passed Frank Deig (56 wins, 1947-58).

Caruso has done something possibly unprecedented in college football –- improve his team's record in each of his first seven seasons as a head coach. He took over a Macalester team coming off an 0-9 season in 2006 and went 2-7, then 4-5. He took over a 2-8 Tommie program in 2008 and posted season records of 7-3, 11-2, 12-1, 13-1 and 14-1.
Point proven....Tommie fans think the conference began 5 years ago.
BTW they didn't play as many games and have 32 team playoffs back in the 1950's. 

Actually, there were NO playoffs in the 1950s. There was no Division III in the 1950s. The NAIA (small schools) may have had a mythical champ but thats the closest there was. Starting in 1956, there was a NAIA "championship game" but it was more BCS than a playoff-- 2 teams were invited to play in it, without a playoff leading up to it. It was later expanded to a 4 team "playoff", again more like BCS than a true playoff.

Good luck to the Johnnies tonight, let's hope Gary gets off to a great start to the season and is 2-0 heading into the Tommie Game. 

It's time for the Tommies on the board to assume the position they have had for most of thier football history, playing second fiddle to the Johnnies.  It seems some Tommies take a three year run to mean that they have been historically the dominant team in the MIAC.  Fact is if you look at MIAC history they are probably at best, third fiddle to SJU and Concordia, and maybe even fourth to the Gusties(historically speaking).

My issue with this post had nothing to do with who has done better historically. What rubbed me the wrong way is the statement bolded above. I found that statement extremely arrogant and annoying. Why should I have any less pride in my football program than SJU or any other team in the MIAC for that matter? This statement was meant to, "put them (UST) in their place." Ain't happening.

It was more meant for the "Tommie come lately's" like Chicagotommie who act as if football in the MIAC begins and end with UST.  In the last three years sure.  But for those that follow MIAC football need to realize that Jim Christopherson and John Gagliardi are the one's who people think about when they think of MIAC football.  I also believe Steve Johnson will eventually be in the conversation as one of the legendary coaches in the MIAC if he sticks for another ten years, based on where he has brought Bethel's program.  Bethel before Johnson was current day Hamline or Macalaster.

If he retired today, Steve Johnson would be hands down the 3rd best coach in MIAC history, and it could be argued he was the 2nd best ahead of Christensen (altough Christensen's 2 championships from a far different era probably trumps Coach J). Im not sure why you think he needs to stick around another 10 years to be considered one of the greatest coaches in conference history--- he could win 5 national championshpis in that next 10 years , making a case for him being the all-time best.

[SUMMIT!!!!!]

Nice, if somewhat lucky, win for SJU last night. I'm surprised no one has commented on the play that turned the tide, so I will  . On UWRF's possession prior to SJU's tying TD, the Falcons were moving the ball and burning off the clock when a snap was botched resulting in a 12 yard loss and seemed to u hinge UWRF's offense. SJU's defense dug in, held and the momentum noticably shifted.

1st and 10 at UWRF34--TEAM rush for loss of 12 yards to the UWRF22, fumble by TEAM recovered by UWRF Ryan Kusilek at UWRF22.

Had RF not fumbled and taken such a big loss, I doubt SJU would have gotten the ball back without UWRF scoring at least 3 if not 7... but its pure speculation, but RF was moving the ball on the ground well and eating up the clock.

Still, nice to see a MIAC team beat a WIAC team.....now to don my purple shirt, pants and sox and go watch a 2nd MIAC win over the hated WIAC.
Also, lets go Carleton, Hamline, Augsburg, St Olaf and Concordia-- a 7-0 weekend sounds good!

[2115 Summit]

Okay - Football season for some has already started!  But the Girlfriend and I are about to head on down to the corner of Cretin and Summit for some UST football!

GO TOMMIES!!

[sju56321]

Good to hear all the comments about yesterday's game as I could not hear or see it since I was at my son's game-they won 28-7 and he had another interception. Looking to follow in the footsteps of a certain #13 LB at SJU.
Will be at next week's game to see first hand this SJU team.

Good luck to all those playing today-come our of the game healthy!

[Walter Eagle]

Nice, if somewhat lucky, win for SJU last night. I'm surprised no one has commented on the play that turned the tide, so I will  . On UWRF's possession prior to SJU's tying TD, the Falcons were moving the ball and burning off the clock when a snap was botched resulting in a 12 yard loss and seemed to u hinge UWRF's offense. SJU's defense dug in, held and the momentum noticably shifted.

1st and 10 at UWRF34--TEAM rush for loss of 12 yards to the UWRF22, fumble by TEAM recovered by UWRF Ryan Kusilek at UWRF22.

Had RF not fumbled and taken such a big loss, I doubt SJU would have gotten the ball back without UWRF scoring at least 3 if not 7... but its pure speculation, but RF was moving the ball on the ground well and eating up the clock.

Still, nice to see a MIAC team beat a WIAC team.....now to don my purple shirt, pants and sox and go watch a 2nd MIAC win over the hated WIAC.
Also, lets go Carleton, Hamline, Augsburg, St Olaf and Concordia-- a 7-0 weekend sounds good!

And, if I'm not mistaken the snap came from the back-up center who was in for the injured (heat stricken?) starter.  The UWRF announcers said when he came in the game that he was having a very bad time snapping the ball in practice.  All in all this game was very similar to the UST game last year at UWEC where they had to score two td's in the last two minutes to win.  Both very hot and humid and in both cases, I think the better conditioned team won.

[hazzben]

If he retired today, Steve Johnson would be hands down the 3rd best coach in MIAC history, and it could be argued he was the 2nd best ahead of Christensen (altough Christensen's 2 championships from a far different era probably trumps Coach J). Im not sure why you think he needs to stick around another 10 years to be considered one of the greatest coaches in conference history--- he could win 5 national championshpis in that next 10 years , making a case for him being the all-time best.

I'll have whatever he's having!!  Hopefully an inspired prophetic utterance. But as a Tommie, you'd be more similar to Balaam's donkey than Isaiah 

But yes, Coach J is certainly already one of the MIAC greats.

Imagine if Hamline's new HC, 25 years from now, has multiple conference titles, playoff appreances and approaching 200 wins and has spent the last decade and a half with Hamline positioned as one of the top programs. That sounds just ludicrous. But it's exactly what Coach J did at Bethel. Look no further than him being named MIAC COY in his first season after going 3-6-1! They were so bad before that, and so surprisingly competitive even in their losses that season, that the coaches recognized it with some serious props.

But I 'agree' with miacmaniac, there'd be no better way for him to finish than 5 or so national titles down the home stretch 

[Mr.MIAC]

I'm so torn right now...would I rather see SJU/Fasching beat UST in a few weeks or UST/Caruso continue 'the streak?' 

Judging by the last few days of posts, either outcome is probably a win in terms of stirring up all sorts of hatred. This has been some good theatre fellas. Is it extra perverse to want the game to be decided in a super controversial manner like a few years back? Probably, but watching you guys go apoplectic is a lot of fun.

In all seriousness, bleedpurple is pretty accurate. To pretend SJU isn't the dominant program in the MIAC, historically speaking, is just nonsense. Use whatever metric you want. Win percentage, conference titles, national titles, there's a reason Gags is a living legend. And UST has been the team to beat the last 3 years. From where I sit, both those realities suck 

The recent downward trend isn't all bad IMO for the SJU faithful in terms of increased perspective and sharing in the suffering that ever other program has tasted for much longer periods of time. There's been a fair share of Johnnie bravado on here if you look back, especially in the early 2000's. That said, the Johnnie posters make the board lively and have done a lot of leg(post)work to make the MIAC board what it is.

On the flip side, some of the UST guys can be a bit over the top and obnoxious. Especially some (though not all) of the more recent additions. There are some great Tommie posters who balance reasoned analysis with good natured jabs. But there are also some that need to learn the adage 'act like you've been there before.' Granted, they've had to swallow years of SJU propaganda and braggadocio, but it's sorta the flip side of the Johnnie posters taking their chops.

Ironically, to me anyway, it's the UST posters who've been on here the longest that would have the most right to chest beating. They were posting back in the 2-8 years and taking it on the chin from their Johnnie cousins. In reality, they are the most respectful and balanced of their brood.

But man, it is fun to be back in football season! GO ROYALS!!

I think this is one of your great posts.  It's balanced, thoughtful, and to the point. 

As one of the more recent (started in 2011), occasionally over the top, UST guys it strikes me that many of us have negative karma.  I wonder why.  To be clear, I don't really care about the karma thing and have only started to give positive karma recently.  I get that people want to give negative karma when the banter gets especially cutting (though not mean spirited, part of the fun is coming up with new creative ways to rile up the SJU fans), but often you see UST guys getting dinged for posting links to articles, giving updates on new players, asking questions about other programs, etc.

It seems to me that there is a cadre of folks on this board that are either actively or passively against all things UST.  As far as balanced, reasoned posts are concerned, notice that comments by UST posters are really only viewed as such by much of the SJU contingent as long as: 1) there's no hint (real or perceived) of UST boosterism and 2: SJU is not critiqued in any way. 

If you recall, I started on this board by discussing happenings within the MIAC and offering some opinions on future prospects for some MIAC teams.  What was the response?  Some fellow posters supported and engaged in the dialogue (yourself included), while some others went on the attack.  The funny thing is that outside jest, few UST posters condemn SJU or their football program for anything. 

On the flipside, UST can't do anything right.  We have too much money, which apparently is bad; we wrongfully spend too much of it on facilities; we have unfair recruiting practices; we have too much media coverage; too many students; the wrong perspective, and the list goes on. 

In my view, hubris resides with some (not all) of the SJU posters.  Just last night someone, after three quarters of truly poor play against an unaccomplished team, commented after a few good plays that they're ready to take on UST.  I understand rallying around your team, but this sort of statement implies that some people naturally think SJU should be viewed as a top-tier competitor.  At this point in time that's not the case, and it shows a lack of respect for a team like UST. 

Anyway, the game is about to start...