FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Mr.MIAC]

Well new turf this year at GAC, looks real nice.  They're also practicing with padded helmet covers on; suppose to reduce the frequency and severity of concussions as well reduce temperatures.  They also have some new addons to their helmets.  GAC signed a contract with Nike, the football swag is now Nike, don't know if/when they're doing new uniforms.  From other sources, IIRC St. Olaf has all new, top of the line Ridell helmets.

Speaking of swag, is any brand known to hold up better than others? UST has multiple contracts and in my admittedly anecdotal experience, some of the most expensive stuff (e.g. Under Armor) falls apart the fastest.

[OzJohnnie]

pick 'ems?

[GoldandBlueBU]

pick 'ems?

Sounds like you're volunteering?   

[BDB]

I think this is the  lesson to be learned here before anyone criticizes the academic standards of another institution of higher learning. 
(What city this picture was taken in is up for discussion)

[art76]

MIAC games start in just one week, so here are my thoughts on the games for the first week of the season:

MIAC 2018 Week 1

Hamline at Buena Vista – Buena Vista's record last year was 3 and 7, winning all three games by less than 4 points. Hamline's was 2 and 8, and while both of those wins were decisive, they only had one loss that was within one score. Hopefully the Pipers will be trending up this year, because as it stands with the info in front of us, the Beavers have the edge in this one.

St. Olaf at Crown College – The Oles were 4 and 6 in one of the toughest conferences last year and the Storm were 0 and 10 in one of the weaker conferences in NCAA Division 3 football. Because it is the first game of the season, Crown may seem to be in this one for a spell, but the Oles should come away victorious.

Nebraska Wesleyan at Concordia – Last year Nebraska Wesleyan tumbled to the bottom of the Iowa Conference, now called the American Rivers Conference, and the Cobbers were third behind the Johnnies and the Tommies. This should be a fairly easy win for those guys way up North.

Ripon at Augsburg - The Red Hawks ended last year on a high note, winning their last 3 games and 4 of their last 5, to finish at 5 and 5. The Auggies, on the other hand, started out strong, winning three of their first four games last year, then struggling to a 4 and 6 record. Because the game is at Augsburg, and the disparity between the conferences, I would give the nod to the Auggies. But it won't be a surprise if Ripon takes the win away from them.

Gustavus at Martin Luther – This is another mis-match, similar to the Tommies and Trinity. The Gusties will be the team mauling the Cougars.

Wisconsin Stout at Saint John's – This might become the game of the week. Stout is stout, as the Tommies found out last season. The game is up in Collegeville, so I expect the Johnnies will win, but it could go back and forth into the fourth quarter. I'll be keeping an eye on this game while watching the Bethel game.

Bethel at Simpson – This is the other game that might become the game of the week, as Pat and Keith are pretty high on Simpson and have Bethel falling in behind Concordia again this year in Kickoff. If you look at the history between these two teams back to 2006, they have played four times (two home and home stands).  The Storm kept it close in the first meeting, losing by only 6, Since then the Royals have won by 35, 26 and 50. Both teams posted 5 and 5 records last year. It is my opinion that if Bethel is going to make any noise this season, they have to continue their winning ways against Simpson. The game is in Iowa, so this could look closer than it should be.

Trinity International at Saint Thomas – The Tommies have arguably the easiest opening game of anyone in the conference. The Trojans were only 2 and 8 last season, so this is looking to be the blow-out of the week. If you wanted to get a preview of the action, Trinity plays Presentation this Saturday: https://tiutrojans.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=119

Carleton at Macalester – The Scots went 5 and 5 last year while the Knights posted no wins all season. Carleton has a new coach, but I am thinking that the book of knowledge stays on the shelf at Macalester this year.

[faunch]

Quick Question: Has anyone here ever done the Tommie-Johnnie game up in Collegeville with a toddler? If so, how did it go? I'm thinking about flying in with my son this year, and want to make sure it's an enjoyable experience for all involved. I'm not sure if he can handle prolonged merrymaking without having a meltdown or two.

I've seen busloads of them come up from St. Paul whenever the Tom$ play in Collegeville. From what I've heard Stearns County law enforcement has had to keep a close eye on them and even has had to remove a number of them.

[MiacMan]

Art-

Very insightful. Not much to disagree with. I think the Oles might blow-out Crown. Between Mac and Carleton, you never know what you're going to get with either of these teams. Thanks for your thoughts.

[WaHooWa]

St Olaf @ UW-River Falls scrimmage at 7pm tonight

[OzJohnnie]

pick 'ems?

Sounds like you're volunteering?   

I'm the wrong guy to rely on for something like this.  But hopefully a volunteer steps forward.  AO has carried the torch for about six years now?  Perhaps someone else feels the urge?

[sjusection105]

I think this is the  lesson to be learned here before anyone criticizes the academic standards of another institution of higher learning. 
(What city this picture was taken in is up for discussion)

Looks like St. Paul, near UST 

[Mr.MIAC]

I think this is the  lesson to be learned here before anyone criticizes the academic standards of another institution of higher learning. 
(What city this picture was taken in is up for discussion)

Looks like St. Paul, near UST 

Collegeville is perhaps the most obvious candidate. However, after closer inspection you notice modern conveniences--automobiles, paved roads, and access to electricity--so that's out. My guess is Alliance, Ohio.

[MUC57]

Rev

Now that's ^^^^^^ funny! Sad part is it could be true. Since I live in Alliance, I'll look around. ☠🏈
Fortunately, that would have been done by the Street Dept. and not any Mount Union students. At least not that I'm aware of! ❓

[OzJohnnie]

I think this is the  lesson to be learned here before anyone criticizes the academic standards of another institution of higher learning. 
(What city this picture was taken in is up for discussion)

I tried to use google to find it but you would be surprised at how frequently this mistake is made.  I did stumble on this article listing a bunch of these mistakes (and similar) in then UK.

https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/silly-plymouth-road-markings-and-517519

The funniest was this one.

[MUC57]

Oz

Where's the error in that ^^^ picture? I'll keep looking. ☠🏈🇺🇸🇦🇺

[OzJohnnie]

https://www.gojohnnies.com/news/2018/8/23/sju-picked-second-in-miac-preseason-football-poll.aspx

1. St. Thomas (7), 63
2. Saint John's (2), 58
3. Concordia, 48
4. Bethel, 44
5. Gustavus, 36
6. Augsburg, 28
7. St. Olaf, 23
8. Hamline, 16
9. Carleton, 8


So, the big question is which coach picked against Caruso?