FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[MiacMan]

Definitely only for UST home games. SJU doesn't face the same logistical challenges at their place.

Haven't you experienced the fun of sitting in traffic on 94, or parking in a field a mile from the stadium?  Then after you take a school bus the rest of the way, the excitement when you can claim a patch of dirt 150 feet from the field?

I've been to 3 games at SJU and never had an issue with the traffic on 94, but I also arrived early enough to tailgate, which was great (and this year I was coming from the opposite direction which helped). Wasn't far enough to deal with the shuttle. Also was able to find plenty of seating on the visitor's stands.

Sounds like you need to plan ahead a little better AO.

I've taken a similar early arrival strategy in the past but that doesn't work for everyone.  I've sat in the East and South stands as well as the berm on the West side.  Their might be 10,000 seats in Clemens now with the reduced North side bleachers?  As Duff noted, if they can make some more money by building some new seating I'd bet they do it.  I'd imagine many fans would pay $30-$50 to have a guaranteed seat somewhere.

I am actually sympathetic to that scenario though, which I didn't really convey. But I've had friends meet me for the game that arrived basically at gametime. And they didn't seem to have significant issues. I'm sure some have had problems and that's a real thing.

I could be wrong here. If someone knows different feel free to speak up, but I don't see much parking around Allianz stadium. I'm pretty sure in the infinite wisdom of our city government they planned this venue to be primarily accessed utilizing the light rail  with pre/post-game festivities to take place at the surrounding businesses on University Ave.

It would be pretty cool to play the game at night there. I drove by it the other night and it looks really cool (translucent blue) when lit up at night.

[Ratbacker]

Still thinking, the best defenses that SJU faced held them to 30 (BU) and 40 (UST).

I mentioned this last week, but given fresh results, it bears repeating.

BU has faced the cream of the crop when it comes to D3 QB's. Erdmann, Sacia, Rutter, Perra, and Veldman. The more I look at their defensive numbers for this year, the more impressed I am given the quality of opponents they've played.

Key for SJU vs. UMHB will be keeping Erdmann clean. Bethel showed last week that an elite QB becomes very average when he's under duress. Rutter was a baller, and when he had time he was nailing guys. That was all a moot point when the rush got home, which it did more often than not. Turnovers can obviously swing any playoff game. But this will come down to SJU's Oline being able to give Erdmann time. He's a phenomenal talent and can keep SJU in any game, but only if he's got time. UMHB isn't a bring the house scheme like UST. They trust they can get pressure on talent. If they can, it leaves far fewer windows and one on one matchups to exploit. If SJU can stand in there up front, I like Erdmann with time and a zone defense to pick apart.

On Bethel's side, we've got another very good QB this week & WIAC MVP (3rd straight conference MVP we've faced under center in the playoffs). But a totally different team profile. NCC was 65 - 35 pass to run. They were very physical, but wanted to beat you with athletes in space and on the edge. Whitewater is athletic on the edge as well, but they want to dominate up front, 'Pound the Rock' are closer to a 50/50 run/pass ratio. Last week was a study in contrasts. This week is a study on who's better at 'Bully Ball.'

I agree this one is all about the old cliché "Blocking and Tackling", if Erdman is protected just enough and continues his hot hand the J's will score, the offensive scheme is too sound if the QB is given time and with his quick release he just needs time to set his feet.
My concern and I have stated this previously is defending a strong running attack, UMHB can control the LOS and their backs will be the best the J's have seen, Miller is better than Parks IMO and they only thing that slowed Parks down was the Tommies play calling. LB's have to be tough against the run, seal the edges and must do a much better job in underneath coverage, the Pirates ate them up on the short stuff. My biggest fear is the Cru going on long time consuming scoring drives that will wear down our front and really impact our ability to gets stops later in the game.
I would also really like to see our DB's contest the ball more, last week there was too much allowing the catch then making the tackle, but hey at least they made the tackle.
I dont see weather being an issue, if anything it will aid the J's Passing attack (unless it is blowing hard)
The Venue although the nicest in D3, wont impact the J's as they play in front of the largest crowds in D3
This should be a great game, I like the Johnnies 31-28.

[USTBench]

Different UMHB team than what UST faced last year I realize, but what UST struggled with was the Cru's athleticism on defense. Parks had some trouble running the ball and the Cru had 6 sacks and 14 TFLs. SJU's saving grace might be that they have a smaller and more athletic offensive line, a better QB (than UST had last year) and better WRs (than UST had last year).

On the flipside, UST more than held their own on defense. The Cru offensive line were definitely not equipped to handle UST's playmakers on defense and UST was in their backfield all day. I don't think UMHB did anything fancy on offense that I recall. A lot of read/option and getting the ball out as quickly as possible on passing plays. But UST finished with 7 sacks and 15 TFLs, so many of UMHB's plays didn't have much of a chance to develop. I did not walk away with a good impression of the Cru's offensive line.

I think SJU has a much better chance than most people think of pulling off the upset. UST is similarly athletic on defense to UMHB and SJU torched them. However, if SJU is going have a snowball's chance in hell, they need to maintain gap discipline on defense and get the Cru going east/west because I don't know if they have they guys on defense to run with UMHB. 

I hate to say it, but:

SJU 24
UMHB 21

[faunch]

Agreed, and nor should they be. It's too bad O'Gara's shut down. I could envision a St. Pat's day type tailgate with both schools and large contingents of fans walking across the 94 bridge to the game.

19,000 plus people at 94 and Snelling will be a complete sh-t show.
I'm going to need to have the Loons home schedule on my phone calendar to make sure I stay away from the mid-town area on soccer dates.
There is no public parking...hopefully people will figure out how to take the A-Line and Green Line.

[AO]

I could be wrong here. If someone knows different feel free to speak up, but I don't see much parking around Allianz stadium. I'm pretty sure in the infinite wisdom of our city government they planned this venue to be primarily accessed utilizing the light rail  with pre/post-game festivities to take place at the surrounding businesses on University Ave.

They haven't unveiled their official plans yet but the United has said they will likely use park and ride (the bus) lots.  The light rail can only handle a couple thousand per hour.  As of now you can also park within a mile of the stadium in the various surrounding neighborhoods but the city might crack down on that as they start hosting events.

[Toby Taff]

I did not walk away with a good impression of the Cru's offensive line.

neither did the Cru faithful. Our O-line was the weakest link last year. they never were what was expected. Our QBs last year took a ton of abuse because of it. This years O-line is much younger and much better. Miller is a tough back, but the lines ability to push folks off of the ball let him get the momentum to use his strength.

[miac952]

I could be wrong here. If someone knows different feel free to speak up, but I don't see much parking around Allianz stadium. I'm pretty sure in the infinite wisdom of our city government they planned this venue to be primarily accessed utilizing the light rail  with pre/post-game festivities to take place at the surrounding businesses on University Ave.

They haven't unveiled their official plans yet but the United has said they will likely use park and ride (the bus) lots.  The light rail can only handle a couple thousand per hour.  As of now you can also park within a mile of the stadium in the various surrounding neighborhoods but the city might crack down on that as they start hosting events.

Ive heard on good source UST fans will get limo shuttle service from campus. SJU fans are expected to park in the Frogtown neighborhood and walk. As long as your vehicle is still there and drive-able after the game, UST shall not be held responsible.

[GoldandBlueBU]

Different UMHB team than what UST faced last year I realize, but what UST struggled with was the Cru's athleticism on defense. Parks had some trouble running the ball and the Cru had 6 sacks and 14 TFLs. SJU's saving grace might be that they have a smaller and more athletic offensive line, a better QB (than UST had last year) and better WRs (than UST had last year).

On the flipside, UST more than held their own on defense. The Cru offensive line were definitely not equipped to handle UST's playmakers on defense and UST was in their backfield all day. I don't think UMHB did anything fancy on offense that I recall. A lot of read/option and getting the ball out as quickly as possible on passing plays. But UST finished with 7 sacks and 15 TFLs, so many of UMHB's plays didn't have much of a chance to develop. I did not walk away with a good impression of the Cru's offensive line.

I think SJU has a much better chance than most people think of pulling off the upset. UST is similarly athletic on defense to UMHB and SJU torched them. However, if SJU is going have a snowball's chance in hell, they need to maintain gap discipline on defense and get the Cru going east/west because I don't know if they have they guys on defense to run with UMHB. 

I hate to say it, but:

SJU 24
UMHB 21

Nice summary.  UST's defense last year was crazy good too, so I wonder how SJU's will compare.

Would love to see SJU get the W.  Not as much as I'd like to see BU's run continue, but still.  BU at SJU on the 8th would be incredible.

I'll check back for your post about Bethel knocking off UWW.

[faunch]

I could be wrong here. If someone knows different feel free to speak up, but I don't see much parking around Allianz stadium. I'm pretty sure in the infinite wisdom of our city government they planned this venue to be primarily accessed utilizing the light rail  with pre/post-game festivities to take place at the surrounding businesses on University Ave.

They haven't unveiled their official plans yet but the United has said they will likely use park and ride (the bus) lots.  The light rail can only handle a couple thousand per hour.  As of now you can also park within a mile of the stadium in the various surrounding neighborhoods but the city might crack down on that as they start hosting events.

I recall reading that there would be parking for about 20% of the expected 19,000 fans...meaning that about 15,000 futbol and football fans will be parking on neighborhood streets along Snelling and Ford Parkway to catch the A-line bus.

[OzJohnnie]

One factor that hasn't been taken into account is the TX weather.  Sure, 70s will be nice as a fan, but these Johnnie's are used to playing in the mid-20s.  That's a big swing when your body isn't acclimated to it.  I know, I know, they'll be practicing in the Gagliardi Dome this week, but 3-4 days of warmer practice isn't gonna do a whole lot. 

I guess it's out of our control, though.

I wish I could make the trek!

Just got a text saying the early forecast is sustained winds @ 15-20 gusting up to 30 in Belton. Should be an exciting match up...wish i was going to be there  But I'll be in New Braunfels and San Antonio to Celebrate Mine and My Mom's birthday by taking her to see the Christmas lights on the River Walk. You can bet I'll be parked with my phone somewhere watching though.

Riverwalk. My mom was born in San Antonio and my grandparents lived there when I was very young. Paddle boats along Riverwalk, the Alamo and grandma's living room furniture are my only clear memories of Sam Antonio.

[DuffMan]

Riverwalk.  Trinity's Hampton Arrested After Big Win 

[hazzben]

Would love to see SJU get the W.  Not as much as I'd like to see BU's run continue, but still.  BU at SJU on the 8th would be incredible.

I'll check back for your post about Bethel knocking off UWW.

A week and two big road wins away from this being reality, but man ...

I'd assume it could rival the atmosphere in 2003 when Gags got the record and Kirchoff got the ambulance. That day was small college football Valhalla

[57Johnnie]

Riverwalk.  Trinity's Hampton Arrested After Big Win 

I remember that like it was yesterday. 

[OzJohnnie]

Just an FYI,

As I speculated in a post a couple of months ago, I have now verified from a very reliable source that next years 2019 Tommie/Johnnie Game will take place in Allianz Stadium on Snelling and 94. It will be the first football game to take place in that stadium. Look for it to be officially announced shortly after the first of the year.

Nice.  The Target Field thing was cool but this is infinitely better than shoehorning a football field into a baseball stadium.

Agreed. That was cool for a one-time thing. This seems like it could be a semi-permanent solution for this particular game. I'm looking forward to it.

UST's new DII home on the way to DI.

[OzJohnnie]

Definitely only for UST home games. SJU doesn't face the same logistical challenges at their place.

Haven't you experienced the fun of sitting in traffic on 94, or parking in a field a mile from the stadium?  Then after you take a school bus the rest of the way, the excitement when you can claim a patch of dirt 150 feet from the field?

Exactly.  Where's the need for an upgrade?