FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Toby Taff]

You guys don't know what you are up against. UMHB has mostly D1 type athletes... When we beat them we only had D2 Type guys but we were smarter...

Well, if we get out asses kicked then we get our asses kicked. Doesn't mean we need to bend over and get ready for the ass kicking before the first whistle even blows.

absolutely right

[Toby Taff]

Again, I don't think anyone really thinks UMHB isn't favored Saturday. But the idea the Johnnies are going to face something they can't even comprehend, as if they're the bad guys in Raiders of the Lost Ark facing god's wrath, seems a bit much. Last year, the Tommies beat the Johnnies 20-17. That same Tommies team gave UMHB everything they wanted in the playoffs, tied 10-10 in the fourth before losing on a punt return and pick 6 (in other words, last year's Johnnies, whose offense everyone complained about endlessly, especially in that Tommies game, scored more points than the Cru's offense vs. Tommies). Last year the MIAC's best had a great shot at victory against them. It's not far-fetched to think this year's best in the MIAC have great shot too.

UST's defense kept a questionable UMHB offense down last year. The Oline was not great and the Tommies ate the UMHB Qb up (-27yds on the day). Our defense was the star without a doubt and won it. This years UMHB team is very different on Offense with a still fantastic D

[repete]

I don't think you really get to push back when the NCAA says, "we're not paying for this."
[/quote]

Thanks, Pat. Apologies for one more whack at a dead or dying horse -- especially so close to what could be a great FB weekend. But there's at least a perception that the NCAA had been loosening up on travel, at least a bit, and this season seems a step back. So the push-back question was: Were those more lenient years a fluke ...  is this a retrenchment? Will this vary from year to year? Will future committees know going forward where the limits are?  Maybe my perception is wrong. Either way, I will shut up and listen.

[57Johnnie]

Just happened to notice on the ARC board that we lost Warthog to cancer. 
RIP Bill

[USTBench]

UST lost its longtime equipment manager, Willy, this week. He was synonymous with UST football for 30+ years.

http://www.caturia-smidtfh.com/obituary/william-a-willy-mccoy

I guarantee if you were at a game at UST from about 1980 to 2013 and looked at the UST sidelines, one of the first people you'd notice was Willy.

[repete]

Sad news, Bench. Those "institution" guys mean so much. Thinking also of the wonderful John Pates, who was the announcer there for decades. RIP to Willy and Warthog.

[MiacMan]

UST lost its longtime equipment manager, Willy, this week. He was synonymous with UST football for 30+ years.

http://www.caturia-smidtfh.com/obituary/william-a-willy-mccoy

I guarantee if you were at a game at UST from about 1980 to 2013 and looked at the UST sidelines, one of the first people you'd notice was Willy.

Yep, you hit it on the screws Bench. Everybody knew and loved Willy. RIP Willy.

[DFWCrufan]

Safe travels to all those getting aboard planes and busses! From what I hear so far, gameday this weekend in Belton is going to be spectacular Mostly sunny @ 74 degrees.

[MiacMan]

My assessment of the MIAC chances on Saturday.

I give the Johnnies a 25% chance of winning on Saturday. When the brackets came out I would have given them a 50/50 shot in this game (I pretty much knew they would get here) A couple of things have changed since I have thought about this game. People have tried to devalue the wins over HSU but, what has been overlooked is this is a big rivalry game for these two teams. HSU comes pumped and ready to play regardless of how actually good they are. Winning these rivalry games twice in one year is no easy feat but HMB made it look easy. Last weeks MHB win over Berry was impressive it shows they are hitting stride. I watched Berry go toe-to-toe with UST last year and knew they returned quite a bit and they are well coached. I remember last year after UST lost to MHB, Caruso saying "their difference makers played a gear faster than our difference makers" SJU will have to remember this is not UST, it is a whole different animal. Lastly, these guys are well coached and have been here now for several years in a row. This SJU's first trip here in 12yrs. The current senior were 10yrs old when SJU was last here. That all being said, SJU, has been very opportunistic all year with timely turnovers and special teams play. They will need some of both but they are more than capable of taking advantage of any opportunities provided and winning this game. The good news here, my feeling is the winner of this game goes to the Stagg Bowl, this really should be a National Semi-final game.

I give the Royals a 50% chance of winning on Saturday. Bethel is on a roll and seems to be growing as team and gaining confidence each week. I give UWW a 10% edge just for home field so, technically I have BU favored here. I just don't trust history here. Winning the WIAC typically says you are the favorite in every game you play outside of Mount. I know it was early, but I can't help looking at the Cobber game and score (common opponent) but more so, it appeared that Norbert hung around for quite some time into the 3rd quarter and Eau Claire beat Norbert and Norbert barely beat Macalester. Although very good, this is not one of the UWW teams from their glory days, not yet. This game should be an all out war. 

[D O.C.]

Can't we just all agree SJU and UMHB has the feel of a semi-final game?

[jamtod]

Can't we just all agree SJU and UMHB has the feel of a semi-final game?

Agreed. I think the final score on this will be very similar to the final score between Mount Union and Johns Hopkins (assuming they beat RPI), in that I would be surprised if SJU wins by fewer than 2 scores.

[D O.C.]

[D O.C.]

Oh, yeah, safe travel day to all as this board quiets down until posts from the motel room Friday night.

No injuries!

[sjujohnnie]

jamto, To clarify, you're predicting St John's will beat UMHB my a minimum of two scores? In all seriousness? Can you elaborate on that view?

[jamtod]

jamto, To clarify, you're predicting St John's will beat UMHB my a minimum of two scores? In all seriousness? Can you elaborate on that view?

Go check the ASC board for my elaboration.