FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[OldAuggie]

When UST started out the year playing Trinity International, we could assume that it was a statement to the players, fans and the MIAC that UST was so confident in their superiority and did not care they were literally wasting a great opportunity to play a strong opponent and actually get better. I believe that level of thinking carried in to the season and the weak half of the MIAC actually "appeared" stronger than it was. What possible benefit does playing a super cup cake like Trinty offer UST?

Answer: A big 'ol bite in the a$$.

Iron Sharpens Iron but Play-Doh^TM (Trinity International) won't sharpen anything.

I recognize the difficulty of grasping this subject for an Auggie fan. When a program shows some semblance of competency, teams aren't knocking down the door to play you. The difference is probably striking given Auggie likely has to staff a 24/7 call center to manage the suitors lining up to pencil in a W on the schedule. When faced with prospects of playing a 9 game schedule or Trinity, UST chose wisely.

Ha! Don't forget the cushy Homecoming Float! The criteria used each week by the 24/7 call center "could" be to book the suitor with the most comfortable Homecoming Float for the Auggies to ride in the respective parade....

I was going to use the analogy of the Auggie Wrestling team that books a healthy number of D2 and even D1 schools to get ready for Nationals but since we actually have a trophy case full of walnut and bronze National CH. trophies, 12 to be exact and 13 coming this year, I won't do that. It's apples and oranges and I realize that.

[DFWCrufan]

With all of the end of the season festivities and Stagg Ya ya I think it got missed by some that Jackson Erdmann was awarded the Gagliardi (or in ESPN speak gag li ardi...geeez) Congratulations to the young man, I was very impressed when he worked with his team against us in the Cruthedral, that is a talented and quality young guy, and not simply as an athlete and leader. When your receiver went down in the 4th he dropped to his knee and I believe in prayer for intercession for the hurt young man. Even if your not the religious type you have to be impressed with his concern for a fellow player and teammate, he could have easily stood and contemplated what to do next, but his actions spoke a thousand words and if that is the spirit and mindset of SJU then good lord I fear for their opposition in the 2019 season.
SJU fans and the like you have a tip top program and seem to be producing outstanding young men, keep it up - Oh and can we please not see ya'll in our bracket next year, that one was a bit too close....

[retagent]

As a reaction to the above post, thanks for your observations. I was a little bit under the impression that UMHB was a "football factory" and less an academic institution. In listening to your coach and players in interviews I have a much different impression. All well spoken and seemingly quality people. Hope to see you next year, maybe in Collegeville ( ) By the way, the "Cruthedral" is quite striking, at least on TV. One more question. How old is T J Josey? He looks to be about 30.

[Pat Coleman]

He turned 22 in July. Played just three games in 2015 before being injured and got a medical hardship year.

[Toby Taff]

As a reaction to the above post, thanks for your observations. I was a little bit under the impression that UMHB was a "football factory" and less an academic institution. In listening to your coach and players in interviews I have a much different impression. All well spoken and seemingly quality people. Hope to see you next year, maybe in Collegeville ( ) By the way, the "Cruthedral" is quite striking, at least on TV. One more question. How old is T J Josey? He looks to be about 30.

UMHB hasn't always been a football school. Back in the days before football, it was a basketball school, and irrespective of what sport has been dominant, the athletes have always been treated as student athletes. I remember one time, during a basketball game one of our starters left the bench and the game during a conference game to go and fulfill a class requirement that conflicted with the game schedule. Coach didn't even blink. Just told him to go to class.

[GoldandBlueBU]

The Bethel Royals will be a force to be reckoned with in 2019. I've seen this movie before. Steve Johnson has done this time after time. Get a stud RB (this time around he's Sam Gibas) throw him in as a Freshman, baptized by fire. Get a stud read-option QB (this time around his name is Jaran Roste) throw him in as a Freshman,baptized by fire. Throw in a offensive line that play with a chip on their shoulders and you have a very capable offense and Steve Johnson has directed this performance about 5 times in the past 20 years. Johnson will take a 5-5 season to throw these youngsters into the fire. He knows he will get two, possibly three deep playoff runs in a four year cycle with this formula. Bethel, with all the defensive studs they graduate will be tough in 2019.

That's what I'm hoping too, but I think a lot will depend on how much the defense can reload.  The SJU offense could be deadly, but if you can't stop their offense, the best way to beat SJU could be to keep MVP and co. on the sidelines with your own long, drawn out offensive posessions.

I do think that Mr. Oz is onto something too with UST being back with a vengance next year...they're too talented, and I agree with his conclusions that they just figured they'd push everyone around and win the MIAC again, but won't make that mistake next season.

Honestly, I think you could make a valid case for SJU, BU, or UST to win the conference next year...it should be fun to watch it play out.

(Now watch Concordia come out of nowhere and win the thing...)

[MUC57]

As a reaction to the above post, thanks for your observations. I was a little bit under the impression that UMHB was a "football factory" and less an academic institution. In listening to your coach and players in interviews I have a much different impression. All well spoken and seemingly quality people. Hope to see you next year, maybe in Collegeville ( ) By the way, the "Cruthedral" is quite striking, at least on TV. One more question. How old is T J Josey? He looks to be about 30.

UMHB hasn't always been a football school. Back in the days before football, it was a basketball school, and irrespective of what sport has been dominant, the athletes have always been treated as student athletes. I remember one time, during a basketball game one of our starters left the bench and the game during a conference game to go and fulfill a class requirement that conflicted with the game schedule. Coach didn't even blink. Just told him to go to class.

Great story. That's the way it's supposed to be. Al schools need to follow that example. Merry Christmas to ya Toby and your family. ⛄️ ✝ 🍷

[DuffMan]

(Now watch Concordia come out of nowhere and win the thing...)

Nah, it'll be Auggie Tech. 

[Bspratt2]

With all of the end of the season festivities and Stagg Ya ya I think it got missed by some that Jackson Erdmann was awarded the Gagliardi (or in ESPN speak gag li ardi...geeez) Congratulations to the young man, I was very impressed when he worked with his team against us in the Cruthedral, that is a talented and quality young guy, and not simply as an athlete and leader. When your receiver went down in the 4th he dropped to his knee and I believe in prayer for intercession for the hurt young man. Even if your not the religious type you have to be impressed with his concern for a fellow player and teammate, he could have easily stood and contemplated what to do next, but his actions spoke a thousand words and if that is the spirit and mindset of SJU then good lord I fear for their opposition in the 2019 season.
SJU fans and the like you have a tip top program and seem to be producing outstanding young men, keep it up - Oh and can we please not see ya'll in our bracket next year, that one was a bit too close....

Cheers DFWCrufan,
Congrats on your Stagg win. Your team certainly is very impressive. I think that is a perfect example to illustrate the type of guy Jackson is. I don't think I've ever heard him take credit for his success. Always praising his offensive line, receivers, and defense. We hope to see your Cru in Collegeville in 2019 so we can return the hospitality...and hopefully get the W this time! 

[Pat Coleman]

You'll have to hope someone beats UMHB next year in the regular season, then. That's the only way UMHB would travel to SJU. UMHB has the tiebreaker advantage for next year based on the head-to-head win.

[USTBench]

You'll have to hope someone beats UMHB next year in the regular season, then. That's the only way UMHB would travel to SJU. UMHB has the tiebreaker advantage for next year based on the head-to-head win.

Nobody is traveling to SJU for the playoffs next year. Calling it.

[jamtod]

You'll have to hope someone beats UMHB next year in the regular season, then. That's the only way UMHB would travel to SJU. UMHB has the tiebreaker advantage for next year based on the head-to-head win.

Nobody is traveling to SJU for the playoffs next year. Calling it.

Oh this is juicy. I love it.

[sju56321]

I love how the year before factors in to the following year playoff seeding! I guess each year isn't a new year.

[Pat Coleman]

I love how the year before factors in to the following year playoff seeding! I guess each year isn't a new year.

Since 2010.

[DuffMan]

I love how the year before factors in to the following year playoff seeding! I guess each year isn't a new year.

Dude, you need to dial back the "the world is out to get us" attitude a notch.