FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[JohnnieTwice]

I was there for the first half and +/- 2000 in attendance sounds right. Lots of empty seats in section 105. Glad I wasn't on the other side of the field where the wind had to be tough. Those folks pretty much cleared out in the third quarter. I thought NW came to play and had a nice offensive scheme, especially passing. They did not give up playing the game and should be commended for their effort. They were just outmatched, particularly on the line of scrimmage.

[84SJU]

Why is the site for the Wartburg game TBD on Sunday? I thought it was always at the higher seeded team. Are they doing seedings for each round?

[OzJohnnie]

Why is the site for the Wartburg game TBD on Sunday? I thought it was always at the higher seeded team. Are they doing seedings for each round?

They announce each round on the Sunday.  If there are a few upsets then the home seed may not be obvious so they announce the next day.  But in this case SJU will host.

[sjusection105]

Congratulations the SJU & Bethel moving on to Round 2

For any parents of players or players reading this, remember practicing on Thanksgiving is an honor only 16 D3 teams partake in.

[DuffMan]

Thanksgiving practice is a badge of honor.  It's the best!

[sju56321]

So early line maybe SJU -11.5

[OzJohnnie]

So early line maybe SJU -11.5

I would put it dead even. A coin flip.

[sju56321]

Wow-kind low respect for SJU

[hazzben]

Wow-kind low respect for SJU

I'd read it as high respect for Wartburg. Their D looks very good, possibly elite. Thanksgiving size crowd decreases some of the Collegeville effect. And Wartburg as a program isn't a wilting violet, they'll come to play. And probably with a chip on their shoulder due to their draw as an unbeaten conference champ.

I'd put it -3 SJU since they are home. Neutral site I think it might be a pickem. Healthy Trost would be big as well.

[sju56321]

Did you watch the game yesterday? I did-I agree outstanding Run D but pass D seems average-as bethel knows-SJU is pass happy. We will see but I hope everyone keeps under estimating this team.

[hazzben]

Geebli is getting going for Bethel. I know Kunkle is a Sr and has been a very solid back for us for 2-3 years now, but Geebli should be getting better than 50/50 snaps. He's just as physical, and is a much more elusive and explosive runner. His emergence and BU utilizing him more intentionally takes pressure off Roste and the passing attack. He had some really impressive runs against Wheaton, does not look like a freshman and is very fresh given how sparingly we've used him to this point.

[sju56321]

I like what I saw yesterday-if Roste stays healthy, you guys have a good chance next week. I think bethel is an outstanding team-I hope they play well next week.

[sjujohnnie]

Some Linfield posters have been saying they're the team to beat! I hope Roste is healthy & that gives them all/more than they can handle to make the MIAC proud!

[hazzben]

Did you watch the game yesterday? I did-I agree outstanding Run D but pass D seems average-as bethel knows-SJU is pass happy. We will see but I hope everyone keeps under estimating this team.

I saw bits and pieces of Wart - UWL. But most of the Central game and a little of the Stout game. They only gave up 216 total yds and 135 passing to a very salty UWL team.

I'm throwing no shade SJU's way. I think geography forced these teams to meet a round or two early. This feels like a legit region final matchup. I expect a battle similar to what Wart gave UWW on the road a few years ago.

[OzJohnnie]

If you look at the way Warburg played the IIAC teams (BV, CEN and LU) that played MIAC teams and the way we played those same MIAC team (STO and GAC), we're pretty evenly matched sides.

In fact, UWL's 14 points is their lowest score in ten years (I stopped clicking backwards as i thought the point had been made) but for one time when UWW held them to 13 points.  Wartburg are no pushovers.  This is going to be a brawl.  The offense will need to be red hot and make the minimum mistakes and the defense will need to be very stout as they will be relied on in the crunch.