FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Kilted Rat]

Early last fall Mrs. C and I made a pilgrimage to Minnesota and Iowa, where we not only were able to see a game at Waverly, but got to visit Pella, too. Dutchfan1 was our tour guide and hostess and we thought Pella was great.

You can't miss Jaarsma's Bakery, as it's right by the town square. We brought Dutch letters clear back to Oregon for a relative  Central has a nice campus. The field looked good, with plenty of seating, and back then they didn't have their new FieldTurf in yet.

We didn't have any trouble finding alcohol there either, or good corn-fed beef, so you're not going to starve. I don't know what Collegeville has, but we liked Pella.

Enjoy your trip, guys. You've earned it.

Coco, you and the Mrs. are all class!

I don't know about Coco, but Mrs Coco is definitely all class 

Actually anyone who she's put up with for this many years must be a pretty classy guy as well!

[knights]

As maybe one of just a handful of posters who saw both Central and SJU paly this year, I agree that it could be a very low scoring defensive game but I think SJU will have success through the air vs Central.  I also recall (since it was the first game of the year) that Central had a stud RB but I wouldn't put him in the Porta category.  He was big but I don't recall that he was all that tough to bring down ala Porta.  If, and this may be a big "if" based on this past weekend, SJU can stop the run I don't recall Central was all that good through the air.  Now I know things can change from the beginning of the year but Central only beat UST 17-7, and they didn't fumble away chances like SJU did.  My pick SJU by 10.
Tough game for the Tommies on Saturday, the 98 yard  int return changed the whole game, but give credit to the Olaf QB he made plays when he had too and since UST couldn't find a way to pressure him that made things all the easier.  Also no one on UST defense made a big play when they had too during the 4th qtr.  
Tough way for my son to end his career, there were a few tears shed afterwards, but my parents (both in their 80's) were in town from Iowa and got to see their grandson play his final game which was pretty neat and they were proud of his play regardless of the outcome, as you would expect.  I am very proud of him and now he closes that chapter in his life and moves on.  

Something I am sure those of you who played can relate to...............Nick was happy that Nwadiashi scored since he says he is one of the hardest workers on the team.  It was cool right after he scored and was on the sidelines my son went up to him and was helmut to helmut with him talking in his earhole.  After the game my son told me he told Nwadiashi how deserving he was of all the good things Wady had done and proud to be his teammate and that Nwadiashi got a bit emotional, a great moment to share with a fellow senior teammate.  Just too bad the game ended the way it did.  
UST will continue to struggle as long as their offensive line play is so average and can't get the tough yards on the ground when they need to late in the game or protect the QB better.  I have seen it happen too many times over the past few years where they just needed to get a couple of first downs, run some clock, and/or get better field position, but they fail miserably and again it cost them a game they should have won.  Much better to be 7-3 rather than 6-4, just like being up 3 TDs rather than 1 is much better, oh well.

Best of luck to the Johnnies and the Royals this weekend.

[CC Backer]

Greenbayguy,
The offensive line should be pretty solid next year.  Both tackles will be back, and one guard with good experience will be back.  The other guard spot is pretty open as far as I know and the center should be a senior, at least he's the one that got playing time in the Morris game on Friday.  No matter who they put up front they will be good, the O-line coach is one of the best coaches on our staff, and I dare say in the MIAC.  He really knows his stuff, and he'll have HOGS ready to play.

As for Horan taking another coaching job, I just don't see it happening.  I think he has put down roots here and he bleeds Maroon and Gold.  He has done wonders for the program in his first 6 seasons and I look for the program to keep going up.

[CC Backer]

To comment on Cord Glory's comment about coaching at NDSU, their could be a chance in the future thay may be an option.  Looking at Bohl and his progress he has made in the past 4 years is outstanding.  I can see Bohl being a D-1A coach real soon.  All I have to say is that D-1AA teams should be very happy that NDSU can't make postseason play, because to me they would be the team to beat.  They might even be able to beat Montana, but it would be a longshot.  Isn't that right CC Backer?
[/quote]

Cobbernation,
we all know the Bison would top the Griz this season, don't kid yourself 

[DutchHawk]

Knights,
Just to address your post. Central has been much improved since you have watched them up there this year. They have gotten better since the season began, especially in the passing game. Heres the QB line on season statistics

Tim Connell.... CEN  10 218 129   7  59.2 1391 12 139.1

not too flashy but gets the job done. ill take 59.2 percent completion with the athletes that we have at receiver. I wouldnt put Schuring in the Porta category either but dang close. I think he ran for 80 some yards in the first half against UST before being injured and not playing the second half.

Central gives up 253 yards per game and has a 90.8 Pass Defensive Efficiency. Looking at past scores the biggest margin of defeat was 13-3 back in 1987, Central winning, the other games SJU has won by a margin of 27-24 10-9 and 21-18. I think history holds true and it is a close game...hopefully with the Dutch coming out on top!

[sju56321]

Interesting to read all the talk about SJU being the better team and SJU should win, but having been at the game Saturday-I would hesitate a long time before making those statements.
Looking at the NCAA stats, it is interesting that the Central RB is a statistical leader, but the defense is not really mentioned. Central does have a nice turnover margin-so they do force fumbles or picks-but they don't appear on paper to be outstanding.

[DustySJU]

Interesting to read all the talk about SJU being the better team and SJU should win, but having been at the game Saturday-I would hesitate a long time before making those statements.
Looking at the NCAA stats, it is interesting that the Central RB is a statistical leader, but the defense is not really mentioned. Central does have a nice turnover margin-so they do force fumbles or picks-but they don't appear on paper to be outstanding.

Barrister;  Will you be joining us in Pella?

[DutchHawk]

Interesting to read all the talk about SJU being the better team and SJU should win, but having been at the game Saturday-I would hesitate a long time before making those statements.
Looking at the NCAA stats, it is interesting that the Central RB is a statistical leader, but the defense is not really mentioned. Central does have a nice turnover margin-so they do force fumbles or picks-but they don't appear on paper to be outstanding.

They seem to find a way. I think one of the biggest keys will be Central's special teams. This doesnt show up on paper too well. They have downed the ball inside the 10 something like 18 times this year...the Johnnies will most likely be having to drive the length of the field a lot, and the defense is tough. The Johnnies passing stats are quite impressive...it seems odd though that their leading rusher only hs 44 some yards a game?? Was there injuries?

[DuffMan]

Hawk, they rotate quite a bit at RB, so there is not really a star.  3 or so guys get quite a bit of time carrying the ball.  That said, the running game is not a strength of this team.

[sju56321]

Dusty-no trip to Pella-I am saving my pennies for a trip to UWW.

[knights]

DutchHawk--

Even with the improved played at QB your line had better be able to handle the SJU pass rush or it may be a long day for your QB.  Not saying Central can't win, but based on what I saw, improved or not, I think SJU comes out on top.  Hope for decent weather and a good game with the best team that day coming out on top.

I need to ask, (sorry for mixing in some DI talk) but what has happened to the IU Hawkeyes.  They can't beat anyone lately, what gives?  I wouldn't be surprised if the Gophs beat them this Saturday who would've thought that one month ago.  I am a Hawkeye fan but this year has been brutal, any thoughts

Funny but I recall some SJU PP saying that it is important to be playing your best ball at playoff time, which if true, as most SJU posters claim to be all the time, this doesn't bode well for the Red and White.  Any thoughts from the SJU masses or have we changed our tune?  I know I have read some less hyped predictions from some but how 'bout you red white colored glasses wearing faithful?

[Kilted Rat]

Happy page 1500 MIAC Posters, Lurkers and Fans!!!


+k to all!

[sjusection105]

Funny but I recall some SJU PP saying that it is important to be playing your best ball at playoff time, which if true, as most SJU posters claim to be all the time, this doesn't bode well for the Red and White.  Any thoughts from the SJU masses or have we changed our tune?  I know I have read some less hyped predictions from some but how 'bout you red white colored glasses wearing faithful?

Knights-

Those very words have been echoed many times. Peaking at the proper time of the season is a trademark that John has had for a very long time. Let's just say that "we" have blind faith in an extraordinary man who has taken this path many times before. Does this team have the "magic" of teams in the past? Time will tell how far they will go. Just remember this, a wise old man has told thousands of eager and willing young men over the years "we are ordinary men, doing ordinary things extraordinarily well"

[DutchHawk]

knights,
I just thought I would throw a couple more stats to back up my argument, although I havent been able to watch SJU play. Central has given up only 3 sacks all year while the d line has gotten 27. If those trends continue on Saturday I think it could mean great things for the Dutch! Our QB isnt soley a pocket passer, he has got some running ability so you cant just pin your ears back and rush. Just trying to throw out some logic for my argument! How did STU do agains the Johnnies this year? Did you play them early or late in the season??

[sju56321]

So, not since 2000 has SJU been an underdog in the first round of the playoffs. In that year, SJU also lost to Bethel before winning the West Region-could that happen again?