FB: Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Sabretooth Tiger]

Wandering around aimlessly chit chatting, hob nobbing, glad handing, schmoozing and making friends wherever I go  . . .  might watch some football as well.  May depend on where I find the best food.

[DustySJU]

SCIAC Fans;  Wondering where your teams will show up in the west regional rankings due out this Wednesday? 

Get your first peek at www.JohnnieFootball.com

Developing....

[Sabretooth Tiger]

Great analysis Dusty . . . lots of football left to be played, especially with Oxy- CLU and Redlands - CLU in the hopper . . .  not sure this is one of the SCIAC's better years . . . but any given Saturday!!!!

Monmouth's ranking has struck me all year . . . has that team really improved markedly?  MWC improved overall . . . or the "one eyed man in the land of the blind?"

[Mr. Ypsi]

Monmouth's ranking has struck me all year . . . has that team really improved markedly?  MWC improved overall . . . or the "one eyed man in the land of the blind?"

Probably more the latter.  St. Norbs is pretty good; Ripon is decent; Monmouth is anywhere from good to flat-out great.  From the regular season, who knows?  I suspect they'll get one home game, so if they can win TWO in the playoffs, they are very, very good.

They're starting to upgrade their non-con schedule - adding currently 6-1 IWU the next two years.  They're acting like a program that likes the top 25!  (But, overall, the MWC remains very weak.)

[Sabretooth Tiger]

Rumor has it that Oxy's new president has a couple of years of eligibility left . . . double duty in '10?  Check out the pics:

http://www.oxyathletics.com/landing/index

And how cool is it that the new college president throws out the "opening pass" at homecoming on the day of his inauguration? 

It's great to be alive and a Tiger!

[OxyBob]

SCIAC Fans;  Wondering where your teams will show up in the west regional rankings due out this Wednesday? 

No, I wasn't wondering because the regional rankings won't matter. The D-III football championship is not a real seeded tournament. The NCAA selection committee cares about one thing above all -- cost. All of the talk about regional rankings is a meaningless yearly routine. Whoever wins the SCIAC will play at Linfield in the first round. That's a given. If somehow two SCIAC teams get into the playoffs then they'll play each other and the winner will likely play at Linfield in the second round.

That's very nice that the new Oxy prez can throw a pass, but what's nicer still is mention of Oxy DE Alex Wertheimer on the front page of D3football:

Statistical Spotlight

Each week during the regular season we look at some of the key statistical performances from the weekend in Division III football, highlighting one per region.

Occidental defensive end Alex Wertheimer harassed the La Verne offense, as he tallied four sacks for a loss of 20 yards to go along with a pair of quarterback hurries and a pass broken up in a 14-13 win. Six of his seven tackles were for a loss and he pushed the Leopards back a total of 25 yards. La Verne finished the afternoon with 5 yards on 27 carries.
...

OxyBob

[D O.C.]

Did we miss this in The Desert Sun?

Scott Saunders, the former Palm Springs quarterback took only three years to graduate from Occidental College, and before he enrolls in law school next year, he hopes to lead the Tigers into the Division III playoffs.

"I was lucky to be in this position to dedicate all of my time to football," Saunders said.

The accomplished student had to wait for his chance to start. While working on his degree in urban and environmental policy with a minor in economics, he watched the quarterbacks ahead of him excel for Occidental.

After three-year starter Andy Collins graduated in 2007, Saunders was beat out for the starting job by Justin Goltz, who led the Tigers for two years.

Collins and Goltz were standouts in Division III and participated in NFL mini-camps as unsigned rookie free agents.

Although Saunders didn't get much playing time as a backup, coaches remained confident in him.

"Even back then, we felt good about him as a player," Occidental coach Dale Widolff said.

After winning the starting job this spring, Saunders has aced his opportunity. The Tigers (4-1) are ranked No. 19 in Division III, and Saunders has completed 112 of 182 passes (61.54 percent) for 1,265 yards with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions.

"I don't think that I surprised myself because I knew I could do it all along," Saunders said, "but it really felt good to get in there and be able to help the team out."

The Tigers have the inside track at earning a playoff berth after an impressive comeback victory two weeks ago.

Taking on its conference rival Redlands, Occidental trailed 24-10 entering the fourth quarter. Saunders led the team on two touchdown drives to tie the game, and the Tigers ultimately won 27-24 in overtime.

Saunders was named the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference male athlete of the week for his effort.

He completed 25 of 43 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns.

The team will earn an automatic playoff berth if it wins its four remaining games.

Widolff has been pleased with Saunders' performance, especially with how well Saunders protects the ball.

"He doesn't turn the ball over, which we value a lot," he said.

Saunders' intelligence on and off the field also impresses his coach.
"He is the combination of both — smart in the classroom and a very heady, smart football player," Widolff said.

[scandihoovian]

First off, I am sorry I haven't had much to contribute this season.  It's due in large part to the fact that here we are, in week 7, and I have seen a grand total of 56 minutes of D3 football thus far.  The soccer gods, those fickle foes of football fans near and far, have consistently conspired against me this year...

So, with disclaimer duly provided, here are a few random thoughts. 

Dens asked earlier about Cal Lu having to travel up to Willamette, but I think the bigger factor in that game is the fact that it was CLU's first game of the year and WU's second.  Once again, the kinds of mistakes typical of a first game hurt the Kingsmen, and contributed significantly to their loss to Willamette.  The Bearcats got their chance to work out the kinks when they laid an egg in week one against Concordia.  I know there are a number of good arguments for a 9 game cap, but in these situations I think it hurts the conference. 

Willamette's week one loss to Concordia (3-4, 1-4 MIAC) hurts the SCIAC almost as much as CLU's loss to Willamette.  As much as I hate to say it, that loss, coupled with Willamette's and Oxy's losses to Linfield, makes us a "Pool A only" conference once again this year.

That said, I am excited about the rest of the season, not that I'll be there to see any of it.   
I am trick or treated out of Saturday night's showdown at Oxy, and double soccered out of the CLU-Redlands game.  Based on recent history, I'd rather play Oxy on a clear night at Patterson (even with the Tigers dressed in their Halloween best) than an afternoon of "intermittent showers" at MtClef Stadium.   

Should be a great finish!

[D O.C.]

"intermittent showers"

Sorry you won't be there.

Tackle football comes after soccer in the dictionary too.

[OxyBob]

Willamette's week one loss to Concordia (3-4, 1-4 MIAC) hurts the SCIAC almost as much as CLU's loss to Willamette.  As much as I hate to say it, that loss, coupled with Willamette's and Oxy's losses to Linfield, makes us a "Pool A only" conference once again this year.

The Salem Statesman Journal agrees with you:

Bearcats' playoff chances dim

...
Saturday's loss leaves Willamette hoping for one of six at-large bids, something Bearcats head coach Mark Speckman isn't counting on.

"I've got to be honest here, I think losing to (Concordia-Moorhead) is not promising for us in the at-large world," he said.

"Maybe if Cal Lutheran wins the SCIAC (Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference). We beat them, that might help and this game might help because it was so close."

The last time that both Willamette and Linfield made the playoffs was in 2004, when Linfield won the D-III national championship. Willamette lost 48-14 to Linfield that season but entered the game No. 21 in the D3Football.com rankings.

"Two for sure, maybe three west of the Rockies will go to the playoffs, and because of money, we're going to be the first ones aced out because they don't want to pay to fly us anywhere," Speckman said.
...

"...because of money, we're going to be the first ones aced out because they don't want to pay to fly us anywhere."

Selection committee criteria No. 1 (and only). That's why the regional rankings mean squat.

OxyBob

[Mr. Ypsi]

Willamette's week one loss to Concordia (3-4, 1-4 MIAC) hurts the SCIAC almost as much as CLU's loss to Willamette.  As much as I hate to say it, that loss, coupled with Willamette's and Oxy's losses to Linfield, makes us a "Pool A only" conference once again this year.

The Salem Statesman Journal agrees with you:

Bearcats' playoff chances dim

...
Saturday's loss leaves Willamette hoping for one of six at-large bids, something Bearcats head coach Mark Speckman isn't counting on.

"I've got to be honest here, I think losing to (Concordia-Moorhead) is not promising for us in the at-large world," he said.

"Maybe if Cal Lutheran wins the SCIAC (Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference). We beat them, that might help and this game might help because it was so close."

The last time that both Willamette and Linfield made the playoffs was in 2004, when Linfield won the D-III national championship. Willamette lost 48-14 to Linfield that season but entered the game No. 21 in the D3Football.com rankings.

"Two for sure, maybe three west of the Rockies will go to the playoffs, and because of money, we're going to be the first ones aced out because they don't want to pay to fly us anywhere," Speckman said.
...

"...because of money, we're going to be the first ones aced out because they don't want to pay to fly us anywhere."

Selection committee criteria No. 1 (and only). That's why the regional rankings mean squat.

OxyBob

I understand (and greatly sympathize) with your bitterness out there in 'd3 Siberia' (though some of us have to LIVE in weatherwise Siberia! ).  But for most teams, and all teams after the first round, the seedings ARE important.

It is totally unfair that the first round match is 'always' SCIAC vs (and usually @) NWC.  (Texas tends to get the same 'screw job'.)  But after that (and for MOST teams, even for the first round), seedings are vitally important.  WHO do you face, and WHERE?  After all, MOST of us cannot realistically aspire to the Stagg, and a win or two is better than no wins.

[OxyBob]

I understand (and greatly sympathize) with your bitterness out there in 'd3 Siberia' ...

It is totally unfair that the first round match is 'always' SCIAC vs (and usually @) NWC.  (Texas tends to get the same 'screw job'.)  But after that (and for MOST teams, even for the first round), seedings are vitally important.  WHO do you face, and WHERE?  After all, MOST of us cannot realistically aspire to the Stagg, and a win or two is better than no wins.

Thanks a whole big bunch for the usual condescending pat on the head.

The NCAA D-III football tournament is a joke. Half of the tournament bracket is seeded, and the other half isn't. Joke.

OxyBob

[Mr. Ypsi]

I understand (and greatly sympathize) with your bitterness out there in 'd3 Siberia' ...

It is totally unfair that the first round match is 'always' SCIAC vs (and usually @) NWC.  (Texas tends to get the same 'screw job'.)  But after that (and for MOST teams, even for the first round), seedings are vitally important.  WHO do you face, and WHERE?  After all, MOST of us cannot realistically aspire to the Stagg, and a win or two is better than no wins.

Thanks a whole big bunch for the usual condescending pat on the head.

The NCAA D-III football tournament is a joke. Half of the tournament bracket is seeded, and the other half isn't. Joke.

OxyBob

OB, Since you obviously cannot differentiate between a genuine show of support and a 'condescending pat on the head', I surrender.  From now on, I will assume you do not exist (and will therefore not try to be supportive - of YOU, I'll still support the SCIAC).

But to call the entire d3 tourney a 'joke' because you guys and Texas get the shaft is beyond ridiculous.  To say that 'Half the tournament is seeded, and the other half isn't' indicates your vision does not extend beyond the Mojave Desert (or at least the Rockies).

We've got a great d3 tourney - sorry you don't feel part of it (winning the first game might help).

[OxyBob]

But to call the entire d3 tourney a 'joke' because you guys and Texas get the shaft is beyond ridiculous.  To say that 'Half the tournament is seeded, and the other half isn't' indicates your vision does not extend beyond the Mojave Desert (or at least the Rockies).

To say that a tournament where the SCIAC and the Texas teams "get the shaft" every year is "a great tourney" is beyond ridiculous.

Plus, as usual, you don't know what you're talking about. Last year Oxy was undefeated and regionally ranked No. 2, but had to play the No. 1 seed Willamette on the road. The other side of the bracket was seeded 1-8 and matched up that way. Joke.

As for your snide last remark, Oxy has been in the playoffs 4 out of the last 5 years and made it to the 3rd round in 2004. When was the last time Illinois Wesleyan was even in the playoffs? Of course, IWU did play the La Courneuve Flash in 2005. Woo-hoo!

OxyBob

[RFB]

I understand (and greatly sympathize) with your bitterness out there in 'd3 Siberia' ...

It is totally unfair that the first round match is 'always' SCIAC vs (and usually @) NWC.  (Texas tends to get the same 'screw job'.)  But after that (and for MOST teams, even for the first round), seedings are vitally important.  WHO do you face, and WHERE?  After all, MOST of us cannot realistically aspire to the Stagg, and a win or two is better than no wins.

Thanks a whole big bunch for the usual condescending pat on the head.

The NCAA D-III football tournament is a joke. Half of the tournament bracket is seeded, and the other half isn't. Joke.

OxyBob

OB, Since you obviously cannot differentiate between a genuine show of support and a 'condescending pat on the head', I surrender.  From now on, I will assume you do not exist (and will therefore not try to be supportive - of YOU, I'll still support the SCIAC).

But to call the entire d3 tourney a 'joke' because you guys and Texas get the shaft is beyond ridiculous.  To say that 'Half the tournament is seeded, and the other half isn't' indicates your vision does not extend beyond the Mojave Desert (or at least the Rockies).

We've got a great d3 tourney - sorry you don't feel part of it (winning the first game might help).

Actually Oxy won their first two playoff games in 2004. It's nice being rewarded with a home game once in a blue moon and makes quite a difference in chances of converting a win. Why do you think we bitch about getting the shaft when the 2005 Oxy team who was 9-0 and a top ten ranked team had to go to 9-0 and top five ranked Linfield in the first round. It is a joke and half the tourney is seeded and the other is not.