FB: Midwest Conference

scottie · October 13, 2008, 09:31:40 AM

What/Who is Huntingdon?

I hope you're right, The Roop, but still a couple of important games to go before a MWC ticket can be punched. Looking forward to catching a game in person this weekend against the fighting Steve Kohls.

SNCOLDAD · October 13, 2008, 09:53:55 AM

scottie, no doubt all schools have those "Fans" among them. Not complaining about it except I wish we all could get real during game day.

I hope Monmouth is overlooking Ripon.

I have to keep hopes alive.

Interesting how this playoff thing works (or doesn't ) sometimes. I do not fully understand and by the time I think I have a handle on it my son will have graduated.

I am assuming that an at large for SNC if they run the table would be extremely unlikely. Is that safe to say?

The Roop · October 13, 2008, 10:52:16 AM

Unfortunately it is safe to say that. I can't see a 2 loss MWC team ever getting in, without the automatic bid, unless the field is expanded. Which might actually have to happen in a few years.

http://www.d3football.com/faq.php?answer&category=Playoffs&id=25

http://www.d3football.com/faq.php?answer&category=Playoffs&id=4

Pat Coleman · October 13, 2008, 10:54:48 AM

Quote from: The Roop on October 13, 2008, 10:52:16 AM
Unfortunately it is safe to say that. I can't see a 2 loss MWC team ever getting in, without the automatic bid, unless the field is expanded. Which might actually have to happen in a few years.

http://www.d3football.com/faq.php?answer&category=Playoffs&id=25

http://www.d3football.com/faq.php?answer&category=Playoffs&id=4

They will not expand the playoff field beyond 32 -- adding a sixth weekend to the playoffs is not something that the schools will go for.

The MWC has seen 1-loss teams stay home (Ripon 2000), though that was when the playoffs were 28 teams. I think you're safe in assuming a 2-loss MWC team will not get an at-large.

More discussion of this in our podcast today, actually.

MWCfan787 · October 13, 2008, 10:58:47 AM

I could see a one loss team getting in. For example if Monmouth would have lost this game, but stayed competitive and then Loras won the IIAC....Monmouth would then be 9-1 with a victory over the champion of a stronger conference.

In 2004 MC went 9-1 and I believe they were the only 9-1 team in the nation not to qualify, but that year they played a weaker non-conference opponent....and I think the field was 28 that year and the next year they went to the 32 team field.

This Ripon-Monmouth matchup is huge the Scots are not looking over this one at all, Ripon competed with a WIAC school...oh and btw Ripon is coming to Monmouth, I think the d3 site has it listed as Monmouth going to Ripon

sncfballfan · October 13, 2008, 11:24:26 AM

Props to the Scots for getting the W this weekend in a very entertaining game to watch from the stands. The difference in this game, in my eyes, was the receiving core of Monmouth. This is a young group that is very deep and they were making plays all over the field.

As for the Knights, it's time to get back on the grind and focus on each Saturday and nothing else. The Monmouth fans, in general, were very receptive except for a few younger kids who were running their mouths once the Scots took the lead. As previously stated on the board, you will get those fans no matter where you go but it just takes away so much from the game and the D-III families that are in it for the love of the game.

SNCOL, what was the reason for street clothes for your son

SNCOLDAD · October 13, 2008, 01:04:47 PM

Knee.

hickory_cornhusker · October 13, 2008, 01:52:32 PM

Quote from: The Roop on October 13, 2008, 08:53:30 AM
Don't book your trip to Whitewater just yet. There are no unbeatens in the IIAC and the eventual winner may have two losses. I think an undefeated Monmouth would host such a game.

In the stranger things have happened category I could also see Huntingdon getting in as an at large from the SLIAC and Monmouth would host that as well. I don't think the SLIAC gets an automatic bid yet but Huntingdon has been rolling everybody thus far; so it's a possibility.

The SLIAC doesn't have Pool A bid yet so Huntingdon is fighting for a Pool B bid which may happen since Salisbury and Wesley lost to Delaware Valley earlier this year. I don't know if they would head to Monmouth if they made it though. I think Huntingdon may be close to the 500 mile radius from Monmouth. I don't know for sure but thinking about it on a map I think it is a possibility

The Roop · October 13, 2008, 04:24:45 PM

Montgomery, AL - Monmouth, IL = 795 miles.

fightintitan2006 · October 13, 2008, 06:29:33 PM

Scottie,

I would all but cancel your trip to Whitewater if Monmouth beats Ripon Saturday. The Scots should then finish 10-0 and the IIAC and MIAC champs will likely have two losses (sorry for not having faith in an undefeated Carleton season).

The regional coaches gave SNC some long deserved respect last year for being undefeated, which they repaid with a strong showing against Eau Claire, and MC has a better non-conference win this year than SNC did last year. If Loras can beat Wartburg or Central that will only help MC among regional voters as well.

I think Huntingdon will be in the South, but the left coast will be the determining factor. If they get four in, they stay home and play each other and IIAC/MIAC champ likely going to MC. If three from west coast are in, one could be coming to MC. Of course, there is always a chance they move some west/north teams around and none of this comes close to happening.

Does the UMAC or Northern Athletic Conference have an AQ...that would change things as well.

SNCOLDAD · October 13, 2008, 07:49:54 PM

I guess a big question is then will Monmouth be moved out of the West??

Now try to figure it out.

hickory_cornhusker · October 13, 2008, 08:14:19 PM

Quote from: fightintitan2006 on October 13, 2008, 06:29:33 PM
Does the UMAC or Northern Athletic Conference have an AQ...that would change things as well.

The Northern Athletics Conference has a Pool A bid, the UMAC does not.

I could also see MC possibly getting a WIAC runner-up as their opponent like SNC did last year.

SNCOLDAD · October 13, 2008, 08:56:16 PM

hickory,
I understand what you are saying but I am not sure the ranking is there for Monmouth. Last year SNC made it as high as 11th I think. I have not seen Monmouth ranked in top 25 but I did not check this week yet. That also can make a difference. Undefeated in the MWC does not necessarily mean a 1st round home game unfortunately. I will admit I was surprised last year, and considering the outcome, I would be even more surprised this year.

But as an old man, I am surprised to get up each morning.

fightintitan2006 · October 13, 2008, 09:03:59 PM

I still dont understand all the playoff dynaimcs as well as others, but have learned a little bit over the years. Its way too too early to speculate who will be moved, my scenarios are based more upon the west teams staying in the west.

Unless a MIAC team goes undefeated, a 1-loss Eau Claire team will be the #2 team in the region. Based on last year, I think a two loss IIAC/MIAC champ would draw one of the top two seeds, with the other going to someone like Aurora, who appears to have a playoff shot if they win out.

SNC DAD, national rankings have very little to do with the playoff picks in my opinion. Its all about the regional rankings and where other coaches think you stack up.

scottie · October 13, 2008, 09:17:43 PM

Yeah, let's wait a bit longer and see how things shake out. I thought the Illini and the Bears would both win last weekend, so I'm not one who should be making any predictions. What I will say is:

Scots better not overlook Ripon.
Nobody has won the MWC, yet.
Can't wait to see the Scots in action this weekend.
Offense is among the highest ranked in the country.
Let's not forget...
Defense ain't too shabby either.
Anyone ever hear of Huntingdon before today?
Didn't think so.