FB: Midwest Conference

[MC17]

So Monmouth has another tough challenge this week against Ripon. I went to the game last year at Ripon where Monmouth lost a close one. To me the game last year looked sloppy all around. Our field goal kicker missed two field goals and an extra point. I have heard a lot about Ripons defensive backs, but will they be enough to stop Monmouth's passing O??? Also last year Ripon established the run with thier fullback early on in the game. I expect Monmouth to try and take him out of the equation and make Ripon pass the ball into the #1 defensive back squad in the nation in efficiency.

Also this year it is at home, is homecomming, and we are in the hunt for the playoffs. So i would expect us to come out fired up and ready to win. After talking to the players, they are confident in that they are going to win. This should be a defensive battle unless Ripon is not as good against the pass as people have said. Has anyone seen this teams pass defense in action and if so did they live up to the hype?

My prediction is a 34-9 win for the Fighting Scots. I do not see Ripon getting the ball in the endzone after watching them buckle down in the second half against Norbert.

Should be a great game and anyone who lives anywhere close should come check it out. 

[Redhawk Sighting]

Hello!  Big game of the week is Ripon vs. Monmouth!  I am very excited to see the outcome of this game, sad that I can't make it.  As far as the chatter on Monmouth beating Ripon by such a large margin is crazy.  For those of you that state "lets stuff the middle", great stuff it, then Ripon will run outside all day.  Stop the outside run, the QB will keep it, stop that they'll run the middle.  The great thing about option is it's to hard to stop it, to stop it you might bring up a corner or safety?!  Great we'll pass on you!  It's going to be a great game, back and forth, but guess what!?  Ripon's defense is the best I have seen it in MANY years!  My prediction is Ripon wins by 10.  You are all talking about how Monmouth is on a title run and they won't over look anyone, well guess what, so is Ripon and travel or no travel they are coming for the W.  The atmosphere at this game is going to be AWESOME!!!  I can't wait to hear the stories about the crowd, the game, and the final score.  As far as the rest of the conference good luck!       

[scottie]

RHS: Thanks for your energetic contribution.  Why not plunk down $6.95 and watch the game on the ol' computer?

I'm looking forward to seeing the game live and in living colour.  Does anyone know the latest national rankings of the Scot offense and defense?

M O N M O U T H  F O O T B A L L  I N  2 0 0 8 !
 

[SNCOLDAD]

http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2008&div=III&site=org

Try this.

[MWCfan787]

Yeah, thanks Redhawk Sighting, you've done what I failed to get any SNC fans to do on this board, say that your team is unstoppable therefore unbeatable and possibly jinx you and your team.  And I agree with you, that defense of yours in Ripon, WI looks pretty good (dominated conference games so far and just 2 scores to a WIAC team).

The Scots D is good but they could be better, can never be perfect, but they have the potential to be way better than they already are.  They had some issues tackling against SNC, and they are focusing on them this week in practice.  I heard that Coach Braun (D Coordinator) replayed the run by Berger (SNC fans know which one I'm talking about) over and over again as he chewed the D a new one.  Against the option you have to play assignment defense, if you don't make the tackle on your assignment then you have trouble.

In fact, I'm going to try and put a reverse jinx on the Scots and agree with you.....but only by 10?  The offense is unstoppable (can counter anything) and the D is best you've seen since the last blue moon.  I say blowout.

Good Luck Redhawks!

On a more serious note, if Ripon wins this game, then how huge is the Ripon v. SNC game the following week.  When was the last time the MWC had three games that big with playoff implications in three consecutive weeks?  And if SNC wins that and all 3 teams finish with one loss in conference play..who holds the tiebreaker for the playoff spot?  Because I believe the conference would recognize all 3 of them as champs but only one can get the bid most likely.

[hickory_cornhusker]

I believe Quarters Lead would be the tiebreaker that would be used in the case of a three way tie (head to head would be a wash) The current standings for that are:

St. Norbert 18
Ripon          17
Monmouth  16

I like this system much better than the MIAA who uses non-conference record to break a three way tie.

[sncfballfan]

Big game this week as it's all on the line.  Hopefully the Knights can bounce back and get a big homecoming victory.

As far as the Scots vs the Red Hawks, it all comes down to getting pressure on the qb.  It was VERY apparent last weekend that Tanney is very immobile and struggles to throw the ball on the run.  However, the Monmouth staff does an excellent job with this as the offense is a lot like the Colts of the NFL with quick reads and releases.  There were several attempts by the SNC defense to get to the qb but couldn't with blitz packages since the ball was in and out.  If the Hawks can get pressure with the front 3 & only one or two LB's, their secondary will keep them in the game.  The Scots o-line appeared average at best and I predict a 7 point win for Ripon if they can get the qb to attempt to move.

[fightintitan2006]

MC17,

You asked if anyone had seen Ripon's DBs play and also said you were at the game last year. So you have seen them  , as I believe all five are returning starters. They held Tanney to 199 yards last year, his season-low I am guessing. So yes, they can play.

[scottie]

MC17,

You asked if anyone had seen Ripon's DBs play and also said you were at the game last year. So you have seen them  , as I believe all five are returning starters. They held Tanney to 199 yards last year, his season-low I am guessing. So yes, they can play.

"Not so fast my friend!"

In that game, Tanney had 3 TD passes with 1 interception in 30 attempts.  (Not too shabby.)

The Ripon QB had 0 TD's and 2 interceptions in 12 attempts. 

So, I guess the MC secondary can play, too.   

A R E  Y O U  R E A D Y  F O R  S O M E  B A G P I P E S ?

[piopride10]

Upon further review and a clear head I take THE U over SNC this weekend!!!!  If Carroll puts it together they are dangerous.  They haven't played a flawless game yet and what better time to bust one out than on the road against the Knights.  I talked with some guys today and they are fired up for the opportunity to play an elite conference team.  I also think Carroll's defensive scheme matches up well with what the Knights will do on offense.  Bold prediction but sometimes even the irrational makes sense.

Get fired up Pio Nation... loud and proud on Saturday!!!!!!!!

[mc31]

I just dont see ripon winning this weekend... Granted im from monmouth but the scots have the #2 defense in the nation while they have only really been tested twice (SNC and Loras) while ripons defense is ranked 21st...

While the scots offense is ranked 22nd... ripons offense ranks 154th...

i see monmouth winning 31-17 i dont see us pulling away until late second quarter or even into the 3rd... It seems like we have trouble starting off good...

[Scots4]

National rankings are absolutely a ridiculous criteria to use to determine how good a team is. For example, SNC, I believe, had the top offense in the nation going into the game against Monmouth. I do not intend that to be a knock on SNC but I would probably take Mount Union or UWW over SNC (or the offensive first team all-conference of the MWC.)

Redhawk, way to get behind your team. The only thing I didnt like was the "we'll pass on you." Granted they may surprise someone one of these days but I think the secondary on my championship intramural team could compete with the Ripon offense in the air.

This Monmouth team is totally different than last years team that lost in Ripon. They are more confident and they just have a chip on their shoulder that they did not have last year.

Lets set a line for this game.

Scots4 Line

Monmouth -9.5

[sncfballfan]

If Ripon gets down early, this game will be over.  The option offense is fine for some people, but Ripon hasn't had a steady passing game in the past 6 or 7 years with 99% of the playbook telling them to RUN.

[SNCOLDAD]

Some early risers today. Interesting points being made on a couple of games.

Monmouth hosting Ripon is what I pick as the game of the week. I am really looking to see if the offensive line of Ripon can create the holes required for the run. If so, Monmouth could be in trouble controlling the tempo. But I do not think they will have trouble controlling the score. Only one thing to do is out score Ripon and MC has all the weapons needed to do that.

St Norbert hosting Carroll.
OK. This dad is going out on a limb for a change. Are you KIDDING??
Coach Jim lose 2 conference games??? In a ROW?? And if there is any doubt on his offense, I have no doubt what so ever that Coach Dewitt will have that defense so fired up that CU will be wondering where they are.

Add to that the Fly Overs that SNC Stadium is known for this time of year, and what a spectacular day.

OK. Now back to reality. Of course I'm biased. That check for tuition allows me to be. I think SNC jumps out quick, maintains to the 3rd then pulls away.

And did I hear:  SCOTTIE says GO GREEN KNIGHTS

[scottie]

Sure, I'll pull for SNC.  I guess that only gives the Scots' victory more shine, huh?

I'm pretty sure that defensive wiz, Coach Braun, can figure out how to stop the option.  A couple early stops to get the Scots fired up, and it's Game Over for the Fighting Steve Kohls.