FB: Old Dominion Athletic Conference

[allsky7]

IMO, why Macon has been so successful; they take care of the ball, and they have a bend but don't break defense.

Zak Thornton has touched the ball 319 times so far this season, and has coughed it up only twice. That's pretty darn good (and lucky).

If you look at the stats, they are very one dimensional. But nationally, not even that impressive.

They are 45th (out of 231) in rushing offense and 193rd in passing offense. But being ranked 27th in turnover margin is the key.

And defensively, sure, they're 32nd in points allowed, but they still give up 317 yards a game (81st, nationally).

Although five of their eight wins were by 12 points or less, they haven't had an opponent score more than 25 on them all year. And seven of their nine opponents didn't score more than 17.

They've played in a lot of close games, which certainly helps them. But it will be interesting to see against H-SC (or even a playoff game or two) how well  the Jackets play if/when they get down by a couple scores. Only three times have they been losing during a game by a touchdown (twice against Frostburg, once against Hopkins). Never have they been down by more than that.

I think that Sydney will get up by a couple scores and R-MC won't be able to counter it. R-MC hasn't faced this creative of a team all year. The best offenses they have faced -- Guilford and Bridgewater -- are also very one dimensional teams, so it was easier to prepare for. H-SC, however, will throw a lot of different looks at them.

My prediction; H-SC 31, R-MC 20

I'm rarely correct (see ODAC pick 'em), but I nearly nailed this game.

The Jackets got down 14-0 and 21-7, and never recovered. They "bent" and gave up a bunch of yards (410), but also "broke" and allowed 31 points.

Amazing that neither team had any turnovers. And Sydney finally held Thornton under 100.

Congrats to both teams on two great years! I sure hope the Tigers will make some noise in the playoffs (not likely, IMO).

Now the question becomes who wins POTY? As great as Simpson's numbers are (1635 all-purpose yards, 27 total TDs), I can't see the conference awarding it to him since he was suspended for the first three games. And Guilford losing four ODAC games takes Vogelbach out of the mix. I'd say it'll come down to these three:

-Drew Smith (H-SC WR) - 102 receptions, 1460 receiving yards, 8 TDs
-Phillip Carter (BC RB) - 1201 rushing yards, 19 rushing TDs
-Corey Sedlar (H-SC QB) - 3118 yards, 23 TDs, 66.7 pass comp %

     I have been saying all year that the Tiger D is better than they are given credit. They showed it yesterday. Any time you hold a team to 200 yards of total O, you have a pretty good chance to win the game. The Jackets never recovered from the first 5 minutes of the game. The one attempt they did make to start the second half when they went down the field and scored IMO was psychologically squelched when the Tigers blocked the extra point. The Tigers going down and getting three making it a two possession game after that was big too.
     No doubt the Tigers will have their work cut out for them next weekend no matter who they play. I think you can take it to the bank that Marty will pull out the stops and have a few new wrinkles. He rolled the dice yesterday and it worked. If it works next weekend then who knows what might happen. The Tigers may have a shot or they may get beat by 40. Win...lose...or draw...watching Tiger football is an experience I tell you.
     As for POY....my vote based on on the field performance goes to Josh Simpson. Obviously, this is a team sport but IMO, he is the key to all other things around him. As I stated previously, again IMO, the Tigers aren't ODAC champs without him. That being said, I'll take Drew Smith on my team any day. He is the real deal. He would be a very worthy POY as well. I understand he is a great off the field leader and a great student. Hey....this is D3 where the classroom and character is supposed to matter so him winning the award is OK by me. I'd be willing to bet that either of the two would trade POY for a W next weekend. 
      Really enjoyed have a few beverages with Jacketlawyer and his bro yesterday. It was very enjoyable converation and both were very gracious in defeat. Also ran into K-Mack and some old high school teammates. Just a great atmosphere for college football even though the game did not go down to the wire as I expected it to.
      Hey kid....do we wanna open up the attendance can of worms again?  I'd bet my next paycheck that there were more than 5,111 there yesterday. Course, I don't guess they count the two thousand in the parking lot. 
     Congrats to the Jackets on a fantastic season. I know they are stinging (pun intended  ) right now but I'm sure when they look back at what was accomplished this year, that burn will be lessened a little even though they lost to the Tigers.
     Now it's time to focus on the Tigers shocking the world next weekend!! 

[billt101]

IMO, why Macon has been so successful; they take care of the ball, and they have a bend but don't break defense.

Zak Thornton has touched the ball 319 times so far this season, and has coughed it up only twice. That's pretty darn good (and lucky).

If you look at the stats, they are very one dimensional. But nationally, not even that impressive.

They are 45th (out of 231) in rushing offense and 193rd in passing offense. But being ranked 27th in turnover margin is the key.

And defensively, sure, they're 32nd in points allowed, but they still give up 317 yards a game (81st, nationally).

Although five of their eight wins were by 12 points or less, they haven't had an opponent score more than 25 on them all year. And seven of their nine opponents didn't score more than 17.

They've played in a lot of close games, which certainly helps them. But it will be interesting to see against H-SC (or even a playoff game or two) how well  the Jackets play if/when they get down by a couple scores. Only three times have they been losing during a game by a touchdown (twice against Frostburg, once against Hopkins). Never have they been down by more than that.

I think that Sydney will get up by a couple scores and R-MC won't be able to counter it. R-MC hasn't faced this creative of a team all year. The best offenses they have faced -- Guilford and Bridgewater -- are also very one dimensional teams, so it was easier to prepare for. H-SC, however, will throw a lot of different looks at them.

My prediction; H-SC 31, R-MC 20

I'm rarely correct (see ODAC pick 'em), but I nearly nailed this game.

The Jackets got down 14-0 and 21-7, and never recovered. They "bent" and gave up a bunch of yards (410), but also "broke" and allowed 31 points.

Amazing that neither team had any turnovers. And Sydney finally held Thornton under 100.

Congrats to both teams on two great years! I sure hope the Tigers will make some noise in the playoffs (not likely, IMO).

Now the question becomes who wins POTY? As great as Simpson's numbers are (1635 all-purpose yards, 27 total TDs), I can't see the conference awarding it to him since he was suspended for the first three games. And Guilford losing four ODAC games takes Vogelbach out of the mix. I'd say it'll come down to these three:

-Drew Smith (H-SC WR) - 102 receptions, 1460 receiving yards, 8 TDs
-Phillip Carter (BC RB) - 1201 rushing yards, 19 rushing TDs
-Corey Sedlar (H-SC QB) - 3118 yards, 23 TDs, 66.7 pass comp %

The telling stats on this game are total offensive plays-HSC 83 RMC 45 and time of possession HSC 39:14 RMC 20:46 with the 4th Qtr being HSC 13:12 RMC 1:48.  They kept the RMC offense of the field (RMC's game plan was to do that to HSC). Also, all season long RMC lived off of turnovers.  HSC had zero turnovers.
I spoke to the HSC coach after the game and he is a class act and was very humble in victory.  Congrats to HSC and best of luck in the playoffs. 

[hasanova]

The telling stats on this game are total offensive plays-HSC 83 RMC 45 and time of possession HSC 39:14 RMC 20:46 with the 4th Qtr being HSC 13:12 RMC 1:48.  They kept the RMC offense of the field (RMC's game plan was to do that to HSC). Also, all season long RMC lived off of turnovers.  HSC had zero turnovers.  I spoke to the HSC coach after the game and he is a class act and was very humble in victory.  Congrats to HSC and best of luck in the playoffs. 

I noticed these numbers in the box as well and I don't think I've ever seen a game quite this one-sided in plays and TOP.  I'm sure the Macon Offense was frustrated not being able to take the field, especially in the 4th Quarter.  It certainly sounds as though Sydney executed their plan well.  As I've said before, congratulations to both squads for great seasons and good luck to the Tigers on November 17 (and beyond!).

[tigerftblfan]

Drew Smith is my " POY ".....I know Drew personally.
Let me tell you guy's something about Drew.....
He is not only one heck of a football player and a great student...
This is one " Fine Young Man ".....One of the most humble and respectful young men that I have ever met !
And all this above can also apply to Josh Simpson as well.
But there is one player that lives in the shadow's of Josh Simpson that has got very little credit this year and that is TE Josh Baumgartner who has game in and game out paved the way for Simpson all year with great blocking and running the field ahead of him.
Pretty Impressive when a TE has the athletic ability to be a lead blocker and run ahead of a back like Simpson.
So lets never forget the Guy's who make it possible for the backs like Simpson who get all the glory !

[beenhit2hard]

Will "the traveling Tailgaters" ( Stone Station ) be at Wesley this weekend ? My season is over and we are looking forward to some DIII football !!

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

Will "the traveling Tailgaters" ( Stone Station ) be at Wesley this weekend ? My season is over and we are looking forward to some DIII football !!

If D3football.com's projections of the south region hold, then H-SC at Wesley is definitely a consideration.

Llama and I (and others) basically have our Nov. 17 plans narrowed down to three choices. We'll make a decision in the next couple of days.

[muchacho]

I was just reading the about the playoff predictions, and there was no mention of RMC. I understand it is tough for a 2 loss team to get into the field. I know the loss to Frostburg brought their OWP down, but with the rest of the ODAC finishing at 4-6 or better, each conference team should have a decent OWP and OOWP. I'd appreciate if anybody had that info, or a link to it.

[Jacketlawyer]

     I have been saying all year that the Tiger D is better than they are given credit. They showed it yesterday. Any time you hold a team to 200 yards of total O, you have a pretty good chance to win the game. The Jackets never recovered from the first 5 minutes of the game. The one attempt they did make to start the second half when they went down the field and scored IMO was psychologically squelched when the Tigers blocked the extra point. The Tigers going down and getting three making it a two possession game after that was big too.
     No doubt the Tigers will have their work cut out for them next weekend no matter who they play. I think you can take it to the bank that Marty will pull out the stops and have a few new wrinkles. He rolled the dice yesterday and it worked. If it works next weekend then who knows what might happen. The Tigers may have a shot or they may get beat by 40. Win...lose...or draw...watching Tiger football is an experience I tell you.
     As for POY....my vote based on on the field performance goes to Josh Simpson. Obviously, this is a team sport but IMO, he is the key to all other things around him. As I stated previously, again IMO, the Tigers aren't ODAC champs without him. That being said, I'll take Drew Smith on my team any day. He is the real deal. He would be a very worthy POY as well. I understand he is a great off the field leader and a great student. Hey....this is D3 where the classroom and character is supposed to matter so him winning the award is OK by me. I'd be willing to bet that either of the two would trade POY for a W next weekend. 
      Really enjoyed have a few beverages with Jacketlawyer and his bro yesterday. It was very enjoyable converation and both were very gracious in defeat. Also ran into K-Mack and some old high school teammates. Just a great atmosphere for college football even though the game did not go down to the wire as I expected it to.
      Hey kid....do we wanna open up the attendance can of worms again?  I'd bet my next paycheck that there were more than 5,111 there yesterday. Course, I don't guess they count the two thousand in the parking lot. 
     Congrats to the Jackets on a fantastic season. I know they are stinging (pun intended  ) right now but I'm sure when they look back at what was accomplished this year, that burn will be lessened a little even though they lost to the Tigers.
     Now it's time to focus on the Tigers shocking the world next weekend!! 

I think I've recovered enough to post something. . .   That was a long ride down 64 to 29, Allsky.  By the way, if you haven't had the pleasure of attending a game with Allsky, he's one of the best hang-around guys of all time. 8)

Anyway, we lost to a superior team yesterday.  The Tiger players outplayed the Jacket players, and Marty single-handedly outcoached our whole coaching staff.  Had the Tigers not hung 14 on us within the first 4 minutes, it might've been a different game.  But after the Tigers recovered an onside kick (yep) and scored again, we never recovered.

At this point, I think I'm going to resist the impulse to lament any further.

Look, I can only complain so much.  No one would've predicted we'd be 8-2, and share a part of the ODAC crown this year.  For my part, I am satisfied, and I was able to enjoy Randolph-Macon football for the first time in 5 years.

Good luck to the Tigers in the playoffs, but it's clear we're sending no fluke team there.  GO TIGERS!

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

D3football.com nailed the south region:

http://d3football.com/playoffs/07/bracket.htm

Good luck to H-SC against Wesley! I don't think they're as good as they were in 2005, but I sure hope you have a better showing than we did (46-7, ugh).

Maybe Stone Station will make the trip... maybe.

[fmfdoc]

I was just reading the about the playoff predictions, and there was no mention of RMC. I understand it is tough for a 2 loss team to get into the field. I know the loss to Frostburg brought their OWP down, but with the rest of the ODAC finishing at 4-6 or better, each conference team should have a decent OWP and OOWP. I'd appreciate if anybody had that info, or a link to it.

It has to be frustrating for any team to work as hard as these guys and coaches do all season long, win 70% or better of their games,  and have no where to go in the post season. Especially when (if my math is right), 33 DIII teams that won at least 70% or better of their games will have players watching DI teams with a 50%-60% win ratio playing in postseason bowls. I know.... aside from the payout, who is really interested in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl?

All that aside, it looks like the ODAC really has something to be proud of this year- 6 teams with .500 or better season record. Overall 44-25 with 21 of those losses being in conference (only losing 4? non conference games). Any conference would be proud of  record like that! I hope this is a building block for everyone next year.

Good luck to HSC in playoffs- I hope they continue and represent the conference well.

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

Ouch. I just noticed, on the bracket, that Mount Union was moved to the east region as the number one seed. OOF!

Good news is, the south region champ wouldn't have to meet the Purple Raiders until the Stagg Bowl!

[Jeremybozz]

 I have some advice for ODAC/Tigers fans heading to Wesley. Bring a coat and a nice warm winter cap for your head. In 2005, I brought my coat but no cap.
It can be windy there and it took me several weeks to get over the resulting cold. (Granted, that was a 3rd round game and was a bit later in the year.)
Good luck Hampden Sydney, you can win this game.

[hasanova]

I'm sure I'm not the only one who knows this, but I just want to say it for the record.  Jacketlawyer, you're a class act.  I know how disappointed you are that your RMC Yellow Jackets aren't going to the NCAA tournament as the ODAC champion, but kudos to you (and the other RMC fans) for being magnanimous in defeat and for now graciously (and sincerely) throwing your support to the deserving Hampden-Sydney Tigers.  You embody the many reasons I am a fervent fan of DIII.  Thank you for showing us all how to win - and lose - with dignity.  Bravo!

[tigerftblfan]

Thanks for the advice JeremyBozz.....I guess its time to break out the thermal underwear....Ha ! Ha !
I got cold at the RMC vs HSC Game....Burrr !
Its sounds like Dover, Delaware will be even colder
Any Advice on things to do near Wesley College ?
Good food and an adult beverage always works for me....LOL

[@d3jason]

Thanks for the advice JeremyBozz.....I guess its time to break out the thermal underwear....Ha ! Ha !
I got cold at the RMC vs HSC Game....Burrr !
Its sounds like Dover, Delaware will be even colder
Any Advice on things to do near Wesley College ?
Good food and an adult beverage always works for me....LOL

There are slots at the Dover Downs race track, so bring some quarters if you are coming in Friday night.
There is tailgating space across from the south end zone, try to get there early because spaces could fill up quick for a playoff game. I think it costs five dollars to park. Shoot me an email if have any other questions on nightlife etc.