FB: Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference

frank_ezelle · November 30, 2008, 11:36:44 PM

There seems to be a lot of truth to all of what has been written in the last few posts. I think playoff experience did make somewhat of a difference and I do think the size and speed of W&J was a factor. But with all that being said, let's keep in mind that these two teams were very equal with the game being a 1-point game with less than 2 minutes to play. When you look at the two programs, the fact that these teams are so even is rather amazing. As was pointed out in a post a few days ago, the W&J program has a tradition that stretches out longer than the outstanding success of Trinity. Millsaps for all of its recent success, is still in the "laying the foundation" stage.

One thing that might have hurt Millsaps this past Saturday is that they really hadn't had many close games this season. The Belhaven game was close going into the 4th quarter but that was early in the season and a non-NCAA game. The BSC game was close in the third quarter but that was mostly because Millsaps was turning the ball over every other series. Neither of those compare to the W&J game and that's where playoff experience would have helped a lot. It seems to me that the strength of the SCAC is on the rise and that will better prepare the SCAC representative(s) in future NCAA playoffs.

Also, I think that in the future Millsaps will be able to add some pieces that were missing from this year's team. As outstanding as this year's team turned out to be, they could have used a big bruising running back for the tough yards in the red zone. They could have used a big tall receiver that can overpower a defensive back on a long pass that is up for grabs. They could have used a little more size on the defensive line. I think I remember one of the coaches saying they could have used a big tight end. I'm not saying all this to knock the current team which is loaded with outstanding talent, but just to point out that Millsaps has ways of getting better in the future.

ALSO, I appreciate the comment from The Forgotten Man about the class of the Millsaps team. The time I spend at Millsaps puts me in a position where I can closely observe the players and coaches. I can tell you that I am just as impressed by the class and the character of the football program as I am with their on the field success. It is a program that I'm proud to support.

Tacttm1 · December 01, 2008, 06:37:32 AM

What a fantastic season and a great run for the Majors!!

There is no doubt that the team conducted themselves with class and left 'it all' on the field Saturday.

I can't help but wonder what type of impact having Huff in the game would have made on those short yardage situations....hope he heals fully, I saw him still on crutches.

To echo another post, to get so far in such a short time for the program is amazing. The respect the team displays for the coaching staff surely must play a part in this years' results...especailly when you would hear, "Coach says this can be the year we can be national champs!" Success breeds success on the field and in the recruiting process, so I am optimistic.

frank_ezelle · December 01, 2008, 07:12:43 AM

For those who are interested, I have posted my photos from the Saturday game to the Millsaps photo site. The home address to the photo site is in the signature portion of this post and the direct link to the 2008 football section is:

http://gomajors.smugmug.com/Millsaps_College_2008-09/650115/

Breckenridgebear · December 01, 2008, 11:58:41 AM

Congrats on a great season Majors.

D3_DPUFan · December 01, 2008, 06:13:06 PM

Breckenridgebear---
You need to post more often on the SCAC thread...you had some great (and pretty funny) posts on the Monon Bell thread.

Breckenridgebear · December 02, 2008, 10:57:13 AM

D3_DPUFan

Something about Monon gets me fired up and I need an outlet before the game. I wish there were more DPU fans who would get involved in posting, especially prior to the Bell Game. I will see what I can do about contributing more.

D3_DPUFan · December 02, 2008, 01:18:39 PM

QuoteSomething about Monon gets me fired up and I need an outlet before the game. I wish there were more DPU fans who would get involved in posting, especially prior to the Bell Game. I will see what I can do about contributing more.

Cool. Agree with you on the number of DPU fans posting. Those who do have interesting takes...just need to be more of them...hope we can get some off season chatter going.

historymajor · December 02, 2008, 07:02:22 PM

What happened to the Majors? After watching them recover from the Trinity "Miracle" loss last season, and watching them steamroll this season's schecule (including my TU Tigers) I fully expected a much deeper run into the playoffs. They handled the young and star-struck LaGrange club easily and then.... W&J... what happened? I watched the whole thing via ATW feed, but they never solved the W&J QB and his key receiver. Your opinions/comments?

frank_ezelle · December 02, 2008, 10:33:20 PM

Huge news from Millsaps--Juan Joseph won the Connerly Trophy as the best/top college football player in Mississippi. Link to story:

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20081202/SPORTS03/81202027&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

(I'll just add that this is going to be one of those picks where everyone debates exactly what the award means, especially since the other two finalist will probably be 1st round picks in the NFL draft. Whatever the criteria, it is quite an honor won by an outstanding young man.)

Ralph Turner · December 02, 2008, 11:26:21 PM

That is outstanding.

I think that Joseph's win adds prestige to the award not being just a "football" award and more a "Student-athlete" award!

MS Major Fan · December 03, 2008, 12:00:14 AM

Congraulations Juan!!
This is a huge award for Juan. He deserves it .... He will never forget this night.

Great for Him the entire Majors team and Staff --- Fans and Millsaps!
About time they got the recognition that they deserve!

MajorDad · December 03, 2008, 06:26:05 AM

Ok, first congrats to Juan, well deserved.

Second thought will stir the pot a little:
Lets take a step back in time to 1997. Coach Dubose takes over as HC of Alabama, During his time there his Wide Receivers coach was an unknown outside of Alabama circles, Dabo Swinney. In 2001, Dabo was fired along with Coach Dubose and his most of his staff. In 2003, Dabo signs with Clemson as Receivers coach. Day before yesterday, Clemson names Dabo HC of Clemson. Yesterday, Dabo fires DC Vic K. Can you see where I'm going with this. We've mentioned from time to time that Coach Dubose is very defensive minded, even huddling his defense on the sidelines for talks while the offense is on the field. He seems to have a passion for Defense and since the season is over for DI with exception of bowl games, Clemson going to the Gator, it's conceivable that Dubose could easily step in as Clemson's DC. The real question would be, can the teacher work for the student. I think so.........Thoughts.....?

D3_DPUFan · December 03, 2008, 07:21:58 AM

QuoteLets take a step back in time to 1997. Coach Dubose takes over as HC of Alabama, During his time there his Wide Receivers coach was an unknown outside of Alabama circles, Dabo Swinney. In 2001, Dabo was fired along with Coach Dubose and his most of his staff. In 2003, Dabo signs with Clemson as Receivers coach. Day before yesterday, Clemson names Dabo HC of Clemson. Yesterday, Dabo fires DC Vic K. Can you see where I'm going with this. We've mentioned from time to time that Coach Dubose is very defensive minded, even huddling his defense on the sidelines for talks while the offense is on the field. He seems to have a passion for Defense and since the season is over for DI with exception of bowl games, Clemson going to the Gator, it's conceivable that Dubose could easily step in as Clemson's DC. The real question would be, can the teacher work for the student. I think so.........Thoughts.....?

Very intersting scenario and, it would seem, an obvious ticket for a trip back to DI football. Does Coach DuBose want to go back to DI? What's the buzz around Jackson? Has he talked about it at least privately? If in fact it does happen, it would be a loss for the SCAC. His presence has not only turned around Millsaps, it has helped raise the level of competition league wide, IMHO. Will be interseting to see how it plays out...the Majors lose a ton of players....

MajorDad · December 03, 2008, 08:16:45 AM

There hasn't been any public discussion that I could find. The DC firing just happened yesterday. Coach Dubose also could be happy and content right where he's at. DPF, you are absolutely right, losing Dubose would be a loss to the SCAC and a huge loss to Millsaps. Some coaches are content with HS, DIII DII or whatever. But having been at the Major Di level, one's got to assume he would desire a trip back if available. Quickest way to a HC job in DI barring an outright offer for a HC job, its through a coordinator position.
onlt reason i brought this up was I'm a big Clemson fan, second to Millsaps of course, and was able to look at the history and put 2 and 2 together. This has 4 written all over it..........

frank_ezelle · December 03, 2008, 11:47:27 AM

I heard part of a Juan Joseph interview on a local sports program this morning. On the subject of Coach DuBose, Juan said that he had learned a lot from Coach DuBose about football and about life. I'm sure that sentiment would be echoed by the vast majority of the 125 young men who play at Millsaps and the 10 or so coaches.

Depending on what one is looking for, Coach DuBose could do a lot better than D3 football and coaching at Millsaps. If you want more money, more press, and large crowds, then D3 is not the place for a guy like Mike DuBose. On the other hand, if you want to mentor young men and change lives, and if you want to have a normal life which includes time for your children and grandchildren, and if you have had maybe too much press in your life, then maybe Millsaps is the perfect place to be.

I'm certainly not in the inner circle at Millsaps and I probably can barely claim to be in the outer circle, but I hear that Coach DuBose likes his situation at Millsaps as long as the commitment is made by the school and alumni to run a quality program and to provide some decent pay for the assistant coaches. That seems like a fair thing to ask for and I hope that everyone can see that this is a win-win situation for the school and for the football program.