FB: Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference

[D3_DPUFan]

That's the question, isn't it?  This year will help us see if Millsaps' recent success came from Juan, from the system Coach Dubose has installed, or both (which is my guess).  They will be a factor in the race for sure.

I think DPU is going to be quite good, they played very well at the end of the year (look what they did to Wabash) and didn't lose too much to graduation.

Trinity has to develop a new QB and they have an miserable schedule to start the season:  four consecutive road games, the last of which is at Millsaps - three games later, they're at DePauw.  They return a lot at the other skill positions.  If they can get through the first four weeks unscathed, look out, but it won't be easy.

BSC will continue to improve, Austin is getting better each year, either of them could surprise one of the favorites.  Sewanee should also be better, Rhodes and Centre are always hard to figure.

This is all based on vague recollections and memories so don't anyone get too upset if I got something wrong.  I'm buying Kickoff just like (hopefully) everyone else.

Pretty good overview, Ron...and I think you touch on what I think continues to be a strength of the league and that's the number of teams that can beat you on any given week. When teams like Centre and Rhodes are looming out there as middle of th epack teams and the Austin's and Sewanee's continue to get better, it makes for a pretty challenging schedule...especialy when you throw in the travel. Of course that travel has been pared down thanks to our friends in Colorado Springs.

[D3_DPUFan]

less than two weeks before practice starts...things sure are quiet in here...

[Ron Boerger]

less than two weeks before practice starts...things sure are quiet in here...

Well, heck, let me share a typical in-depth article on Trinity from the San Antonio Express-News.  We could talk about all the info there for picoseconds.

Meanwhile, the opening of the training camp for the new D2 program just up the street supposedly drew 20 media members. 

[tutiger]

Anyone aware of any talk/consideration given to a Trinity/UIW game?

[Pat Coleman]

Seems unlikely. UIW would have nothing to gain by playing that game since they'd be expected to win by the uninformed populace but would likely lose.

[Ron Boerger]

If it was gonna happen, IMO would have happened this year.  UIW had their schedule set before CC dropped football.

UIW is not adverse to playing a D3 school, tho - they have Texas Lutheran on the home calendar for October 17th.  We all know how hard it is for ASC schools to find non-conference games; this keeps them from having to hop on a plane or play an NAIA school located further away.  TLU's not Trinity but should still give the neophytes a run for their money.    

[Pat Coleman]

Breaking news out of DePauw: http://bit.ly/lni7P

[Ron Boerger]

Breaking news out of DePauw: http://bit.ly/lni7P

Wow.   You wonder what's up there.   Walker had done such a good job the last few years.  Ironic in light of the story published just today on the DPU website:

"If you combine the experience and talent level returning, the strength of our incoming class with the momentum from last year, you have a uniquely exciting atmosphere for the upcoming season," head coach Matt Walker said.

Good story for those looking for insight into the state of the program before today.  

[DPU3619]

I don't like this idea very much.  I really don't like this idea a week before camp.

[DPU3619]

Think you guys know me as kind of a straight-shooter.  I'm not really the spin factory for DePauw athletics.  In a vacuum, I don't have a problem with the change.  I think Robby Long is a fantastic football coach.  He's got a good idea of how to manage his players and how to get the most out of them.  I think he'll do a great job as HFC. 

That said, it is the timing that alarming.  Not just a little alarming, either.  I don't care what program you are on what level - if you switch head coaches 36 days before you kickoff your season, there are going to be some issues.  There is no perfect transition in this situation. 

I think the only thing we can hope for at this point is that Walk isn't leaving for some serious family health or other personal issue, and that this was just a business decision.  That's what concerns me the most at this point.

[D3_DPUFan]

You are right on the money, Wes. From a football standpoint, Coach Long will step in seamlessly. Ward and the rest of the staff are top notch. I'm praying for Coach Walker and his family...

[Fripp52]

Amazing how quickly this news spread.  I just got off the phone with my son who just received a call from one of the coaches telling him the news.  He said they were shocked and that they just found out hours ago.  My son is shocked.  He described next week as being "weird", but Long is well respected and should do a good job.  My concern is coaching numbers.  I am sure Walker did all of the typical head coaching like duties - coordination, organization, issue resolution, negotiation, etc.  Other than special teams, he was not tied to a position.  Now Long has to pick that up as well as his current duties.  It will not be easy.  I wonder if Nick, as much as I hate to say it, will help.
Unfortunate timing............I think DePauw has a legitimate shot at doing something this year.  These things usually go one of 2 ways.  Either it brings the coaches and team together.  Or it distracts them to the extent they will lose when they should win and could snowball the wrong way.
I will not speculate on what happened to Matt.  He resigned as baseball coach as well.  I wish Matt and his family the best.

[wabashcpa]

Just saw the report on the news regarding Walker's resignation - just when it seemed things were becoming stabilized after the coaching merry-go-round before his tenure.  The timing raises eyebrows, but moreso the abrupt nature of the announcement.  Even as a Wabash alum, I don't like seeing this - Coach Walker was a worthy adversary.  Hopefully it's a business decision made by Matt on his terms, and not due to something family-related.  Unfortunate timing, regardless.

[DPU3619]

I'm hearing through the grapevine that there be some kind of announcement later today about the situation.  I'm also getting word that this could be related to some sort of school policy and is not some kind of personal issue. 

Feel free to take that or leave it.

[Fripp52]

Wes, I think you are right.  The University would not make those moves that quickly in both sports, release a press release, and remove his picture/bio from the website if it is a personal situation.  He could have taken a leave of absence.  It certainly cannot be related to performance.  His record is good to very good in both sports.  The kids need to rally, put this behind them as best they can, and focus on the season.  Long is a no nonsense, old school kind of guy.  I think he will provide an atmosphere around the team where this is possible.  That said, I still have the same concerns with responsibilities I mentioned yesterday.  Walker took a lot off the plates of everyone else because he did not have a position to coach.