FB: Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference

[Ron Boerger]

I posted this on the South Region Fan Poll board, but it is probably more apropriate here.

Not questioning whether DePauw should be ranked as high as they are because honestly I just don't know that much about them, but what is different this year that puts them in elite status in the South? I noticed they have never beaten Trinity (0-9) and are 0-3 against Millsaps since Mike Dubose took over with the average score about 40-12.

Also, Trinity seems to be down. They've eeked out two wins against ASC teams who combined to go 4-16 a year ago. If they are down I would have to think that Millsaps is the team to beat in the SCAC again considering Trinity's opening games and Millsaps' recent history against DePauw.

1.  It's a fan poll with voters from all across the region, some of whom don't follow the action in the SCAC other than from scores and reputations, 
2.  DePauw destroyed a top-ten team in the last game of their 2008 season and brought virtually everyone back.   Killing Anderson, even though Anderson isn't all that, is a sign of how good the team could be.
3.  Millsaps did lose quite a bit including their all-star QB, plus the poll voters have historically been skeptics of the program. 
4.  Trinity is struggling - but the program's history will get them some respect from the voters until they do lose.  Who knows, maybe coming from behind to win two games they could have lost will be something they build on. 

I don't put a whole lot of faith into 0-9 and 0-3 because those teams aren't playing this year. 

[rooski]

Congratulations to DePauw WR Alex Koors...SCAC Offensive Player of the Week!

http://d3football.com/pressreleases.php?release=2930

And to Millsaps senior linebacker David Dale who won the defensive honors:

Dale recorded eight tackles (five solo), 4.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble in the Majors' 27-10 win over Belhaven. The 4.5 sacks marked a single-game school record. Dale's 4.5 sacks against Belhaven matched his career total entering the 2009 season.

...and a defensive end who last week was named to the D3 national team of the week. Combined with the way the Majors D strangled AC in Jackson last September,  you can see why we must wait quietly for this weekends game against Millsaps. Nothing but respect for Majors!

However, since that game the Roos have gone a repectable 6-3. Would certainly like to see the upward trend to continue . {And I do believe the Kangaroos intend to win Saturday.} 

Some good news for those attending, it looks like it will be dry and not too hot for the 1pm start.

[McM Fan]

I do know some about the kid, but not enough on the football field...just curious what you guys thought??

Here are the career totals for Ross Hasten #5, HB from Austin College, going into Saturday's game against Millsaps...

2,221 yds rushing
18 rush tds, 2 rec tds
6.0 yards per carry for career

3,034 all purpose yds
1411 all purpose yds in '08 alone (led SCAC)
19.5 KR avg. in '08 

Two time all SCAC
Gene "Duke" Babb Award for most outstanding football player @ AC
Starting his 33rd consecutive game Sat against MC

He leads the SCAC with 122.0 ypg and 4tds after two games in '09.  He only needs 990 yds to become AC's all time leader in rush yds.

Thats about all I can dig up on him.  Hope that helps!  Watched him last week here in Abilene...the run you are referring to was the real deal.  Hes def their go-to guy.  Man, I should be an SID!

refs
http://www.scacsports.com/sports/fball/2009-10/stats/confldrs.htm#conf.wi2
http://www.austincollege.edu/Category.asp?764

[McM Fan]

I do know some about the kid, but not enough on the football field...just curious what you guys thought??

Here are the career totals for Ross Hasten #5, HB from Austin College, going into Saturday's game against Millsaps...

2,221 yds rushing
18 rush tds, 2 rec tds
6.0 yards per carry for career

3,034 all purpose yds
1411 all purpose yds in '08 alone (led SCAC)
19.5 KR avg. in '08 

Two time all SCAC
Gene "Duke" Babb Award for most outstanding football player @ AC
Starting his 33rd consecutive game Sat against MC

He leads the SCAC with 122.0 ypg and 4tds after two games in '09.  He only needs 990 yds to become AC's all time leader in rush yds.

Thats about all I can dig up on him.  Hope that helps!  Watched him last week here in Abilene...the run you are referring to was the real deal.  Hes def their go-to guy.  Man, I should be an SID!

refs
http://www.scacsports.com/sports/fball/2009-10/stats/confldrs.htm#conf.wi2
http://www.austincollege.edu/Category.asp?764

Ross Hasten 5'7" 195 lbs.

[rooski]

Howdy and welcome McM fan. That's a heck-of-a first post. Welcome!

Wondering if you saw the whole game vs AC? ...And if you saw the McM/Trinity game? ...And if you could/would compare/contrast the two SCAC teams from what you saw in back-to-back early-in-the-season weekends?

How do you think McMurry will fare against the rest of their schedule?

[Tex]

\\
4.  Trinity is struggling - but the program's history will get them some respect from the voters until they do lose.  Who knows, maybe coming from behind to win two games they could have lost will be something they build on. 

I don't put a whole lot of faith into 0-9 and 0-3 because those teams aren't playing this year. 

I hope you're right Ron.  Having to play your starters all 4 Q's will help them get better more quickly.  Our O-line is young and needs to gel some more.  By Saturday, I pray. 

[Patriot_Pride]

I do know some about the kid, but not enough on the football field...just curious what you guys thought??

Here are the career totals for Ross Hasten #5, HB from Austin College, going into Saturday's game against Millsaps...

2,221 yds rushing
18 rush tds, 2 rec tds
6.0 yards per carry for career

3,034 all purpose yds
1411 all purpose yds in '08 alone (led SCAC)
19.5 KR avg. in '08 

Two time all SCAC
Gene "Duke" Babb Award for most outstanding football player @ AC
Starting his 33rd consecutive game Sat against MC

He leads the SCAC with 122.0 ypg and 4tds after two games in '09.  He only needs 990 yds to become AC's all time leader in rush yds.

Thats about all I can dig up on him.  Hope that helps!  Watched him last week here in Abilene...the run you are referring to was the real deal.  Hes def their go-to guy.  Man, I should be an SID!

refs
http://www.scacsports.com/sports/fball/2009-10/stats/confldrs.htm#conf.wi2
http://www.austincollege.edu/Category.asp?764

He might want to bring his "A" game Saturday vs. the Majors.

In three career games vs. Millsaps, Hasten has 21 carries for 49 yards (2.3 avg) and 0 TDs.

[Ralph Turner]

This AC team is different from the previous teams.  Coach Cage's system (in its 4th season) is now at full fruition.

I think that AC will see its strongest effort this Saturday.

[McM Fan]

Howdy and welcome McM fan. That's a heck-of-a first post. Welcome!

Wondering if you saw the whole game vs AC? ...And if you saw the McM/Trinity game? ...And if you could/would compare/contrast the two SCAC teams from what you saw in back-to-back early-in-the-season weekends?

How do you think McMurry will fare against the rest of their schedule?

Yes, I did see both games, and thanks for the kudos.  Here is the assessment of both Trinity and Austin College, from their respective games with McM...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trinity:

has some unanswered questions at QB.  Sr Jeremy Staska made his first start for the Tigers against McM going 6 of 14 with 1 td and 1 int.   He gave way to Robert Davidson in the second half who went 4 of 10 with 1 td.  Although both controlled the offense, neither seemed to stand out as a clear offensive leader (neither had considerable experience in '08)...Returning starter and YouTube sensation Riley Curry was limited to 5 catches and 1 td.  However DB Evan Reville was very impressive racking up 10 tkls and 2 ints.

Trinity only led 10-7 at half and escaped with a 31-26 victory despite a costly mistake in the final minute.  QB Robert Davidson fumbled on McM's 36 which was recovered by McM LB Andrew Wallace who began to take it the other way for the game winning score only to fumble later at midfield which was recovered by Trinity RB Al Furlow.

Trinity squeaked by despite allowing 479 yds and 3 tds by McM's Mullin.  With the unstable play at QB and questionable defense for Trinity, it is reasonable to see Trinity struggle in league play and the SCAC title is once again up for grabs.

Austin College:

controlled the game clock holding onto the ball for 38:57 compared to McM's 21:03.  RB Ross Hasten and QB Andy Braly each hit the century mark going for 156 yds and 137 yds, respectively.  Hasten had 2 tds on the ground and Braly threw for 1 td on 10 of 18 passing...Defensively AC held Mullin to 360 yds and got 2 ints from DB Evan Coachmen and 8 tkls from DB Matt Finke...

In a game that saw 5 lead changes in the 4th qtr, Coach Gage's offense proved to be its best defense...McM had the ball just 1:17 in the 3rd qtr.  Austin College is a polished run team now under Coach Gage and McM couldn't stop the run all night giving up 409 yds on the ground and 528 total yds.  The play of Sr. HB Ross Hasten and QB Andy Braly was the difference in the 30-27 win for Austin College.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the two games vs. McM, both Trinity and Austin College looked impressive.  Trinity's bench is deep, but there are many questions at QB and in the secondary.  Austin College has a firing ground game and a staunch defense which is why they would be my pick as a dark horse to upset Millsaps and Trinity and win the SCAC.

refs
http://athletics.mcm.edu/News/football/2009/9/12/091209fb.asp
http://www.austincollege.edu/NewsDetail.asp?NewsID=1990&ItemID=6984
http://www.trinity.edu/departments/athletics/Football/game_summaries/FB01.htm

[Ralph Turner]

Howdy and welcome McM fan. That's a heck-of-a first post. Welcome!

Wondering if you saw the whole game vs AC? ...And if you saw the McM/Trinity game? ...And if you could/would compare/contrast the two SCAC teams from what you saw in back-to-back early-in-the-season weekends?

How do you think McMurry will fare against the rest of their schedule?

Yes, I did see both games, and thanks for the kudos.  Here is the assessment of both Trinity and Austin College, from their respective games with McM...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trinity:

has some unanswered questions at QB.  Sr Jeremy Staska made his first start for the Tigers against McM going 6 of 14 with 1 td and 1 int.   He gave way to Robert Davidson in the second half who went 4 of 10 with 1 td.  Although both controlled the offense, neither seemed to stand out as a clear offensive leader (neither had considerable experience in '08)...Returning starter and YouTube sensation Riley Curry was limited to 5 catches and 1 td.  However DB Evan Reville was very impressive racking up 10 tkls and 2 ints.

Trinity only led 10-7 at half and escaped with a 31-26 victory despite a costly mistake in the final minute.  QB Robert Davidson fumbled on McM's 36 which was recovered by McM LB Andrew Wallace who began to take it the other way for the game winning score only to fumble later at midfield which was recovered by Trinity RB Al Furlow.

Trinity squeaked by despite allowing 479 yds and 3 tds by McM's Mullin.  With the unstable play at QB and questionable defense for Trinity, it is reasonable to see Trinity struggle in league play and the SCAC title is once again up for grabs.

Austin College:

controlled the game clock holding onto the ball for 38:57 compared to McM's 21:03.  RB Ross Hasten and QB Andy Braly each hit the century mark going for 156 yds and 137 yds, respectively.  Hasten had 2 tds on the ground and Braly threw for 1 td on 10 of 18 passing...Defensively AC held Mullin to 360 yds and got 2 ints from DB Evan Coachmen and 8 tkls from DB Matt Finke...

In a game that saw 5 lead changes in the 4th qtr, Coach Gage's offense proved to be its best defense...McM had the ball just 1:17 in the 3rd qtr.  Austin College is a polished run team now under Coach Gage and McM couldn't stop the run all night giving up 409 yds on the ground and 528 total yds.  The play of Sr. HB Ross Hasten and QB Andy Braly was the difference in the 30-27 win for Austin College.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the two games vs. McM, both Trinity and Austin College looked impressive.  Trinity's bench is deep, but there are many questions at QB and in the secondary.  Austin College has a firing ground game and a staunch defense which is why they would be my pick as a dark horse to upset Millsaps and Trinity and win the SCAC.

refs
http://athletics.mcm.edu/News/football/2009/9/12/091209fb.asp
http://www.austincollege.edu/NewsDetail.asp?NewsID=1990&ItemID=6984
http://www.trinity.edu/departments/athletics/Football/game_summaries/FB01.htm

Great post McM fan!   

+1!  for the documentation and the references cited to bolster your position.

[McM Fan]

I do know some about the kid, but not enough on the football field...just curious what you guys thought??

Here are the career totals for Ross Hasten #5, HB from Austin College, going into Saturday's game against Millsaps...

2,221 yds rushing
18 rush tds, 2 rec tds
6.0 yards per carry for career

3,034 all purpose yds
1411 all purpose yds in '08 alone (led SCAC)
19.5 KR avg. in '08 

Two time all SCAC
Gene "Duke" Babb Award for most outstanding football player @ AC
Starting his 33rd consecutive game Sat against MC

He leads the SCAC with 122.0 ypg and 4tds after two games in '09.  He only needs 990 yds to become AC's all time leader in rush yds.

Thats about all I can dig up on him.  Hope that helps!  Watched him last week here in Abilene...the run you are referring to was the real deal.  Hes def their go-to guy.  Man, I should be an SID!

refs
http://www.scacsports.com/sports/fball/2009-10/stats/confldrs.htm#conf.wi2
http://www.austincollege.edu/Category.asp?764

He might want to bring his "A" game Saturday vs. the Majors.

In three career games vs. Millsaps, Hasten has 21 carries for 49 yards (2.3 avg) and 0 TDs.

Very true, MC returns good experience at LB at DL...But as Ralph said, the AC offense is coming into fruition and should have just as good a chance on Sat as ever.  

Should be a great battle between AC backfield and MC linebackers.  Good luck to both teams!

[roocru]

I do know some about the kid, but not enough on the football field...just curious what you guys thought??

Here are the career totals for Ross Hasten #5, HB from Austin College, going into Saturday's game against Millsaps...

2,221 yds rushing
18 rush tds, 2 rec tds
6.0 yards per carry for career

3,034 all purpose yds
1411 all purpose yds in '08 alone (led SCAC)
19.5 KR avg. in '08 

Two time all SCAC
Gene "Duke" Babb Award for most outstanding football player @ AC
Starting his 33rd consecutive game Sat against MC

He leads the SCAC with 122.0 ypg and 4tds after two games in '09.  He only needs 990 yds to become AC's all time leader in rush yds.

Thats about all I can dig up on him.  Hope that helps!  Watched him last week here in Abilene...the run you are referring to was the real deal.  Hes def their go-to guy.  Man, I should be an SID!

refs
http://www.scacsports.com/sports/fball/2009-10/stats/confldrs.htm#conf.wi2
http://www.austincollege.edu/Category.asp?764

He might want to bring his "A" game Saturday vs. the Majors.

In three career games vs. Millsaps, Hasten has 21 carries for 49 yards (2.3 avg) and 0 TDs.

Very true, MC returns good experience at LB at DL...But as Ralph said, the AC offense is coming into fruition and should have just as good a chance on Sat as ever.  

Should be a great battle between AC backfield and MC linebackers.  Good luck to both teams!

Great posts, McM Fan!  Welcome and +k from me as well.    I will be at the game this week and hope it does turn out to be a closer game than the past couple of years and will be rooting for another Roo victory!!

[frank_ezelle]

Does anyone here remember the 2007 game between Trinity and Millsaps?  The one that ended with the college football play of the year?

Yeah, I thought you all remembered that.  Now do you remember that this only gave Trinity a share of the SCAC title?  Trinity had gone to Memphis earlier in the year for a "tune-up" game against Rhodes, a good warmup for their real challenge which was DePauw the following week.  Rhodes ended up with a 27-13 victory, the only regular season loss suffered by Trinity that year.  It's hard to explain since Rhodes lost to Millsaps, DePauw, and Centre by a combined score of 90-0 in 2007--how was it that they were able to beat Trinity by 2 touchdowns?

With Trinity coming to Jackson September 26 and Millsaps going to DePauw October 3, I hope the Millsaps players remember the Trinity at Rhodes game in 2007.  It was a classic trap game and it caught Trinity.  This week's game is a classic trap game for Millsaps and it appears that Austin College is good enough to pull off the home victory.  They seem to be much improved, you have to believe they'll play this game like a SCAC Championship in on the line.  I certainly could see them beating Millsaps if the Majors treat this as a tune-up for Trinity. 

As for Millsaps, it's hard to tell where they are as a team after the first two games.  MS College and Belhaven are both teams with a lot of size and speed, teams that would give anyone in the SCAC some matchup problems.  Millsaps only scored 3 points against MS College in the first half and then scored 31 in the second half and 10 more in OT.  Millsaps scored 27 against Belhaven in a systematic vanilla offense.  I don't know if Millsaps has the explosive capability shown for 30 minutes plus OT in the opener, or if they are going to be a grind it out team like we've seen for the other 90 minutes.  Maybe this Saturday will tell us more.

On a different note, David Dale made the most recent D3 Team of the Week, the same honor won by teammate Mason Burrell last week.  I looked at the stats for last year.  Burrell and Dale each played in 10 games with Burrell recording 20 tackles and Dale getting in on 27.  Not the kind of springboard one would expect for the start they've had this season, but it's typical of the depth Millsaps has on defense year after year.  It's going to be a very interesting matchup to see how this defensive unit does against the ground game of Austin College.

[Ron Boerger]

AC is featured in Jason Bowen's Around the South column this week.  Good read for those unfamiliar with what Coach Gage has been doing in Sherman the last few years (and those who are, too!).

[D3_DPUFan]

Another well-deserved honor for DePauw WR Alex Koors...D3.com Team of the Week!

http://depauw.edu/ath/news.asp?id=24034