FB: Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference

[Tacttm1]

Wes:  Thanks for sharing more of your thoughts and perspective.  I must say that I can't 'not' agree with most of it.   When I look at the whole sports thing from my alumni perspective at my own University, I am like you, expressing dismay over coaching changes, player issues, administration mistakes, repetitive mistakes and all those things that make a contributing alum frustrated, especially when it is over 5, 10, 15 + years.

Believe me, I understand how it is (was) once my Fraters graduated, the players got younger (ha) and the big connection was just the school, the colors and the tradition.  After a while, each years' media guide and program was just another set of somebody else's kids.  My wife reminds me that they are indeed someone else's kids as I begin to shout or express specific displeasure in the stands during our Millsaps games.

(note: I have never taken your remarks as unkind or mean-spirited.)

[RooBro]

  All this tough talk has me thinking. If tough games build character the Roo's have enough to open a store front. I belive one of the hardest things to do in football is take a "doormat" team and turn them in to a consistent contender. AC is on the verge of turning that corner. I am proud of this Roo team for continuing to fight week in and week out. Injury has played a role of coarse, but I think thats what finally caught up with Centre as well.

  Its kind of funny how my brothers college career has mirrored his highschool. As a freshman and sophomore his team would strugle to win a game. As a junior they finished 5-5, and as a senior they went 8-2 and lost to Sherman (oddly enough as now he plays in Sherman) in the second round of the playoffs. We sure were wanting something closer to that 8-2 mark, but despite the misfortune, the lack of local coverage, the small crowds(although they seem larger this year), these young men continue to fight. I have been surprised at the how much more physical this level is over highschool. My idea of D3 football was not bad before becoming a fan , just non existent really. Now as my little brothers career nears its end I am grateful my two sons have been witness to the young men of Austin College. I will certainly not stear them away from a D3 school if they choose that rout in the not to distant future.

[frank_ezelle]

The last few posts have been interesting.  I think everyone here would agree that sports have value, but what we value most from sports seem to differ greatly by our situations and experiences.  It makes sense that a parent, a former player, a long time fan, etc, would see things in a different light.

For me, my viewpoint is shaped greatly by the fact that I was an absolutely terrible athlete as a child.  The last one picked in neighborhood games, usually the worst player on my youth league team.  Why I continued to play sports is a mystery considering my total ineptness across the board.  Fortunately, in college I lost a lot of weight and became fairly decent in a lot of sports so I did have a taste of athletic success until my mid-30's when coaching took more and more time away from playing.

When one has grown up being a terrible athlete, maybe it is self-preservation to take the attitude that winning and losing isn't the most important thing.  A person learns to focus more on the experiences gained, the lessons learned, the importance of trying even when success may seem unlikely.  You also learn to appreciate all the members of a team because you know what it's like to always stand outside of the spotlight.

As a supporter of Millsaps sports teams, naturally I want to see them win games and championships, but it's not much of a factor in my support.  It was great to see a Millsaps mens basketball team get to the Final 8 a few years ago, but it was just as exciting to see a lesser talented team working so hard last year in an effort to qualify for the SCAC Tournament.  Last year's team didn't reach their goal, but I suspect they learned lessons and experienced things just as valuable in the long run as the lessons and experiences gained by the Final 8 team.

I can easily see the point of view of everyone who chimed in over the last few posts.  I understand the parents who will lose interest when their child graduates, something that has happened with my brother.  I understand the former players who want to see their team return to the top or reach the top for the first time.  And I understand the fans who feel like more could and should be done to improve their program.  For me, you give me coaches and players who are working hard and doing their best and I'll be a supporter of that program regardless of their record.  Fortunately, that's what I find the vast majority of times when covering the teams at Millsaps.

[D3_DPUFan]

To fans of the Monon Bell Classic and DIII football...the following was just posted on the "Bring Game Day to the Monon" Facebook page...


Now is the crucial time to make sure ESPN knows how much the two schools want gameday here. If you haven't already done so, please send your emails ASAP. If you've already sent one, send another. A decision will likely be made within the next 48 hours, so now is the time. Once again, here's how to do it:

1. Go to http://proxy.espn.go.com/espn/contact?lang=EN&country=united states
2. Click that you have a comment about something on ESPN
3. Pick any cable service provider
4. Under Category, pick TV Studio Shows
5. Under Item, pick College Gameday
6. Under Topic, pick anything (I chose schedule, but it's whatever)

We at DePauw are currently working on petitioning Gameday producers and Bill Rasmussen himself in an attempt to make some headway. We need to keep a constant flow of emails headed into ESPN though. If every person in the group sent one more email though, it wouldn't be a problem.

[Patriot_Pride]

With all the talk about SCAC quarterbacks the other day, I decided to do a little research myself and got a little help from the Millsaps SID. I see that Chris Graves has had a very quiet breakout season in his first and ONLY year as a starter. He only had one TD and 200 yards entering this season, and has thrown for 2,222 yards and 28 TDs against only 5 interceptions. I also read that he's thrown for 19 touchdowns and ZERO picks the last six weeks, a stretch of 192 passes without an interception.

Of course I'm bragging on our QB a little, but he deserves it. It will be very interesting come All-Conference voting when you've got Spud Dick, Andy Braly and Graves all in the mix for only one First Team All-SCAC spot.

With Centre, DePauw and Millsaps all tied for first, I've got to root like heck for the 'Roos this weekend. But, with Dick and Alex Koors on the field, it's going to have to be a very off day for the Tigers. Unfortunately for Millsaps, we're staying home this postseason. DePauw 37, Austin 23.

[rooski]

With all the talk about SCAC quarterbacks the other day, I decided to do a little research myself and got a little help from the Millsaps SID. I see that Chris Graves has had a very quiet breakout season in his first and ONLY year as a starter. He only had one TD and 200 yards entering this season, and has thrown for 2,222 yards and 28 TDs against only 5 interceptions. I also read that he's thrown for 19 touchdowns and ZERO picks the last six weeks, a stretch of 192 passes without an interception.

Of course I'm bragging on our QB a little, but he deserves it. It will be very interesting come All-Conference voting when you've got Spud Dick, Andy Braly and Graves all in the mix for only one First Team All-SCAC spot.

Go ahead and brag! All great points about Chris. I thought he turned in a gritty performance against AC to start the conference season back in September and it seems he's gotten better and better as the year has gone by. He had some really big shoes to fill and has done a super job.

[MajorDad]

I will be the first to admit that coming into this season, i had reservations about Graves. What a surprise he turned out to be. Its no secret that he is a big part of the reason we again share a conference title. I knew our defense, while losing a few stand-outs, would be formidable, just due to Coach Dubose and his defensive mind. But the offense losing what they lost, and being able to score like they have is a testiment to how those boys have stepped up, especially Graves and our two great running backs. Has been a pleasure to watch.......

[D3_DPUFan]

I guess I feel compelled to weigh in on the quarterback "discussion". I'll try to keep my reference to stats simple and without spin. Obviously, both of the quarterbacks referenced in earlier posts are fine players and critical parts of their respective teams. The following is not in any way meant to diminish the accomplishments of any other quarterbacks in the league, because there are some very good players.

However, DePauw's Spud Dick:

•   Is the SCAC statistical leader, by a wide margin, in passing yards per game (12th nationally), total offense and passing efficiency (8th nationally).  He trails only in touchdown passes to Chris Graves (who has played very well this year) 28-19; but Spud has played in three fewer games and still has two regular season games to play;
•   Good quarterbacks are accurate: Spud's 71.9% completion rate is the second best in the nation, one of only four QB's in the country above the 70% mark. The next best in the SCAC are in the low to mid 50's.

So the raw statistics paint a compelling story of the kind of year Spud and the DePauw Tigers are having.

But there is more to being a quality quarterback than stats. Top drawer QB's know how to get their team into good plays and out of bad plays at the line of scrimmage, know where to deliver the ball, do it quickly and accurately(again, the 71.9% completion rate). In Last week's win against Birmingham Southern, Spud's 24 completions went to six different receivers; 6 touchdowns passes against Rhodes went to five different players, his 25 completions in that game to eight different receivers.

It's also worth noting that after being knocked out of the Centre game and missing the following game with a concussion, his return to the field was against defending champ Millsaps, a must win game (as all of them have been since Centre) against a formidable defense. He responded with 28-34(82%), 372 yards and 3 touchdowns in the Tigers' 29-27 win (which, of course, the defense, special teams and entire team played equally important roles).

This is way more than I sat down to write, but I got the sense from an earlier post that Spud was simply "about passing" statistics. The bottom line is he has not only put up big numbers, league leading numbers...he understands how to play the position of quarterback, including the important elements of leadership and mental toughness.

But there is much more work to be done...specifically a very tough opponent in Austin College this weekend and then Wabash and the Monon Bell the following week. A playoff berth is possible...but only if the Tigers continue to take care of business against two good teams with very good players. Tiger nation looks forward to a battle against Austin Saturday and hope all of the 'Roos have a safe trip to Indiana. 

[RooBro]

I belive the previous post was ment to shed light on the dramatic difference in the role of the QB postion at DePauw and AC. I have seen Spud play and he does exhibit great leadership and mental toughness. I also noticed , as in most spread offence, the bulk of the passes are down the line of scrimige or with in 3-8 yards. That is the system and Spud executes it at a VERY high level. This is not to say that DPU doesnt throw the ball down the field, they do, but alot of their success comes from yards after the catch.

In contrast watch AC's QB on saturday. Most of his throws will be down the field and he doesnt get run plays off. After a pitch or toss he bookes it up field to lay a block on an interior lineman or linebacker! He executes the system at a VERY high level, but with a very different statistical outcome. I am bias because he is my little brother, but I know he is one of the toughest men I have ever met. He played the Millsaps game with bruised ribs, an ac srain in his trowing sholder(that sidelined OU's Sam Bradford), and a broken left hand.

I didnt mean for this to turn in to a rant, I just want to shed light on the different roles a QB can be expected to have in different offensive systems. I am disappointed that Andy and his team have been snubed in the POTW this year. I guess it will take a Tiger skin to break that barrier!

[frank_ezelle]

"I am disappointed that Andy and his team have been snubed in the POTW this year. I guess it will take a Tiger skin to break that barrier!"

That comment about the POTW awards says a lot.  Right or wrong, when it comes to awards it is most often "to the victor goes the spoils".  Suppose DePauw had gone undefeated in the 2008 regular season instead of Millsaps--don't you think Spud would have been the SCAC Offensive POTY instead of Juan Joseph?  Fair or not, individual awards are tied in with team success in the SCAC and just about everywhere else.

That being said, it doesn't take away anything from the competitiveness shown by the Austin team this season.  That's a program on the rise and a program that will soon be a factor in the SCAC Championship talk.  Naturally, as a Millsaps fan, I hope that soon means this Saturday instead of next year!!!

[bearmo17]

Hey former DePauw players and coaches i am still looking for replies to our annual Monon Bell section on what playing in the Monon Bell meant to you? Just how big was it? What is your favorite memory? What does it mean since you have graduated?

Alumni, same question? What does it mean to you? Do you get together every year? Do you have any rituals.

If you want to share send to blewis@thepaper24-7.com and it just may appear. Please sign you name and year you graduated and where you live currently.

[D3_DPUFan]

"I am disappointed that Andy and his team have been snubed in the POTW this year. I guess it will take a Tiger skin to break that barrier!"

That comment about the POTW awards says a lot.  Right or wrong, when it comes to awards it is most often "to the victor goes the spoils".  Suppose DePauw had gone undefeated in the 2008 regular season instead of Millsaps--don't you think Spud would have been the SCAC Offensive POTY instead of Juan Joseph?  Fair or not, individual awards are tied in with team success in the SCAC and just about everywhere else.

That being said, it doesn't take away anything from the competitiveness shown by the Austin team this season.  That's a program on the rise and a program that will soon be a factor in the SCAC Championship talk.  Naturally, as a Millsaps fan, I hope that soon means this Saturday instead of next year!!!

Frank---
You beat me to it. Well said. Except for the part about this Saturday!  

[FBCleatus]

O.k. I am bored so I will comment on the QB discussion.  I will begin by saying I have no doubt these are all great young men - this is nothing personnal toward any of them.  I am a little - no wait- alot partial! Go ROOS!

D3DPUFan-you are correct, in this 'modern' day of football the QB throwing Per Centage is the almighty stat. So the 1st Team SCAC QB is probably already written.  It is what it is.  Again I am sure they are all great young men-I know Andy is.

So all of that being said, here it is.  I am not that impressed with Throwing % in the era of Bubble and Slips from a QB standing 5 yards deep in the Gun. A QB reading a 3 or a 5 technique with a 250 pound D-Lineman trying to hit you in the mouth seem to be a little more of a challenge.  Seems to take a big pair to pull this off. Remember, I admitted I was partial. I Love a little Smash Mouth-Old School Football!  That is why I like D3!  If you think it is easy, go out to your driveway today and play chicken with your wife driving the ole' family van!

Just a thought.

[D3_DPUFan]

O.k. I am bored so I will comment on the QB discussion.  I will begin by saying I have no doubt these are all great young men - this is nothing personnal toward any of them.  I am a little - no wait- alot partial! Go ROOS!

D3DPUFan-you are correct, in this 'modern' day of football the QB throwing Per Centage is the almighty stat. So the 1st Team SCAC QB is probably already written.  It is what it is.  Again I am sure they are all great young men-I know Andy is.

So all of that being said, here it is.  I am not that impressed with Throwing % in the era of Bubble and Slips from a QB standing 5 yards deep in the Gun. A QB reading a 3 or a 5 technique with a 250 pound D-Lineman trying to hit you in the mouth seem to be a little more of a challenge.  Seems to take a big pair to pull this off. Remember, I admitted I was partial. I Love a little Smash Mouth-Old School Football!  That is why I like D3!  If you think it is easy, go out to your driveway today and play chicken with your wife driving the ole' family van!

Just a thought.

I appreciate your take...just make sure you get your facts right if you are taking a pot shot. DePauw certainly does run the quick passing game with effectiveness, but does not throw hardly any passes "down the line of scrimmage" and not very many "bubble" screens.  In fact, they actually complete one or two passes down the field each game.   Also, just so you know,  DePauw takes the majority of snaps UNDER center, not in the gun. And I guess it's personal preference regarding "smash mouth"...an option read moving down the line or standing defenseless in the pocket checking down to a 2nd or 3rd option with that 250 pounder bearing down.  

[D3_DPUFan]

...and Frank, just so you know...Juan would have gotten the recognition regardless with those numbers! WOW. He was a special player who made his team go...in a big way!