FB: Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference

[Ralph Turner]

...
  As for the lack of notoriety of the front five (or seven), I can only blame what I see as an appalling trend in sport media coverage that surely boarders on some form of discrimination. 

Our Millsaps friends suggest that the game will be won with the 10-14 linemen who make the road trip. 

Most "hogs" don't mind the lack of individual notoriety/publicity, but do seem to relish acclaim of the unit.

[Matt Gaunt]

I'd say the relishing of unit accolades is an accurate assessment.

[HunterT]

Pat-
If Rhodes scores 14 at Wash U, I'll be doing jigs around my living room. Especially after last weeks showing in Mississippi.

Matt-
I couldn't agree with you more. I do think an offense goes where the offensive line takes them. If you have a weak line, you're not going to really go anywhere unless you get lucky. I was a kicker and you better believe that the guys I took care of were my offensive line. They were my life and death. I rivaled our RB for who gave the most donuts during morning meetings.  I always have been and always will be a big supporter of offensive lines, whatever their names might be. 

[LA Major]

I would be surprised if the Majors travel with more than 10 offensive lineman for their road games. I will be in Greencastle this weekend. I expect a really good hard fought game but I agree with the Consultant, the defense plays stingy and the offense moves the ball...27-10 win for the Majors.

[historymajor]

As an over-the-hill O-lineman,,,,  I can honestly say that I don't mind the accolades, but instead of relish, just give me mustard and onions!!!!

[DPU3619]

I'm confused that people are playing the no respect card about the Millsaps D, but then turn right around and tell me that Millsaps is good for 35 on a DePauw D that's surrended almost 4 fewer points per game and has a significantly better turnover margin.  The numbers for DePauw against the pass are startling.  56 QB rating against.  4 INT's per game.  117 passing yards/game against.  I'd kinda like an explanation of why one will happen and the other won't. 

I think a healthy Jeremiah Marks makes the DePauw offense just as lethal as the Millsaps O.  The numbers show it.  Just look at them.  (DPU 1st in SCAC in total yards/game - 433, Millsaps 2nd 419.  Millsaps 38 ppg, DPU 33)   It's not like Millsaps has been playing the top of the heap to open this season while DPU is busy toiling away against the beasts of the bottom of the HCAC and the NCAC.  They've played a similar schedule. 

DePauw may not do it the same way offensively.  It's not particularly flashy.  Spud won't be throwing it all over Blackstock on Saturday afternoon like Juan Joseph.  Sure he's got a great arm, but everybody knows DePauw's first priority is to run it.  A lot.  I'll say this about the DPU O: They'll still get after you for a big chunk of yardage, but they'll do it while winning the time of possession by a good sized margin, which makes it even more successful. Nobody may have run the football at Millsaps yet, but I guarantee they haven't seen a front five like DePauw's.  And that's been the story for DePauw for quite some time.

The long and short of it for me is, I don't think you can look at it and just go "MILLSAPS ROLLS BY 2 SCORES LOL".  How?  For what reason statistical or otherwise? 

[exmajor]

DPU3619 brings up an interesting point. 

If this games goes down to the wire like many are anticipating then time of possesion could play a huge role.  Millsaps scores in bunches and they have pretty much down it quickly this year, they are not a grind it out team.  Depauw is a run oriented team that could wear down a Millsaps defense if the "TOP" is in the Tiger's favor.  Might be something to keep an eye on in this much anticipated matchup.

[Ron Boerger]

The long and short of it for me is, I don't think you can look at it and just go "MILLSAPS ROLLS BY 2 SCORES LOL".  How?  For what reason statistical or otherwise? 

I think some feel this is a contributing factor:

DePauw 14 Sewanee 10

If DPU can't score more than two TDs, Marks or no Marks, on a team that won't rank in anyone's top 125 then there are legitimate questions about scoring against a defense that is a heck of a whole lot better.  And I remember seeing Sewanee put together a decent last-second drive (from their 9 to the DePauw 30) before the DPU D saved the win. 

Also, a lot of chatter has been "Millsaps has never played well at DePauw" and the road performance of this year's Majors has been head and shoulders above previous seasons including last year's.   

[DPU3619]

Win's a win, Ron.  You truly believe DePauw runs the ball that poorly with Marks? 

DePauw has 0 losses.  Millsaps has 1.  And that one has been portrayed by most as a fairly bad one.

(EDIT): I think it's awfully short-sided to look at that game when DePauw wasn't at full strength and then ignore the previous results of the DePauw offense.  DePauw didn't get 6 turnovers from it's defense at Sewanee like Millsaps did at home against Rhodes.

[Ron Boerger]

Everyone views the world through their own particular set of blinders and chooses what to ignore and what not to ignore.  I don't have a dog in the DPU-Millsaps hunt and you asked for reasons why some feel Millsaps will win.  If you don't want to hear them, then don't ask.

DPU will have Marks, who runs very well indeed, but Millsaps defends the run a whole lot better than Sewanee.   And your point about DePauw not getting the turnovers that Millsaps did last week isn't really a point in DPU's favor; turnovers don't just happen most of the time   Do remember further that Millsaps was also short-handed last week and had to use their #2 QB. 

I'm not going to guarantee anyone is going to win, but having seen Millsaps in person and DePauw on the web (against similar competition with both teams on the road) in the last two weeks I rate the Majors a solid favorite.   That and $4 will get you a cup of coffee at $tarbuck$. 

[Just_that_kid]

  Hunter: Don't worry about how long your posts are. They're good points! You refer to inconsistency by Millsaps' opponents, but never mention the lack thereof from Millsaps. Perhaps Millsaps hasn't played the finest of teams in the country, but each and every one of those game (minus the 2nd 1/2 of one game, perhaps) has been an equally identical performance on both sides of the ball--in a very consistent manner.
  You hear so much about Juan and Marks because they are the leaders of the respective offenses. Millsaps doesn't usually have flashy number from its' receivers because there are usually seeing double digit receivers with receptions. If you spread the wealth, the only one accumulating stats is the quarterback. Take nothing from Juan, though, he is definitely a special player.
  Even still, Millsaps beat Rhodes 42-0 without Juan even in the game which shows that one player doesn't dictate the direction of the entire team. I personally think this game will be decided by momentum. Millsaps has a habit of hopping up on people early, and forcing predominant run teams to start throwing the ball. If DePauw hangs in until late in the game, they DEFINATELY have a chance. I personally just don't think that's going to happen. Again, I will gladly team my words if I'm wrong.

Consultant: I think your "take" might be right on!

[Just_that_kid]

And I apologize for not showing love to those guys in the trenches. Millsaps has a fine O-line and the offense wouldn't work without them! They are the one's who make it happen! A big hat off to them and all of the bigboys up front who get no love!

[DePauwDad]

"I think some feel this is a contributing factor:

DePauw 14 Sewanee 10

If DPU can't score more than two TDs, Marks or no Marks, on a team that won't rank in anyone's top 125 then there are legitimate questions about scoring against a defense that is a heck of a whole lot better.  And I remember seeing Sewanee put together a decent last-second drive (from their 9 to the DePauw 30) before the DPU D saved the win.  "

I watched this game and sometimes match-ups can play a significant role. Sewanee may not have a top 20 team, but they did play with discipline and their D line was really strong. Even with that, holes were avaialable, but with back up runners they were not necessarily hit on time or with good lead block following. Also, DePauw was in the red zone three additional times and came up empty. That's a problem, but is resolvable.

I watched last year's game and it was a horrible performance for everyone at DePauw. The coaches were learning the players and were platoon substituting at every position- QB, OLine, DB, RB, FB..... it was frankly hard to watch. I was not a proponent of this system, but maybe the coaches were willing to take a hit to better understand their strengths and weaknesses. I'm not sure, but I do know this DePauw will not roll over on Saturday. They will fight to the end regardless of the outcome. This team has a spirit that is infectuous.  

No one is underestimating Milsaps ability to hang some points. I would suggest it wise to not underestimate the funny bounces that happen in a tight game. Players react differently when they see the clock ticking and a small point delta. DePauw felt that last week. I would guess that may have been a positive experience leading into this week. Time of possession can and will play a significant role in this game.

DPU 17, Milsaps 14. Maybe DPU 10, Milsaps 7.

[DPU3619]

  If you don't want to hear them, then don't ask.

There's a distinct difference between my disagreement with your reasoning and my not wanting to hear it.  Take it easy.  We both know that wasn't what I meant.

The last time I checked, this is a board for the discussion of such issues that we may disagree on.  And I was trying to discuss it with you.  But now I'm done because that's how your going to be about it.

[Just_that_kid]

DePauw Dad: And you're right. It is possible! I really do hope it's a great game! It will do nothing but stir competition and make players better! I hope both bring their finest performance. No one is doubting DePauws ability, though. I just think Millsaps is a more talented and veteran team. That's just my opinion. No harm, no foul.

DPU: Look at the bright side. You could be me! haha. Don't stop talking because someone doesn't agree or seems to make it personAL (if indeed that's how you feel.) Try a message. This is all about fun. Let's talk football!

Hope it's a great one!!