FB: Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference

FCGrizzliesGrad · October 06, 2018, 01:51:02 AM

Quote from: SaintsFAN on October 05, 2018, 11:10:11 AM
From Adam Turer (Can't say I disagree):

24. Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference

Kickoff ranking: 24
Non-conference record: 2-16
Signature win: Franklin 55, Benedictine 38

The bottom of this conference is deeeeeep. Three of the lowest ranked teams in Kickoff play in the HCAC. No matter how good Franklin or Mount St. Joe are, or how many yards and points their quarterbacks produce, the national perspective of the conference is skewed due to the lack of competition within the league. Franklin's win over Benedictine was better than MSJ's win over Capital. Those were the HCAC's only two non-conference wins to choose from.

Yeah, the bottom can go toe to toe with the worst from any conference. Didn't even mention Earlham and their 48 games and counting losing streak. Yet still not the lowest ranked conference in the North because the NACC is 26th.
I'd love to see Earlham play one of the UMAC schools. Westminster, Iowa Wesleyan, MacMurray, and Greenville are all within 500 miles of the Quakers. Maybe get some more HCAC-NACC matchups.

SaintsFAN · October 12, 2018, 12:54:43 PM

no posts in 6 days here?? Does the HCAC have a big game this week??

Hansen gives MSJ a 70% chance to win. 47-38.

FCGrizzliesGrad · October 12, 2018, 01:06:29 PM

Quote from: SaintsFAN on October 12, 2018, 12:54:43 PM
no posts in 6 days here?? Does the HCAC have a big game this week??

Hansen gives MSJ a 70% chance to win. 47-38.

Yep. Huge game. So big it's in prime time. Anderson-Earlham with the Quakers trying to avoid tying the all time D3 record losing streak.

Also if Franklin wins, Mike Leonard will pass Stewart "Red" Faught for most wins as Grizzlies head coach. Faught is the namesake of the Franklin stadium and is in the Indiana Football Hall of Fame.

SaintsFAN · October 12, 2018, 01:17:12 PM

Quote from: FCGrizzliesGrad on October 12, 2018, 01:06:29 PM
Quote from: SaintsFAN on October 12, 2018, 12:54:43 PM
no posts in 6 days here?? Does the HCAC have a big game this week??

Hansen gives MSJ a 70% chance to win. 47-38.
Yep. Huge game. So big it's in prime time. Anderson-Earlham with the Quakers trying to avoid tying the all time D3 record losing streak.

Also if Franklin wins, Mike Leonard will pass Stewart "Red" Faught for most wins as Grizzlies head coach. Faught is the namesake of the Franklin stadium and is in the Indiana Football Hall of Fame.

Franklin on the road - I haven't paid much attention to Franklin this year. Apparently, MSJ throws alot.

FCGrizzliesGrad · October 12, 2018, 01:26:59 PM

Franklin from an offensive standpoint is only slightly worse than last year but still potent. A better running game than usual has helped reduce the pain from graduations.
Defensively though they've definitely taken a step back. Defense has never been the Grizzlies strong suit but they've been more than adequate in recent seasons. This year though has been painful to watch at times.
I don't know what the over/under for the game would be but I'd say first to 50 points wins.

SaintsFAN · October 12, 2018, 03:27:57 PM

Strength of Schedule has MSJ at #232 (and doesn't take into account their money game against Morehead State)

Franklin is #200

What this means? I don't know, besides the fact the teams both of these schools have played have not been very good competition.

The edge may go to MSJ who appears to have played their QB into the fourth quarter 6 times this year. I think MSJ by 57 because I'm paying attention to what you said about Franklin defense

(if Franklin doesn't bring any defense, they might as well not even go to Cincinnati)

GrizFan · October 12, 2018, 03:35:12 PM

This is the worst defense that the GRIZ has had in at least a decade and that is saying a lot! I predict MSJ by 14 (63-49). I think the GRIZ will also have a very hard time keeping the Victory Bell this season, Hanover looks much improved and they have a decent defense!

FCGrizzliesGrad · October 13, 2018, 02:11:30 PM

Have to say... not impressed with the video crew that MSJ has outsourced this to. Game is on youtube but there was nothing for the first few minutes then finally the stream was going but now it's back to nothing again. At least there's an audio link so we get something.
7-7 early 2nd quarter.

FCGrizzliesGrad · October 13, 2018, 02:45:42 PM

Surprisingly quick first half. Franklin leads 14-10 at halftime. MSJ have thrown for just 62 yards and have 97 total yards. Franklin doing better with 134 passing and 80 rushing. Both teams with one interception.

Manchester leads Bluffton by a similar 14-10 halftime score.
Hanover continuing to beat up on the bottom half of the conference leading Defiance 27-7 in the 2nd.

SaintsFAN · October 13, 2018, 02:57:06 PM

TMU beat on a 20 yard FG with no time left. 31-34

VERY suspect pass interference was called on Thomas More with 1:14 left to help Muhlenberg get inside the 20. The QB was throwing it away and there wasn't a chance of anyone catching it.

They've beaten Platteville and lost by three to Muhlenberg. I think they are a good team.

Hanover played TMU well. Probably will be for the Bell and the HCAC Title.

FCGrizzliesGrad · October 13, 2018, 03:17:22 PM

Mount's first penalty of the day is a big one. Grizzlies on 2nd and 29 deep in their own territory, incomplete pass but a flag for targeting. Player ejected and automatic first down. Grizzlies drive down for a TD.
Next Lions drive, fumble near midfield, Grizzlies score the next play. Franklin leads 28-17 with 6 minutes in the 3rd.

No change in the other two games.

FCGrizzliesGrad · October 13, 2018, 03:31:51 PM

Franklin's turn for a stupid penalty. MSJ punting and first a running into the kicker which wouldn't have been enough for a first down. But then someone decided to shove a Lion down and drew the 15 yard penalty. Lions eventually get a 42 yard FG out of it to cut the lead to 8.

Franklin responds with a big kick return, followed by two big rushes and they're down inside the MSJ 5 as the 3rd quarter ends.

Also, whoever is operating the camera needs some practice. Not very good.

FCGrizzliesGrad · October 13, 2018, 04:11:53 PM

Grizzlies fend off another challenger for their crown. 42-34 final. MSJ @ Hanover in 2 weeks and Franklin @ Hanover to finish the season.

Manchester wins a tight game with Bluffton 21-17.

Hanover still comfortable up 34-7 in the 4th.

Anderson-Earlham kickoff in 3 hours.

GRIZ_BACKER · October 14, 2018, 08:18:53 AM

Quote from: SaintsFAN on October 12, 2018, 12:54:43 PM
no posts in 6 days here?? Does the HCAC have a big game this week??

Hansen gives MSJ a 70% chance to win. 47-38.

FC played some defense (a pick six and some penalties attributed to 14 of MSJ's32 points). I may be wrong but I don't believe I saw Franklin attempt a pass in the 4th quarter. Great team effort all around to beat an improved MSJ outfit during what some would say is a rebuilding year (FC not as strong as in past seasons?) Regardless the GRIZ roll-on towards another chance at a HCAC crown.

SaintsFAN · October 15, 2018, 07:42:47 AM

Quote from: GRIZ_BACKER on October 14, 2018, 08:18:53 AM
Quote from: SaintsFAN on October 12, 2018, 12:54:43 PM
no posts in 6 days here?? Does the HCAC have a big game this week??

Hansen gives MSJ a 70% chance to win. 47-38.

FC played some defense (a pick six and some penalties attributed to 14 of MSJ's32 points). I may be wrong but I don't believe I saw Franklin attempt a pass in the 4th quarter. Great team effort all around to beat an improved MSJ outfit during what some would say is a rebuilding year (FC not as strong as in past seasons?) Regardless the GRIZ roll-on towards another chance at a HCAC crown.

Looks like Hanover/Franklin for more than a rivalry trophy.