FB: Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference

[KYGrizzly]

I think you have starter quality at QB if the game has slowed down for the QB --- he is able to make clear decisions on what audibles work against the defense he's seeing and can make throws from the different platforms (depending on how much pressure he's feeling). 

My feeling is what you are seeing at Franklin, not uncommon for 1st time starters, is that everything is moving too fast for the kids playing QB.  Whomever has the game slow down for them 1st.... will be the starter at FC for the next couple years... THEN, he can settle down and just make plays... like backyard football ala Chad Rupp (though admittedly probably NOT as good as CR was).

Thats my opinoin..

Thanks for your input.

[Adam Sayer]

What do you feel it takes to be a QB with starter quality in D3.

Since you were a D3 QB and probably take in more games than many of us here that you should have a good input.

I think you have starter quality at QB if the game has slowed down for the QB --- he is able to make clear decisions on what audibles work against the defense he's seeing and can make throws from the different platforms (depending on how much pressure he's feeling).  

My feeling is what you are seeing at Franklin, not uncommon for 1st time starters, is that everything is moving too fast for the kids playing QB.  Whomever has the game slow down for them 1st.... will be the starter at FC for the next couple years... THEN, he can settle down and just make plays... like backyard football ala Chad Rupp (though admittedly probably NOT as good as CR was).

Thats my opinoin..

It remains to be seen how good MSJ really is. I think they run the table but are at the mercy of the seeding process.  I can seem them getting somebody like Bash or Trine at home (if they are lucky). MSJ will get a home game if they stay unbeaten. IMO.

I think, even if MSJ finishes 10-0, they will be a 5 seed and play #4 Wheaton for the 3rd time in the playoffs (this year kind of has the 2004 feel to it - i.e. Wheaton is very highly ranked, loses late in the year). If they lose to TMC, they will be the #7 playing #2 Otterbein. The MIAA Champ should be the #8....They still have to get there first, which shouldn't be a problem, but.....

[dc_has_been]

Sayer- If & I mean if    MSJ goes undefeated after beating what would be two top 25 teams (Franklin & TMC) at the time wouldn't you think they would host a playoff game?  Then again it really depends on how they shuffle the top seeds.  I guess they couldn't put UWW, Central, St. John's, Linfield, Monmouth & the CCIW champ all west.  6 prosective top 10s that could end up in the west.  UWW, CCIW aq, & Monmouth could head to the north.

[Adam Sayer]

Its definitely a possibility, but I think the overall strength of the HCAC, as well as the strength of their nonconference schedule will hurt them. The difference between a home and road game would probably be how they beat TMC. A convincing win would probably give them a #4 and a home game. A close game and their overall SOS will probably keep them at a #5.

[SaintsFAN]

Its definitely a possibility, but I think the overall strength of the HCAC, as well as the strength of their nonconference schedule will hurt them. The difference between a home and road game would probably be how they beat TMC. A convincing win would probably give them a #4 and a home game. A close game and their overall SOS will probably keep them at a #5.

You're assuming they beat TMC ---- depending on what happens on Saturday, TMC may need that game more than MSJ does.  Then again, do you think the gap from last season has closed that much when you add the recruits from last year to each team?  I don't. 

[Adam Sayer]

It does when you add a QB who can throw the ball.

[SaintsFAN]

it definitely helps... but doesn't close the gap completely... we'll see what happens after this Saturday.  I look forward to hearing your impressions after The Bridge Bowl.  TMC will challenge the MSJ offensive line... they are 13th in the country in sacks per game...

[Adam Sayer]

Where is the TMC game?

[SaintsFAN]

Where is the TMC game?

PA Oct 31st
KY Nov 7th
Delhi Nov 14th

[Most Known, Unknown.]

[

b]Now that undefeated Mount St. Joseph (7-0 overall, 5-0 in HCAC) is back on top of the heap of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference after upsetting Franklin, the Lions must quickly remember how it feels to be the hunted. Mount St. Joseph will find that out at Manchester on Saturday. The Spartans are this year's surprise HCAC team with a 4-0 conference record after losing their first three games. One of those losses was a 16-14 defeat to defending Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association champs Trine on Sept. 3.[/b]

I PREDICT MSJ WINNING 35-14. I THINK THE TEAM IS ROLLING HAVING WON 7 IN A ROW, AND IT LOOKS FROM THE LAST GAME AGAINST FRANKLIN, THAT DEFENSE IS FINDING THEMSELVES.... WHAT IS GOIN ON WITH DANE OVER AT MSJ.. WHEN IS HE GOING TO UPDATE THE FOOTBALL INFORMATION....

[SaintsFAN]

http://www.d3football.com/columns/around-the-region/greatlakes/2009/Collier+answers+call+for+Thomas+More

[dc_has_been]

Nice to see MSJ come out as the # 5 in the North Region.  If they can win out they could have a shot for a home playoff game.  Especially if they can beat TMC in the Bridge Bowl if TMC comes in undefeated.  TMC has a HUGE game this Saturday.  The teams ahead of MSJ all have a tough schedule ahead of them as they wrap up their seasons,  MSJ too.   
On the other hand I'm still hoping for a DC upset on the 7th against MSJ.    This is the best part of the year of football, when things begin to unfold & start determining who will be in the mix for the playoffs.  DIAA, DII, & DIII have it right with the playoff system.  I know it has it flaws, but it much more enjoyable seeing who makes the cut & who doesn't.  Maybe they should build a reality TV program around it . 

[SaintsFAN]

Nice to see MSJ come out as the # 5 in the North Region.  If they can win out they could have a shot for a home playoff game.  Especially if they can beat TMC in the Bridge Bowl if TMC comes in undefeated.  TMC has a HUGE game this Saturday.  The teams ahead of MSJ all have a tough schedule ahead of them as they wrap up their seasons,  MSJ too.   
On the other hand I'm still hoping for a DC upset on the 7th against MSJ.    This is the best part of the year of football, when things begin to unfold & start determining who will be in the mix for the playoffs.  DIAA, DII, & DIII have it right with the playoff system.  I know it has it flaws, but it much more enjoyable seeing who makes the cut & who doesn't.  Maybe they should build a reality TV program around it . 

Very much agree about MSJ getting a home game... but don't tread on TMC... even if they win on Saturday at W&J ---- they have a huge payback game with Geneva AND MSJ in the following weeks.  I just talked to a coach up there and they are VERY healthy, amazingly so... because they've played reserves in 4 of their games.  The talent on offense and defense is one of which, even most of you would be impressed by.  If this is a two-loss team in 2009 then I will be shocked.  The offense is multiple, they have a QB who can be a 125 yard rusher and a 225 yard passer on any day (Senior) and have a Senior TB (Collier) who takes over in crucial situations ... to go along with 3 other speedy RBs and 4-5 WR's who are playmakers.  The playcalling has been tremendous and they force defenses to defend the entire field.  Stellman will roll right and throw all the way to the backside sideline.  The defense, with 2 freshman from Elder (DB and LB) is very fast and swarming... they only give up 58 yards per game on the ground.  They've put themselves in great position going into their final 3 games --- which will also be the toughest because they are good teams (one loss between them) and they are right in a row. 

I put the following on the PAC page in response to what I think will transpire this week (after seeing W&J on tape vs. what I've seen from TMC and heard about the wrinkles they are putting in for this game).... sorry its not a HCAC Topic... but should've been, had the Saints been accepted into the conference.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Obviously this is a huge match-up in Washington, PA on Saturday.  Both teams will help eachother get ready for the Dance... I do think that both will make it again this year.  More on that in a minute. 

W&J's 4-2-5 defense has playmakers all over it.  They have DB's leading the team in tackles... normally, this would be cause for alarm... but thats the strength of that defense ---speed and just reacting.  The Presidents also have a DE who is leading the country in sacks at 11.5... this defense will be tested on Saturday just as they'll test the resolve of Thomas More's offense, just like in last year's game where Sirrianni was quoted as saying you can't really prepare for the spread option attack TMC has... you just have to hope to adjust to it in-game.  TMC has MORE speed this year than they did last year and is deeper.  They will play 5-6 WR's this week (they didn't play #1 because he had a birth in his family last Saturday).  They will also start Collier and Owens at RB and play 3 others with them.  At QB Stellman is 100% for this game and look for the Saints to keep doing what they've been doing with the mix of run/pass.  There may also be a few new things that aren't on tape --- as they haven't been run yet this year.   I feel the Saints will have the Presidents defense thinking more than they are used to and this will open up some big plays like last season. 

Defensively, TMC knows that W&J is good...  The Saints will play very fast to the ball and may be targeted by a misdirection play..  but W&J is not going to go away from what they've been doing... run and throw with efficiency.  TMC is ready... they have improved their defense with a few freshman and sophomores playing at LB and DB (3 to be exact).  These kids are big-time recruits for this level, with 2 of the 3 playing at Cincinnati Elder HS --- they have big game experience playing in front of 20,000.    I think TMC will limit the Presidents running game and rally up on the short passing game.  W&J had 10-12 play drives last year and came away with no points.  That should be the plan again this year for TMC.. Though that WR, Besong... is a veteran and will find holes in the zones.  I expect him to have 10 catches on Saturday... I think W&J will need a couple big plays (they JUST missed on a couple last year in KY) -- and hopefully the Saints defense will have them defended. 

If everyone remembers the 6 point win wasn't really that last year... I know what the scoreboard said, but the TMC offense took over in the 2nd and 3rd quarter.  I don't expect that same level of dominance over a length of time that long... but I do think TMC wins this one 31- 24. 


Now... I don't think this is the end of the world for W&J... they win out, go 9-1 and will be in the playoffs.... probably even a better seed than TMC again in 2009.  If TMC loses... they must win their final 2 --- with a win over MSJ, they will be in as well...... though I don't think they could get the #5 seed in the South as 2nd place PAC team.  Make no mistake, this game is about respect and TMC knows the only way to gain it and show EVERYONE that last year wasn't a fluke... is to make a statement on Saturday.  They respect W&J and love the competition with them... and have nothing bad to say about that program... TMC obviously doesn't have the history W&J does --- TMC is trying to write some history of their own though.

Win or lose, I will be here on Saturday night and Sunday... to talk about playoff ramifications.  Heres to a healthy week for all PAC teams.

[70_dc_alum]

SaintsFan...tell us how you really feel

[SaintsFAN]

SaintsFan...tell us how you really feel

70 --- Thanks.  I'm assuming there were too many big words in there??  JK... where is the Defiance/MSJ game this year?  In Cincy, right?  Are you going?