FB: Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference

[Thunder44]

...
I really hope that TM and Hanover keep the series going, as it serves as a good measuring stick for Hanover about their progress against a top team.  That, and an away game at TM is closer than a home game at Hanover!

In his radio show, I think Austin said Wabash will be on our schedule in place of Thomas More.

That's interesting.  I thought that Centre was no longer going to play Hanover, which may be due in part to their new conferece affiliation, and that Wabash was taking their place.  If that were the case, our 2 out of conference games are with Top 25 teams, along with Franklin in conference, which should give the Panthers a good idea of what they need to work on to be successful.

Coach Austin in his show on Wednesday said they are replacing Thomas More with Illinois College which will be the opening game. Centre was moved to the second game then dropped for Wabash when Centre entered the new conference and had to drop Hanover.

Thanks for posting that.  I have to admit, I am not familiar with Illinois College or their conference, but now I have some homework to do.  Looks like they have been around 4-5 or 5-4 in conference the last 4 years, but are off to a good start this season at 3-0.

Wabash will be a good test, as they are a perennial contender in the NCAC.  This would be a good Indiana rivalry to have early in the season if Hanover can get to the level (and stay there) that Wabash plays.

[dc_has_been]

Well, that is not going to make SaintsFan happy that only MSJ from the HCAC will be left onto the schedule. 
I am curious on why Illinois College?  It is a lot further to travel than TMC or Centre and a weaker team.  Dang it, I just got done complementing Hanover for scheduling tough nonconf teams.  Though I do like the Wabash scheduling. 
I like that DC still plays Adrian (58 games against each other, 28-29-1) and another team from the OAC even though it has not raised their level of play.

[Thunder44]

Well, that is not going to make SaintsFan happy that only MSJ from the HCAC will be left onto the schedule. 
I am curious on why Illinois College?  It is a lot further to travel than TMC or Centre and a weaker team.  Dang it, I just got done complementing Hanover for scheduling tough nonconf teams.  Though I do like the Wabash scheduling. 
I like that DC still plays Adrian (58 games against each other, 28-29-1) and another team from the OAC even though it has not raised their level of play.

And, we all know, it is all about SaintsFan's happiness!!

Who knows how the decision got made.  Without having any inside information, it may have been TM's decision as much as Hanover's, or just mutual decision by both coaches to play someone else for a couple of years.  I think the rivalry has been going on since TM started football, so I anticipate they will play again sometime soon.

As to why Illinois College, I have no idea about that.  Quite a distance from Hanover, not a powerhouse in their conference, but maybe Coach Austin knows something about them or their conference that he likes.  As you mention, Hanover still has Wabash on the schedule as a tough test right before conference play.

[Pat Coleman]

Also not a regional game.

[Thunder44]

Also not a regional game.

What's the significance of it being (or in this case, not being) a regional game?  Are there implications for the playoff seeding, or other considerations?

[SaintsFAN]

Well, that is not going to make SaintsFan happy that only MSJ from the HCAC will be left onto the schedule. 
I am curious on why Illinois College?  It is a lot further to travel than TMC or Centre and a weaker team.  Dang it, I just got done complementing Hanover for scheduling tough nonconf teams.  Though I do like the Wabash scheduling. 
I like that DC still plays Adrian (58 games against each other, 28-29-1) and another team from the OAC even though it has not raised their level of play.

And, we all know, it is all about SaintsFan's happiness!!

Who knows how the decision got made.  Without having any inside information, it may have been TM's decision as much as Hanover's, or just mutual decision by both coaches to play someone else for a couple of years.  I think the rivalry has been going on since TM started football, so I anticipate they will play again sometime soon.

As to why Illinois College, I have no idea about that.  Quite a distance from Hanover, not a powerhouse in their conference, but maybe Coach Austin knows something about them or their conference that he likes.  As you mention, Hanover still has Wabash on the schedule as a tough test right before conference play.

First of all -- the HCAC is all pussified now.  J/K.  I don't care as much as I used to. 

I would think this is a Hanover decision.  Even when I was there in the late 90s we had trouble keeping teams on the schedule.  As a result, we had to play NAIA teams, D2 teams and I-AA teams (non scholly).  The ONLY reason MSJ came back to the table to discuss the series renewing was that they felt we were on the way down. 

Thunder the series took a hiatus following the 1993 game --- there was a fight after the game as the teams shook hands.  Kinda funny story, if you're a TMC guy or fan.. Hanover's prez didn't take this lightly.  The series resumed in 1998 in KY. 

[Thunder44]

Well, that is not going to make SaintsFan happy that only MSJ from the HCAC will be left onto the schedule. 
I am curious on why Illinois College?  It is a lot further to travel than TMC or Centre and a weaker team.  Dang it, I just got done complementing Hanover for scheduling tough nonconf teams.  Though I do like the Wabash scheduling. 
I like that DC still plays Adrian (58 games against each other, 28-29-1) and another team from the OAC even though it has not raised their level of play.

And, we all know, it is all about SaintsFan's happiness!!

Who knows how the decision got made.  Without having any inside information, it may have been TM's decision as much as Hanover's, or just mutual decision by both coaches to play someone else for a couple of years.  I think the rivalry has been going on since TM started football, so I anticipate they will play again sometime soon.

As to why Illinois College, I have no idea about that.  Quite a distance from Hanover, not a powerhouse in their conference, but maybe Coach Austin knows something about them or their conference that he likes.  As you mention, Hanover still has Wabash on the schedule as a tough test right before conference play.

First of all -- the HCAC is all pussified now.  J/K.  I don't care as much as I used to. 

I would think this is a Hanover decision.  Even when I was there in the late 90s we had trouble keeping teams on the schedule.  As a result, we had to play NAIA teams, D2 teams and I-AA teams (non scholly).  The ONLY reason MSJ came back to the table to discuss the series renewing was that they felt we were on the way down. 

Thunder the series took a hiatus following the 1993 game --- there was a fight after the game as the teams shook hands.  Kinda funny story, if you're a TMC guy or fan.. Hanover's prez didn't take this lightly.  The series resumed in 1998 in KY.

This may have been Hanover's decision, but on the flip side, it may present an opportunity for Thomas More to go out and get a non-conference opponent in the Top 25 to start the season.  If the Saints are truly interested in competing for the national title (I believe they are) it wouldn't hurt to step up their schedule in the only opening they have.  Franklin put Wisconsin Whitewater on the schedule, and from all I have read, they felt it was a good learning experience.

[Pat Coleman]

Also not a regional game.

What's the significance of it being (or in this case, not being) a regional game?  Are there implications for the playoff seeding, or other considerations?

Yes. Non-regional games are all but ignored in the playoff selection and seeding process.

[panthersfan]

If we were fortunate enough to win conference and have a non-conf win against Wabash, I don't see the out of region against Ill. College playing a huge role in seeding.  Maybe so but for now Hanover is just trying to scratch their way up to the top of HCAC.  Until someone knocks off Franklin they're the only ones concerned with seeding right now anyway. 

[dc_has_been]

Since regional games are brought up, wouldn't be better for TMC to schedule a team from the south region?  Also, hasn't non regional games affected I believe Whitewater one year before where they didn't get the one seed because lack of regional games?

[BoBo]

Since regional games are brought up, wouldn't be better for TMC to schedule a team from the south region?  Also, hasn't non regional games affected I believe Whitewater one year before where they didn't get the one seed because lack of regional games?

It's happened a couple times during this recent run. Most DIII's won't schedule them, even it they have open weeks in their schedule, esp. in the west region so they have loaded up with NAIA's that do not get included come playoff time. Played Adrian last year and Franklin this year, but both were non-region games and are not considered at playoff seeding time. With less games under consideration, although unbeaten, they have received a lower seed.  Last year was a prime example. They were forced to go on the road for multiple games during championship run. Probably upset their fans more than the team, but we'd have to be kidding each other to say it didn't bother the team, too.

[Jackets Backer]

Not used to that. By FAR the best offensive series all year for Defiance.

[dc_has_been]

I check the live stats and get a baseball game

[Jackets Backer]

I check the live stats and get a baseball game
[/quote

Defiance website isn't working for live stats. Use Franklin's website.

[cave2bens]

I check the live stats and get a baseball game
[/quote

Defiance website isn't working for live stats. Use Franklin's website.

Score, please Sir?