It was a good run.

Yesterday's result has been building for years.  There has been discussion among Johnnie football fans since 2003 that expectations for the program haven't matched results of the past.  I totally agree that a sense of complacency has set in, but this happened years ago.  John is a great coach, great man and all Johnnie fans owe him more than can be repaid. However, gradually it seems he has become the focus of the program.  We bask in the glow of what he has accomplished, how he does things, his stories etc.  Each victory is hailed and his total just gets bigger and more amazing.  As we continue to focus this constant attention to John, Whitewater and Linfield have  passed us as the schools to beat in the region and St. Thomas and Bethel have moved ahead of us as well.   Alumni love to relive the past but I wonder what all this means to current players? (See Notre Dame)   Most players today probably  don't  even remember the 2003 championship season.  I also question whether current players can connect with an 85 year old coach, one that sits in the press box during the game.  It's telling that when fingers are pointed at the  program they are often pointed at Jimmy, not John who is the coach of this team.  SJU better think hard about the future because I have a feeling the bleachers set up for the students in the end zone may be a thing of the past in a year or two.

I guess my point is despite regularly leading the nation in attendance, playing in arguably the best stadium in DIII and getting constant media attention the St. John's program is not as dominate as it used to be.   With all of these advantages we should be better.  I'm sorry but comparing us to Rowan or PLU in not analogues.     The standard at SJU from 1989 – 2003 was to contend for the west region title and a national championship.  The program and talent level has dropped off since the 2003 championship.   

Since 2003 we've been an above average to good team.  Where are the athletes?  What has happened?

I can't imagine it getting any better than yesterday, the crowd, tailgating, weather, game etc.  That is about as good as it gets.

QuoteOne question though, how come the MIAC does not let traditional rivalries be played in the final week of every season, Johnnies/Tommies, Carleton/Olaf, etc. ?

Great question, I've wondered the same thing.  The answer I'm sure is because it makes way too much sense. 

I can't remember the last time St. John's was three games into a season and the offense looked this bad and had so many question marks. Since the 2003 season the Johnnies have not had a team that was as good or as dominate as some of the great teams that played from 1989 – 2003.  We definitely have not had the 1-2 great players on our offense (skilled positions) that seemed to separate us from the rest of the MIAC.  It's been 5 years now since Blake Elliot, that isn't just a year or two – something has changed.     

Mr. Coleman,

What in your opinion is the best team you've seen in all of your travels over the years?  I would assume its a team from Mount Union?  Their squad this year I would certainly think has the potential to be the best?

Im sure when you guys lose youll be all over how Kofoed played so terrible and wont give any credit for being beaten by a better team.

To an extend that may be partially true.   The Johnnies live or die with Kofed.  He can be  very inconsistent and his decision making really affects the team.  When he is on, he's great, but he tends to lapse at times.  Watch his mechanics early on.  Is he  setting up and following through, taking the sack when he should........sometimes he just gets sloppy and will make a foolish throw into coverage or throw short to an open  receiver.  He seems to play much better at home, looks more comfortable in the pocket.  I don't think he should have been a Gagliardi trophy finalist, I voted for Beaver.  Having said all that, I hope he does great on Saturday.        

I voted for Beaver as well, I love the Johnnies but also don't wear blinders. 

So... no matter what, this game is in the control of SJU.  Now that is what WE like to hear in Iowa.  From the sounds of it, it might be the Johnnie fans who are going in overconfident

I can assure no one at St. John's is over confident gong against Central.  It's usually a close game.    However the point remains that St. John's has had its way with teams from the IIAC for a long time.  Sure Central can win this  game Saturday, but history has showed that no team from the IIAC has come out and dominated the Johnnies in the playoffs, very few have except for  (Mount Union (twice) and  Whitewater (once) in the last 20 years.  Until that happens I think its St. John's game to lose.  I can see the Johnnies blowing out Central, but I don't see Central blowing out the Johnnies. Central may win but I would bet it would be very close. 

I didn't check your "ten straight" fact however, this year is the 20th anniversary of Central's 13-3 quarter-final play-off win over St Johns.  Please try to be precise in the five remaining days you have in THE CENTRAL BRACKET

1989 SIMPSON, Iowa W, 42-35
1989 at Central, Iowa W, 27-24
1991 COE, Iowa W, 75-2
1993 COE, Iowa W, 32-14
1994 WARTBURG, Iowa W, 42-14
1996 SIMPSON, Iowa# W, 21-18
1999 CENTRAL, Iowa W, 10-9
2000 at Central, Iowa W, 21-18
2002 COE, Iowa W, 45-14
2006 at Central, Iowa W, 21-13

SJU09, it is like you read my mind and posted my thoughts!

I knew you were going to say that!

St. John's has won ten straight games against the IIAC over the last 20 years, all playoff games.  At some point the streak has to be broken. Is it this year?  In my opinion the fate of the Johnnies rests on Kofed's shoulders.  If he throws the ball well (sets up) and  is relatively mistake and  turnover free I think the Johnnies win easily 35 -14.  Kofed to me is two difference quarterbacks.  When he has good mechanics he does well.  If he tries to do too much and gets sloppy on his throws, (which he has a tendency to do) he will give away field position and points and  it will be a close game.     The  Johnnie  D is always tough in the post season especially in the red zone and will keep the game close.   

Prediction:

Based on this seasons results if this was a road game SJU may be in trouble, but at home we win 31-14.