FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[hazzben]

MIAC Tier 2 looks a bit better IMO coming out of this weekend. Monmouth didn't look any different from a Carleton, GAC, or Concordia. I'd put Tier 2 just behind Coe and honestly probably similar to Central, the Dutch with a better D but better offenses on the MIAC side. GAC played a competitive game with Whitworth and would have been in the thick of things in a down NWC.

Wheaton looked really good. Passing efficiency, a mobile QB, and really solid Oline play are a pretty good recipe for post-season success. I think they'll beat DePauw and if so that'll make for a fascinating offensive matchup with the winner of UWRF and SJU.

SJU v UWRF ... can't wait to dig into this matchup a bit. Early thoughts before I watch the UWRF's game, which D can tip the scales against an elite scoring O?

[Mister36]

I hope the Bethel coaches are emphasizing special teams a bit this week. Slow punts leading to a block and some leaky return coverage will be heavily exploited by better teams. Obviously some of it could have been elements - but truth is they don't have much punting experience this year

[CHUBBS PETERSON]

MIAC Tier 2 looks a bit better IMO coming out of this weekend. Monmouth didn't look any different from a Carleton, GAC, or Concordia. I'd put Tier 2 just behind Coe and honestly probably similar to Central, the Dutch with a better D but better offenses on the MIAC side. GAC played a competitive game with Whitworth and would have been in the thick of things in a down NWC.

Wheaton looked really good. Passing efficiency, a mobile QB, and really solid Oline play are a pretty good recipe for post-season success. I think they'll beat DePauw and if so that'll make for a fascinating offensive matchup with the winner of UWRF and SJU.

SJU v UWRF ... can't wait to dig into this matchup a bit. Early thoughts before I watch the UWRF's game, which D can tip the scales against an elite scoring O?

Agree about Wheaton. That said, watching what NCC did to them makes for sobering viewing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHmthw2EOzU

[hazzben]

There's a reason NCC had a better than 50% chance to win the Stagg against the entire field    A healthy NCC is still the favorite in this tourney.

[gobigred425]

UWRF has forced 33 turnovers this year, good for #1 in the country and 3 turnovers per game. If the Johnnies turn it over 3 times, they certainly won't win.

Coincidentally, the one game they lost the turnover battle this year, they took the L. They have also only trailed in the 2nd half of one game, the L. If the Johnnies can go into halftime with the lead, the Falcons will be in full panic mode.

[sjujohnnie]

Apparently no one's giving St John's a chance whatsoever. I hope the team is aware of that & proves the naysayers wrong!

[DuffMan]

Apparently no one's giving St John's a chance whatsoever. I hope the team is aware of that & proves the naysayers wrong!

Do you really think the team cares what a handful of aging keyboard warriors thinks?

[sjujohnnie]

Apparently no one's giving St John's a chance whatsoever. I hope the team is aware of that & proves the naysayers wrong!

Do you really think the team cares what a handful of aging keyboard warriors thinks?

Hopefully they don't need any additional motivation, but if they do I'd start there.

[CHUBBS PETERSON]

Apparently no one's giving St John's a chance whatsoever.

I'd characterize it more as calling UWRF the most formidable opponent SJU has met so far this year, and even through navy tinted goggles I'd not disagree with that assessment. Acknowledging the difficulty of the task ahead and saying it's insurmountable are two different things.

This is also a vestige of the lasting impression Coach Gagliardi (John, sorry) left on his players and fans. He often talked up opponents during the week and then his teams went through said opponents "like ___ through a tin horn" (banger quote from Coach Saban) on Saturday. Austin Murphy mentioned this at least once in his book on SJU.

[DuffMan]

LOL, John was the master of it.  "$hit, these Macalaster guys are good.  They don't just pull guys out of the hallway to play football."

Seriously, though, I think UWRF could be the best team in the nation right now.  Blaha must be about finished with his PhD for how long he's been there.

[gobigred425]

Some of the "experts" have SJU as a 12.5 point underdog at UWRF. They also have Bethel as 4 point favorite.

I'll take MIAC moneyline parlay to win, and use the money to pick up the tab for the boys at Sal's on Saturday night.

[CHUBBS PETERSON]

"$hit, these Macalaster guys are good.  They don't just pull guys out of the hallway to play football."

"Uh, Sir? What if I told you that is EXACTLY what they're doing?"

[DuffMan]

"Uh, Sir? What if I told you that is EXACTLY what they're doing?"

It seemed like they may have been doing just that, except for Andrew Porter.

[Redtooth]

"Uh, Sir? What if I told you that is EXACTLY what they're doing?"

It seemed like they may have been doing just that, except for Andrew Porter.

He was their best player in the last 50 years at Mac......

[Retired Old Rat]

"Uh, Sir? What if I told you that is EXACTLY what they're doing?"

It seemed like they may have been doing just that, except for Andrew Porter.

He was their best player in the last 50 years at Mac......

Ron Groce and Elmer Bailey might disagree with that assessment.  Ron Groce* (2011) - Hall of Fame - Macalester College,  Elmer Bailey Pro Football Stats Athletics