FB: Centennial Conference

[Kuiper]

Pretty big move for Carnegie Mellon considering its historic association with the PAC before and after the UAA sponsored football.

Carnegie Mellon joining the Centennial Conference as an associate member for football starting in 2025

The Centennial Conference has announced the addition of Carnegie Mellon University as an associate member for football. The Tartans will begin competition in the Centennial in the 2025 football season.

The addition of Carnegie Mellon will expand the Centennial's football membership to eight teams. The Tartans will compete alongside the seven CC full-time members that sponsor football - Dickinson College, Franklin & Marshall College, Gettysburg College, Johns Hopkins University, McDaniel College, Muhlenberg College, and Ursinus College.

"We are excited to welcome Carnegie Mellon to the Centennial Conference as an associate member," said Portia Hoeg, Centennial Conference Executive Director. "Not only does Carnegie Mellon align with the high academic status of our league, but the Tartans' storied history in football complements the Centennial's tradition of excellence. "As a perennial leader among Division III conferences, the Centennial's already strong football profile will only be enhanced with the addition of Carnegie Mellon."

The Carnegie Mellon football program began in 1906 and has amassed 580 wins and 61 All-Americans throughout its history. The Tartans have competed in the Presidents' Athletic Conference since 2014, capturing conference championships and NCAA postseason appearances in 2021 and 2022. Over the past decade the Tartans own a 71-30 (.703%) overall record including eight seasons with a winning record.

"Joining the Centennial Conference will have an impact on the competitiveness of our football program while providing student-athletes with enriching travel experiences and opportunities to compete against some of the nation's top teams," said Josh Centor, Carnegie Mellon University's Associate Vice President for Community Engagement and Director of Athletics.

"This represents a significant and exciting opportunity for our football program," said Carnegie Mellon head coach Ryan Larsen. "Competing against such high-caliber teams will elevate our program and provide our players with an exceptional experience.

[DagarmanSpartan]

Some of us over on the PAC board are wondering if Case Western Reserve U. will either follow its arch rival Carnegie-Mellon to the Centennial, or join the NCAC as a football associate, where they'd have a cross-town rivalry with John Carroll.

[umhb2001]

Cru coming this week and no action on this board?

[MRMIKESMITH]

Cru coming this week and no action on this board?

I can tell you this is not the channel. There will be no action here.

[Ralph Turner]

Congrats JHU!

[JT2]

Hey Mule fans,

Congrats on getting Maximus Nuzzi LB/TE. I've been a friend of his Dad (Mark) for 40 years.

He'll likely be a safety for the Mules.

Max is a great kid with a no quit motor. I'm just sad my Alma mater (Rowan) was unable to get him.

You're gonna like him.

[CMU24]

We have a showdown this Sat in the conference, #17 Carnegie Mellon @ #3 Johns Hopkins

Zero chatter on this board even though the CC is one of the top conferences this year in D3 football. The winner of this game will likely be the CC champs. Any insight into this game anyone?

[MRMIKESMITH]

We have a showdown this Sat in the conference, #17 Carnegie Mellon @ #3 Johns Hopkins

Zero chatter on this board even though the CC is one of the top conferences this year in D3 football. The winner of this game will likely be the CC champs. Any insight into this game anyone?

There was never any chatter on this board. It's unfortunate because a lot folk interact with the D3 team outside of the board.

[8i Technique]

CMU24: The distance between CMU and JHU is greater than than the distance between Muhlenger and CMU. As for which team stands the best chance of knocking of JHU, my bet would be Muhlenberg at home on November 1.

Mr Mike Smith: If you are the legendary RB from the 'Carlisle Devils,' please send my regards to Coach, Ann and Ryan.

[The Man]

Muhlenberg College will lose by at least 14 to Johns Hopkins. The game will be a walkover for the Jays.

[CMU24]

CMU24: The distance between CMU and JHU is greater than than the distance between Muhlenger and CMU. As for which team stands the best chance of knocking of JHU, my bet would be Muhlenberg at home on November 1.

Mr Mike Smith: If you are the legendary RB from the 'Carlisle Devils,' please send my regards to Coach, Ann and Ryan.

Well apparently the distance between CMU and Hopkins is 1pt and JHU was extremely fortunate to come back and win that game. CMU controlled the entire game until late in 4Q and handed Hopkins a gift, a shame.

[8i Technique]

CMU24: I'm eating crow. I was back and forth betwewn JHU/CMU and Mule/F&M. 4 Solid football teams, all with playoff caliber talent. Quite excited to see where the cards fall by the end of the regular season, especially with the a talented Ursinus squad and competitive group in Carlisle rounding out the 'top half' of the CC.

As for the foibles of the Mules:
I was leaning into the belief that Muhlenberg could hang 30+ points on F&M--just shy, but the difference created the first blemish of their record.

A greater concern restes with the defense; they must must improve against the pass--- The Mules give up 2.9 yards per attempt agains the run and 6.9 yards per attempt against the pass. Hopkins and CMU will put up 40+ if they cannot improve the pass-game schematics and player output.

If Muhlenberg is to win the CC, the defense must find ways to do damage. 5 games have produced 3 Sacks, 4 Interceptions and 2 FRs. To post a victory against the Tartans or the Blue Jays, impactful defensive plays are critical.

How the Mules Win "The Big Ones":
The Mules may need 40+ from the Offense to get by JHU and CMU. They do get both powers at Scotty Wood Stadium--a place that they split the past 4 meetings with the Jays (both losses by one score). I expect some fireworks in Allentown in the weeks to come...revenge for the wild JHU finish is 2023 would be just; it may take a bit of magic/luck to get past both, and I will certainly tune in for the theatrics.