Immediate reactions to Week 8 results
Oct
2006
Well all,
it’s mid-afternoon/early evening on a Saturday. Time to get one of these threads going.
Me? I’m in a very rainy and cold state of Iowa — trust me, anyone that cares will hear all about it in this week’s Around the Nation. Wartburg has outlasted Coe 10-7 in the rain and Central handled Cornell. Ryan Coleman and I got to see some nice campuses and nice teams, but the not-nice weather really limits how much insight one can gain on how well these teams would play on a dry day. I thought it hurt Coe especially.
As I get word of these scores, stunners are everywhere. Bridgewater not ruling the ODAC for the first time since I played, practically? Seven TDs for Chris Sharpe (jaw drops) … Del Val lost to Susque? Eiiiw. Word out of Ohio Northern and possibly DePauw is upset too, but I’m just getting my bearings. This traveling is really tiring … I do it all for you 
Anyway, let’s get the Saturday chatter up…
October 21st, 2006 at 6:33 pm
Millsaps’ secondary tore DePauw to shreds. 5 INTs on their way to a 31-7 pounding of DPU. And they get Trinity (none too impressive in holding off Centre 17-10) in Jackson the last week of the season. I may have to try getting one of SWA’s new cheap tix to Millsaps.
October 21st, 2006 at 7:15 pm
Cortland absolutely rolled today, and Ray Miles looks very good at QB. I may be biased, but I must say Cortland looks better every week and played its best game today. Cortland 41-3 over Montclair compares very favorably to Springfield 27-15 over Montclair, although I readily admit comparing margin of victories is dangerous business.
The bottom line is Cortland can win with Miles. I really feel for Alex Smith. He might have been the QB of the year in the NJAC the way he was playing. No offense to Orihel, who I think is brilliant, but Smith statistically was making a statement.
Cortland defense - 7 sacks and 5 ints, only 184 yds surrendered.
Kean continues to impress. Almost but not quite against Rowan today. I love the way the NJAC depth is growing with Kean and WP improving.
Springfield made quite a statement today. I thought Fisher was as good as anyone. The Pride is back. But…as we all mentioned last week…IC could still force a 3 way tie. The Bombers must have been psyched with the Pride-Cardinal score.
October 21st, 2006 at 7:18 pm
Carnegie Mellon shuts out Chicago 27-0. Robert Gimson with 11 carries for 148 and 2 touchdowns with a long run of 90.
October 21st, 2006 at 7:20 pm
Lebanon Valley 15, Lycoming 9. The first-ever Dutchmen win over the Warriors. This has to be a bit of an upset ….
October 21st, 2006 at 7:24 pm
This just in … Chris Sharpe scores again.
October 21st, 2006 at 7:25 pm
Beautiful day for football at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where I was filling in for Mark Simon on the school’s Internet broadcast. Got to see Steve Arguelles, tied for second in D-III in interceptions per game coming in, pick off his eighth pass.
October 21st, 2006 at 7:45 pm
The NCAC is a total mess now - Wabash beat Oberlin, Kenyon wins in OT, Wooster squeaks by Allegheny and Witt loses to Ohio Wesleyan. There are five teams now with one loss.
October 21st, 2006 at 8:21 pm
I think that the NCAC should play single-round robin!
LOL
October 21st, 2006 at 8:48 pm
Not that I am biased or anything being from Derry, NH and having known Chris Sharpe all my life, but I have to say I listened to the game from Paris, France today where I am going to school and 280 yds rushing and 7 TDs…Lets just say Im glad I didnt miss this one and WOW what a game!!!!
October 21st, 2006 at 9:31 pm
Where was the defense in that game? WOW!
October 21st, 2006 at 10:09 pm
Back after dinner out here in Cedar Rapids. Already tucked in like a big lame-o (although using that phrase kinda makes you one) with D-1 football on the tube, D3 on the laptop.
Some other mild-to-moderately surprising scores:
> Leb Val 15-9 over Lyco, as mentioned
> W&L 34-12 over Guilford … not so much that W&L won, but that they held Guilford to 12. W&L looks playoff-bound
> Stevens Point over Oshkosh in OT … although we should have learned long ago not to be surprised by the WIAC
> Lake Forest 12, Monmouth 8 … maybe Scots are defeated, feeling like there’s nothing left to play for, after losing to St. Norbert]
> Bethel over St. Olaf and St. Thomas over C-M, meaning the three-way tie might still be alive.
> Buena Vista and Simpson beating Loras and Luther in the IIAC
> OWU over Witt as noted
> Waynesburg 34-23 Thiel.
> Sul Ross State keeps it going, with a win over McMurry’s Football Team.
October 21st, 2006 at 10:28 pm
Wesley dominated BPort St. today. Two drives over 90 yrds. Wesley had the ball four times in the first half and save a bad pass would have scored on all of them. They also controlled the clock for nearly 40 mins.
October 21st, 2006 at 11:37 pm
+1 D3Keith,
I was going to make a wisecrack about the over/under for the number of times that the McMurry radio announcers said the name of the Arkansas State University mascot and gave up trying to count them.
They broadcast 2 more football games, about 40 more regular season men’s and women’s basketball games, and another 8-10 baseball games. Kit Kimbrell was a toddler when his father bagen coaching the McMurry Men’s Basketball team, so he hasn’t known anything else.
Sul Ross goes to Hardin-Simmons for Homecoming next weekend, with a potential Pool C bid on the line.
October 22nd, 2006 at 12:17 am
Quality of Wins Index updated:
http://www.d3football.com/qow.php
October 22nd, 2006 at 12:46 am
Safe travels Keith and Ryan. It was great to host you. I only wish it hadn’t rained all damn day, and Coe came out on top.
October 22nd, 2006 at 3:48 am
Thank you CK. Your hospitality was greatly appreciated.
I just pulled in about 45 minutes ago and I, too (like Keith), am tucked in however I have work to do yet.
Man, Ok so I can drive 600+ miles in a day… That’s been proven now. I hope I don’t have to do that for a while yet… Maybe the Quarters or Semifinals.
It was wet, cold, windy and miserable. I survived, the car got a new tire and the camera was still powering up when I checked it at 10pm. So all is well. More on that new tire in the phlog. Possibly.
October 22nd, 2006 at 4:24 am
I definitely appreciated the hospitality as well. Actually, I’m still appreciating it, although I should be bound for the CR airport in a few minutes.
Thought I might write most of my column last night and do my poll vote, but after dinner and Ryan taking off … I was out like a light.
Guess I should get moving here. With no problems, I should be back home in time for 3/4 of the NFL’s early games. That would be efficient travel.
Definitely another interesting Saturday around the country.
October 22nd, 2006 at 4:38 am
Drive safely Keith. I am still trying to figure out this Phlogware (new clothing line anyone?) but I should have the kinks worked out this week.
And have a safe pair of flights
October 22nd, 2006 at 12:22 pm
In response to Cortland Football:
Geez dude…it’s amazing how a few weeks changes things…now you’re the one singing the praises while I am airing everything on the side of caution.
Isn’t College Football great that way :-).
btw - I agree with everything in your post…Kean is one or two horses away…we both saw that Rowan, ay least on offense, is not what they were last year…interesting that the Springfield / Fisher game was like it was and yes…the Red Dragons are INDEED rolling, a few bumos and bruises this week though…I hope nothing serious and I hope they can keep rolling.
October 22nd, 2006 at 12:24 pm
I apologize for my typing today….didn’t get back from Montclair ’till the wee hours.
October 22nd, 2006 at 12:56 pm
You’re right Cortland… we were pleased to see Springfield knock off Fisher.. but at the same time it causes some worry. The Pride slapped 55 points on that defense… the same one that completely shut down the Bombers for the second half and held us to 10 points. As you mentioned, comparing scores is tricky… but 55 certainly makes you think. It’s going to be a tough road for IC over the next few weeks… ending our schedule with Springfield, Alfred, and C State. If we survive that stretch, the Bombers certainly deserve to be in the playoffs.
October 22nd, 2006 at 1:34 pm
Millsaps came into the game against DePauw with the #12 offense in the counrty, and a defense who has allowed only 10 p.p.g. in the last four weeks. Not only did Millsaps beat DePauw, Millsaps dominated DePauw, but no one here is Jackson thinks it was an upset at all. Millsaps will continue to take it one game at a time, but I’m sure there are a few people in San Antonio who are beginning to get concerned about that 13 year string of conference championships….
October 22nd, 2006 at 2:06 pm
PA_Wesleyfan,
I have been following Wesley football now for a couple of years now. I listened to game on Web-radio and you are correct, They crushed Bport. Coach Drass being the class act that he is pulled the starters I beleive late in the 3rd, or early in the 4th. Holding a team to just 25 yards rushing is impressive in any division! I still would like to see Wesley get a bit more ink from the “powers that be” on this website, which is by the way a great site for football. Any thoughts????????
October 22nd, 2006 at 2:52 pm
Other teams are playing more impressive schedules. Games that are interesting get the ink, like the Wesley/Brockport game this week. No offense, but Wesley/Seton Hill, Wesley/Waynesburg, Wesley/Frosburg State and Wesley/Newport News just aren’t interesting nationally.
October 22nd, 2006 at 4:26 pm
home/athletics/football
The Chris Sharpe Report — Additional Notes and Records Broken vs. St. John Fisher
SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Junior QB CHRIS SHARPE ACCOMPLISHMENTS vs. ST. JOHN FISHER – October 21, 2006
–ran for 280 yards and 7 TD’s on 26 carries (10.8 yards per carry)
–TD carries were of 27, 69, 21, 11, 38, 1, and 1 yard
–Set one national record for –
–Most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback – 25 – old record was 20 by Ryan Sylvia of Springfield College, 2003
–Set school records for –
– Most points in a single game – 42 – old record was 36 by Ted Alflen vs. Tufts in 1968 (36-year old record)
– Most points in a single-season – 150 (in just 7 games) – old record was 136 by Jay Miller, 2000
– Most rushing yards in a game – 280 – old record was 268 by Bill Pacitto vs. AIC, Nov. 14, 1987, and by Chris Sharpe vs. Union earlier this season on Sept. 9, 2006
– Most rushing touchdowns in a game – 7 – old record was 5 by Kevin Cahill vs. SUNY Cortland – Oct. 28, 2000, by Tim Lutgens vs. Norwich on Nov. 8, 2003, and by Chris Sharpe earlier this year vs. Alfred on Sept. 23, 2006
– Most rushing touchdowns in a season – 25 – old record was 22 by Jay Miller, 2000
OTHER CHRIS SHARPE NOTES
–Note that Chris Sharpe now has rushed for 1,229 yards this season; the Springfield College single-season record is 1,348 by Jay Miller in 2000. He is 119 yards short of tying, 120 yards short of setting that record.
–Note that entering the game, Chris Sharpe was ranked #1 in the country in Div. III in scoring at 18.0 ppg. He emerged averaging 21.4 ppg.
–Note that entering the game, Chris Sharpe was ranked #1 in the country in Div. III in touchdowns with 18. He emerged with 25.
–Note that entering the game, Chris Sharpe was ranked #2 in the country in Div. III in rushing at 158.2 yards per game. He emerged averaging 175.6 ypg.
–Note that the national Div. III record for most yards gained rushing in a single season by a quarterback is 1,345 by Kevin Cahill of Springfield College in 1999. Chris Sharpe is 116 yards shy of tying and 117 yards shy of breaking that record.
–Note that Chris Sharpe missed another national Div. III record by one vs. SJF. The record for most touchdowns rushing in a single game (by anyone, not necessarily a quarterback) is 8, by Carey Bender of Coe vs. Beloit on Nov. 12, 1994.
–Note that Chris Sharpe is on pace to establish a national Div. III record in rushing touchdowns “per game” by a quarterback. The current record is 1.8 (20 TD’s in 11 games) by Ryan Sylvia of Springfield College in 2003. Sharpe’s pace right now is “double” that at 3.6 (25 TD’s in 7 games).
–Note that Chris Sharpe is on pace to establish a national Div. III record for highest average yards gained rushing per game by a quarterback. The current record is 134.5 yards per game (1,345 in 10 games) by Kevin Cahill of Springfield College in 1999. Sharpe is currently averaging 175.6 yards rushing by a QB per game.
–Note that Chris Sharpe is on pace to establish a national Div. III record for highest scoring average per game by an individual in a single-season. The current record is 20.8 points per game by James Regan of Pomona-Pitzer in 1997. Sharpe is currently averaging 21.4 points per game.
–Note that Chris Sharpe is on pace to become only the third player in NCAA Div. III history to average 20.0 points or higher per game in a single-season. The other two who have already accomplished that feat are James Regan of Pomona-Pitzer in 1997 at 20.8 ppg, and Tony Sutton of Wooster in 2003 at 20.7 ppg. Sharpe is currently averaging 21.4 ppg.
–Note that Springfield, as a team, entered the St. John Fisher game averaging 370.7 yards per game rushing, #1 in the nation. With 493 yards rushing in that game, SC emerged averaging 388.1 yards per game rushing.
published: 10/22/2006
October 22nd, 2006 at 4:31 pm
Laxx99
I wouldn’t get to worked up about the amount of ink here. Wesley does get some attention. What matters more is the rankings. And being #5 in both polls. actually 3!!!! One that is unrecognised here, is a good indication of the respect the program at Wesley is getting and deserves nationally.
Also wouldn’t hurt to have a few more Wesley fans posting on the ACFC page. Excpt for the playoff run last year it stays very quiet in there. Altough a few sane ones would be nice!!!!
As far as the powers that be here!!!! I have spoken to Pat face to face an he is much nicer in person!!!!!
October 22nd, 2006 at 5:23 pm
I’ve broken bread — actually, it was pizza — with Pat a number of times. He was always “nice.” In fact, on one occasion he also picked up part of the tab, courtesy his virtually unlimited expense account.
October 22nd, 2006 at 6:16 pm
If RPI runs the table. Theyll only have 2 loses. Are they in the playoffs or out?
October 22nd, 2006 at 7:22 pm
PA_ just doesn’t like some of the things my alma mater does and he likes to take it out on me.
October 22nd, 2006 at 8:09 pm
Yup it’s all your fault Pat. Actually the whole academic thing in football and not in other sports is what pushes my intense hmmm (interest). But that’s for another blog or post. Maybe when you come to Wesley again in November we can chat on that Pat??
October 22nd, 2006 at 8:10 pm
I agree that Wesley gets the ink where it counts, in our poll. And in the W column.
Also, during the season we generally back off teams we expect to make the playoffs, assuming that as the numbers thin from 234 teams to watch to 32 to 16 to 8, etc., we’ll have a greater chance to feature them. It doesn’t always work out perfectly, and it doesn’t mean we ignore big news during the season, but we are conscious of spreading the shine, so to speak, and try to do so.
October 22nd, 2006 at 8:35 pm
It’s a long trip from Connecticut to Delaware. No guarantees I’ll be there.
When you play four non-conference games (football) you can afford to be a little more selective than in baseball, when you play 30 non-conference games.
October 22nd, 2006 at 8:45 pm
Pat and Keith, I have been talking offline with some of the other South Region fans.
Do you think that you could write a puff-piece on Wesley that is so effusive in your praise of Wesley that they blow their first round playoff game?
A lot of South Region fans would appreciate it.
October 22nd, 2006 at 8:56 pm
All Hobart does is win. Some of the Ws have not been pretty, but the Statesmen are 6-0. Very tough road the next 3 weeks though; at Alfred (why are they unranked?), then home against always tough Union and closing out at home against a vastly improved Rochester team. I was not surprised by Springfield’s win over Fisher, except for the fact that it was such a blow-out. As biased as I am about Hobart, Cortland appears to be the team to beat in upstate NY, but they have no “creampuffs” left either. Keep an eye on always powerful Ithaca. I’m sure the Red Dagons would like a rematch after last year’s 3-OT playoff loss to the Statesmen.
October 22nd, 2006 at 9:19 pm
Geesh Ralph who put a bee in your bonnet
October 22nd, 2006 at 10:13 pm
way to go Emory & Henry! go Wasps.
October 22nd, 2006 at 11:10 pm
No bee! Just a monkey stomping of the best team in the ASC in Belton last year!!!
October 22nd, 2006 at 11:17 pm
Looking forward to being in Belton next weekend to witness UW-W mix it up with M-HB. Justin Beaver will be missed in the game. No predictions here….just want to see a competitive game (but with the Crusaders on top).
October 23rd, 2006 at 12:41 am
Wesley is a little over two hours from my house, even though I have to travel in three states to get there. I’m hoping the Wolverines or Christopher Newport get a good home game in the first round, since I imagine W&L or whoever the ODAC champ is will be on the road. Rowan is a very doable drive for me, even up and back in one day. Same with Dickinson and many Centennial schools. Wilkes and W&J are probably pushing it, and we have some Northeast-based staff that might find those games attractive. Minnesota is covered, and I imagine Ohio, Wisconsin or Illinois might be second round options … Pat and I have driven from Va. to Alliance several times, but it’s definitely an overnighter.
But it’s really hard to say at this point where we’ll be. It’s probably based on what kind of travel seems to make the most sense and if there’s a reward (a good game) for it.
As far as the fluff piece, I can be bought … but I’ve noticed over the years that there is often a relationship between arrogance of the posters and No. of wins. I even went so far this week as to praise the IIAC board on-air for its relative cordialness (new word) …
I would like to see a competitive game in Texas too. I think these two styles match up well, although both can pass enough to offset the run. Might be the two most physical teams in Division III, but then again it could be a blowout too, you just never know. Same with Capital-MUC, you think the other Crusaders know how to play Mount, but we just have to wait and see. I wonder if they’ll miss Lewis Howes, he was huge against Mount last year if I recall correctly.
Why is Alfred unranked?
1) The poll can’t feature entirely teams from New York and surrounding states. It’s a big country.
2) Most impressive win … 4-4 Thiel? 3-3 St. Lawrence?
Playing ranked teams tough (41-34 Springfield) will get you in the discussion, but eventually you have to beat one of them, or you’re just destined to be an Also Receiving Votes.
October 23rd, 2006 at 12:44 am
Oh Ralph,
You want a fluff piece to go to Wesley’s heads so they lose and you don’t have to see them again? I get it.
Not sure we’re that powerful. I’m sure whenever the Wolverines start thinking they’re good, someone on staff says “43-0″ or “58-6″ and they get right back to work.
October 23rd, 2006 at 1:06 am
This just in: GoPride has entirely too much time on his / her hands and seems to be living vicariously through Chris Sharpe’s mid-season accomplishements.
Please post post-season numbers - that’s when you can gloat.
October 23rd, 2006 at 1:22 am
Hardly. That’s just copied and pasted from Springfield’s Web site. Sounds like someone from Rochester can’t deal with yesterday’s loss yet.
October 23rd, 2006 at 2:08 am
So BC’s lost tell’s me this. The ODAC is not that strong this year. Credit Ferrum was given for staying close should be dismissed. CNU is the BEST Virginia team in D3 now. My questions is will the ODAC or USAC produce two teams in either confernce? I am thinking Averett has to win the conference to make the playoffs, but does CNU or BC have a shot if they come up short? CNU’s destiny is in their own hands, BC needs help.
October 23rd, 2006 at 8:43 am
A “not-so-hypothetical” question to Pat Coleman, Keith McMillan and the rest of the folks who select the All-American team at the end of the season. Does a QB who doesn’t throw the ball more than 10 times a game, but leads the nation in rushing and scoring deserve to be an All-American selection at QB.
Of course I am speaking about Chris Sharpe from Springfield. I don’t know the answer to my question but, having watched the Springfield/Union game over the past few years, I will tell you that there was only one significant difference between last years game (35-7 Union victory) and this years game (38-30 Union loss). Chris Sharpe did not play last year vs Union and he was unstoppable during this year’s game. I suspect that the SJF folks ran into the same problem on Saturday attempting to stop Chris Sharpe.
Running the wing-bone offense he is the best triple-option QB I have ever seen at the D-3 level. He makes all of the right reads, has great moves and quickness, explosive speed and on the few occasions that he does throw the ball, he has a better than average arm.
Again, I will point out that if you take away Chris Sharpe, there is not a lot of difference between this years undefeated Springfield team and last years team that went 4-6. He is incredibly difficult to defend.
October 23rd, 2006 at 8:49 am
Pat-
Couldn’t be further from the truth. What is the logic in posting Chris Sharpe’s entire stat sheet to this thread?
The kid is a tremendous athlete, this is well known. No need to post what he ate for breakfast.
October 23rd, 2006 at 9:14 am
D3Keith,
Re: Your 12:44 am blog.
We South Region fans will need all of the help that we can get!
October 23rd, 2006 at 9:30 am
It looks as if he posted it Tags just to say it looks like Sharpe is quietly, or unquietly depending on what region your from, putting together one of the best offensive outputs in a season ever by a quarterback. It was just one post, no one is talking him up. Just giving the kid props.
October 23rd, 2006 at 9:40 am
Run Ferrum, I can see a one (in-region) loss CNU making the playoffs as a Pool C.
They should have the won-loss percentage and the win over a ranked team, UMHB
October 23rd, 2006 at 9:52 am
Wesley is a pain in the ass to get to from North Jersey. At least three hours. So I’m guess it would take Pat about 4.5 - 5 hours from Conn to Dover, DE
October 23rd, 2006 at 9:58 am
Who would have thought a week ago that the W&L / E&H game could be the biggie instead of W&L / Bridgewater? Coach Montgomery and the Wasp have quietly slipped back into this thing. They do still have three ODAC games remaining which could be a tall order. I think I am correct on this but the W&L / BC games means nothing to W&L as far as winning the ODAC. (as long as they beat E&H)W&L is in the drivers seat but it will come down to W&L / E&H if E&H beats Catholic and Guilford.
RunFerrum….I agree that CNU is probably the best d3 team in VA. I’m sure some Averett fans might beg to differ but that issue will be settled on the field soon. I wouldn’t count out the W&L Generals. They are very good on D and pretty solid on O. We will just have to see how that translates to the national stage. (assuming they can finish off the ODAC) I do agree that BC may be down a notch but do you think it is so much that they aren’t as good or that others in the ODAC have caught up?
IMO, the ODAC gets only one in the playoffs no matter what. The USAC could get two if CNU wins out but loses to Averett and Averett wins the conference. That’s when CNU playing a tougher schedule might get them a few brownie points but two losses might do them in. It may depend on how the rest of the region stacks up. Hopefully, the smoke will clear in the next week or two.
Isn’t this fun?!!!
October 23rd, 2006 at 10:04 am
Ok I was at the Mount game sat and I heard that the radio station broadcasting the game said that Kehres was holding Garcon out of the game as mush as possible. Why would he do this when the offense struggled so much?I saw Garcon on the sidelines basically the whole 3rd qtr.I dont know if he’s hurt or just trying to rest up for the huge game against Capital.Does anyone know???????????????????????????
October 23rd, 2006 at 10:17 am
Pat,
Sorry for the late response! No offense taking, you and the staff I suppose no best, that’s why I asked the question. It’s clear that they don’t have the strongest of schedules, my point was that me being new to the sight, it occurred to me that Wesley being ranked so high, and having such a stingy defense would warrant some discussions.
October 23rd, 2006 at 11:07 am
Tags: “What is the logic in posting Chris Sharpe’s entire stat sheet to this thread?”
The title is Immediate reactions to Week 8 results. I believe Chris Sharpe is a big part of the Week 8 story.
Tlm, we definitely consider option quarterbacks for All-American.
October 23rd, 2006 at 11:15 am
Looks like Springfield has a team for the ages. Hobart marches on. Cortland probably is the big dog in New York state. Ithaca can not be overlooked. Does Union have that final kick?
October 23rd, 2006 at 11:17 am
Can one of the Ferrum fans explain why Ferrum is only playing a 9 game
schedule this year or have I missed a game somewhere. Appears you
had off Sept 9 and Oct 20.
October 23rd, 2006 at 11:26 am
GOING TO ABILENE SATURDAY TO SEE SUL ROSS PLAY HARDIN-SIMMONS. IT HAS BEEN FUN TO WATCH THE LOBOS THIS YEAR, THE DEFENSE IS ON A ROLL! (OF COURSE I AM SWAYED BECAUSE MY SON IS ON DEFENSE AND OFFENSE GETS ALL THE PRESS!) ANYWAY, DOES ANYBODY (RALPH TURNER SINCE YOU TALK ABOUT THE SOUTH) THINK SULLY HAS A CHANCE?
October 23rd, 2006 at 11:37 am
Allsky7, the CNU loss to Rowan was not an in-region game and therefore will not be considered by the committee under primary criteria.
The way a coach can use the schedule to toughen his team is to schedule out-of-region (either evaluation region or geographic administration region) games against really hard opponents and the game does not immediately impact the chances at seeding or Pool C bids.
All of the guidelines are in the D3 2006 Football Championship Handbook.
October 23rd, 2006 at 11:37 am
ALSO TO RALPH TURNER: I WAS ALSO AMUSED AS I LISTENED TO THE MCMURRY BROADCAST AND FOUND MYSELF COUNTING THE TIMES THEY SAID THE “BANNED” MASCOT NAME… (WHICH I STILL DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY THE BIG SCHOOLS (DIV 1) GET TO KEEP THEIR NATIVE AMERICAN NAMES
October 23rd, 2006 at 11:49 am
I cannot really explain why they are only playing nine this season. They scheduled Bridgewater this year to beef up the schedule, thinking they would compete again. What I don’t understand is why we took off Emory and henry. They have been one of our longest rivals and the games are aways competitive no matter the records.
allsky7 - I think its a little bit of both. BC is just not the same team they were in years past, however every team is getting stronger in the ODAC. I really believe the USAC and ODAC have switched Personalities this year. What I mean with that is over the past few years the ODAC has a one-two team conference with the others trying to gain respect.(Obvious when looking at BC’s old conf. win streak) The USAC usually had multiple teams competing for a title, even to the last game of the season. Now Averett and CNU are just better than everyone else. In the past BC was always a threat to make it to the final 4. This year the ODAC rep. will probably lose in the first round. Whereas CNU or Averett may make some noise.
October 23rd, 2006 at 11:49 am
Well,
Although I think it’s appropriate to begin talking about playoff bids, I think it’s a little early for All-American stuff. You don’t have to have big passing numbers to be the All-American QB, but it does help if you’re all-conference and all-region first.
I agree with tags, I skimmed right over the senior thesis on Chris Sharpe’s stats. Doesn’t mean it’s useless, I just wasn’t sure this was the place for that. I like to read people’s original thoughts on the week here, and when I want to see the SID notes, I go to the team’s website or read their press releases.
To Wesley rom North Jersey, take the turnpike, then get on 13 after the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Dover is right on 13 … It might take a few hours jtw, but it wouldn’t seem to be a pain in the butt to me.
I doubt Kehres would save Garcon for the Capital game while the Baldwin-Wallace game was in doubt. I haven’t looked into it, but I’m sure it was something legitimate if he was held out, either injury or discipline.
No way ODAC gets two teams in. They’ll be lucky to get a home game in the first round. USAC could get two with Averett beating CNU scenario, but as it looks right now, with one of the Pool C bids going to Pool B, two losses is going to be a tall order for a playoff bid. But a lot can happen, a few years ago about six or seven playoff contenders lost on the final weekend, so some of them still got in with two losses, etc.
The only sure thing in Va. is the AQ.
Good for Don Montgomery and the Wasps; but E&H still not my personal favorite, to be diplomatic about it.
Springfield “team for the ages?” … Try not to get ahead of yourself. You’ve got one more big road game and the playoffs. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment.
The good news is Curry is really close … sounds like a first-round opponent.
October 23rd, 2006 at 12:05 pm
I avoid the “official criteria” regarding in- and out-of-region games until I have to use it, but Ralph is right. CNU should fare well in the QOW index, which the committee uses as its strength of schedule gauge. CNU is tied for 17th with Cortland; Averett is 53rd … shows the difference between beating one of the big dogs you schedule and not.
Sul Ross would have to beat Hardin-Simmons to get into the discussion. The 45-2 loss to Mary Hardin-Baylor has me thinking they might be the best revival in the nation this season, although not a legitimate playoff threat.
October 23rd, 2006 at 12:15 pm
I WAS AT THE UMHB-SRSU GAME AND IT WAS MUCH MORE COMPETITIVE THAN THE SCORE INDICATES. THE FIRST 4 MINUTES OF THE GAME WAS TOTAL CHAOS WITH THE REFEREES ALMOST LOSING TOTAL CONTROL. THEY KICKED OUR ONLY DEEP THREAT RECEIVER OUT OF THE GAME FOR KICKING AND IT CHANGED THE WHOLE REST OF THE GAME. BUT AS YOU INDICATED, FOR SUL ROSS TO EVEN BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY THEY HAVE TO BEAT HARDIN-SIMMONS…. WE STACK UP PRETTY EVENLY STATISTICS-WISE…WE’LL SEE…THEY ARE JUST ELATED TO BE 5-1 AND ON THE LONGEST WINNING STREAK SINCE THE 80′S
October 23rd, 2006 at 12:20 pm
D3Keith, with the “shows the difference between beating one of the big dogs you schedule and not” comment are you suggesting Averett may have been better off scheduling teams that they would have been more competitive against? People kind of lashed out at me when I said that last week.
Does anyone else think CNU can make it to Salem this year? They have not really put it together come playoff time.
October 23rd, 2006 at 1:32 pm
RunFerrum, Averett’s beating one of those big dogs earns you 8 more points on the Index. That changes your QOWI from 9.000 to 10.143 and moves you to a tie for 22nd, with HSU and Wooster.
October 23rd, 2006 at 1:35 pm
Wesley is reasonable drive for Pat Cummings (who went there last year) and me (who will go there next year with Del Val).
So maybe Wolvernine fans will have to tolerate one of us instead.
October 23rd, 2006 at 2:11 pm
RunFerrum……I was tempted to get in the middle of that debate about Averett’s scheduling but my better judgement took control.
I thought your comments on that subject had some merit. I think scheduling “these types” of teams is sort of a double edged sword. Then again MU is not just any ordinary quality opponent. I am not sure that losing to two highly ranked teams will help the Cougars much (except for the purpose of measuring progress) but CNU beating MHB will certainly help them. I think your point about scheduling someone you have some chance against is valid but that can be a tough thing to do year to year when most scheduling contracts are multi year. Case in point: My understanding is that H-SC dropped Maryville and picked up Johns Hopkins a few years ago to strengthen their schedule. It is debatable whether JH is any stronger this year than MC. I think you mentioned in an earlier post Bridgewater as being a better opponent for Averett. Of course looking at things now, Averett would have a good chance of beating BC. But in the context of looking at it pre season, IMO, the Eagles would have been a good quality opponent for Averett. My contact at Averett told me that the Cougars held their own against a good Wesley team so maybe that was a good choice. Of course with MU, that wasn’t the case. Then again, MU has done the same thing to many very good football teams. I guess we will just have to leave the scheduling to the powers that be and then we can debate about whether it was a good choice or not.
While I have not seen CNU play in person this year, in my estimation, they could win a game or two in the playoffs but are a long shot to make it to Salem. WOW, what a profound / go out on a limb statement that was!!
October 23rd, 2006 at 2:38 pm
allsky7 - I think your answer to the Should/not Averett have scheduled Mt. Union and Wesley was the best I have heard on here. I think some Cougar fans were a little angry with me for my comments but thats how I felt. As for Averett, I would love nothing more than for 2 USAC teams to make the playoffs…well unless one of them were to be Ferrum……I think at the end of the season, Averett will look back and think what if we had not scheduled those teams in the first two weeks…what if…Now they have to win at CNU…and unfortunately CNU does not lose in the USAC when the other team is good. You have to sort of get the jump on them when their not looking.
As for the playoffs, I think CNU can beat anyone outside Mt. Union and UW Whitewater. CNU’s fault is they play to their competition.
October 23rd, 2006 at 2:47 pm
CNU, with one playoff win in team history, can beat anyone except MUC and UWW? Lay down the crack pipe and step away. Teams that are that good simply do not “play to their competition.”
And didn’t they get bombed by Rowan in the opener?
October 23rd, 2006 at 2:53 pm
Why is it that Hobart is not getting any respect in the polls? As said before they are 6-0 and 4-0 in the very tough liberty league.
As far as Alfred not being ranked yet, just look at their schedule the past four games, wins over Husson, Utica, Hartwick and Norwich. Not exactly the most impressive schedule. None the less they are still a tough team that should give Hobart a battle this Saturday.
Springfield I feel has established themselves as the dominant team in the east followed closely by Cortland then Hobart and Rowan are tied in third with Saint John Fisher and Ithaca rounding out the top in the east. Rowan continues to be unimpressive, but they are still winning and that is all that matters. Their Nov. 4 showdown with Cortland will tell us all if they are for real or not. Nov.4 appears to be the big day for the east and more closely the NJAC and the LL, with Cortland at Rowan and Union at Hobart. This should make for a great weekend that will decide both conferences and help decide what is going on in the east and who should be on top come playoff time.
Someone asked if RPI runs the table they will be 7-2, and will they be in the playoffs or not. There are a lot of good teams in the east this year. Their loss to Saint Lawrence potentially could be their undoing. There most likely will be two teams coming out of the E8 as well as two teams in the NJAC. So it doesn’t look good for the second place team in the LL. All RPI can do is keep winning and hope Hobart beats Union and some other teams in the east lose, Otherwise they have no chance.
October 23rd, 2006 at 3:14 pm
Ron Boerger - I said CNU can beat anyone outside of the top two teams. I also believe they can make it to the final four. CNU has proven it can win against top teams. Your right they got “bombed” by Rowan but didn’t a certain Wesley team get “bombed” worse during the season last year? It was CNU’s first game and they came out flat. They have two playoff wins, not one, in reaching the playoff 4 out of their first 5 years of even having a playoff team. They have proved they can beat the really good teams (MHB) but they play down to teams like Shenandoah. CNU has the players to compete against almost anyone…Oh that MHB team they beat is ranked higher than Rowan. I really believe CNU has better odds at making the final 4 than losing game one of the playoffs.
October 23rd, 2006 at 4:07 pm
Umm, your argument about CNU being flat in its first game applies perfectly well to UMHB … who still almost beat you at your place. Try again.
Two playoff wins in five years, yep, that makes you a perfect candidate for being the third-best team in the country. Sorry for the mistake!
October 23rd, 2006 at 4:17 pm
My argument has been that CNU can make it to the Final 4. Not that they will, but they have the team to do it. For a program that has only been in play now for 5 years, 4 playoff appearences and two victories are far from terrible. Since week one, CNU has consistently gotten better. Until the teams lose in front of them, they are not worthy of being ranked in the top 10. The point is that they can play and can win against good teams.
October 23rd, 2006 at 4:33 pm
With springfields big win on saturday, union’s lost in week one to them isnt looking that bad. With a top WR coming back in the next few weeks look for union to be a powerhouse in the playoffs.
October 23rd, 2006 at 4:45 pm
Week 8 is over and there were some upsets and other mildly surprising results. The ONU loss is a puzzler, so much for the OAC getting three teams in (although Cap-BW might have bearing on that).
Now, I will officially begin the hype:
This Saturday in Alliance #1 Mount Union vs. #4 Capital.
In this Capital alum and OAC fan’s humble opinion, this is the biggest regular season game in Division III this season. Capital pushed Mount to the brink last season, and despite some key losses on the defense and in the receiving corps from that team, the game this weekend would seem to promise the same. If Rocky is on like he was last year in the playoffs, he can beat just about anybody. Mount is Mount, they are very strong on both sides and with Kmic and Garcon can beat you on the ground or in the air. I would guess that you have to play to stop the run and hope your DBs can cover Garcon. I think Cap’s DBs are as good as any in the country, and we will see if they are up to the task.
I would assume that this would be the game of the week for the guys at d3football.com and that several of you will be in Alliance. I also suspect that this game might be broadcast on TV for those of you in Ohio (at a minimum on tape delay on ONN).
I can’t wait. UNfortunately, I won’t be able to attend, or even to listen, as my job (US Army) has me away in the field this weekend, training future Lieutenants. Of all the weekends, we had to go to the field THIS one.
Looking forward to reading about a great game.
October 23rd, 2006 at 7:53 pm
I’m an Eastern Region guy but I am totally stoked for Mt Union-Capital. I agree it is has the promise of D3 Game of the Year. But I say “promise,” only because Mt Union has a habit of turning these games into beat downs. Good luck to your team JK.
October 23rd, 2006 at 8:08 pm
D3Keith
I know what Ralph was up too… And unfortunately I too am an Phila. Eagles fan and know what jynxs can be. You know the Philly fan motta. Whatever can go wrong….. But the nice thing about Ralph’s wishes is that Wesley is scaring the heck out of the south !!!
October 23rd, 2006 at 8:20 pm
Bart52, I don’t have an argument with Hobart’s current ranking. #17 is’nt too shabby! And some of those wins were come from behind nail-biters. However, IF our team runs the table, I would expect to be top 10. All of the remaining teams on the schedule are very worthy opponents. The next 2 weeks (at Alfred and then Union) will be the toughest, but where did Rochester come from? They have really turned things around! Union’s only loss was to Springfield, so if they beat us and don’t stumble elsewhere, they go and we don’t. I agree, that weekend is hugh. Can’t wait!
October 23rd, 2006 at 8:23 pm
Just got back from Tampa……….ahhhhh, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory!!! The Philadelphia faithful showed up in full force around the Tampa area and at the game. Nobody’s fans travel more and better than Eagles fans (and nobody’s fans have absorbed more punishment as well). That which doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger!!!! Tampa……strange place……beautiful women and a lot of hillbillies. Anybody seen “Deliverance”??
Sounds like a heckuva weekend in D3 land……what did I miss?? Just kidding!!
October 23rd, 2006 at 8:29 pm
Statesmen78/Bart52-
No sense fretting over the D3Football rankings. First off, the only rankings which “count” are the AFCA rankings whether you agree with them or not. Secondly, and most importantly, making it into the playoffs is all that will matter. The LL is yours to take, and with it the automatic bid. A 1 loss Pool C bid is also a possibility if your only loss is to Union.
The crazy thing is even the AFCA rankings don’t mean that much once you get into the playoffs, because the first round is influenced by geographical location. For instance Rowan might be #1 in the east, but Springfield might draw the NEFC Champion simply because of locality.
But arguing over the D3Football rankings is a lot of fun so carry on…
October 23rd, 2006 at 9:26 pm
No D3 football in Florida, so don’t worry about upsetting the Tampa fans.
Not sure if I should be happy the Eagles have had a chance to win all seven games or mad they blew three of them. But they made the mistakes to lose all those games, despite the brutal fashion it’s been happening. You can pinpoint the causes at least.
Why do the AFCA rankings count more than D3football.com? I think you might be confusing the AFCA with the NCAA rankings, and even they don’t “count,” they’re just done by the same people who eventually select the playoff field, so they’re a good indication of which way they’re leaning.
No poll has any influence on the playoff field. They are strictly a measure for fans’ enjoyment.
That’s what’s great about Division III. Polls judge the 25 strongest teams, but championships are settled on the field, and never the two shall meet.
Bart 52,
If you could take the blinders off for a second, you’d see Hobart is right where they belong. I’ve had them as high as 12th this season and as low as the 20s. Winning repeatedly by the skin of your teeth is still winning, but there are enough Division III teams around the country winning impressively for them to get passed in the polls. Same goes for Rowan.
The Liberty League is strong in the sense that its teams are competitive with each other, but with respect to other leagues in Division III, it has never been more than middling. After Hobart and Union were both competitive with East powers in the playoffs last year, we’ve moved it into 10th of 25 in our conference rankings.
As Statesmen78 said, No. 17 is not bad given the circumstances. That’s still more respect than unbeaten teams like Curry, St. Norbert and Mount St. Joseph are getting.
October 23rd, 2006 at 9:44 pm
RunFerrum,
answering your questions from the post at 12:20
I just meant what Ralph said with the comment I made. Beating a team that beats a lot of other teams really helps your QOW, which is an SOS index with a major impact on Pool B and C bids and seeding.
As far as CNU in the playoffs, I think they compare favorably to Wesley last year … i.e. fast and multi-faceted, and tough enough on defense to win in the first few rounds.
The deeper they get, it just depends on the matchup, the site, the weather and how well they play, to be honest.
Elsewhere, RunFerrum, bart52 and allsky7 … you all make some good points. I won’t list them or repeat them, but since I’m critical when necessary, I should also dish out praise when deserved.
October 23rd, 2006 at 10:14 pm
“I would assume that this would be the game of the week for the guys at d3football.com and that several of you will be in Alliance.”
You assumed wrong.
First off, there aren’t “several” of us available to travel anywhere in the nation each week. Most of us are very limited in where we can go and when, due to real jobs, family lives, site budget, etc.
Pat and I will be in Texas for No. 2 Whitewater vs. No. 6 UMHB. Mount Union-Capital is just as big, but we could only pick one, and as we mentioned on the Around the Nation thread when this came up a week or two ago, we’ve been burned many times going to big games in Alliance that become blowouts. That may not be the case this weekend, but we have learned to spread the wealth, as there will be several opportunities most likely to go to Ohio in the playoffs.
Also personally, I want to encourage this kind of agressive non-conference scheduling, and since I couldn’t make Hardin-Simmons/Linfield, I really wanted to be there this week. I think if elite teams who have the choice to schedule each other do so, and manage to still be elite when the game comes up, we should make it our Game of the Week whenever possible.
October 24th, 2006 at 1:03 am
PA_wesleyfan, from the first week in “kid’s” South Region Fan Poll, Wesley has been my number 1. They inherited that place from last season’s playoffs, and they seem to be justifying my continued support. The advantage is that by the time that a Texas team will be that deep in the playoffs, the Texas weather is only lower 50’s at most and Dover can be freezing rain and sleet, (e.g., ETBU at Lycoming in the snow on November 29th, 2003).
IMHO, that is a big factor! You just can’t get used to that…kinda like the Dome teams curse for the Super Bowl. UMHB did it in Alliance in 2004 (great picture on the UMHB web site), but that is uncommon.
October 24th, 2006 at 2:06 am
UMHB also won at W&J that year. Then again, they were built to run the ball, so their style was fine for the Northeast/Great Lakes in December, all they needed was some warm undershirts (not by those brand-name guys who chose not to advertise with D3 years ago) and they were good.
That was a special team.
I think the stories of wrong shoes for weird turf are funny. The Occidental in ‘85 story and probably Wesley last year at UWW are good ones to hear.
October 24th, 2006 at 11:20 am
I guess I was getting a little too focused on the rankings. We just need to take care of business on the field and the rest will fall in line.
D3keith,
You are correct about their ranking it is where they belong; I will agree too many nail bitters early in the season. But Dickinson appears stronger than many expected. Sorry if I was being a bit of homer. I try to stay as neutral as possible but sometimes your loyalty to your team gets the best of you.
As far as a team like curry is concerned their league is less than impressive. Just look at Coast Guard for example. Im not taking anything away from either team Curry or Coast Guard they are having great years but their league is not quite a powerhouse. If possible, which im not sure they can, Curry should try to schedule some of those first three non league games with some teams other then the Bogan division. It would be nice to see how they fair outside the NEFC.
But again, I apologize for my getting a little carried away with my disproval of Hobart’s rankings. As I said before we just need to take care of business on the field and the rest will fall in line. Do think what statesmen78 said about us winning out and cracking the top 10 is a possibility, and what kind of status do u think that would put us in the east. But we just need to take it one game at a time, with this tough end of the season stretch coming up. Should be fun to watch.
October 24th, 2006 at 1:24 pm
bart,
Yeah, I meant to mention that about the Dickinson win in the opener being more impressive now than it was then. And the Curry thing, that was sort of my point … that there are other undefeated teams that get even less poll respect.
If I were you guys, I wouldn’t concern myself with being top 10 in the poll. I’d rather be ranked 12th and have a home playoff game or two … a high seeding in the East bracket and good first-round matchup (although it will likely be someone from New York or awful close to it) is what you want.
October 24th, 2006 at 2:06 pm
Keith,
I understand about real life. If you caught the bottom of my post, I can’t be there or even be at the computer to listen. It kills me because I am from just outside of Alliance and my mom now lives in town, about three blocks from MUC’s stadium (she retired from teaching last year and is now the President of the Alumni council at Mount, so maybe she’ll go to the game). I was planning on packing up the baby and letting Grandma babysit while I went down to the game. Unfortunately, the Army being what it is…
I also know there aren’t a lot of you guys out there at d3 sports, but I just made an assumption that you or Pat or somone would be there. You know what they say about assume… makes an a$$ of u and me.
Have fun in Texas. If nothing else it wil be warmer than Alliance and some of your recent travels. I look forward to your column on the UW-W vs MHB game. I think you will miss a great game in Alliance though.
October 24th, 2006 at 7:37 pm
If I missed a great game, that would be good … as long as I also catch one. Nothing worse than being at a dud while a barnburner is going on elsewhere (I’m thinking Mount-SJU semifinal in ‘01 while Bridgewater and Rowan had that crazy finish about two hours from home … D’oh!)
Army, huh? I appreciate that. Stay safe.
October 24th, 2006 at 11:31 pm
Is this time of year great or what?