Immediate Thoughts on Week 9
Oct
2006
What a difference a week makes.
Last week at this time I was shocked at Chris Sharpe’s performance for Springfield against St. John Fisher and shocked at Susquehanna upsetting Delaware Valley. Just seven days later Springfield gets held to single digits by Ithaca and Delaware Valley looked down right giddy after a gritty win over King’s.
And then there are things that never change. Mount Union 38 Capital 12.
I have a feeling we’re going to see a lot of questions the next two days over how the Empire 8 and CCIW will sort out their three-way tie at the top, should they have one two weeks from now. I don’t know how the Empire 8 will break the tie for their AQ since every conference does it differently. Thanks to the North Central website, here is how the CCIW would handle things.
“The Cardinals (6-2/4-1) sit atop the CCIW standings along with the Vikings (5-3/4-1) and Wheaton College (7-1/4-1). Should all three win out, the tiebreaker is point differential between the three schools. Augustana edged Wheaton 17-14 and Wheaton defeated North Central 20-7. The Cardinals’ 27-point victory gives them the edge in point differential.”
Wheaton (Ill.) would still have a good shot at a Pool C bid as they have one-loss and a 10.571 Quality of Win Index (QOWI) coming into this week. Augustana is now just 5-3 in region and will probably miss the playoffs. If you’re a Vikings fan, you’ll need IWU or Carthage to upset North Centralin the last two weeks. That would create a two-way tie at the top between Augustana and Wheaton, with the Vikings winning the head-to-head tie-breaker.
Teams that helped their playoff cause
Well, Concordia (Wis.) for starters. They clinched the Illinois-Badger Football Championship and its AQ today. Congratulations to Coach Gabrielsen and the rest of the Falcons for being the first ones into the party. Mt. St. Joseph pretty much wrapped up another HCAC title by beating Defiance. Wilkes can do the same in the MAC by winning either of its last two games, thanks to Del Val beating King’s today.
—
NOTE: In my haste to post this, I overlooked three other teams that locked up bids with wins today. St. Norbert clinched the MWC and its automatic bid by beating Beloit. Even if the Green Knights stumble against Illinois College next week, they would finish the MWC season with a one-game advantage on their closest competitors. The MWC wraps up its season a week early.
As best I can tell, Occidental clinched the SCIAC with their come-from-behind win over Cal Lutheran. The Tigers now have a lead of two games or more on every team but Redlands (3-1 in conference). But Oxy already beat the Bulldogs and only has one conference game left. The worst Oxy can do is finish tied with Redlands and they have the head-to-head tie-breaker advantage.
And Wesley came as close to clinching a Pool B bid as you can by beating Salisbury 13-10. The Wolverines wrapped up the ACFC title and, more importantly for the playoffs, finished their regional season 5-0. The last two games against Chowan (D-II) and Morrisville State (D-III Provisional) won’t impact the record the NCAA Committee looks at for the playoffs.
—
Wartburg rallied from a 10-point deficit to beat Buena Vista in overtime and avoid that critical second loss. Considering that the Knights were ranked 10th in the first regional rankings, they may be on the fringe of Pool C consideration as it is. And beating Cornell and Dubuque in the final two weeks won’t boost their QOWI that much. Speaking of teams with one loss, here’s what we’re left with.
Hardin- Simmons
Wheaton
Two of St. John Fisher, Ithaca and Springfield
Franklin
Wartburg
Bethel
Rowan
Capital
UW-LaCrosse
Dropped off: Alfred, Sul Ross State, Defiance, Wooster
Added: Springfield
Special thanks to “TecmoBowler” on the message board for doing the leg work here. He also broke down the biggest games left for each team before this week.
That’s 10 teams for seven spots, assuming the Pool B teams don’t take a Pool C bid. I still think that we’re going to have a two-loss Pool C team in the playoffs when it’s all said and done.
The team that best fits that profile right now is Baldwin-Wallace. The Yellow Jackets are the only team in the regional rankings with two-losses outside of those that need to win their conference to get in. If they can beat Capital in the final game, they would have an edge over the Crusaders. And not getting shelled by Mount Union looks good, too.
Teams that hurt their cause
Aside from the teams who picked up that dreaded second loss today, Rowan tops this list with its overtime loss to Montclair State. The Profs now either have to beat Cortland State next week to take over first in the NJAC or could miss the playoffs entirely. What a turnaround for a national title contender. For that matter, what a turnaround for Montclair State who got mashed 41-3 last week by Cortland. My unsung hero of the day – Vin Doffont who kicked two field goals over 40-yards in the Red Hawks win. If the weather in North Jersey is like what it was in Northeast PA, that’s very impressive.
I know Rowan’s offense has been subjected to a lot of criticism this year. But the Profs’ defense today gave up a 78-yard pass for one score, a nine-play 91-yard drive for another, a 43-yard drive in the final two minutes to allow the tying field goal and a score in overtime.
At a glance, it looks like Alma is out of the MIAA hunt. The best they could do is finish in a three-way tie with Olivet and Hope at 5-2 and the Comets and Dutch both already beat the Scots. How much of the MIAA title will be on the line next week when the Comets and Dutch play? Olivet! Let’s Hope we get a good game (ducks tomato).
October 28th, 2006 at 9:09 pm
If they win out is there any chance the E8 gets 3 in with the possibilities that the LL and MAC runner ups having 2 losses and Rowan facing a win or stay home situation?
October 28th, 2006 at 9:15 pm
I think that’s a possibility, yes.
I know there’s no official rule that says the NCAA has to pick East region teams for the nominally East bracket, but I could see them taking three teams to fill this one out.
But Rowan has to lose first and IC and SJF have to win tough games first.
October 28th, 2006 at 9:35 pm
Carnegie Mellon beat Washington in overtime 10-7.
October 28th, 2006 at 9:39 pm
Yep. They could be on that list of teams who’ve helped their cause. Thiel is probably the last major “test” and they are 3-4 in region.
October 28th, 2006 at 9:50 pm
What are the chances that Bridgewater will make the playoffs as an at large bid with their win today over Washington and Lee
October 28th, 2006 at 10:44 pm
Bridgewater (Va.) falls in a long, LONG list of teams with two-loses who all need help.
My guess is that one 2-loss team will get in. I’d say Bridgewater’s chances are no better than maybe 5%.
October 28th, 2006 at 10:49 pm
Bridgewater has no chance as an at-large.
W&L and E&H will play for the ODAC AQ next week, basically.
If W&L (4-1 in ODAC now) beats E&H, they finish 5-1 in league play and win the AQ.
If E&H (3-1 in ODAC play right now) beats W&L, they would have to lose to Guilford to finish 4-2 in league play. They hold the tiebreakers over Bridgewater and W&L, who would also be 4-2.
Hampden-Sydney is 3-2 in league play with the R-MC game left, and Guilford is 2-2 with a home game against CUA and a road finale at E&H.
A four-way tie is possible if R-MC beats H-SC and Guilford beats E&H and CUA.
A five-way tie is possible if H-SC beats R-MC and Guilford beats E&H and CUA.
In both of those scenarios, E&H would have to beat W&L next week and Bridgewater would to beat both R-MC and Catholic.
As for who would take the AQ in four- and five-way scenarios, I would check the ODAC board for speculation.
But no ODAC team will sniff at at-large bid in any way, shape or form this season.
October 28th, 2006 at 10:54 pm
Wow. This is like the “Odds Makers” thing on PTI or something.
I’m even balding like Kornheiser. And his son and I went to the same school for a short period of time.
Next…chances that Keith listens to Bon Jovi on his drive to Jersey next week.
October 28th, 2006 at 11:42 pm
OriginalUpstate-
Not to turn this into Around the Horn, but I’m definitely buying 3 teams in for the E8 if the big 3 win out. Woody Page is selling on the basis of an outsider being invited in (Capital?).
Cortland had a tough day offensively. For the first time the absence of Alex Smith became obvious. On the positive side Ray Miles got banged up, made some mistakes, but kept his head in the game. TCNJ’s defense deserves respect. In my game preview last week I noted they were yielding only 2.6 yards per carry this season, and were among the top in the NJAC in sacks. If they had an offense, TCNJ would be one of the best teams in the NJAC. Everyone watching on the sidelines could tell it was just a matter of time before Cortland took over the game. Every TCNJ offensive possession was a disaster. Their offensive line doesn’t give the QB time, nor open any holes for Schoonover.
The Montclair-Rowan result seems surreal after last week’s Red Hawks performance. However not as surreal as last season’s William Paterson win over Rowan which shocked everyone. Rowan obviously has chinks in their armor this season despite the presence of Orihel. They remain in control of their own destiny - beat Cortland and William Paterson and the NJAC is their’s again.
The IC-Springfield result is not much of a surprise but the margin of victory sure is. It goes to show you that a solid defense with the proper scheme and excellent coaching can shut down a one dimensional offense no matter how good they are. Exactly the reason I cannot see Springfield winning the East bracket . Eventually a good defense is going to shut down their run game. Then what do they do?
Hobart apparently keeps getting better. They struggled early in the season against teams they should have hammered. Now they are playing their best ball of the season, and I have to believe they are going to beat Union for the LL title and go into the playoffs undefeated. Like Ithaca and Cortland, Hobart has excellent coaching which is capable of making the team better as the season progresses.
October 28th, 2006 at 11:43 pm
Gordon-
You haven’t referred to anyone as “Your Boy” yet.
October 29th, 2006 at 12:55 am
CFB -
Bart seems to be making progress, but Union is still Union. 11/4 has been circled on Bart’s calendar since the schedule came out. Will need to play error free ball to beat the Dutch and take the LL title back.
Interesting side note: Alfred statistically beat Hobart in pretty much every major category today including total o, turnovers, etc. The only 2 areas Bart won was TOP and the most important stat of all - pts scored!
October 29th, 2006 at 1:03 am
whoops - guess i should have read the fine print a little better!
“The two teams played a fairly even contest with Alfred outgaining Hobart 363-304. The difference proved to be turnovers. The Statesmen defense recorded three takeaways, while the Saxons had just two.”
October 29th, 2006 at 1:15 am
QOW has been updated:
http://www.d3football.com/qow.php
8.625 is Bridgewater’s QOW. When you’re not even the first Bridgewater to come up in the QOW list, that’s a bad sign.
October 29th, 2006 at 1:54 am
And now that Springfield took their nosedive……….Guess who is numero uno in the NCAA East region.
HOBART.
Well, for six days at least, until the Union litmus test.
October 29th, 2006 at 1:57 am
Oh and this year, can the stars NOT align a rematch with Cortland.
Had to see the cardiologust after the last one.
October 29th, 2006 at 2:53 am
Cardiologist
The good news is that Hobart and Cortland are far up the ladder right now and there are enough other teams in the area that you could avoid it in the first round at least.
October 29th, 2006 at 8:40 am
Upstate:
I dont see SJF, IC and Pride all getting in unfortunately, while I do agree they are all locks if they win out. The tough pill to be swallowed maybe by IC if they lose the ‘CORTAGA’ game in a tough fought rivalry game. That will of course give them the dreaded second loss. As you pointed out in Post patterns, the Pride are virtually a lock to win-out and SJF has 2 weeks to rest up and hopefully not lay down like they did last year against Alfred.
Bottom line is that Ithaca isnt going to like watching the Pride play in November after stomping them in the Reg. SJF should beat AU and be in at 9-1 with a top 15 QOWI.
October 29th, 2006 at 9:11 am
Union vs Hobart should be a heck of battle next weekend. Hobart has hit its stride after some inconsistency earlier in the season and once again, Union got well vs StL with 570 yards of offense (415 rushing) on a windy, rainy day in Schenectady. More importantly, Union had all of their key personnel on the field including all-american WR Steve Angiletta for the first time this season.
The last two years have been great games that determined the LL champion with one each going to Hobart in ‘04 and Union in ‘05. This year is the rubber match.
This will be the first time in the last 3 years that Hobart doesn’t come off a bye week to play Union having played a very tough Alfred team yesterday. Union had a bye last week and a relatively easy time vs the Saints yesterday.
October 29th, 2006 at 9:54 am
Union will come into next week at Hobart as the underdog, no question…but… With Angiletta and Twitchell back, Union (even though it was against St L) never looked as good as they did yesterday. With Angiletta the offense opens up so much. I also liked Marotti running the ball. A healthy Dutchmen are a dangerous team and not one to be taken lightly by anyone.
October 29th, 2006 at 12:31 pm
I was at Reser Stadium yesterday, and after the surreal experience of watching the Beavs take down ‘SC, it was comforting to see that Linfield wrapped up winning season #51. So, of course I expected the whole world to be talking about that, and looking forward to the huge Linfield-Whitworth game next weekend. But no, its an endless sea of East Coast school acronyms, and comments like “A healthy Dutchmen are a dangerous team…” Are we British now?!? I feel like an idiot because it took me half an hour to make any sense out of D3Keith’s post about the ODAC. And just when I feel like I’m up to speed, pcole pops in and says there’s more than one Bridgewater…
So, what I want to know is: How many Bridgewaters are there, and are the ‘Kitties in if the they beat Whitworth and L&C? (hah! Us West Coasters know how to use acronyms too!)
LOL Go ‘Kitties!
October 29th, 2006 at 12:48 pm
How nice it would be if some season Bridgewater College (VA) and Bridgewater State (MA) would meet. Gordon Mann and Pat Cummings would
have fun calling that game, I think ….
October 29th, 2006 at 1:20 pm
As an ‘Eastcoaster’ in the E8, I myself always wonder why it is that the ‘eastcoast’ dominates the ‘talk’ on the d3 blogs. My only explanation (in case anyone cares) is that we in the East have little major conference football to root for nor was there a team to glom onto growing up…The Orange f/k/a/ Orangemen are only good for basketball and Lacrosse. What else do we have?….so point is that perhaps all of us alum from our various schools…SJF, IC, AU, SC, RPI and so on like our d3 football…enjoy Ohio State in the Mid West, Miami and Co. in the South, Texas in the SW and USC (look even big time schools have acronymns) in the west….we love our New York/New England D3!
October 29th, 2006 at 3:31 pm
on the CCIW tiebreaker the NCC website is wrong on many fronts–you need only read the CCIW blog on PP to get the real scoop.
Point differential is the 3rd of 5 criteria used to consider the tiebreaker for the CCIW.
1-head to head among tied teams
2-head to head against next best non tied team
3-point differential
4-yds allowed vs tied teams
5-random draw
Also, NCC lost to wheaton 31-19 (not 20-7 as reported). so the differential right now is NCC +15, Wheaton +9, Augie -24.
If Augie had scored 1x vs NCC, wheaton would own the AQ. As it stands, NCC is the AQ if they win out and wheaton will be a pool C if they win out. Ironically, if Augie loses to millikin in decatur, wheaton becomes the AQ because of h-t-h win over ncc.
October 29th, 2006 at 7:14 pm
Well, I’ve taken my head out of the sand this week after the Aggies of Delaware Valley College, Doylestown, Pa. (notice no acronyms) had a very nice win at Kings. Realizing the loss against Susquehanna leaves us in a perilous position for making the playoffs - does winning out, including a win at Widener, give us at least a 5% chance of getting in?? I just want a little hope for these guys (26 seniors) who’ve given us some real thrills the past two years in those playoff runs. Am I asking for too much??? Does begging help???
October 29th, 2006 at 7:20 pm
SJFF82 has nicely summarized the reason D3football.com means so much and is so useful to “Eastcoasters” in general, New Yorkers in particular…lack of a DI power in NY (excepting, of course, the powerful UB Bulls who “scared” Auburn this year in a 38-7 loss). We grew up following our “local” college teams at Alfred, Hobart, Ithaca, St. Lawrence, Union, etc. comprised of primarily NY kids who were competing against high school teammates or players they’d seen in high school ball. AUPepBand spoke with Mrs. Duliba of Forestville at halftime of Hobart’s 21-14 win over AU. She said, “It’s weird to be over on that side, not cheering for Alfred.” Son Matt Duliba plays for Hobart; older brother Ron was AU’s starting QB for three(?) seasons. Scene on Merrill Field after the game, following team gatherings: chats among Hobart and Alfred players who had played together in high school. D3 football…the way it oughta be.
October 29th, 2006 at 7:24 pm
Nobody in Geneva is taking Union lightly. As stated above, Union is Union. And, I don’t buy Union being an underdog in this one. Union’s only blemish is an 8 point loss to Springfield. Also, as several people have noted, Union is now at full strength. The Dutchmen seem to have hit their stride.
Hobart seems to bend but not break. Their young defense was the question mark at the beginning of the season, but they improve every week and appear to be to be as solid as any defense in the east. The Alfred game could have gone either way. Hobart’s superior punting may have been the difference in this one. Can’t wait til next week!
October 29th, 2006 at 7:59 pm
Kitty Fan:
We have a healthy contingent of East Coast posters on this blog. While Linfield has an active community, Whitworth fans are fewer in number which makes for less exchange between the fans.
Here’s something to throw out for people’s thoughts – if Linfield loses this week should they get in the Playoffs with a 5-2 regional record? I’ve had them on my ballot all year and probably would even if they lose to the Pirates. But do they deserve a playoff spot without a win on Saturday?
Aggie Fan:
I said BC has a 5% chance to get in the playoffs, which might be an overstatement. I think the Aggies are even closer to zero. Right now Susquehanna is 2-6. Losing to them at home gives Del Val a zero in terms of Quality of Win Index for that game. I don’t think there’s any coming back from that.
It’s not the success of previous years, but an ECAC appearance for a team who replaced the best quarterback, running back and center in school history is not bad considering where this program was 4 years ago.
October 29th, 2006 at 9:54 pm
Gordon … close to zero is better than zero … I’ll take it!! Go Aggies!!!
October 30th, 2006 at 12:01 am
I don’t think that Linfield will lose to Whitworth, but if that should happen, in a close game, I still have to think that the ‘Cats are among the top 32 teams so yes, I’d still say that they should get a slot. But of course my opinion and 2 bucks will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.
October 30th, 2006 at 1:55 am
Just to be clear, I was poking fun at myself, not grousing about the volume of East-centric posts. It really did take me awhile to get through that post because I’m not familiar with all the schools.
Linfield seems to be a different team with the change at QB, and they are at home, so I think they have the edge against Whitworth. I was under the impression that 7-2, 6-1 and the NWC title was their only shot to get in.
October 30th, 2006 at 12:03 pm
is there anyway that Alfred can make the tournament still? Or are they defintitly out of it?
October 30th, 2006 at 12:05 pm
Just curious, but is there a realistic possibility of one of the South teams from DE/PA playing in the East Bracket this year?
Looking at the South Top 10, Wesley (who the heck is CHOWAN!?!!?), W&J (remaining 2 games they should win), Dickinson (Ursinus might be tough), and Carnegie Mellon (not playing any above .500 teams) are all in there.
I think it’s likely that those 4 teams will all run the table.
October 30th, 2006 at 3:41 pm
GoBombers-
LOL. Chowan (pronounced Shoe-Wann I believe) is in the process of becoming a full-status D2 team. The name pronounciation is unfortunate, as I always liked to think of them as Seinfeld’s Bizarro Rowan.
Regarding importing a south team into the east bracket…yes I think it is realistic but a lot can happen still. If IC were to run the table, which I’m not exactly wishing for as you might guess, it would likely leave 3 E8 teams with 1 loss. That would almost certainly put all 3 in the tourney. With the MAC champion, the NEFC, NJAC, and Liberty League automatic bids, there might not be a reason to import an extra team.
However if there are a multitude of 2 loss teams in eastern region at the end of the season, then I think the odds favor a team being brought in from outside. Might be a south team, yes. But why not someone from the north like Capital? Or if Baldwin Wallace beats Capital, and each team has 2 losses, you might see 3 OAC teams in the tournament with 1 of them coming to the east bracket.
October 30th, 2006 at 4:06 pm
Regarding Linfield making the playoffs if they lose to Whitworth.
Are they one of the 32 best teams if they were to loss to Whitworth ? Definately (might still be ranked in the top 25), and I don’t think many would doubt that. I mean, their losses would be to two top 10 D3 teams and a 5-3 DII team (which isn’t supposed to count in the primary criteria). Yet, they most likely would not get in.
October 30th, 2006 at 4:59 pm
I wanted to take a moment to invite anyone interested in Eastern Region football to participate in the blog I set up for CortlandFootball.com. We’ll be talking regional football, some inside Cortland stuff, and what is like shooting games and running the website. You will even see the occasional reference to professional wrestling and the history of heavy metal.
It is moderated, and like to keep things fun and light-hearted. GoBombers, you are more than welcome to stop by. I don’t participate on PostPatterns these days, but there are some good people over there who I miss chatting with. By all means the invite is open to BobNapoleone, ManIntheYellowHat, etc.
http://www.cortlandfootball.blogspot.com/
October 30th, 2006 at 8:14 pm
Cortland–
Nice work and great photos. Even if you did lose some equipment in Danbury.
I invite others to check out his site.
October 30th, 2006 at 8:20 pm
I am a proud graduate of Wilkes University. This website is great and gives the out the area fan an update quickly. From 1987 to 1992 I believe we won a total of 10 wins and now we are ranked #13 but in top 10 with quality of wins.
Dickie V says it the best “c’mon lets show the love” for Wilkes and now lets beat the arch rival Kings at the end of the year
October 30th, 2006 at 8:25 pm
is there any chance that alfred can make the playoffs? Even if they win out and have some outside help?
October 30th, 2006 at 9:44 pm
JPCP:
Glad to have you aboard. I haven’t seen many Wilkes fans on this blog or the message boards, but we’d love to have more join the fun.
I’d expect another physical and fun Mayor’s Cup battle with King’s in the season finale, even if the Colonels have locked up the title at that point.
October 30th, 2006 at 9:46 pm
Red Dogg9:
Like Bridgewater and Delaware Valley, it’s a long shot at best. There are so many teams battling for just seven at-large spots. I’m not sure there’s going to be much room for teams with more than one loss, like the Saxons.
They would certainly help their own cause by handing Ithaca and SJF another loss. But they’ll need help from lots of other teams who far away from Upstate New York.
October 30th, 2006 at 10:12 pm
Season is dragging and dragging!! I am sick of waiting for UWW and MU rematch! Grrrrrrrrrrr!!
October 30th, 2006 at 10:30 pm
JPCP, just so you know, the QOW is not the be-all and end-all of strength of schedule. It shouldn’t be mistaken for a real national ranking.
Wilkes’ schedule is rated the 82nd-most difficult by the Massey Ratings, for what that’s worth. Just letting you know there are other measurements out there that are considered more accurate.
October 31st, 2006 at 1:37 am
Whitworth over Linfield
Union over Hobart
Cortland over Rowan
This will end Rowan and Linfield’s playoff run
I didnt think that it was possible last week, but the E8 may get three in….Ithaca still has a tough road vs alfred and cortland
October 31st, 2006 at 1:51 am
I think that Wesley’s close win over Salisbury will make them a better team in the playoffs
October 31st, 2006 at 3:29 am
Never liked the Quality of Wins Index much at all . . . it seems to fail to recognize the differences in strengths between conferences.
For example, the index has St. Norbert’s of the MWC about SJU. Both are 9-0. SNC has one NC win over a mediocre NAIA school. SJU’s two wins were over two schools from perhaps D3’s toughest top-to-bottom conference. While UW-EC and UW-RF aren’t having great years, either one of them would likely pound any of SNC’s conference rivals.
When Pat’s crew factors in common sense, it comes out SJU No. 3 and SNC 28th — which seems about right. (Although, I would flip UW-LX and Oxy elsewhere in the top 10.)
October 31st, 2006 at 7:46 am
Courtland,
Don’t know much about Chowan these days. (pronounced: show-juan according to allsky’s new standard dictionary
At least that’s what we called them back in the day when I was at Ferrum. They were Ferrum’s big rival back in the early 80’s when both teams played on the JUCO level. Come to think of it…we probably called them worse things than that at the pre game “warm up” at the Ground Floor Country Club in Bassett Hall. 
October 31st, 2006 at 11:42 am
My guess is that’s why QoW is just one of the criteria. It’s not like the committee will seed St. Norbert higher than St. John’s.
I can see a scenario where three Empire 8 teams make it. The out-of-conference games against Union and Cortland State would help.
October 31st, 2006 at 11:48 am
East Coast talk dominates the blog because only 16 Division III schools are West of the Rockies, and not many more West of the Mississippi.
Do the math.
Of course so-called East Coast talk will dominate (although the D3 presence is just as strong in the Midwest, the West Coast has a complex about anything that’s not them — I’ve been on both coasts, it’s true).
KittyFan, me and everyone I’ve seen projecting playoffs likes Linfield to make it if they beat Whitworth.
Have you seen Pool B thread on Post Patterns? Good insight there on their chances and possible matchups.
October 31st, 2006 at 12:20 pm
Hey Corland Football that blog page is fantastic! Nice job!
October 31st, 2006 at 2:59 pm
Union is back! Not that they had gone too far. With their receiver corps intact for the first time this season they throttled St. Lawrence in a game accurately predicted by Adam Samrov to be a statement. Can’t wait ’til Sat.
October 31st, 2006 at 5:33 pm
allsky7 -
Well I can tell you that unlike everything else at Ferrum Bassett has not changed. About time Ferrum got another win. Maybe they will pull out the final two games, knock CNU out of the playoffs and finish with some fight. Oh before I forget, why is CNU so inconsistent? Averett may knock em off afterall.
October 31st, 2006 at 6:04 pm
Thanks Dlippiel! I liked Union to win the LL originally. With their receiver back I’m thinking they are the favorite again heads up with Hobart. Union is in a must-win situation. Hobart on the other hand could get into Pool C with 1 loss. In fact I would bet money that they would get a bid based on the current standings across the East.
October 31st, 2006 at 6:10 pm
You guys make me laugh. Union never left. They give up their first game to Springfield which knocks them out of the Top 25 rankings for weeks (that makes a ton of sense).
They have the best coach in the league with John Audino. The guy is 108-34-0 in just 14 years. He led the Dutchmen to the NCAA Div. III Playoffs, the NCAA Div. III Quarterfinals, and to the NCAA Div. III Second Round. This does not include 4 ECAC Northwest Championships, and who could forget last year’s LIBERTY LEAGUE CHAMPIONS. Maybe we should give the Coach of the Year award to Mike Cragg again after he gets his first defeat of the year from the Dutchmen, the second defeat by Union in two years. This way he at least gets to put something positive in next year’s team prospectus.
October 31st, 2006 at 7:23 pm
I think there’s all the East Coast chatter now because it always seems to dry up after the semifinals …
November 1st, 2006 at 12:21 am
I find it amusing that carnegie mellon’s quality of wins rating is so high. It is higher than cortland who has beaten three teams with winning records…….funny. At least division III allows some questions to be answered on the field with a very good (but not perfect) playoff system.
November 1st, 2006 at 12:29 am
Also…..I think that the TLU/HardinSimmons game will be a lot closer than a lot of people think…
November 1st, 2006 at 10:16 am
RunFerrum,
I actually walked through the GFCC in Bassett a few weeks ago before the Ferrum/Maryville game. The place hasn’t changed a bit.
Ok… so maybe W&L is the only one that would consider it fun because after all the tie breakers, they would get the NCAA bid. (I think) While it is unlikely that all the things will fall into place for this to happen, it is certainly not out of the realm of possibility. Of course, I’m sure W&L would rather take care of business Sat. against E&H and claim the ODAC outright.
As for CNU, I have no clue. That’s the million dollar question for most coaches. Trying to figure out how to motivate and get kids prepared (mentally and physically) week to week is a huge challenge. They obviously have a talented football team. Could CNU have been overlooking NCW with Averett coming up?
Wouldn’t it be fun if the ODAC ends up in a five way tie as Keith layed out on the ODAC board? Ok…with BC’s dominance in recent years, it may not be so much fun for them.
November 1st, 2006 at 11:25 am
Keith,
Guess you chose the correct game to be at this past weekend. Looks like my Crusaders (Capital, not UMHB) pretty much got it handed to them by MUC. I’m man enough to admit I was wrong. I just thought sure it would be a better game than it was.
I just hope we get through BW in a few weeks and get into the playoffs.
November 1st, 2006 at 11:46 am
IC, Springfield, Rowan, SJF are all in a must win situation. UC and Hobart took care of IC and Cortland pretty easy last year. This week will separate many of the NY schools. Not sure which game to go see R vs. C or UC vs. Bart.
November 1st, 2006 at 11:47 am
Been away for a few days, just a quick and biased comment on the D3 poll/rankings: Apparently the pollsters now view the SJF 24 point win over Ithaca as a “what have you done for me lately victory”. IC jumped Fisher in the poll by 4 spots and alot of votes (238-162) by beating Springfield. SJF didnt exactly beat a good team this week, but they did do so 64-0.
Lets hear it Bombers…..lol
November 1st, 2006 at 11:48 am
AUpep:
Thanks for the comment above.
November 1st, 2006 at 1:49 pm
What a weekend this is going to be. Heading out to western NY to watch the Hobart Union game will be as exciting as D3 football gets…at least for me. Earlier in the week I stated that Union is coming into this game as a big underdog. I think I was too quick to put the Dutchmen on the bottom looking up. They are very very dangerous on O now with Angiletta back in the lineup. I honestly feel that this is anyones game to win with both teams playing at their respecive peaks right now. Many have questioned the Statesmens regard because of some of their narrow victories, but I don’t buy it. With Hobarts victory over a decent Alfred team last week they are clearly a top 25 football team. I think that the Union D has the ability to shut down (at least enough for a Dutchmen victory) the Statesmens O, but I don’t think the Statesmen can do the same in return. If Marotti makes few mistakes the Dutchmen will role. Prediction: Hobart 24 Union 35
November 1st, 2006 at 1:50 pm
sorry roll, and I am a teacher, typos hurt!
November 1st, 2006 at 2:17 pm
Yes, Union will take it this weekend. dlippiel’s analysis is right on target. Hobart’s D won’t be able to shut down Union’s offense which is at full strength for the first time this season. I think Union’s D made a statement by shutting out St. Lawrence….St.Lawrence’s only score came late in the game against Union’s second string D.
Will be making the trek out from the west coast to watch my kid finish up his collegiate career.
November 1st, 2006 at 2:50 pm
bart beat cortland by only 1 pt last season in the ncaas so i wouldn’t exactly call it an “easy win”.
bart has enough d to shut down the u. they have lived by the bend don’t break all season and have always come up big when they had to.
union has had trouble in the turnover dept and with the usual bad upstate weather expected this weekend, will continue to struggle with ball control. that plus the fact that bart has done a great job in terms of TOP will keep the u’s offensive stars on the sideline.
November 1st, 2006 at 3:56 pm
I guess we shall see labart96. I wish both teams good luck and even though I clearly am a Dutchmen fan I will route for the winner in the NCAA tourney. Just to mention, turnovers were a problem when Union had only one reciever to throw to. Arcidicano does not fumble, plus Angiletta cannot be covered one on one which opens up Twitchell, and Marotti is even running the ball now. That is a lot of options to stop. If Hobart can stop that O then they will clearly deserve to win and represent the LL in the tourney…and I will route them on.
November 1st, 2006 at 4:40 pm
I’m terribly biased, but I’m quite sure few Union fans would call their game against IC an “easy win” last year. IC led late in the third quarter until a kickoff bounced off a Bomber helmet, and miraculously shotgunned directly back to the kicker. A touchdown later, UC took the lead, and Union had a late score after an IC turnover.
I give tons of credit to a talented Union team, but it was no rout.
November 1st, 2006 at 4:58 pm
allsky7,
Does my Randolph-Macon team have a shot at the 5-way ODAC tie? Man, my ‘98 team could of hung with Mt Union.
November 1st, 2006 at 5:23 pm
Last years IC -Union game was anything but an easy win……”a rout”???
November 1st, 2006 at 6:12 pm
Who called the IC Union game a rout? It was a hard fought game that could have gone either way. Both teams deserved tons of credit and it was a shame someone had to lose. There was a ton of respect gained from that game by fans and players alike. I don’t think anyone routs IC, or Union for that matter.
November 1st, 2006 at 6:17 pm
TecmoBowler,
I absolutely agree with you that last years Union-IC game was anything but a route, but for the record when Union’s kicker bounced the ball off of the IC player and directly into the hands of a Union player, it was during the 4th quarter and the score was 41-41. A few plays later IC intercepted Union’s QB at their 29 yard line, so the play had no real effect on the outcome of the game.
Union then went on to put up another 14 points to seal the victory, and it was certainly a very tough battle until that last Union’s TD.
November 1st, 2006 at 7:52 pm
JimRome: Sounds as if you have a bug up your pooper regarding Mike Cragg. I’m sure Cragg had nothing to do with Union’s absence from the top rankings. He’d have the class to tell even you, that Union is a very tough tem, great college with a deep tradition. I’m not armed w/every detail of every stat, but like the Union coach, his resume is very impressive. He’s the winningest coach in Hobart history, has made the playoffs in 3 or 4 of the past 5 or 6 years and is currently undefeated. He has won the Liberty League title, a few times I believe. He really does not need to prove anything and certainly does not need a win this weekend to enhance his “prospectus”. I hope for Union’s sake, you are not involved in recruiting. Did you get cut by Coach Cragg? Forced to play intramurals? Get a grip my boy!
November 1st, 2006 at 9:34 pm
pumkinhead,
Fraid not. R-MC & CUA would be left out under the 5 way scenario. I wouldn’t stress too much about it.
November 1st, 2006 at 11:31 pm
Repete:
“I think there’s all the East Coast chatter now because it always seems to dry up after the semifinals”
Ouch. Burn.
Way I see it, East is the second-strongest region this year (judging by depth of playoff eligibles) after the West.
MSJ and Concordia (Wis.) are the two and three right now in the North. Nothing against those teams this year, they’ve earned it, but rarely has an HCAC or IBFC team been thought of so highly, which means it’s a down year for the CCIW, NCAC and whoever else normally puts out a top-flight North team.
Pumkinhead,
“Does my Randolph-Macon team have a shot at the 5-way ODAC tie? Man, my ‘98 team could of hung with Mt. Union. ”
You couldn’t even have hung with the ‘97 R-MC team … but I’m biased.
November 2nd, 2006 at 11:32 am
Last weekend union looked great against st. lawrence. Earlier in the year union could never put a team away, letting them come back all game long. With Angiletta back it opens up the whole offense. Audino can now get back to his preseason game plan and union will take care of hobart with ease. Hobart’s defense will not match up with the power of the Union offense. Not to mention, Union also has the best back in d3 football, Tom A…. Prediction this weekend- Union 31, Hobart-14.
November 2nd, 2006 at 12:01 pm
Nice to see the LL getting some respect. I guess we will have to wait and see what happens this year.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
—————– — – — – —–
Ithaca………….. 16 7 18 0 - 41 Record: (8-3)
Union College……. 7 14 13 21 - 55 Record: (11-0)
November 2nd, 2006 at 12:06 pm
jimrome - lets see whose playing on the 18th this year but do have to admit Union’s combination of winning tradition and academic ranking is impressive. What do others think about the Cortland and Rowan match-up? Any predictions?
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:27 pm
NEfootball: We will have to see who is on the field on the 18th. I think Cortland is going to come out on top of Rowan. They have a strong program and winning tradition. Rowan could come out strong after last week. If Cortland can hold them off and score first that could break them. The Liberty League keeps getting stronger ever year, and does not get the respect it deserves. I would put Union and Hobart up against anyone from any conference.
Statesmen78: Your coach is good but not great. He can always go back to coaching high school football where he started. Audino played at Notre Dame and has coached at the college level his whole career. Oh I will get a grip - on the champagne bottle to celebrate Union’s win this weekend.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:29 pm
Romewannabe:
chill, I mean why have we digressed to attacking coaches?
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:21 pm
jim_rome
Tell Union or Hobart. Mt. Union is looking for future Opponets for week one. And who cares where someone when to college and played football. Some of the best coaches in sports never really made it in college because of grades, too small, injuries and so on. Lay off the coaches.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:59 pm
Coach Cragg and Coach Audino are both great coaches. Both have been heading up their school’s programs for the past 12+ yrs (Audino for 14 at Union, Cragg 12 at Hobart) and have similar W/L records and winning %s (Audino’s being slightly higher due to his 2 extra seasons over Cragg).
Both have taken their teams to 4 NCAA appearances and won ECAC bowls and have about an even # of league titles to their name (Cragg has 5 not sure about Audino, but it’s probably similar) during their tenures.
Obviously with a moniker like “LaBart” I am biased, I’d give the edge to Cragg b/c when Audino became HC Union was still a perennial East power, while Hobart was a consistent sub .500 club prior to his taking over as head coach. What Cragg has done with Hobart over the past few seasons has been pretty remarkable.
November 2nd, 2006 at 3:21 pm
I don’t have a problem with someone respectfully promoting their team while discussing on this website, but I think some have taken it a little too far. I think both coaches Audino and Cragg are great and have done remarkable jobs throughout their careers. But it sounds like to me some have some serious animosity toward Hobart and its coaching staff in particular. Both team’s success over the past several years is a testament to that. Let’s just let the talking be done on the field Saturday. I’m confident that it will be a great game; a tough fought battle like it is every year. And like someone said earlier, how does where u went to school or where you got your start determine how good of a coach you are?
November 2nd, 2006 at 3:23 pm
jimjearsa: Union will see you in the semi-finals. I hope the game is before grades come out for the term at Mt. Union. Half of the team will be academically ineligible at that point. If you would like me to double space this so you can read this let me know. I tried to use 8th grade grammar for you so you can follow along. The Mt. Union football team should have some Hooked On Phonics in their lockeroom.
I will leave the coaches alone for now and let the Union players do my talking.
November 2nd, 2006 at 3:57 pm
now that’s what i’m talking about - let’s hear it mt Union fans - how dare jim_rome disrespect your school like that!
November 2nd, 2006 at 3:57 pm
jim_rome: You have no right to say anything negative about MT. Union the school or its football program. They have dominated for too long and have gained way to much respect. Leave your personal feelings about their players and the academic prowess of the school out of discussions. And I really hope your affiliation with the Union College community doesn’t go any farther then you being a fan, because I think it would be same to say you are embarrassing a lot of people who are involved with that school. Take it easy, there are so many great games in the next two week’s to be bothering with silly things like this.
November 2nd, 2006 at 4:24 pm
While I am a diehard Union fan, I have to say that I don’t quite know where jim_rome is coming from with his vitriolic comments, and I am sure that no one associated with Union’s football team would much care for them either. In this instance, I think I would prefer to stand on the sideline with the fans from Bart.
November 2nd, 2006 at 4:45 pm
I am hoping for another repeat performance from Union this year. Last year was some of the most exciting football I’ve seen played at Union. I’m expecting Union to win out this year and host another home playoff game like we did last year with Ithaca. It may be bittersweet this year because we are losing so many seniors to graduation and it may be a few years until we are on top again and hosting playoff games. The Ithaca game was great and the Rowan game in the snow was rad. A few less turnovers and who knows how far we would have made it. At full strength finally we are going to make another strong run into the playoffs. The only lousy thing is the new president at Union has banned alcohol at the games. CRAP! That’s tradition man! Anyway, a sober crowd will still back our men. GO DUTCH!
November 2nd, 2006 at 4:52 pm
This has become very entertaining. I guess there is no interest in the Rowan v Cortland game. Both H and U are 2 great schools who unfortunately run out of muscle come the 2nd round of the NCAAs.Jimerome way to lite a fire. For some reason I’m guessing you could care less about who earns a victory this weekend.
November 2nd, 2006 at 5:03 pm
jim_rome
You might want to look at a few teams before the semi-finals. You not ony trashed Mt. Union today, but you also trashed another D3 dynasty. They may not of won any Championships, but they got to 5 Stagg Bowl games in a 7 year span. I don’t recall seeing your team there. I wish your team the best of luck. They will need it because of your mouth.
November 2nd, 2006 at 5:21 pm
jimjearsa: that is the best you have? Predictable, but I would expect nothing less from a Mt. Union fan. Hey the BALCO truck just arrived at your practice facility, and Victor Conti wants to know when he is getting paid. You better help with the injections because I am not sure the players can figure out how much is in a cc.
NEfootball: If you had clue, Union vs. Hobart has more at stake in terms of the playoffs than Rowan vs. Cortland. Rowan already has a loss against a team that is going to end up around 4-6.
tlm: you call yourself a Union fan, and then want to go stand on the sidelines with Hobart. You were probably a Yankees fan, and cheered the Red Sox when they won the world series. Let me guess you will have a Hobart jacket on during the game, then when Union wins you will take it off to display your Union t-shirt.
bart52: sorry for being so hard. Did not know you are such an emotional guy. We are talking about football. If you cannot take it you might want to see if the cross country team is running in a meet this weekend. They have not been the same since you left.
November 2nd, 2006 at 5:29 pm
jim_rome
I’m not going to get into this on here with you. You better win the national Championship so you can keep trashing people on here. Because if your team gets beat. You will be destroyed on here. Unless you hide after a loss. Stop making statements of steroids and other crap you can’t prove. Grow up and show this site and the people, players, coaches and teams the respect they all have earned.
November 2nd, 2006 at 5:37 pm
Talk about hiding, what happened to all the Springfield fans? See you next year I guess.
November 2nd, 2006 at 5:38 pm
jim_rome-
Very entertaining! Chalk me up as one who is tired of hearing about Mt Union, tired of hearing how great larry K is, tired of hearing about their 200 player roster, tired of hearing about them beating someone 67-7, and tired of seeing them in the Stagg Bowl.
November 2nd, 2006 at 5:38 pm
tim I am right with you. I am a diehard Dutchmen fan to the end, but too all, jim-rome does not represent Union. Anyone who would make these ignorant, classless comments does not represent Union football or d3 fottball in any way. I think this is just a kid trying to stir up the pot. So let us just ignore him and enjoy some great football between two excellent schools. LETS GO U!
November 2nd, 2006 at 6:02 pm
thanks to jim rome…. i have now become a hobart fan…..i hope that they finish union off
November 2nd, 2006 at 6:05 pm
Wow…with a name like jim_rome, I wouldnt expect so much un-originality…GET A LIFE and get the heck off this blog you ‘never were’.
Let me guess, you were the guy who always wished you had a chance to play but never quite were good enough and now you are living vicariously through this site as a ‘blogball player’.
I hereby apologize to the staff from d3football.com and all the legitimate users of this forum for stooping to ‘rome’s’ level…but I could not help it.
November 2nd, 2006 at 6:32 pm
I don’t think Rome is or ever has been affiliated w/Union. I checked the ciriculum and found no special ed programs for the emotionally disrturbed. More likely, Romie boy got his GED while in prison and is light headed from donating his plasma 3 times a week to make ends meet. However, despite his obviously low self esteem, he is amusing.
November 2nd, 2006 at 6:37 pm
Hey Pat, Keith……can you make jim_rome go away just like you made D3knowitall go away in the past? If not, I’ll have to put my Swarthmore education (undergrad that is) to use. Technology is amazing when you’ve got the smarts!!
I’m not a big fan of Mount Ohio State Union either, but I respect it and would never trash their program. Challenge….yes. Trash….no!!
jim_rome - you’re about as affiliated with Union as I am….not at all. You’d better pray that Union does not face Mount Union or you’ll have more issues than you six month winter or your burning the coffee on your midnight shift at Cumberland Farms!!
Time to go and make more money…..the year is slowly coming to an end and I’ve got to pile it in now before the Dems raise our taxes in 2007 (don’t worry jim_rome…….your minimum wage is going up!!!).
November 2nd, 2006 at 6:39 pm
jim_rome - when your mother and father got divorced did that mean that they were no longer brother and sister as well??
November 2nd, 2006 at 7:09 pm
from the ridiculous to the sublime - you’ll find it all on d3football.com
November 2nd, 2006 at 7:47 pm
Seriously, jim_rome, if you’re truly a Union guy, you know I’m as diehard a Union fan as they come. So, take this advice seriously: SHUT THE F**K UP. Nobody needs to stir the pot with this Liberty League rivalry. We all know the stakes. Now, get in your game-day frame of mind and get out your cold weather gear. If you’re not attending, then make sure you can get us online or on your radio.
I’m critical of Coach Cragg sometimes, but I’ll be the first to admit that he’s gotten his team very far the past few seasons. My hat is off to him. I still disagree about what the play call from the 1-yard line was on Fourth and 10 in 2004 (I think it was “take an intentional safety, punter, unless you see a clear 10-yard gain in front of you” in order to preserve the possession situation and field position). Everyone calls that a “ballsy” call, but it’s actually a smart coaching call. That’s been my only differing really here about how that game was coached. The reffing was another story altogether. However, the two teams play their hearts out whenever they face off.
Enough with the bullsh*t comments. Audino is great. Cragg is great. Someone’s team will have to lose Saturday, though. We’ll see whose team it is when we get there.
November 2nd, 2006 at 9:42 pm
Duke,
I am from Jersey, but I cannot make people “go away.”
I’m pretty sure if you ignore dude and he can’t get a reaction, he’ll stop.
November 2nd, 2006 at 9:54 pm
Rossi, Bart, Labart, Tim & Co. All this talk has been amusing. I agree, these are two very talented and very well-coached teams. And, losing in this game is nothing to hang one’s head about. It will most likely be a hard earned victory. And, even though I’m obviously biased, I would not bet against Union. The 4th and 10 from the 1? Of course I loved it! Our punter that year was also our fastest receiver. I doubt anything like that will be attempted Saturday though. We D-3.com Union and Hobart bloggers ought to try to meet somewhere. Maybe at halftime? I’d love to meet you guys! Even Romie! I’ll buy you a hotdog Romie!
PS-Romie, are you saying Cragg is a bad coach cause he went to High School? Cause he coached High School? There have a been a few great coaches who started out in pop Warner, I’m sure. Did you go to high school?
November 3rd, 2006 at 12:54 am
78 -
One of these days I’ll take you up on the offer. However, being stuck as I am in SoCal, it may be a while until I head back to the sunny (and often snowy) shores of Seneca Lake.
Frank, however, should be there calling the game for Union’s radio broadcast. He’ll be the guy with the giant rubber boots on so he doesn’t sink to far into the Boz when we goes to interview the players and coaches about the game.
November 3rd, 2006 at 10:04 am
pumkinhead
All your team has to do is beat them, or are you one of those that want another team to do it for you? Maybe a D1 or D2 school because yours can’t do it.
November 3rd, 2006 at 10:30 am
Alright. I’m not from jersey but I can make people go away — or at least their posts.
And I’m calling a moratorium on the trash talk whether directed at Union, Mount Union, Mt. St. Joseph, Mount Marty, Mount Ranier or the Canadian Order of the Mounties.
So let’s not turn this day into another addition of “Your football team’s so whack…”
November 3rd, 2006 at 11:22 am
Statesmen 78 - like your spirit espeacially to romie. Hobart is in the driver’s seat. Even with a loss this weekend they should make it to the playoffs. Start up the bus today for those teams traveling. Let the games begin!
Dukefinadv - any talk about Swathmore bringing back a gridiron team?
November 3rd, 2006 at 11:43 am
kmack:
sometimes when it’s up the the tee so high and pretty, it’s hard not to swing
but seriously, i wouldn’t mind about my “scoffing.” balance is good foreverybody (as much as I want to see one particular team win.)