Game day from Springfield, et al
18
Nov
2006
Nov
2006
Partly cloudy, mid-to-high 40s here at Springfield, no wind as we are about 15 minutes away from kickoff between No. 2 seeded Springfield and No. 7 seeded Curry. I’ll be down on the field shooting for most of the game and won’t be checking in much but wanted to get the ball rolling for those of you at other games and those sitting at home.
Parking lot is packed with tailgaters — in fact, an hour before game time, there was nowhere to park. Excellent football weather, especially for mid-November in New England.
It’s the first meeting of these schools. Should be a quick game — you may have heard that Springfield runs the triple option, plus Curry runs for 227 yards a game so expect the clock to roll.
November 18th, 2006 at 12:08 pm
Oh man, I am so excited for playoffs to begin. I am sitting here listening to Gameday talking about bowls and BCS. Man, are we lucky to have playoffs and to settle evrything on the field!
On a separate note, however unrelated to the game in Springfield, I have heard precious little about Justing Beaver and his return. Any notes on when he might make his comeback?
November 18th, 2006 at 12:48 pm
Springfield looks to be doing what they do best…having Chris Sharpe run the ball. 21-0 half way through the 2nd quarter. This is also on the back of a defense that has stepped up with two interceptions. Go Pride!
November 18th, 2006 at 1:23 pm
Gasp score of the early going was Dickinson leading Wesley 13-0 but Wesley has scored the last 21 points.
Here, yes, running the ball. Curry threw two picks in rapid succession in the second quarter, leading to Springfield touchdown drives. Sharpe looks … well yeah, sharp. 149 yards rushing at the half. Andrew Jackson with 53. Curry 10 carries for 20 yards. Springfield had trouble with penalties early but has settled down. Springfield 19:05 on the time of possession here at the break.
November 18th, 2006 at 1:29 pm
Capital was lining up for a field goal to try to make it 23-7 at the half, but the holder fumbled the snap and Wittenberg returned it 91 yards for a touchdown, so it’s 20-14 at the break.
November 18th, 2006 at 1:50 pm
UW LaCrosse is up 14-7 over Bethel about midway through the 2nd quarter. Both teams have been moving the ball.
November 18th, 2006 at 1:58 pm
Justin Beaver may be able to return next game, but it is still not for sure. BTW Whitewater 38 St Norbert 7 still second quarter
November 18th, 2006 at 2:10 pm
SJF 28-3 over Union at the half - Uggggh.
November 18th, 2006 at 2:13 pm
At the half, UW LaCrosse 14 and Bethel 14. UWL started the game on fire with the first 14 points. Bethel’s last touchdown came as time expired in the half, foregoing the chip shot field goal.
C’mon Eagles!
November 18th, 2006 at 2:22 pm
SFJ 42-9 with 8 minutes left. Disgrace!
November 18th, 2006 at 2:24 pm
RPI - you think Cortland mailed it in? Too much talk about their misfortunes. I guess RPI wasn’t paying too much attention. 19-7 4th quarter.
November 18th, 2006 at 2:25 pm
Carnegie Mellon defeats Millsaps 21-0. About time for some respect for the Tartans?
November 18th, 2006 at 2:34 pm
SJF 49-15, 5 minutes left. I’m having a real bad day!
RPI 26-7, 4th qtr. Rowan 17-10, 6 minutes left. At least some LL teams showed up today!
November 18th, 2006 at 2:43 pm
oh my! Hobart 18-17, minute and a half left. GO LL. Rowan looking for a miracle!
Empire 8 - Showing itself at top league in East this year.
NJIAC - Hangin with the NEFC.
November 18th, 2006 at 2:44 pm
Dutchman calling timeouts, down 28, with 1 minute to go, Fisher has the ball. Killing me softly.
November 18th, 2006 at 2:46 pm
Rowan - miracle answered! 20-18.
November 18th, 2006 at 3:00 pm
a little discouraged with how the uww defense has been covering the passing game. hopefully they can improve, and not give up the big play in the coming round.
November 18th, 2006 at 3:10 pm
Union is done, what a pathetic showing! How unfortunate an ending for a team that has shown glimpses of excellence in the past two seasons. SJF great job and good luck next week, you deserve it. RPI you still stink, I don’t care who you beat. I’ll give you this though, last week you clearly ended the dutchmens season and for that I give you credit. Cam08 I guess Hobart came to play today. Even though they lost they should be holding their heads up high.
November 18th, 2006 at 3:12 pm
Never count out the Wing T and a stout defense. Go CMU!!!
November 18th, 2006 at 3:17 pm
UWW 52 St Norbert 17, St Norbert scored on second string defense after uww backup QB throws interception in red zone
November 18th, 2006 at 3:19 pm
Pajamas
7 win teams don’t belong.
Washington & Lee
Millsaps
Union
Their holes were all exposed, as they should be come playoff time.
Win or be competitive against Wesley - CMU will get some respect.
November 18th, 2006 at 3:21 pm
I’d love to know what happened at the finish of the Hobart/Rowan game. Looks like a gutsy call by Hobart, going for 2 to take an 18-17 lead with 1:52 left.
Squib kick? Leaves the other side with good field position. A couple of 15-20 yard plays, you’re in FG position.
How long was the FG?
Nonetheless, nice effort down there. Not an easy place to play.
November 18th, 2006 at 3:21 pm
UWL 28 and Bethel 21 in the 4th quarter.
November 18th, 2006 at 3:23 pm
UWWFootball5
You’re up by 35 and bitchin about your pass defense? Methinks you eat too much cheese.
November 18th, 2006 at 3:30 pm
Sometimes I wonder why I’m so addicted to pro football. The Philadelphia Eagles Brian Westbrook was at the game I attended today and would not as much as say hello to anybody…..even little kids wearing Eagles jersey’s!! There’s an old saying…….cheer for the uniform, not the players. Disgusting!!
That’s why I love DIII football!!!! But it is time to step it up several levels and watch Ohio State and Michigan (a game that Garcon should be lining up in along side of Ted Ginn).
Congrats to everybody today and good luck to the Final 16!!!!
November 18th, 2006 at 3:40 pm
Final! UWL Eagles 28 and Bethel 21.
Bring on Whitewater.
November 18th, 2006 at 3:48 pm
Johnnies take down Central 21-13 . Both MIAC teams on the road play well. Good season for Bethel, Johnnies prepare for a west coast trip.
November 18th, 2006 at 3:49 pm
UWW 59 St Norbert 17. Next Round, another crushing of UW-L
November 18th, 2006 at 3:49 pm
UWW 59 St Norbert 17. Next Round, another crushing of UW-L
November 18th, 2006 at 3:54 pm
kick was about a 32 or 33 yder. defense just couldn’t hold em at the very end of the game. tough loss for bart. turnovers and missed kicks from our end doomed us. thought we had them, but hey, that’s why they are rowan.
at least this showing should hush all the “hobart’s over-rated” comments on the boards. they proved they deserved to be in the ncaa field today.
congrats to the team - especially the seniors.
November 18th, 2006 at 4:06 pm
Congratulations to RPI. You whipped us. Hopefully more people will realize the Liberty League is a quality league after this, and that its top teams are always dangerous come playoff time.
Thank you Cortland seniors for 4 great years. 9-2 is a great season and the coaches and players have plenty to be proud of. Most wins since 2002! See you next fall.
My computer’s very high rating on St John Fisher looks vindicated. I think they are the most complete team in the Eastern Bracket, and provide the east with its best chance to compete on a national level. Huge win today over Union. Very impressive.
November 18th, 2006 at 4:16 pm
Looks like most of the first round is going to plan. I was surprised by Carnegie-Mellon shutting out Millsaps. St John’s over Central is a mild surprise, but not much.
Wow - from ECAC land: Kean 37 Kings 0. Kean has to be one of the most improved teams in the nation this season. They are going to be scary in the NJAC next season.
November 18th, 2006 at 4:24 pm
As I have heard all year a win is a win but I’ll still take a good lose,Thank You Hobart for showing up today.Mr D sorryabout your game I drove home from one of those Nov. 4 but really using words like stink in your post let’s not sink to my level
November 18th, 2006 at 4:37 pm
Cam08 you are right, RPI simply does not stink and they dserve respect, they earned it last week and this week. So as much as I “Dislike” RPI I give them the credit they deserve. They outdid Union and ended up on a much better note, Congrats to RPI. Cam08 I am with ya man, thanks for letting me know I am not the only one in pain this season.
November 18th, 2006 at 4:39 pm
how about some love for the pittsburgh teams (W&J and Carnegie Mellon). they did prevail as I predicted….now for the second round…tougher matchups
November 18th, 2006 at 4:51 pm
Beaver was back practicing last week…he was held out this weekend to be safe and should be full-go next weekend against UW-L
November 18th, 2006 at 5:41 pm
I hope the RPI win finally puts all the crying, and criers, over Cortland State not getting in the playoffs to bed. Enough with the Cortland State stuff!
November 18th, 2006 at 5:49 pm
The RPI win proves nothing about what Cortland could have done in the playoff’s it’s a whole other subject.NOT READY FOR BED YET.
November 18th, 2006 at 6:00 pm
Can’t find anything on Rochester Afred?
November 18th, 2006 at 6:14 pm
It was a good day of football….Lots of interesting matchups next week.. It will be dominated by the home teams……..SJF, Rowan, and St Johns are the only visitors that have any chance………
November 18th, 2006 at 7:54 pm
“St John’s over Central is a mild surprise, but not much.”
Not too surprising considering SJU is 14-1 against the IIAC …
With SJU beating a top-10 team on the road and UW-LX beating Bethel it looks like the NCAA picked the right teams all along …
Combine that with Cortland squatting to pee to against an unranked three-loss team and the decision looks very good.
Cortland had a chance to make a statement and they did: just not the one their misguided hypster were talking about all week …
November 18th, 2006 at 7:58 pm
Repete:
Eh. Cortland had to get up for three big games including a rivalry game (Cortaca) that is huge. I’m not sure losing in the ECACs means much of anything.
November 18th, 2006 at 8:07 pm
Thanks Gordon for putting repete in his place……….back in his corner with the dunce cap on being mocked by all of the other kids in the classroom!!
November 18th, 2006 at 8:08 pm
Blog Police…….Isn’t “squatting to pee” a violation?
November 18th, 2006 at 8:14 pm
Why show up . . . if you’re not going to show up?
This was Cortland’s seniors’ last chance to play for their school. For most competitive athletes, that should be enough. For those perceiving a snub, even more so …
November 18th, 2006 at 8:34 pm
Wilkes with an impressive victory over a weak opponent and Rowan with a hard fought victory over Hobart. Same meeting as last year with a MUCH improved wilkes team. Will Rowan’s offense be able to score enough to win this game, who is favorite??
November 18th, 2006 at 9:55 pm
Give me a break with the Cortland smack. They won the first round playoff game last week (had to beat Ithaca to get in) and then had their hearts ripped out and stomped on by not getting invited to the big dance. It is tough enough to get up for 2 games in a row, much less 3. Just ask Louisville and apparently Rutgers. Cortland fans felt that C-State deserved a chance. Would they have won? I don’t know, but I do know that when turnovers start to happen in your last game win or lose it is a lot harder to stay focused then if you win you go on. Hobart lost to Rowan in a similar way and in the same place that Cortland did. I really wish St. John’s had taken care of business and earned the automatic qualifier leaving an extra pool c bid. I think Cortland could have given Wilkes a better game (I know automatic qualifier) and for the record E8 proves to be a step ahead of both NJAC and LL this year. PS Where is the Millsaps guy now?
November 18th, 2006 at 10:26 pm
Dragonboy:
give us all a break already….I for one actually wrote in Coertland’s support last week and I also griped about SJF last year….but then when your team (like sjf last year in their ECAC loss to the same upstart RPI team) gets manhandled even after not making the NCAA’s and after its fans have used up 198 of the 246 posts last week whining about not getting in, you must go join tthe Millsaps guy you refer to and be silent
Your whining is now Cortland’s biggest detractor…they did not “win their first round play-off game” last week against Ithaca….they won the Cortaga and then lost their play-off game today….badly so zip it
November 18th, 2006 at 10:51 pm
Never heard much whinning from Cortland fan’s did hear some football fans talk about the snub.No credit to RPI maybe startting to come around.I am no CS fan but I did see some of the other Upstate New York teams and wonder how any of them got in.My flys fine better check your own. Wow 198 sounds like you have some fans out there congrats Cort!
November 18th, 2006 at 11:11 pm
Well,
My inital and final game day entry:
Carnegie Mellon played pretty-mistake free, and is pretty legit on defense. I don’t know if they would have beaten Hardin-Simmons if the seeds were different, they’re definitely not super-talented but they do all they can with what they have. No turnovers, four penalties, few missed tackles, probably 40 minutes TOP (don’t have the stats handy). If Wesley spots them a 13-point lead, I don’t think it’ll be a 35-21 final.
W&J was the only upset by seed, was it not? That and St. John’s … neither of those are too shocking.
I thought North Central winning the rematch by blowout was an exclamation point on the CCIW’s supposed down year … and a good nod to the coaching staff getting the Cardinals ready. Same for Wittenberg, which lost but stayed a lot closer to Capital. St. John Fisher made a pretty big statement, that vs. Springfield, who sounded like they were on top of their game, should be a fun one next weekend.
The playoffs really do put out some tough matchups. Central, Occidental, St. Norbert, Bethel, Hardin-Simmons, Hobart … great seasons up in smoke in one afternoon.
Anyway, Gesling Stadium … great place to see a game. Millsaps looks like they could be a lot better in a year or two, but as coach DuBose said, the better team won today.
November 18th, 2006 at 11:15 pm
Dukefin,
You don’t think Westbrook was maybe there just to watch the game, and not be hounded?
I think it was cool that he went. I wonder what the connection is/was? … He had a cousin on Salisbury a while back.
November 18th, 2006 at 11:48 pm
Dutchman,
Of course the 7-win teams deserve to be in the postseason. They all won their conferences, which is the criteria to qualify. Besides, Millsaps was a good team. They were only a couple plays away from a 9-1 regular season. One of their losses was due to a blocked extra point at the end of the game after they had scored what should have been the game-tying touchdown to send it into overtime. In another one of their losses, they were leading 38-33 and on the verge of scoring another touchdown until they threw an interception in the endzone and ended up losing 41-38.
Anyways, I think CMU deserves more credit for shutting out a team that was averaging 33 ppg. I realize they’re no Wesley, but still a lot of people here were predicting Millsaps to win in a shootout.
November 19th, 2006 at 12:25 am
K-Mack:
Westbrook’s younger brother (Byron) goes to Salisbury and is a pretty good defensive back. Brian went to school at ‘Nova.
It’s a good thing I didn’t know they were related before the game or I would’ve slipped and called Byron “Brian” all day.
November 19th, 2006 at 3:11 am
Yeah,
I knew all that, except I said “cousin went,” not “brother goes.” It’s been a few years since Byron’s been a starter, I thought he might have graduated by now.
Although what you wrote doesn’t directly explain the connection to Rowan/Hobart, after I typed it, I sort of put it together. His brother plays D3. He’s familiar with playoff football from I-AA. And many of the Eagles live in that part of South Jersey, like Washington Township area, if I remember correctly. People used to tell me they saw Byron Evans and Jessie Small in the McDonald’s or they knocked on Reggie White’s door for Halloween.
I was just wondering if there was a direct connection I was missing, like when they showed McNabb at the Rutgers/Louisville game, standing there with L.J. Smith … a Rutgers grad.
November 19th, 2006 at 3:32 am
The UMHB-HSU game was as good as I thought it would be, glad UMHB could stop the comeback. W&J comes to Belton next week. Take this to the bank, UMHB will beat W&J by at least 3 TD’s. UMHB just might get to play Wesely and get revenge from last years playoff loss. Oh! Millsaps lost as I predicted, they are a weak team from a very weak conference.
November 19th, 2006 at 3:34 am
“Why show up . . . if you’re not going to show up?”
Agreed. This is why people don’t take the ECAC bowls seriously. It doesn’t appear the teams all do.
Not making excuses for Cortland, that’s pretty much been the feeling about those games for years. Plus, I had RPI in the playoffs in Kickoff ‘06 … would’ve been nice if they busted out that whoopin’ stick a little earlier.
November 19th, 2006 at 3:40 am
Look out Wesley. UMHB has a score to settle and we will win it at your house this time baby!!!! Yes, I know I’m looking ahead but UMHB is that good. I’m actually looking way ahead and will say that UMHB will play UWW. I will make that flight for sure and see that game.
November 19th, 2006 at 8:43 am
D3Keith (& Gordon) - The “incident” occurred at halftime out by his car (I was parked two cars down from him) and there was literally nobody around at the time. I said hello and mentioned a connection with his financial advisor and he was cool with me.
A father and his little kid were walking to their car, noticed him and the kid asked for an autograph on his gameday program and he shunned the kid.
As far as Reggie White is concerned, he and I used to participate together in The Leukemia Society of The Greater Philadelphia Area and we forged a very good relationship over the years. He would show up at children’s homes unannounced, never for the camera. He would call me out of the blue to say hello…….and I’m a nobody compared to him!
I know that we live in a different society with a different edge, are supposed to be impressed by shows like “Cribs”, etc. I’d be more impressed if you have the money………give a chunk of it away (can you say Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Ted Turner, Secret Santa….they get it!!). If you don’t have the money but have the time………give of your time to those less fortunate!!
It’s time to go down to the Linc and cheer for beloved Birds (yes…….even BWest……..it’s the uniform…….not the person wearing it these days!!).
November 19th, 2006 at 9:50 am
Purple Crush
You may want too save some room on Thanksgiving for the CROW you might be eating next Sunday!!!!! If the UMHB players are thinking like you are W&J will send them packing. Our schools up here can play some football as you all found out last year!!!
November 19th, 2006 at 11:13 am
Despite the uc loss to sjf it was some hard fought d3 football. felt bad for uc running back TA - it was obvious his achilles tendon was bothering him. game also showed size does matter. sjf was bigger and stronger and played mistake free. Hats off to them. Also i have seen plenty of d3 playing fields and facilities in my lifetime, uc has a great one and so does sjf but how do you build a stadium like that with no bathrooms. Good luck to the rest of the teams. sjf and springfield should be a great one.
November 19th, 2006 at 11:34 am
sjff 82
I’m not sure why you are so angry. My post was not a whine but merely a response to repete who slammed Cortland for an ECAC loss. The ECAC is much like the NIT in basketball, teams that struggled during the year that come together have something to prove and look forward to the game. Teams on the 65 team bubble usually struggle over the disappointment of not getting to the real tournament. Enjoy your victory and the game next week and let us wallow in our self pity. I understand how the NCAA selection process works and if you can find a post from me complaining about it then tell me to shut up. For the record I considered your game against Alfred last week was also a “playoff” game, win and in lose and out (that’s how meaningful playoffs work otherwise it’s a bowl game!)
November 19th, 2006 at 11:36 am
Lost opportunities for Hobart, both in the game and in the big picture. I think we all probably look at a tough playoff loss (or in Cortland’s case, not getting in) as though we’ve lost the national championship, even though our next opponent may be Mt. Union. Who knows?? You still have to play the game.
What makes these losses extra tough is that for most of us, the opportunities are few and far between. What goes around usually comes around, and who knows when we might get the chance again? A couple of years ago, nobody ever heard of Delaware Valley (2-8 record) and Widener (who??) was king of that league. Springfield was off the football map and surprised everybody this year. RPI makes the final four in 2003 and hasn’t been in the playoff’s since. Lycoming hosts the regional final and hasn’t had a good record since. Union and Ithaca have been to (and won) the Stagg Bowl several times. Brockport St. was a contender in the East not so long ago. Nobody had ever heard of Mt. Union until the 1990’s. The San Francisco 49ers were the worst team in the NFL for 40 years until the Joe Montana era - now they’re back to being the worst (I’m getting way off base - just wanted to agitate their fans).
Is anyone aware that Hobart is 2-0 all time against Mt. Union??
November 19th, 2006 at 2:01 pm
even though i obviously favor the pittsburgh teams, they will have their work cut out for them this week
Wesley vs CMU: D3Keith found out what everyone in western PA has known all year. CMU has a legit defense. this game will be a draw for most if not all of the first half. However, in the end wesley will make a few more plays on offense then CMU. It will however be a close game until the 4th quarter…….wesley 17 cmu 6
UMHB vs W&J: These teams have met in the playoffs before and they have been one sided affairs. This one will be a little closer. However, UMHB will expose the W&J pass defense. UHMB has been tested against 3 top 10 teams this year which will help them prepare for W&J. In the end UMHB by 2 TDs UMHB 28 W&J 14
November 19th, 2006 at 2:08 pm
DragonFan, I’m still here, and I’ms still proud.
My hat goes off to CMU, as they played a mistake free game. This young Millsaps team allowed for a huge emotional let down. Millsaps, though, is far from a weak team, and by no means is the SCAC weak either. Regardless, Millsaps season is done and all Millsaps can do is work toward next season.
Millsaps has a first year head coach, a first year offensive Co., and a first year special teams coach. Add to that, Millsaps only loses 9 seniors, and 5 starters. Mock it now and say what you’d like, but Millsaps is a name you will be mentioning again this time next season.
Good luck to the Majors, and to the remainder of the teams that are still playing ball.
November 19th, 2006 at 2:11 pm
OK….for the Hobart/Rowan game…
Hobart dominated Rowan for 4 quarters. I was at the game and the ONLY reason that Hobart lost was because of their awful kicker. Missing two field goals, not even long ones, 37 and 35 i believe, is what did it. They also had a third scoring drive that was taken away when the receiver stepped out of bounds and came back in to catch the touchdown pass. Right there, the score should have been 31-20 Hobart. Even if the kicker made atleast one of the two field goals, that would’ve been the difference. I think Hobart might want to be looking for a new kicker next year…
November 19th, 2006 at 2:34 pm
UC1795,
Did you really think the Union-SJFC game was hard fought D3 football? It was 42-9 with 8 minutes to play in the 4th quarter and SJFC scored touchdowns on 6 of their first 8 possessions. The game was over at half-time! Did you notice that or were you too busy looking for the bathrooms??? Do me a favor and don’t follow up your “hats off to them” compliment with a cheap shot at SJFC’s stadium. It just makes you look bad…
Congrats on making the playoffs and good luck next season.
November 19th, 2006 at 2:51 pm
Well, let’s hope that Rowan finally gets their “comeuppance.” GO WILKES!
I like Mt. Union, Capital, Wilkes, Springfield, Wesley, W&J, Whitewater and St. John’s to move on to the quarterfinals. Best games: Wilkes/Rowan, Springfield/St. John Fisher, W&J/MHB and Whitworth/St. John’s.
GOOD LUCK TO ONE AND ALL NEXT SATURDAY!
November 19th, 2006 at 3:14 pm
sjfc1993 you guys need some bathrooms! Just relax man, he gave your team props and if your stadium needs a bathroom then it needs a bathroom. I can think of many worse insults. You are even more sensitive than myself, man, to think if SJF lost what you would say? I think your post just made me a Springfield fan. Lets go pride!
November 19th, 2006 at 3:29 pm
Keith -
Agree on the ECAC’s. I don’t want to agree, but having seen these games for years it is obvious some teams mail it in. I’m not making any excuses. Cortland with Pratt at QB would have lost to RPI even if they wanted the game the way they wanted Cortaca.
You mentioned having RPI in the playoffs in the Kickoff. I was really impressed. They have a good quarterback, good tailback, and 2 big receivers with speed. Defense really gets after people too. I’m trying to figure out how they lost 3 games this season. They were every bit as good as Ithaca and Rowan.
November 19th, 2006 at 4:46 pm
dlippiel,
You’re right, I was a bit sensitive. I just sent my donation in last month to help with the stadium addition which includes mens and womens rest room facilities. It’s a sore spot. My apologies for the aggressive post.
November 19th, 2006 at 5:28 pm
SJFC1993-
Are you saying your money is going straight into the toilet?
Sorry…could not resist.
November 19th, 2006 at 5:28 pm
Are there bathrooms at Cortland I read early post that they squatted and pee on the field?I like stories.
November 19th, 2006 at 5:48 pm
That was some of the co-eds during the Cortaca game, a little too much tailgating! If you want to go in two years don’t bother with a ticket just hand out in the lot next to PE building and listen to the radios and the roar.
November 19th, 2006 at 7:23 pm
Let’s see Tom A. 10 carries for 11 yards and Chris Sharpe 28 carries for 242. I guess that ends that debate. Tom had a great year ,but this year belongs to Chris. I doubt SJF can hold him to 11 yards,in fact after the clinic he put on in Springfield’s 55-38 win at SJF they probably don’t care to see the D3 Player of the Year again. I will say that game was one of the best games I’ve ever seen at any level and I think this one will be another .
November 19th, 2006 at 7:46 pm
PA_wesleyfan
East coast teams are weak, period! Wesley got lucky last year. I think you will be the one eating crow my friend. No team can run on UMHB, no one. UMHB D does have a weakness, pass defense on certain blitz situations. Wesley did a great job last year on play calling at the line of scrimmage. I was on the Wesley sideline for that game and I must admit the coaches had a great game plan and everything seemed to work. No such luck this year on the execution part.
November 19th, 2006 at 7:53 pm
Oh! I still think W&J loses by at least 3 TD’S. Bank it!!!! UMHB has the quickest D in DIII. Ask Keith he was at the WW game.
November 19th, 2006 at 7:55 pm
Pridefan…
I agree that this Saturday’s matchup between SJFC and Springfield will be one of the best games ever… However, I can assure you that the Cards are more than anxious for the rematch. It’s gonna be a great game and I’d bet that while Fisher won’t be able to hold Chris to 11 yards they will be able to hold him to far less than 242. Can’t wait for Saturday.
November 19th, 2006 at 9:27 pm
Purple Crush…
W&J will not lose by 3 td’s. It will be a close game. I plan to make the drive up to Belton to root them on (I went to W&J but now live in San Antonio).. Should be a great game
November 19th, 2006 at 9:28 pm
and one more thing….dont look ahead
November 19th, 2006 at 9:29 pm
it could be an all pittsburgh south finals
November 19th, 2006 at 9:42 pm
Cortlandfootball,
Great observation on where my money is going! You’re obviously well schooled in D3 football so help me out with something…What did IC do to hold Springfield to 280 yards in the regular season? Was it scheme, talent, weather, or just a bad day for Sharpe and the Pride offense? I didn’t pay much attention to the game at the time. Thanks.
November 19th, 2006 at 10:13 pm
SJFC1993-
Well as you know from having played, football is a game of match-ups. RPI matched well vs. Cortland because they run sprint-draws with the back, and the QB is a 1-2 step drop passer who likes to sprint out of the pocket. It neutralizes what Cortland does with their pass rush.
Now IC is a good run defender. I don’t know that they showed it against Fisher, but they did a good job keeping tabs on our backs. They are quick up front which is what you want against the option. So that is a plus for them against Springfield.
However what really helped IC against Springfield was a sloppy, slow, muddy turf from plenty of rain. IC also (allegedly) let the grass grow all week. Nice.
November 19th, 2006 at 10:47 pm
Purple Crush
I don’t get into that rah rah stuff. And I don’t think that Wesley is even thinking about anything other than getting ready for CMU this week. Dickinson slapped ‘em a little and woke them up. So I’ll get back to you when and if Wesley is going to meet UMHB. For now I will enjoy watching y’all pounding your chests.
November 19th, 2006 at 11:42 pm
PA_Wesleyfan,
Please modify “ya’ll pounding your chests” to “you pounding your chest”. Purple Crush and his overbearing posts do not represent all of us ASC posters. After the last two years in the playoffs the majority of us know the value of taking the games one at a time.
November 19th, 2006 at 11:57 pm
roocru
I realize that. Just a little nudge to get the Crush ranting. No disrespect at all to the UMHB fans
November 19th, 2006 at 11:57 pm
PA_wesleyfan and roocru;
Just stating my opinion ladies. Sorry it offends you.
November 20th, 2006 at 12:02 am
OH! UMHB 42 W&J 14
November 20th, 2006 at 1:53 am
Dukefin,
I don’t envy you, that you had to sit through the Birds today. I had a ticket offered to me, but since I was on the road to Pittsburgh Friday & yesterday, I didn’t want to drive up. Thank God.
I never got the sense that Westbrook is a “Cribs” type of dude, but point taken.
You going to Wilkes this week, or have you seen enough D3 for one year?
Speaking of turf … Springfield is on it again this week, which is always a topic of conversation.
SJF is a turf team going to turf at Springfield.
Carnegie Mellon is a turf team going down to turf at Wesley.
W&J is a turf team going down to turf at UMHB.
Rowan is a turf team going to grass at Wilkes.
Thought that was an interesting East/South note, that 7 of the 8 teams left are turfies.
I guess I can complete the chart for ATN, especially since East/North and West/South are the semifinal matchups.
November 20th, 2006 at 1:57 am
Um,
Pride fan, I thought we had this conversation.
A little early to be giving Chris Sharpe the “the D3 Player of the Year” nod. There are several games upcoming which may have an effect on who gets that honor, both real and the one given out in cyberspace.
November 20th, 2006 at 6:27 am
Cortlandfootball,
Thanks. I figured conditions had something to do with the “low” output of 280 yards. In talking to the staff at SJFC they told me they were missing 3 defensive starters when they gave up 55 points to the Pride in the regular season. One was their starting 3 technique and the other was a starting corner. As you said it’s all about match ups so I’m hoping that having these guys back and healthy gives us a better chance against the run.
November 20th, 2006 at 7:17 am
We need a concession stand too, but enough about football already, and sorry to Cam08 above, was just knee-jerk reaction to all the Cortland posts.
SJFC1993: I was at the SJF-SC game earlier this year and that was the most unbelievable display of offense you are ever going to see….which means hopefully we wont see it again. There was only one team out there when SC was on offense. Twice they ran their FB up the middle on 3rd and long? Gained 9 yds each time. That of course was just to prove that they could run whatever they wanted I think. As you probably know they run the trip-option, and it seemed that every play all they did was option the FB up the middle and Sharpe usually kept the ball to nobody’s suprise except nobody could tackle him
He would run 5-6 palys and gain 25 yds and then pop one for 50….all afternoon. We need to tackle and force turnovers. The good thing is that our offense couldnt be stopped either…we just had a couple turnovers.
November 20th, 2006 at 8:41 am
sjfc 1993
lets see, my 1st response was not allowed, porbably because of the truth within the message and the people at d3 know it.
So, i appreciate your funny comment about the game on saturday. even with a heathy AA running back and an AA wide-receiver unionwould have had an uphill battle. with linemen at near 300 pounds i knew our guys were going to struggle. we can’t keep linemen that size at our school.
good thing your coach showed a little more class than a particular alum who sent some pennies to help with the toilet project. i can see sjf taught you some good values - not bad for a parochial school.
Not to live in the past but curious what was your playing days like? Record? Playoffs? How far? I seem to remember playing for a national championship once and coming up short in the quarter finals another year. Oh well, great memories and glad some of the boys from uc had a chance to play in the playoffs back to back.
i have suddenly become a springfield fan. sharpe is going to have another big game if UC QB was a runner the flats were clear all day. Best of luck to the rest of the teams.
November 20th, 2006 at 10:20 am
I knew Springfield was going to destroy them.
November 20th, 2006 at 6:19 pm
purple crush
i will see you at the game….UMHB better not be looking ahead like you are
November 20th, 2006 at 7:01 pm
UC1795,
My first assumption about you was correct, you’re a sore loser, that is why I responded to your half hearted congratulatory post in the first place. Your team got whacked by a squad and a college that you have long looked down your nose at….I guess that’s a tough pill to swallow. At least in your latest post your true colors come out for all to see, so I won’t be accused of being over-sensitive in my response this time.
“lets see, my 1st response was not allowed, probably because of the truth within the message and the people at d3 know it.” = sore loser. Please try to re-post your message, I’m dying to hear the truth that D3 doesn’t want us to know.
“we can’t keep 300 lb linemen at our school” - Do tell, what is it about UC that prevents you from keeping those kids in school? Is it insufficient dining halls, beds that are too small in the dorms, c’mon what is it?
Starting a phrase with “Not to live in the past…but” is called living in the past. This, much the same as cheap shot comments, makes you look bad.
I was very open and honest in earlier posts about the struggles we had during the late 80’s and early 90’s at SJFC. We never made the playoffs, in fact we never got close. Am I supposed to be ashamed of that? It was 13 years ago…do you think anyone outside of a small group of former players and coaches cares or even remembers those days? I’m happy for you and your “UC boys”, congratulations on your achievements 16 years ago, you should be very proud. Be sure to tell all of your co-workers tomorrow about your glory days, I’m sure they will be hanging on your every word.
Finally, I’m happy that you’ve become a Springfield fan, us parochial school guys wouldn’t want one of you white collar elitist from UC on our side anyway. Best of luck to you and your new team this weekend. If you’re heading up to the game, I have some great news for you, Springfield’s stadium has restrooms! Roll Pride!
November 20th, 2006 at 8:50 pm
SC may appear to go as Chris Sharp goes, however how about the no name defense that appears to bend but not break? Ithaca game withstanding, of course. Seems like the D has thrown a shutout the past two games -discounting the points Curry scored when SC had their #2’s on their field for D in the later part of the 3rd and the fourth quarters. Can they bend and not break once again against SJFC?? Big question
November 20th, 2006 at 8:52 pm
UMHB 42 W&J 14, I’m looking ahead because UMHB is that good.
November 20th, 2006 at 10:38 pm
purple crush
umhb is stout against the run….but what about the pass….they are very vulnerable when they run blitz packages…just ask CNU who had some good success against you….W&J will look at those films…..by the way we did beat CNU last week (a team that you lost to)
November 20th, 2006 at 10:38 pm
umhb is not unbeatable
November 20th, 2006 at 10:42 pm
they have two losses
November 20th, 2006 at 11:37 pm
mille125: That’s if they have those games on video. The ones they get in the playoff tape exchange would be UW-Whitewater, East Texas Baptist and Howard Payne.
November 21st, 2006 at 2:00 am
mille,
We gave CNU the game and you know it. We fumbled on the 1 yd line with 1 min left and it was the first game of the year. We will see what happens this weekend to W&J. UMHB wins by 3 td’s or more. You are right about one thing, UMHB is vulnerable on pass defense. However, UWW was kept in check all day and they have a really good passing game. UMHB is beatable, everyone is for that matter. If they do see UWW again the game will be played in Wis and that will be hard to overcome. UMHB did beat Mount Union in Ohio 2 years ago, so who knows what will happen.
November 21st, 2006 at 2:26 am
Mille,
Don’t forget to mention that CNU outgained W&J 454-181 and had the benefit of six Captains turnovers.
Not saying that W&J didn’t deserve to win vs. CNU … just saying that if you paint the whole picture, which I know you don’t want to do for a UMHB fan who is being obnoxious, the Presidents will probably need to play a lot better this week if they expect to win again.
November 21st, 2006 at 2:27 am
“lets see, my 1st response was not allowed, porbably because of the truth within the message and the people at d3 know it.”
My guess is because we all would have been stupider for reading it.
But that’s just a guess.
November 21st, 2006 at 7:53 am
Hey sjfc1993 I agree with ya to an extent. He is being a sore loser, but I think at some point we all have been. I just think the world of SJFC after last week, I am however going for Springfield, but wish you guys all the luck, SJF certainly deserves it. SJF is really a solid team throughout and I think it is going to be very interesting on Saturday. My wife and I are going out to the game, I think it may be one of the best d3 games this year. Another thing as a Union fan I can say, if he or other Union fans are looking down on SJF then they are being stupid and it is not even worth your time to worry about it. Any true fan (Union and football) would just tip their hats of to SJF and leave it at that. You have a lot to be proud of and good luck. Do you think your guys can stop Sharpe this time? Can’t wait for the game!
November 21st, 2006 at 10:03 am
UC1795,
Chill dude - enjoy the ride. Only a few weeks left for us to ALL enjoy the rest of the season. And yes, Union had a guality team - they wouldn’t have made the playoffs if they didn’t. dlippiel said it best, we have all been sore losers in the past. But that just gives you the opportunity to make things better. Now cheer on the remaining teams and hope everyone can play their best, and noone gets hurt.
I hope Springfield wins this tough game ahead. I have nothing against SJF, but I picked Springfield to go to the final four. You have to pick someone if you want to play Pick ‘em. They have a TNT QB.
SJF is a great team too. It should be a great game.
November 21st, 2006 at 10:22 am
dlippiel,
Thanks. I appreciate your comments. I’m not sure if my guys can stop Sharpe, I’m not sure if anyone in the nation can stop him on dry turf. I’m hoping that they can somehow keep him in check though and not give up too many big plays. SJFC put up 500+ yards of offense in the first game but turned the ball over 3 times. The defense was missing 3 starters….will erasing those mistakes and having those players healthy make a difference?, I don’t know, I sure hope so though. I’m sure it will be a great game to watch, I wish I could be there but have family commitments. You and your wife enjoy the game!
November 21st, 2006 at 10:23 am
D3Keith,
As you know numbers can say anything and you have drawn the wrong conclusion (I listened to the entire game). At the end of the first half the total yards were in fact fairly even (146-142 in favor of CNU). This did not reflect the fact that W&J operated on short fields for most of the first half because they kept turning over CNU. After they established a 27-0 lead, they went to the dreaded prevent defense and that is actually how CNU rolled up most of their second half yards. CNU’s defense did stiffen and they had the home crowd. W&J actually played well in front of a hostile crowd and did accomplish something that UMHB failed to do (beat CNU in Virginia).
November 21st, 2006 at 10:46 am
sjfc1993,
Your post is making me nervous! I think everyone is in for a good game.
November 21st, 2006 at 12:29 pm
sjfc1993, I think that having 3 starters back should make a difference, but also don’t forget Springfield played without fullback Andrew Jackson who was injured at the time and that game was in your house. It was a great game,I hope this one is also .
November 21st, 2006 at 3:12 pm
Thanks sjfc1993 this is going to be a great weekend! I did not know SJF was missing 3 defensive starters + the momentum from thumping Union they are going to be a handful for anyone. Also with Springfield getting Jackson back. I’ll tell you this. The winner of this game is the team I will be rooting for to hopefully represent the East, even if my brackets are a mess.
November 21st, 2006 at 3:22 pm
I think the winner of the Springfield / St. John Fisher game will win the bracket.
I’m glad I’m not the parent of one of the players - I’d be a nervous wreck watching that game.
November 21st, 2006 at 3:42 pm
talk about being senstive. sore loser? it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to recognize a good butt kicking. nothing to be sore about that. you start the jawing over an email that paid respect to your program, team and complemented the stadium but was curious why no bathrooms after putting in, i would guess, a 2 - 3 million $ stadium/field and you fire off some bull$^%^ message…and accuse me of a cheap shot. if that’s the way you took it, then, I’m sorry. if anything, i guess i expected the “good game handshake” despite getting it handed to us. you start a pissing match and the discussion goes down from there. i’ll stop there, although I like the idea of sharing my glory days with co-workers except they all played for d1 schools and talk about their own football experience.
despite the long ride, i, too will be at the game with a couple of others who post on d3.com - there is some interest in sharpe and how he will respond to what the sjf defense comes out with.
looking down on you? no, you now have our attention, although letting
November 21st, 2006 at 6:54 pm
UC1795,
I’ll stop the pissing match….I’m sorry that it progressed to that. I guess that even though the program has risen a great deal over the years we alumns, or at least this alumn, still feel like the underdog and get very defensive at any perceived slight. Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately the current players have no idea what the begginings were like. We alumns may even take more pride in that program and those facilities than the current players do at this point. My fault for reading something into your first post. I really do apologize. Much respect to you for all that you and your teamates at UC accomplished, you guys were good, I remember.
Enjoy the game and travel safe. I will have to tune in over the telephone lines as I’ll be sitting in a hunting cabin in W. PA getting ready for deer season. I’d much rather be at the game rooting on the Cardinals and giving you the “good game handshake” but when you make a commitment to the future family you make a commitment you can’t break.
I agree with all of the posts that this will be one heck of a game. Everybody is healthy on both teams, a fast track on turf, 2 offenses that put up all kinds of yards, and 2 tough although little mentioned defenses. The winner should be a favorite to reach the final four and maybe even the Stagg Bowl. Good luck to both sides. Here’s to a well played, injury free, game for the ages…I’ll look forward to the post-game posts to fill me in on all that takes place.
November 21st, 2006 at 6:54 pm
I saw mention of no one being able to stop Sharpe on dry truff , dose bad weather favor either SJF or Springfield?Thought I saw some rain heading there way
November 21st, 2006 at 7:37 pm
mille,
I don’t care about how CNU
Many have forgotten UMHB beat Mount Union in Alliance and I know that was 2 years ago. However, no other team had done that in several years so UMHB can overcome the road. Enough talk let’s see who can walk the walk.
November 21st, 2006 at 7:46 pm
mille,
Sorry hit the wrong key. This is what is on my mind.
I don’t care about the CNU and W&J game. Neither of these teams can say they have played in the Stagg Bowl.
Many have forgotten UMHB beat Mount Union in Alliance and I know that was 2 years ago. However, no other team had done that in several years so UMHB can overcome the road. Enough talk let’s see who can walk the walk. UMHB 42 W&J 14!!!!!
November 21st, 2006 at 7:52 pm
PA_wesleyfan,
What’s up with the tacky uniforms man. The white on white would look much better.
November 21st, 2006 at 8:03 pm
Purple Crush
You won’t get me into a pi$$ing contest. I deal with facts. The games are settled on the field not with someones insane trash talking.
November 21st, 2006 at 8:06 pm
Purple Crush
When and if Wesley and UMHB meet we’ll exchange pleasentries then…
November 21st, 2006 at 8:18 pm
Cam08 I would say that inclement weather would totally favor SJF. Springfield uses so much deception in its quick ball movement and runs in the triple option that bad footing can equal trouble for them. I believe the only reason they lost to Ithaca was the weather. They were frustrated early and then paniced in the bad conditions. Yet earlier in the season they smoked Union on a wet turf, smoked meaning Union could not stop them at all. Yet the flipside to this is being on turf, in the rain, there is no mud. If it comes down to just plain old running the ball you have got to favor Springfield again, but, SJF has an amazing running game as well with three proven backs, one of which, Robinson, is just awsome. It is a tough call either way. I guess what I am saying is I favor Springfield on turf, at home, in any weather, but I respect SJF so much I would not be suprised either way. Maybe that helps, Your Bud Mr.D
November 21st, 2006 at 8:21 pm
Funny I reread my post and totally contridicted myself in the beggining to the end. Maybe I just don’t know? You know sometimes you get writing and change your thoughts…CUKOO! Either way going to be a great one.
November 21st, 2006 at 8:52 pm
Well said SJFC 1993, thank you.
I think the weather is too early to predict, if rain, still should be plenty of offense. Who ever wins defense will begin to play an important role. I fel in the end the defense is the difference maker when is comes down to the last 2 weekends.
November 21st, 2006 at 9:50 pm
purple crush,
For the edification of us all please get your facts straight. W&J played in TWO stagg bowls in 1992 and 1994. UMHB has only played in one in 2004. Hope this is enlightening.
November 21st, 2006 at 10:42 pm
mille,
I meant in the recent decade. UMHB has only had a football team 9 years. Don’t matter W&J 06 season ends this Saturday. I think I got you guys to rant enough. I’m just having fun guys. Too much fantasy football on Yahoo I guess. May the best team win and go a long way.
November 21st, 2006 at 10:45 pm
PA_wesleyfan,
You are right on my friend. You did not take the bait. I’m just having some fun trying to get some rants. Wesley will be tough to beat up in Delaware. (If each team can make it that far)
November 21st, 2006 at 10:54 pm
W&J 24 UMHB 2
November 21st, 2006 at 11:19 pm
mille,
Do you really believe that? I don’t think you do. Perhaps wishful thinking or maybe you really do. I will be there on the sidelines enjoying a great game.
November 21st, 2006 at 11:19 pm
mille,
Do you really believe that? I don’t think you do. Perhaps wishful thinking or maybe you really do. I will be there on the sidelines enjoying a great game.
November 22nd, 2006 at 12:50 am
purple crush……
see you at the game…i will bring the tissues…no more comments from me until after….good luck to both teams
November 22nd, 2006 at 11:48 am
mille125,
That’s a bold prediction. Well, stranger things have happened. I don’t think that will happen, but if it does, then W&J will get some serious props for being darn good.
November 22nd, 2006 at 12:19 pm
mille,
You will need the tissue during and after the game so bring plenty for yourself. “Nuf Sed” let the game begin.
November 22nd, 2006 at 1:25 pm
Purple Crush-
Please don’t disappear from the blogs when UMHB loses again this year. I agree they will probably win this week- but their time is coming so have your hanky prepared.
November 22nd, 2006 at 1:37 pm
I think Mary Hardin Baylor is a final four team - at least that is how I picked it. I only lost two games on Saturday by a combined 12 points, the MHB / HS game had the potential of ruining a lot of pools. I was very relieved by the result.
November 22nd, 2006 at 11:11 pm
pumkinhead,
I can face the music and eat crow at the same time. Sure UMHB will lose eventually but not this Saturday. I will be on the blog to receive my punishment when the time comes.
November 23rd, 2006 at 3:50 pm
the time is now