D3football Daily Dose

Our friends at the Double-A Zone have asked the question, Who chooses Division III? It’s the NCAA’s official blog, so you have to take that into consideration, but unlike many ways in which the NCAA deals with Division III (can’t get its own playoff brackets right, doesn’t know how many Pool C bids there should be), the blog has a healthy knowledge of Division III, run by former Brandeis baseball player Josh Centor.

In light of the fact that Division II has spent a fair amount of time over the past few years trying to find its identity, there’s now apparently some sort of buzz. For me, I’m not sure what “I Chose Division II” actually means, while Division I’s identity is fairly clear and Division III has staked out the student-athlete high ground as the only purely amateur division (non-scholarship) in college athletics.

However, there seems to be some discussion from commenters, not much of it well-informed, as to what Division III’s identity is. Those people need a good dose of D3sports.com readers to fill them in. (I myself have a comment that is awaiting moderator approval.)

Meanwhile, the core question: Should Division III do more to brand itself? Speaking as someone who has done most of the branding of Division III over the past decade, absolutely. I look at what Division II has done in this area over the past few years, in terms of fancy promotional spots, games on CBS College Sports and football playoffs on ESPN, a full package of streaming video broadcasts of football and basketball, and I am definitely jealous. All Division III fans should be.

Division III should be branding itself. It should not be left to people like us here at D3sports.com or Steve Clay and D3Cast or Robb Modica and D3Scoreboard.

We just wasted a bunch of time and money figuring out Division IV was not the place we really wanted to be. So let’s spruce up our house a little bit while we’re here. Let’s show the rest of college fandom that this is not just glorified intramurals. Let’s get our games out there for people to see.

Why did you choose Division III? Go tell them.

And tell us below.

It’s Monday at the NCAA convention, the day in which Division III member schools vote on the various legislative proposals.

It’s not a day in which they will vote on whether to split into two divisions. We have at least another year before that happens, and perhaps more, since we’ve heard discussion that it may be delayed from its planned 2009 convention date. But there are other proposals on the docket as well that will have an impact on Division III.

Division III members voted overwhelmingly to ban text messaging to prospective recruits. Or, more specifically, they voted to limit electronic transmission of correspondence with recruits to e-mail and faxes. So, no text messages, no Facebook/MySpace, no IMs, etc. It passed by a vote of 362-72 with two abstentions, with good turnout from Division III schools.

A proposal to allow student-athletes to work at schools’ camps passed overwhelmingly as well, 425-13 with two abstentions.

Further proposals of note got voted down, then withdrawn. A proposal to allow provisional Division III members to be counted toward meeting a league’s seven-member automatic bid requirements failed 252-185-7. This was a proposed amendment to another proposal that was then withdrawn. Another proposal, to lift the ban on new single-sport conferences, was pulled from the agenda. This primarily affects women’s ice hockey but could have a football impact as well.

There’s more news that primarily affects basketball, which we’ve covered in the D3hoops.com Daily Dose.

It’s important to note that, while many people assume that rules in Division III come down from the NCAA national office as if engraved on stone tablets, in fact Division III schools vote on all legislation and the membership shapes the rules.

Although there were 5,099 in paid attendance at the Stagg Bowl this past weekend, and many who traveled a long way despite not having their team there to root for, it’s highly unlikely anyone drove further in pursuit of college football in 2007 than Andrew Reed.

Reed, who writes for SI On Campus, put more than 20,000 miles on his odometer this season in pursuit of the ultimate road trip. Reed had 17 games on his itinerary, 15 of them between Division I teams (including Princeton/Harvard).

The focus? Fans and tailgating. That’s why it’s not overly surprising that the other two games involved Bridgewater, in a sense. He was at the Bridgewater/Guilford game on Oct. 13 and, of course, the Stagg Bowl. He’ll be writing a book about his odyssey.

As someone who spends a fair amount of time on the road in pursuit of football (though not Ohioo State/Michigan or Florida/Georgia), I know it can make for a long season. But I didn’t drive nearly 20,000 miles this season. Racked up some frequent flyer miles, but Mount Union was my longest drive.

I look forward to the book.

Gordon Mann interviewed Reed on our pregame show on Saturday about his journey, see the player below. It’s a good listen. And be sure to visit his blog, too.

 

 Around the Nation Podcast [7:33m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Gordon Mann joins Keith McMillan and Pat Coleman to help wrap up the 2007 Division III football season. Hear a lively debate on who should be No. 2 when the final poll is released, as well as their takes on what the 2007 season will mean upon reflection.

This is the last ATN podcast of the season — thanks for listening and thanks for the hundreds of you who subscribed to it. We’ll also have some more audio from the weekend to share as well.

 

 Around the Nation Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Although more then 2,500 of you listened to our broadcast of Stagg Bowl XXXV, we thought others might want to tune in. Given the podcast capabilities, I thought we’d post it here.

 

 Stagg Bowl XXXV: First quarter [41:23m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Stagg Bowl XXXV: Second quarter [46:21m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Stagg Bowl XXXV: Halftime [16:55m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Stagg Bowl XXXV: Third quarter [45:39m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Stagg Bowl XXXV: Fourth quarter [51:55m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

We’ve predicted every playoff game this season and every Stagg Bowl since 1999. With the championship of the 2007 season upon us we expend our pool of predictors to include people with connections to each team and to the Stagg Bowl, as well as the rest of our Salem broadcast crew.

Last year we predicted Mount Union would win, which is a lot like predicting the sun will come up — admittedly, it’s a safe bet. Ric Brienza, Mount Union broadcaster and publisher of mtunionfootball.com, was our “champion” with a 34-27 prediction in favor of the Purple Raiders.

Previous years’ picks: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006

He leads off our Triple-take take.

Ric Brienza, publisher, Mtunionfootball.com
The key for both teams will be to limit mistakes and finish drives, especially in bad weather conditions. Mount Union has done that better in each of the last two championship games and that’s a big reason they won both. It looks like weather will unfortunately play a factor in the game. If it isn’t miserable conditions that limit 90% of each team’s offense the Purple Raiders pull away for a comfortable victory. If the weather is really bad, it will be a one touchdown or closer game.
Mount Union 38, Whitewater 17

Pat Coleman, publisher, D3football.com
UW-Whitewater has something it didn’t have the past two years, in a mobile quarterback. It has a healthy Justin Beaver. It lacks the big threat at tight end and the fast guy on the outside. But then again, Whitewater didn’t try to stretch the field too much in 2005 and 2006. The play-caller has changed, the signal-caller has changed and the ground game is just as reliable. But the real change is on defense, where it does seem the Warhawks are better than last year. The secondary will need to continue its ball-hawking, the front four will have to apply the pressure and the linebackers are big, fast, and can make plays. However, I’m not sure that’s enough against this Mount Union team. If the weather is truly awful, knock seven off each side.
Mount Union 35, UW-Whitewater 21

Keith McMillan, D3football.com
For UW-Whitewater to make its third time the charm, it’ll have to figure out how to impose its will on Mount Union. That means dictating the tempo with long drives offensively, and tackling well on defense so the Warhawks can get off the field on three-and-outs. Big names aside, line play and tackling will be keys Saturday — the Purple Raiders just happen to feature one of the most difficult-to-tackle foursomes we’ve seen in Pierre Garcon, Nate Kmic, Justin Wray and Greg Micheli. The Warhawks counter with studs at defensive end and linebacker and a senior-laden secondary. UW-Whitewater can pull the upset — QB Danny Jones, or a scheme from coach Lance Leipold might make Stagg Bowl XXXV different than the past two, but with a Mount Union team with so few weaknesses and one that is so rarely unprepared, I fear we’re in for more of the same.
Mount Union 33, UW-Whitewater 20

Gordon Mann, D3football.com
If Division III football were a different animal, there would be more talk about whether this year’s Mount Union team is one of the best Division III teams of all time. With little video evidence and most Division III fans appropriate focused mainly on their own team, that’s a tough discussion to have. Of course, that discussion doesn’t happen at all unless Mount Union defeats UW-Whitewater tomorrow. And so they will. Justin Beaver is a great running back and an inspirational story, but he was held in check by Mary Hardin-Baylor last week. The Crusaders have a great run defense, allowing just 48.7 yards per game. That’s second in the country to Mount Union who has halved the total to an unreal 24.2 yards per game. The task of keeping pace with the Purple Juggernaut’s offense falls on Danny Jones and the UWW passing game. Jones is a lot of fun to watch, fleet-footed and cannon-armed. But he needs his receivers to get open and make big plays. Outside of Neil Mrkvicka, can anyone else get free from the vise-lock defense of Matt Kostelnik, Jonah Wilson and company? It’s been a great season for the Warhawks in which they have achieved excellence while changing their quarterback, offensive coordinator and head coach. Unfortunately for them, this much remains the same.
Mount Union 35, UW-Whitewater 17

Tom Pattison, Warhawkfootball.com
The Warhawks come into this year’s Stagg Bowl with a different attitude. Not the pressure of the past two years. Senior leadership is the difference in this year’s team. Hawks will also ride the wave of emotion after watching teammate Justin Beaver accept the Gagliardi Trophy. Third time’s the charm.
UW-Whitewater 27, Mount Union 24

John McGraw, D3football.com
Since this is the third installment of Mount Union vs. UW-Whitewater, who’s Rocky Balboa and who’s Clubber Lang? Somehow I don’t see either Justin Beaver or Nate Kmic shouting out “Yo, Adrian!” after the game. That being said, I admit I picked Whitewater last year and that didn’t turn out too well. The Purple Raiders have bludgeoned everyone they’ve played this year and I think that continues in Salem. UW-Whitewater and Justin Beaver will put up a fight, but Mount’s too much in the end.
Mount Union 31, UW-Whitewater 17

Ryan Tipps, D3football.com
It’s hard to say something that hasn’t been said in some format at least once before. And the even harder part is being on the outside looking in on whatever trick Coach Kehres has up his sleeve for the Stagg Bowl (a la Greg Micheli in ‘06). We all know what makes Mount Union good: practically everything. But looking at the opponent, I like that UW-Whitewater has a bigger and more mobile offensive line than the Purple Raiders are used to facing. I like that UW-W has played in snow and ice already this year (have you seen Salem’s forecast?). And I like that UW-W has a new and dynamic crop of playmakers and coaches that will try to jazz things up. No, this will definitely not be played like the Stagg Bowls of 2005 and ‘06. Though that doesn’t mean we’ll see a drastically different result. Mount’s just that good.
Mount Union 38, UW-Whitewater 20

Matt Barnhart, Bridgewaterfootball.com/Stone Station
Entering both the St. John’s game (’03) and Mary Hardin-Baylor game (’04), the Purple Raiders looked unstoppable, allowing only 6.5 and 8.7 points to their opponents, respectively. This year is no different, with only 10 touchdowns being scored against MUC. But as in 2003 and 2004, playoff opponents found a way to beat The Machine. They did it by sticking to the run, and forcing MUC to throw. SJU and MHB combined for 116 rushes for 555 yards. They also combined to hold the Raiders to only 211 rushing yards -– on 69 carries –- and 25-of-57 passing with five interceptions. That’s not what Mount Union wants to do. This season, UW-Whitewater has nearly rushed (679) exactly twice as much as they have thrown (340). The Warhawk defensive line — a six-man rotation — has combined for 50.5 tackles for a loss and 35 sacks this year. It’s also worth noting that UWW has forced 49 turnovers this year – second best in Division III. If they can stop the run, and the Gagliardi winner carries the ball 35 to 40 times, I like UWW in a close one.
UW-Whitewater 27, Mount Union 24

The first of the D3football.com crew has arrived in Salem — took a look at the field, which is a nice upgrade. They’ve also done some nice work with signage in and around the stadium. The banners with the name of each national champion that used to line the front of the grandstand have moved to the outside concourse and there is a new look inside.

The teams will be practicing here at the stadium in a short while, with Mount Union first, followed by UW-Whitewater. Currently, a local TV station is here doing a news piece on the game.

The weather is mild so far, though we know that is forecast to change. Hoping tomorrow’s weather holds over for an extra day.

We’ll have more from here later. Practices, then Gagliardi presentation tonight. Hope you can get down here.

Keith McMillan and I broadcast the Mount Union/Bethel game Saturday from Alliance, Ohio, and although we had more than 4,000 people listening live at various points throughout the game, you may not have heard our halftime interview.

We spoke to Dick Kaiser, the national chair of the Division III football committee, about the bracket, the new strength of schedule measurements, the final teams taken, etc. It’s a good look into the selection process.

 

 Around the Nation Podcast [10:09m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Looking like a tough weekend weatherwise in parts of the bracket this weekend.

I, for example, am projecting missed extra points in the North and West regional finals because of weather. But those are only a point or two either direction.

In last week’s picks, Keith and I both went 8-for-8 and Gordon was 7-for-8. Gordon got his in just under the gun, in a comment post eight minutes before kickoff.

Mount Union 59, New Jersey 7. Closest pick, Gordon (Mount Union 42-7). None picked TCNJ with more than seven points.
St. John Fisher 38, Curry 7. Closest pick, Pat (SJF 31-10). All three had St. John Fisher in the 30s.
Central 37, St. John’s 7. Closest pick, Pat (barely, Central 27-24).
Bethel 21, UW-Eau Claire 12. Closest pick, Gordon (Bethel 21-17).
Mary Hardin-Baylor 64, N.C. Wesleyan 0. Closest pick, Pat (UMHB 48-21).
Wesley 38, Muhlenberg 21. Closest pick, Pat (Wesley 28-20).
UW-Whitewater 59, North Central 28. Closest pick, Pat (UWW 38-17).
Wabash 38, Case Western Reserve 23. Closest pick, Pat (Wabash 30-19).

Here’s our take on the regional finals.

South Region
Pat: Mary Hardin-Baylor 41, Wesley 27
Keith: Wesley 34, Mary Hardin-Baylor 31 (OT)
Gordon: Mary Hardin-Baylor 28 Wesley 20

West Region
Pat: Central 20, Bethel 13
Keith: Central 29, Bethel 16
Gordon: Bethel 24 Central 21 (OT)

North Region
Pat: UW-Whitewater 34, Wabash 20
Keith: UW-Whitewater 44, Wabash 21
Gordon: UW-Whitewater 30 Wabash 17

East Region
Pat: Mount Union 40, St. John Fisher 17
Keith: Mount Union 45, St. John Fisher 27
Gordon: Mount Union 35 St. John Fisher 21

Alright, so, the previous blog post has devolved into a St. John Fisher/Mount Union back and forth and there is some good discussion there about Mary Hardin-Baylor and Wesley.

But there are two other games that are taking place on Saturday as well, and we’re sure people want to talk about them without having to wade through all the other so-called discussion.

Three West teams remain alive out of the original seven selected, with Wabash crashing the party in the North Region to represent the North in its own bracket. I’ll move some of the related comments over here but want to get people started, especially on the teams getting out from under St. John’s shadow.