I feel so cheated.
I was looking forward to listening to the DePauw/Trinity (Texas) game tonight, which should go a long way toward determining the SCAC title. It would’ve last year, too, had it not been washed out by Hurricane Rita.
At least they’ll get to make this one up tomorrow, unlike last year.
Phew: A couple teams may’ve saved their playoff hopes — at least for now — via special teams today. Thiel avoided a third consecutive loss on Sammy Koyl’s 27-yard field goal in overtime to beat Thomas More in the Tomcats’ PAC opener. And No. 20 Delaware Valley blocked an extra point early that turned out to be the difference in a 17-16 win over Lycoming. The Aggies avoid an 0-2 start in conference that would’ve basically erased much chance at winning the MAC. Keep in mind their win over FDU-Florham doesn’t count in the MAC standings because of a quirk in the 11-team conference schedule.
On the other hand: 2006 playoff teams Augustana and Concordia-Moorehead both lose again. The Vikings could bounce back when CCIW play starts next week, but the Cobbers’ heartbreaking lost to SJU drops them to 0-3.
Rowan Rusty? After two weeks off, the Profs’ potent offense was shut out this week at Division I-AA Robert Morris. Maybe the rare back-to-back byes were a factor. That shouldn’t be a problem next year. From what we’ve heard Rowan will add Wilkes and Wesley to its non-conference schedule starting next year.
Magic carpet ride update: As mentioned last week, Concordia (Wisc.) may be this year’s surprise team to post an undefeated regular season. Perhaps Carnegie Mellon will join them on the magic carpet ride. The Tartans improved to 4-0 with a 34-14 win over Franklin & Marshall behind Travis Sivek’s third 100-yard game of the year. Plus CMU has a freshman named Socrates Zacharias which is always fun. Unfortunately his major is biology, not philosophy.
Neighbors in more ways than one: There are two teams tied for first place in the MAC and they are located on the same street. No. 16 Wilkes isn’t too much of a surprise, but King’s is, particularly after losing star defensive end Tore Alaimo before the season started to injury. The Monarchs average less than 300 yards a game on offense, but are getting them when they count. Quarterback Jeff Searfass just missed a perfect game, so to speak, completing 17 of 18 passes in a 38-14 win over Albright.
Three cheers for: Adam Jordison who had five sacks in No. 15 Coe’s 41-17 win over Buena Vista…Westminster (Pa.) kicker Fred Romeo whose field goal was such sweet sorrow for Adrian, beating the Bulldogs 27-24 in 2 OT…Colorado College sophomore Justin Alexander who had 224 yards on 22 carries in the Tigers’ 46-3 win over Lewis & Clark.
Well, Union is still the big dog in the LL until proven otherwise. In spite of woeful third down statistics they prevailed over an aspiring and inspired Rochester team. It is apparent that the loss of Angiletta is very, very significant. Can Union readjust? With Hobart and RPI fortunately late season events, the Dutchmen have time to figure out what does work under these new circumstances.
I realize the H-SC / Guilford game has no impact on the national scene but I feel it necessary to take this opportunity to gloat just a bit. (Sept 16th post) Especially when I often am eating crow. 🙂 Barring a bushel basket full of Eagle TO’s, the Tigers likely will get brought back to reality against BC next week.
Hey Barnacle, does the H-SC victory mean the Tigers are better than Ferrum and that they have taken back the ODAC spot from Guilford you mentioned in last weeks post? 🙂 Kidding!! Trying to figure out all these matchups by applying logic to something so illogical will make you crazy huh?
CMU looks good. A very well balanced offense and a smothering defense, but I wouldn’t get to antsy on the magic carpet ride just yet. Let’s wait until they play their 3 UAA games and see where they are then.
Well I think teams are figuring out Guilford. As evidence of the past two weeks. So their season may be falling apart. It was a must win for HSC, but after next week their playoff hopes will be shattered. As for Ferrum, next week and their last game against CNU will be conference deciding games. AND NO I do not think HSC could win against Ferrum. I really liked the way the Ferrum players re-grouped after the BC loss. Congrats to the Coaching staff. The young line and young backs are starting to play better. J pitts continues to lead the charge offensively. The Averett v. FC game will be big, esp. after the Cougars have had 2 weeks preparing.
Good for Wilkes and Wesley for stepping up (although Wesley had played Rowan in the past, pre-CNU) … I don’t think Rowan needs those Robert Morris and Southern Conn. games, except that they need them. From what I’ve heard, area schools don’t want to play the Profs. Nice that we have two who do, allegedly.
Good for Ferrum, but I wouldn’t not get too happy with a 42-0 win over Shenandoah. Staying close with Bridgewater is still the most impressive thing Ferrum’s done this year.
Carnegie Mellon is looking pretty good so far.
I thought Carleton posted the upset of the day. If the Knights beat Bethel, who beat Concordia-Moorhead, who played St. John’s even, could they … naaaah.
“Allsky,” please try not to say “Eagle” and “TO” in the same sentence. It makes me shudder.
What about the kicking fisher gave to IC, after the close games in the past 4 seasons we have a 24 point win by the “underdog”. I mean it was a game that did not reflect the ability of the teams. Fisher stunk in the first half but turned it around and IC was held to obly 10 points!!
Wesley played Rowen for four staight years. Wesley too spent a few years playing 9 games because they couldn’t get games. If you look back you will see that they traveled far just to get 9. I do think with the MAC losing a few schools that maybe Wesley and Rowan and even New Jersey will get some of those teams to play. Del Val is close actually a mile from me. Widener and Rowan are virtually across the Delaware river from each other. Just those five teams playing eeach other would boost interest.
D3Keith – Will you be joining us at The Linc on Monday, October 8 as Dawkins says hello to TO? I think that the WIP pregame show will be starting with The Morning Show at 5:45am. Our tailgate will be starting around noon!!!
Gee I hope Dawk doesn’t put his helemt on (the player’s) sore hand…
There is talk that the game may be moved if ooops when the Phils make the playoffs.
Next Saturday, my team , Uw Platteville will host UWstout. it should be a great game. Stout has a great defense and running game, but is poor passing. We are more balanced this year running 50 percent of the time.The game will decide who is a contender or pretender, behind UW Whitewater and Lacroose. I think we will win, but it should be a barnburner. I think UW Oshkosh need some love, holding Whitewater to 17 points at home. Is Justin Beaver going to get burned out, he did all the ball carrying, less one play for UWW. God Bless my fellow bloggers!
UWP:
Welcome aboard.
The Titans defense played very well last night, holding Whitewater scoreless in the second half. Unfortunately for UWO, the Warhawks’ defense was even better.
The Titans had a golden opportunity to score 7 points when Eric Stenbroten forced a fumble that his teammate Ryan Neff recovered on the UWW 11. But Widuch and Kleppe clamped down for UWW’s defense, the Titans went negative four yards on the drive and had to settle for three.
They got no closer the rest of the way.
Point taken Keith. As a Dallas fan since the days of Roger Staubach, I shudder every time I see TO in a Cowboy uniform. 🙂
allsky7,
Amen on the TO comment. The sanctity of the Star at Texas Stadium’s midfield was violated when TO was a 49er (you’ve seen the play many times, I know). My loyalty to the Cowboys has diminished during the Jones era and has virtually disappeared with their acquisiton of the “perp.”
Amen, Gordon, on feeling cheated about the DePauw-Trinity game. My wife and I drove down to San Antonio for the game but could not stay long enough on Sunday to witness the conclusion. While the outcome was surprising given DePauw’s dominance in the 10 minutes we were fortunate enough to witness, it was especially gratifying as a Wabash alum. I doubt the DePauw fan at Cheesy Jane’s (great hamburger place on Broadway close to the Trinity campus) was expecting to see a couple of folks sporting Wabash shirts.
The developing history between Trinity and DePauw promises to be a storied rivalry. It was fun to see the t-shirts sported by Trinity fans about room for only one Tiger in the stadium. Even more interesting was the passing out of small bells to Trinity fans. I didn’t ask what its significance was, but it will NEVER rival the significance of the MONON BELL.
Well in the East the obvious reaction has to be “wow” to Fisher’s victory over Ithaca. My immediate thought was that perhaps IC has finally been surpassed among upstate teams, but that is a mistaken assumption many have made in the past. Cortland and Union “surpassed” IC in the late 1980s. Buffalo State surpassed them in the early to mid 1990s. Then it was Brockport. Now Fisher?
It is possible. Fisher has vastly superior facilities to Buffalo State, and slightly better facilities than Brockport. They also have the advantage of having the Bills training camp to whet recruits’ apetites with.
Still I’ll believe it when I see it. Fisher appears to have the inside track to the E8 this season (unless Springfield is completely back). But IC is the team to beat every year.
Hobart continues to get it done. After two lacklustre wins, they smack RPI on the road. I never saw that one coming. Brockport is darn good, especially on defense. We saw that much last week at Cortland. They gave up 3 to Salisbury and 0 to Frostburg.
Another big East win versus the South. This time it is Montclair laying waste to Salisbury. The top of the NJAC is real strong this season.
If I had a time machine, I would have a Dallas Cowboy intra-squad practice. TO could select any Dallas QB, any Dallas O-line and any other Dallas player he wanted. I would take the defense and go with a Dallas defensive backfield of Mel Renfro, Cornell Green, Cliff Harris and Charley Waters; Chuck Howley and Lee Roy Jordan at the Linebackers and let Darren Woodson be the “nickel back”.
A little “Hall of Fame” intra-squad game to let TO show his stuff…;-)
Forgot to mention Brockport’s tailback Garet Lynch. The kid looked like a stud in the Cortland game. This week he hangs 262 yards on Frostburg on just 26 carries! Look out Ithaca. This is the best back nobody has heard of yet in Upstate football.
Cortland… I appreciate the thought that you believe Ithaca is always the team to beat… I believe they are as well. The loss Saturday was crushing. IC completely dominated the first half, yet only led by 10. The second half… well it’s obvious who stunk. But your statements of who surpassed who in the late 80’s and early 90’s is completely false. How can Union or Fisher or anyone for that matter “surpass” a team when IC won a national championship in 1988 (I was a sophomore) and then again in 1991. It seems to me the late 80’s early 90’s were dominated by the team from South Hill… the Bombers. We had a chant back when I was in school… every year….. “BAMA BOUND BOMBERS!!” (of course referring to the Stagg Bowl which used to be held in Alabama)
Oh yeah we also had another one which might sound familiar…..
“STATE SCHOOL!!!” See you on 11-11!
lg1970, the bells passed out at Trinity represent the SCAC’s “President’s Trophy,” a railroad bell given to the SCAC school which has the best overall sports performance. DePauw is the only school besides Trinity to win it in the last 15 years and took it back from Trinity last year after TU had received it 11 of the previous 12 years. The small bells are part of a “take back the bell” campaign.
DPU doesn’t like Trinity and vice versa, though the level of the rivalry pales in comparison to what you and DePauw have had going for over a century. Still, the two athleticc programs are (with exceptions in a few sports) head and shoulder the best the SCAC has to offer.
Oops, that should say last 13 years, not 15.
Ron,
Thanks for the info on the bell. And you are right that Trinity and DePauw set the SCAC standard (an excellent one at that).
The women’s basketball programs at both schools are quite successful as well. I think Trinity won DIII two or three years ago, correct?
Yep, back in ’02-’03. Trinity is the only SCAC school to win any NCAA championships (one each in women’s BB, men’s soccer and M/W tennis).
dukefin & PA_Wesleyfan,
I’d love to be on or near Broad & Patterson at game time on the 8th, but I sucked it up and ordered the Ticket this year, so I’ll probably be watching most of the games at my house, including that one. I saw the Chargers game last year and it was electric, I can only imagine how cool it’ll be this time around (and how much it’ll cost).
It definitely sounded like the tale of two halves with SJF and Ithaca … To the bomber guy, I think the point was those teams appeared to surpass Ithaca, only to be brought back to reality.
Keith… I agree and completely understand…. I just tried to get a little healthy IC/C State banter going back and forth. All in good fun between arch rivals. I’ll tell you, there is nothing more eventful and exciting in DIII sports than a Coritica Jug game. I’ve been to quite a few and even had the misery of witnessing Cortland fans storming the field at Butterfield stadium and tearing our goal posts down.
Is There any doubt that Thomas Arcidiacono is one of the best Running Backs in not only the east but all of division 3? Week in and week out he goes out and gets the job done look out for Union they will make noise in the playoffs.
Our All-American team has been fairly certain on the subject:
http://www.d3football.com/tow/05/allamericans.htm
I think its pretty obvious that if Mark Robinson of SJF was given the carries he’d be well over 1000yds by now. He only has 67 carries on the year and has averaged 8 yards a carry. In 2004 when he was a first team AA and have over 2000yds he was getting the ball 30 times a game, in the 2nd half vs IC he rushed for 121yds on 12 carries.
So yes there is some doubt Footballfan2122.
This week: Mount Union versus Heidelberg–absolute madness! Don’t you agree pcole?
I think Mount Union might make Gregg Easterbrook’s column again.
ICb,
I’m sure that the Cortica Jug is fantastic, but I’d bet you’d get some dissent from Indiana re: the Monon Bell (Wabash-DePauw) or Michigan re: pretty much anything between Calvin and Hope, but especially men’s bball.
Just out of curiosity, what players from D3 have made the transition to the NFL? Chris Warren from Ferrum kinda counts, but he was ACC rookie of the year at Virginia before he transferred.
We all know that pro contracts aren’t very realistic, nor is it the spirit of D3 football, but it is in the back of alot of the players minds.
Ferrum actually has a player right now that has recieved some NFL attention. Still a long shot, Tight End Chris Silk has probably the best hands for his position in D3, though if he were lucky enough he would end up on Special Teams and some possible time at Full Back. University of Virginia almost took him yet decided against since he did not have the “typical” height for the position.
Barnacle, I love you like a brother because you are a Panther fan….but if Silk could block (which is required of an NFL tight end) he would be pancaking and running over these D3 cats.
As far as one of your previous statements regarding Ferrum needing to beat Averett this weekend to stay alive in the conference….they need to win out, in a big fashion (no more losses).
I remember when I was studying for my GED at Ferrum, the only thing Averett did was kick this round black and white ball around….what do they call that? Oh..soccer yeah, whatever. If they lose that game, I’ll be sick, because zero playoff hope after that.
blackhats, there’s a “D3 Players in the NFL” thread over in the general football topics board.
blackhat-
One from our neck of the woods is DL R-Kal Truluck who has been in the NFL for various teams over the last decade after starting for Cortland. He has been a starter from time-to-time in the NFL, and played for some very good Chiefs and Packers teams in the past. He was undrafted but worked his way through camp and made a career of it. Apparently he is with Arizona now. He had 3 sacks in 2004, and 5 in 2003.
What are you supposed to do?
Four fumbles and a blocked punt in the first quarter and a sustained drive and you’re sitting 42 -zip in the first fifteen minutes.
Your stating QB has stats like 4-5 50 some yds and two TD’s and he is done.
“WWRD?”
Starting wideout 2 catches 22 yds and two TD’s, done for the night.
Turnovers will kill ya!
I suppose turnovers are unsportsmanlike too Greg? Oh just give’em the ball back …you don’t need it.
That would be the sporty thing to do.
Only trouble with games like this is you are not getting tested before the tougher games in the schedule like ONU in two weeks.
Hey Blackhat….. I received my “GED” from Ferrum in 83. Back in 81, they gave a chance to a unmotivated and immature high school kid. No one else did!! It is scary to think where I would be today had Ferrum not given me that opportunity so many years ago. I’d be willing to bet that I’m not the only one that owes a debt of gratitude to Ferrum College.
Incidently, I will be attending the Ferrum Homecoming game against Maryville on October 7th. Bet you a beer at Ippy’s I’m the only person there that is an alum of both schools! 🙂
theoriginalupstate
is that still you father? what is the next game you are going to? This week vs Hartwick? I wanna get up there for alumni game, but my sister is coming into town so idk if i will make it up. how is the wife and kid?
Ferrum College was one of the first schools opened in the southwestern part of Virginia and has helped multiple students over the years. I am also a proud graduate of FC. As for the comment about Chris Silk, I doubt he will be on any NFL roster, but whenever scouts are involved there is always a chance.
Sorry theoriginalupstate, but there are many players throughout the country that are fantastic like Robinson. Yet Arcidicano is the real deal period. This past week he has showed that he is a threat in the air on top of running the ball. He is versitile, strong and consistant. This season Union has a young line and, at times, questionable play calling ( coaches have stated he will not see the ball as much as last year) and he still is running great. For the most part he has carried Union on his shoulders. So I think the doubt you have should be withdrawn and credit should be given. He has earned it. He is truly an All-American.
Sorry, but I will not withdraw the statement I made. Lets not forget that Robinson was a 2004 all american after rushing for 2000yds and 25tds. So he is also a “true all-american”.
Im sure Arcidicando is a great player, but he is in no way shape or form better than Mark Robinson. You can say he’s had to carry that team all you want, but SJF has gotten little out of their passing game (except the 2nd half of the Ithaca game) all season and has had to see 8 in the box constantly.
You want to talk about versatility? Robinson has had to be split out because of the lack of recievers at SJF. He’s just as strong as any RB in the country. His production has been sick this season given the circumstances. He has to split time with another RB (not taking anything away from Reile) that had a 1200yd season last year. If Robinson was getting the carries like he used to he’d be well over 1000yds by now.
Robinson: 4 games 67 carries 529yards (7.9 ave) 7 tds
Arcidiacono: 3 games 77 carries 450yards (5.8 ave) 7 tds
Less carries, more yards, just as many TDs while splitting time……
What about Jermaine Pitts?…3 games, 59 carries, 559yards(9.47 ave) 4tds……only 3 games…less carries than both and more yards plus he’s a QB….any takers?
Does he run the option?
I’m sure he’s good, but again …
“Tight End Chris Silk has probably the best hands for his position in D3”
How many other TEs have you seen of the 200 or so starters there must be? 10?
“He’s just as strong as any RB in the country.”
Well, at least Robinson’s got some numbers to back it up, but if you mean strength-wise … You did a combine?
Sorry fellas, I’m a professional nit-picker, and that one always gets me. 🙂
OK..OK!! I’ll not dog Ferrum on the academics, I deserved every F, D and WF on my transcript…yet I too turned it around hit the podium in ’93.
But apart from Kal Truluk of Cortland, the NFL transition seems tough. Of course that is the spirit of D3…playing for the game and getting a degree, and I hope that never changes.
D1 can kinda be a comedy though. It was probably only privy to those that read the Richmond-Times Dispatch…but Virginia Tech has a talented soph. CB named Victor Harris, who stated that regarding making plays “I’m not trying to pressurize myself.”
Good thing…can you see him running one back and exploding around the 5 yard line…nothing but a pair of cleats left!
I agree that the D3-NFL is a longshot for the best D3 players each year. I do think it speaks volumes that many former d3 players have made their impact in other roles…ie the new commish. Ferrum hopefully will turn it around this week at Averett….even though Averett should be well prepared with the week off.
blackhats……how can u question a guy’s playing ability when he has been named to USAS’s 1st all-conference team every year since his freshmen year, and has now been named to the pre-season all-american team? silk is on a dominating rushing offense and blocking is a must…..how could he be as successful on a predominatley running offense if was unable to block? as far as “running over these D3 cats,” there hasn’t been too many defenses to slow him down……i believe he has 30 something career catches for 20 something TD’s??? and a 20 something yd./catch career average??
Having seen both Mark Robinson and Tom Arcidiacano in action, I s’pose I can comment on this argument. Both are the same type of runners.
They have excellent speed, good quickness and can be extremely elusive. Not only will they can, both can catch the ball out of the backfield in the flat and take it up the field. And I’ve seen both Robinson and Arcidiacano put their respective teams on their back and put them in position to win football games.
I think right now that both are more valuable to their team this year than last year. In previous years, Robinson’s been complimented by a good passing game that included All-American receiver Noah Fehrenbach. Now, Noah’s an assistant coach at the University of Rochester and the Cardinal receivers are young and not at the level of Fehrenbach. Fisher does have another running back, James Reile, who can put up good numbers, but he’s not Robinson. Last year, Arcidiacano had All-American receiver Steve Angiletta catching passes. Angiletta was hurt before the season and Union’s offense more revolves around Arcidiacano now.
It’s a really tough choice between the two. I’m glad I don’t have to choose.
dontworryaboutwho, he wasn’t exactly named to a real All-American team, just Don Hansen’s, the one that had 300 kids on it.
As to NFL players from d3: Bill Schroeder from Uw lacrosse played for several NFL teams, including the Packers. Clint Kriewalt LB plays for the Steelers, from UW stevens Point; Tony Bekum from UW Stout played at Tennessee. There are many other WIAC players, the can be found under the WIAC website, The great thing is that good football is played at all levels of college football and at d3 they play for the love of the game. God Bless you all !
Along with Chris Warren, Jim Kitts, Norman Flood, Darryl Hammond and Curtis Taliaferro all played in the NFL. The great thing is all these players are Ferrum Alum. Now if anyone wants a list of all the Pre-NCAA DIII NFL players from Ferrum just go to http://www.ferrum.edu and then athletics. Ferrum has produced its share of quality players. However I am quick to point out that most of the players now playing pro ball are playing inn other leagues.