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.
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.
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.
“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.
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!
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.
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!
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).
sjfc1993,
Your post is making me nervous! I think everyone is in for a good game.
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 .
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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!!!!!
PA_wesleyfan,
What’s up with the tacky uniforms man. The white on white would look much better.
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.
Purple Crush
When and if Wesley and UMHB meet we’ll exchange pleasentries then…
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
W&J 24 UMHB 2
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.
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.
purple crush……
see you at the game…i will bring the tissues…no more comments from me until after….good luck to both teams
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.
mille,
You will need the tissue during and after the game so bring plenty for yourself. “Nuf Sed” let the game begin.
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.
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.
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.
the time is now