W&M @ SIU physical matchups

[Saluki09]

Needless to say, the lines are going to be of prime importance for both teams. Obviously the physical characteristics only tell part of the story, but there is a long time 'til next Saturday and might as well start the discussion early while we have nothing else to do. These are the people listed at the top of the depth charts (as far as I know). If there are any mistakes point them out and I'll change them.

SIU Off vs. W&M Def

Left Tackle – David Pickard 6’5” 290 sophomore
Left Guard – Blake Brunner 6’5” 280 senior
Center – Bryan Boemer 6’2” 305 sophomore
Right Guard – John Purdy 6’4” 315 senior
Right Tackle – Shawn Smith 6’4” 280 senior
Quarterback – Paul Macintosh (http://espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=485736) 6’2” 205 freshman
Running back – Deji Karim (http://espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=241179) 5’11” 205 Senior

Left Defensive End – Adrian Tracy 6’4” 243 senior
Left Defensive Tackle – Sean Lissemore 6’4” 286 senior
Right Defensive Tackle – Mike Stover 6’3” 265 junior
Right Defensive End – CJ Herbert 6’3” 237 senior
Outside Linebacker – Wes Steinman 6’2” 225 junior
Middle Linebacker – Jake Trantin 6’1” 235 sophomore
Outside Linebacker – Evan Franks 5’11” 212 junior


W&M Off vs. SIU Def

Left Tackle – Jake Marcey 6’4” 300 sophomore
Left Guard – Chris Sutton 6’2” 295 sophomore
Center – CJ Muse 6’4” 313 senior
Right Guard – Derek Toon 6’3” 288 junior
Right Tackle – Keith Hill, Jr 6’4” 312 junior
Quarterback – RJ Archer (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=171124) 6’2” 220 senior
Running back – Jonathan Grimes (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=380816) 5’10” 201 sophomore

Left Defensive End – Dolapo Adubifa 6’2” 260 senior
Nose Tackle – Chris Arthurs 6’0” 295 senior
Right Defensive End – Chance Coda 6’2” 240 sophomore
Left Outside Linebacker – Chauncey Mixon 6’1” 215 senior
Left Inside Linebacker – Ryan Patton 6’1” 220 senior
Right Inside Linebacker – Brandin Jordan 5’11” 230 senior
Right Outside Linebacker – Fred Wright 5’10” 200 senior

[skinny_uncle]

It's not the size of the dawg in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dawg.
xnodx

[caribbeanhen]

It's not the size of the dawg in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dawg.
xnodx
true uncle, but I think you said the same thing in 2007 and probably 2003

W&M is gonna have there way with you

[Husky4Life]

If i were SIU I'd pray for some timely crappy weather in Carbondale. This will be a tough one.

[soccerguy315]

SIU is a very good team... one of the country's top rushing attacks in SIU will take on the best running defense in W&M. Should be a huge battle.

[Tribe07]

How good is SIU's defense? I think this one will be decided in the trenches. If W&M can stop the run and force freshman MacIntosh to throw, we're looking good. If not, our offense is going to need to have a fantastic day.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

SIU is a very good team... one of the country's top rushing attacks in SIU will take on the best running defense in W&M. Should be a huge battle.

I can't see anybody running the ball on William and Mary. That includes all teams remaining in the field. Don't care who it is.

[Houndawg]

true uncle, but I think you said the same thing in 2007 and probably 2003

W&M is gonna have there way with you

xrolleyesx We ain't Weber State, Cletus.

They're missing you in Crapsville.xnodx

[siuham]

How good is SIU's defense? I think this one will be decided in the trenches. If W&M can stop the run and force freshman MacIntosh to throw, we're looking good. If not, our offense is going to need to have a fantastic day.

SIU's defense has had at least a TD in 4 of the last 5 games.

[Tribe07]

SIU's defense has had at least a TD in 4 of the last 5 games.

That doesn't really answer the question. That is impressive, but I was curious about stats (and rankings) vs. the run and vs. the pass.

Has SIU seen a rushing defense on the same level as W&M's yet? I understand that's difficult because W&M has the nation's #1 rushing defense but have they seen a top 10 rushing defense at least?

[UNIFanSince1983]

SIU saw UNI which had the #10 rushing defense in the country and SDSU who had the #15.

But this is the old chicken and the egg because has W&M seen a rushing offense like SIUs yet?

I mean they saw Nova who was 5, and CCSU who was 7 (but they do play in the NEC so that my be inflated by who they play day in and day out).

This should be the best game of the weekend.

[Houndawg]

That doesn't really answer the question. That is impressive, but I was curious about stats (and rankings) vs. the run and vs. the pass.

Has SIU seen a rushing defense on the same level as W&M's yet? I understand that's difficult because W&M has the nation's #1 rushing defense but have they seen a top 10 rushing defense at least?

If you're a stats guy you will be less impressed than you probably should be by our D. We would have some gaudy numbers if Lennon didn't take his foot off the gas as often as he has. Typically teams move the ball in the first quarter and sometimes score first but it tightens up from there. I'll be surprised if your defense is as quick overall as SIU's.

I don't know if we have or haven't seen a run defense as good as yours, but all year long people have been saying that we wouldn't be able to run on them and we have. UNI and SDSU both had highly rated run defenses when we ran on them at their places.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

If you're a stats guy you will be less impressed than you probably should be by our D. We would have some gaudy numbers if Lennon didn't take his foot off the gas as often as he has. Typically teams move the ball in the first quarter and sometimes score first but it tightens up from there. I'll be surprised if your defense is as quick overall as SIU's.

I don't know if we have or haven't seen a run defense as good as yours, but all year long people have been saying that we wouldn't be able to run on them and we have. UNI and SDSU both had highly rated run defenses when we ran on them at their places.

You have no idea what you are getting into with the WM front.

Careful using SDSU's defense for comparison. (See yesterday)

[Houndawg]

How good is SIU's defense? I think this one will be decided in the trenches. If W&M can stop the run and force freshman MacIntosh to throw, we're looking good. If not, our offense is going to need to have a fantastic day.


xeekx Dayum! There's a chips-fall-where-they-may statement!


Here's another: Turnovers will kill you.xpeacex



This should be about as exciting as a low-scoring game can get and I look for special teams to be the difference.

[Houndawg]

You have no idea what you are getting into with the WM front.

Careful using SDSU's defense for comparison. (See yesterday)



xoopsxI'll see if I can find someone with the authority to forfeit the game.

[Houndawg]

If i were SIU I'd pray for some timely crappy weather in Carbondale. This will be a tough one.


xconfusedx Why would a team as quick as ours want bad weather?

[bullseye44]

Food for thought: W&M has played playoff teams each of the last 3 weeks, with 2 of those being among the final 8 (UR, UNH). Here's what the defense has allowed cumulatively:

67 carries for 86 yards
56/113 (49.6%) for 575 yards, 8 interceptions
30 total points

That's 1.3 ypc, 28.7 rushing ypg; 191.7 passing ypg; 220.3 total ypg; 10.0 ppg.

Not saying we'll do that to SIU, but that's a solid 3 weeks against playoff teams.

[State Line Liquors]

Trenches

Teepee dwellers best in the FCS in rushing defense. Creepy looking dogs 4th best in the country in rushing.

Both teams good on specials and in protecting the football.

2nd best game of the weekend behind rematch of previous champions.

[UNIFanSince1983]

Those are nice against playoff teams, but those aren't quite the rushing powerhouses that SIU is. Richmond is 32, UNH is 37, and Weber is 86...

SIU is 4...

Not saying they are going to be able to run it down your throat for 200 yards, but don't expect another -4 rushing yard day against them like you had against Weber...

[Houndawg]

Food for thought: W&M has played playoff teams each of the last 3 weeks, with 2 of those being among the final 8 (UR, UNH). Here's what the defense has allowed cumulatively:

67 carries for 86 yards
56/113 (49.6%) for 575 yards, 8 interceptions
30 total points

That's 1.3 ypc, 28.7 rushing ypg; 191.7 passing ypg; 220.3 total ypg; 10.0 ppg.

Not saying we'll do that to SIU, but that's a solid 3 weeks against playoff teams.


That's some good defense. Your offense is going to see some good defense too.

[bullseye44]

Those are nice against playoff teams, but those aren't quite the rushing powerhouses that SIU is. Richmond is 32, UNH is 37, and Weber is 86...

SIU is 4...

Not saying they are going to be able to run it down your throat for 200 yards, but don't expect another -4 rushing yard day against them like you had against Weber...

Completely agree. 12 games later, I'm still getting used to having a good run defense. Too many years of watching us get gashed for 200 yards per game.

[UNIFanSince1983]

Some more interesting stats:

Special teams could be a difference.

SIU is #1 in the country in KO return, W&M is 41 against KO returns
W&M is #118 in KO returns...

W&M is #50 in punt returns, SIU is #85 in punt coverage
SIU is #58 in punt returns, W&M is #61 in punt coverage

It looks fairly even in punt returns, but SIU has a decided advantage in the KO returns. Both teams are very good in turnover margin with SIU being #4 and W&M being #11.

This sounds like it should be a very very good matchup. xnodx

Although who knows about these stats as neither team has played any of the same teams, and it is hard to compare these numbers unless the teams play pretty much the same schedule.

[bullseye44]

That's some good defense. Your offense is going to see some good defense too.

Will be interesting to see if our offense shows up in the first half this week. They haven't been able to do much all season until the halftime adjustments are made.

[Tribe07]

SIU's #4 rushing offense vs. W&M's #1 rushing defense. Is it Saturday yet?

[CAAisBOSS]

Food for thought: W&M has played playoff teams each of the last 3 weeks, with 2 of those being among the final 8 (UR, UNH). Here's what the defense has allowed cumulatively:

67 carries for 86 yards
56/113 (49.6%) for 575 yards, 8 interceptions
30 total points

That's 1.3 ypc, 28.7 rushing ypg; 191.7 passing ypg; 220.3 total ypg; 10.0 ppg.

Not saying we'll do that to SIU, but that's a solid 3 weeks against playoff teams.

not sure where u got those stats... but WM gave up 27 yards rushing to UNH, 18 to Richmond and -6 to Weber State... thats 13 yds per game

[ASU_Fanatic]

This has potential to be a great game.

[Tribe07]

I really don't see SIU putting up even close to 100 yards on the ground on us, and that should seriously handicap their offense. Is the SIU O-line incredible or something?

[bullseye44]

not sure where u got those stats... but WM gave up 27 yards rushing to UNH, 18 to Richmond and -6 to Weber State... thats 13 yds per game

Crap, you're right, I took W&M's rushing total from the Richmond game...:o

[bullseye44]

Food for thought: W&M has played playoff teams each of the last 3 weeks, with 2 of those being among the final 8 (UR, UNH). Here's what the defense has allowed cumulatively:

67 carries for 86 yards
56/113 (49.6%) for 575 yards, 8 interceptions
30 total points

That's 1.3 ypc, 28.7 rushing ypg; 191.7 passing ypg; 220.3 total ypg; 10.0 ppg.

Not saying we'll do that to SIU, but that's a solid 3 weeks against playoff teams.

Edited - good catch CAAisBoss:

69 carries for 39 yards
63/113 (55.8%) for 587 yards, 7 interceptions
30 total points

That's 0.6 ypc, 13.0 rushing ypg; 195.7 passing ypg; 208.7 total ypg; 10.0 ppg.

[wideright82]

not sure where u got those stats... but WM gave up 27 yards rushing to UNH, 18 to Richmond and -6 to Weber State... thats 13 yds per game

Also gave up 114 to Villanova which was the second least we were held to all year... they have a very impressive D.

[Tribe07]

SIU Defense: (FCS Rank)
Yards: 3850 (69)
Passing Yards: 2462 (96)
Rushing Yards: 1388 (41)
Points per game: 15.3 (8)
Yards per game: 320.8 (41)
Touchdowns: 20 (12)
Field Goals: 10 (68)

William & Mary Defense (FCS Rank)
Yards: 2763 (4)
Passing Yards: 2159 (71)
Rushing Yards: 604 (1)
Points per game: 12.7 (2)
Yards per game: 230.3 (2)
Touchdowns: 20 (12)
Field Goals: 4 (12)

How can anyone make the argument that SIU's defense is better?

[Tribe07]

SIU Offense: (FCS Rank)
Yards: 4946 (9)
Passing Yards: 2176 (60)
Rushing Yards: 2770 (3)
Points per game: 36.6 (3)
Yards per game: 412.2 (15)
Touchdowns: 48 (8)
Field Goals: 18 (6)

William & Mary Offense: (FCS Rank)
Yards: 4469 (21)
Passing Yards: 2404 (40)
Rushing Yards: 2065 (17)
Points per game: 27.4 (38)
Yards per game: 372.4 (35)
Touchdowns: 35 (41)
Field Goals: 20 (4)

[soccerguy315]

SIU's defense is not better than W&M's defense.

Doesn't mean the SIU defense isn't good enough to stop the W&M offense though. SIU's defense is much better than Weber's defense, and they didn't give the W&M offense anything in the first half this week.

[Tribe07]

Noon Eastern game time? Wow. 11am Central.

[Hoyadestroya85]

I can't see anybody running the ball on William and Mary. That includes all teams remaining in the field. Don't care who it is.

xeyebrowx Villanova ran the ball on William & Mary (discard the sack number.) But I don't see SIU doing so, W&M has the best D-Line i've seen all season by far (and they're getting better every game.)

[WMTribe90]

Gonna be a low scoring affair. Key matchup IMO is our offense vs the SIU defense. SIU won't score a ton, but can our offense score enough to win? We've been somewhat inconsistent on offense, especially in the first half. We've struggled in our passing game at times too. Turnovers and field position will be huge of course. Like the UR game, I could see the team with the best passing attack win.

What is SIU's injury situation?

For the season WM has lost our #3 WR and #1 FB on offense.

On defense, we lost our #3 DE and a co-starter at DT. We did roll eight deep on the DL, but are essentially down to a six man rotation the last two games.

A corner and #2 RB are also questionable for Saturday.

Overall, we are in decent shape for week 14 of the season.

[pather]

SIU Defense: (FCS Rank)
Yards: 3850 (69)
Passing Yards: 2462 (96)
Rushing Yards: 1388 (41)
Points per game: 15.3 (8)
Yards per game: 320.8 (41)
Touchdowns: 20 (12)
Field Goals: 10 (68)

William & Mary Defense (FCS Rank)
Yards: 2763 (4)
Passing Yards: 2159 (71)
Rushing Yards: 604 (1)
Points per game: 12.7 (2)
Yards per game: 230.3 (2)
Touchdowns: 20 (12)
Field Goals: 4 (12)

How can anyone make the argument that SIU's defense is better?

not saying SIU's defense is better, but those stats are a bit misleading. 12 of the 15 points surrendered against SDSU were by the second string after the game was well over (35-3 after 3).

same for the last 14 (of 24) against missouri state. let in by the second team in the 4th after the dawgs were up 41-10 after 3.

defense slacked off against SEMO after a 28-3 lead early in 3rd quarter and 7 of those 24 were on a pick 6 for what its worth.

so excluding the SEMO game....SIU's first team defense hasnt allowed more than a TD in a game since Northern Iowa. thats 5 of the last 6.

SIU also has the tendency to give up some yards early in drives, especially earlier this year, but are very tough in red zone. i recall at least 4 times they have turned 1st and goal inside the 5 into field goals. and....they force a ton of turnovers.

not saying SIU's defense is better than WM's again....the body of work clearly shows that WM has been better over the course of the year. but SIU's defense is better than stats indicate and they have a chance to be better in a given game than WM's.

[pather]

and if you want experience factor: this defense has a ton of seniors that are in their 4th straight playoffs which now has 2 runs to the q-finals and another to the semi's.

brandin jordan, chauncey mixon, mike mcelroy all played major roles in 2007 and jordan is a 4th year starter at ILB.

injury wise....aside from dieker....dawgs are pretty healthy.

[Houndawg]

Also gave up 114 to Villanova which was the second least we were held to all year... they have a very impressive D.

I believe you, bro. But WTF, why doesn't anybody believe that SIU can play defense with the best of them? There are two legitimate Buchanan Award candidates on that defense in LB Brandin Jordan and CB Korey Lindsey, and there would be three if LB Chauncy Mixon hadn't missed four games with a broken jaw. Stats don't tell the whole story, these guys make big plays on the important downs

[Tribe07]

W&M has been doing the same thing. Would've had a shut-out at Norfolk State had we not put in second stringers who gave up 15 points in the last 5 mins or so. Most of our wins have been blow-outs and that inevitably leads to garbage yards and garbage points that still count in the defense's numbers. It's the same for every good team who consistently blows out opponents. Not to mention W&M's strength of schedule is clearly superior to SIU's.

[pather]

im simply saying, dont discount SIU's defense. those stats make SIU look like a middle of the road defense at times, but this is a legitimate top 10 defense.

SDSU was absolutely overran against us.

and as pointed out....SIU did play 4 games without one of thier best 3 defenders in mixon, including illinois state, the only game outside of marshall or UNI that the dawgs gave up more than 2 td's.

[pather]

ill say this....if you want success against SIU, run successfully early, because it wont come through the air. mixon/jordan/walker have harassed qb's all year long, with as many hurries as sacks. and williams/lindsey/mcelroy/rodgers/caldwell is as talented of a secondary as you will see.

[Tribe07]

How many fans are going to be there at 11am in the morning?

[pather]

with the students back in town....7500-9k. but at good couple thousand fewer than there would have been if it had been any of the other times.

[Houndawg]

W&M has been doing the same thing. Would've had a shut-out at Norfolk State had we not put in second stringers who gave up 15 points in the last 5 mins or so. Most of our wins have been blow-outs and that inevitably leads to garbage yards and garbage points that still count in the defense's numbers. It's the same for every good team who consistently blows out opponents. Not to mention W&M's strength of schedule is clearly superior to SIU's.

Clearly superior today, but SOS doesn't reflect that, for example, UNI was #2 and the talk of the division and had just rolled South Dakota 66-7 when we beat them in the dome. Lost to Iowa on a blocked FG, etc. etc.....today's SOS doesn't show that we played them when they were peaking. Just sayin'......xpeacex

[soccerguy315]

before this turns into a huge argument, whether WM or SIU has the better defense is not especially relevant.

What actually matters is who wins these battles:
WM Offense / SIU Defense
SIU Offense / WM Defense

This should be a great game, and it wouldn't surprise me if both teams had some trouble moving the ball. As I said earlier, I am especially interested in the top notch SIU running attack against the top notch W&M run defense.

[soccerguy315]

how does SIU put up their big rushing numbers?

do you guys run QB options?
do you run designed QB runs (QB draw)?
do you line up in the spread to spread the defense out?
do you line up with one back and power forward?
do you line up with an I form to have a blocking back?
does your QB get a lot of the running yards, or do the yards (that aren't on forced QB scrambles) come from RBs?
do you have a rotation at RB, or a top quality #1 that carries the load?

just trying to learn more about your team

[pather]

yes to all. we get the yards in a variety of ways. mcintosh gets a lot on designed plays and a lot when given space on a pass play. he has 2 straight 100 yard games....a legit threat to run it at all times, which really helps the passing game.

deji will get play calls in all sorts. inside/outside. pitches and the occasional option sometimes too. lucien walker is a good goal line back and steven strother is another back who can run it as is richard white who was our opening day starter until suffering an injury shortly before marshall game.

deji also never fumbles. 2 years and he has one fumble on 350+ carries (came in last game tho). strother a little more fumble-prone but still takes care of it for the most part.

while we do have a good rotation of backs, deji will far and away get the most carries out of the backs and then it will be mcintosh.

[ASU_MBA]

W&M is going to push SIU around like a bunch of little girls...

[pather]

W&M is going to push SIU around like a bunch of little girls...

that makes it about 6 teams that were supposed to do that to us.

0-5 so far. good luck to WM on being the first.

[soccerguy315]

thanks for the info pather =) Ability to run with the QB definitely adds an extra dimension to the running game at the college level.

guess someone recruited an ASU fan to talk smack for us.

[Tubby Raymond]

true uncle, but I think you said the same thing in 2007 and probably 2003

W&M is gonna have there way with you

I'm thinking the same. SIU is going to be overmatched especially on offense. Takes 3 guys to block Tracey.

[Tubby Raymond]

that makes it about 6 teams that were supposed to do that to us.

0-5 so far. good luck to WM on being the first.

They weren''t CAA teams

[Houndawg]

I'm thinking the same. SIU is going to be overmatched especially on offense. Takes 3 guys to block Tracey.

Yeah, he's superhuman. How did W&M ever manage to not win the CAA. anyway?

[caribbeanhen]

Yeah, he's superhuman. How did W&M ever manage to not win the CAA. anyway?

do you really want to hear the answer to that question?

[Houndawg]

how does SIU put up their big rushing numbers?

do you guys run QB options?
do you run designed QB runs (QB draw)?
do you line up in the spread to spread the defense out?
do you line up with one back and power forward?
do you line up with an I form to have a blocking back?
does your QB get a lot of the running yards, or do the yards (that aren't on forced QB scrambles) come from RBs?
do you have a rotation at RB, or a top quality #1 that carries the load?

just trying to learn more about your team

I've seen all of the above although the mix changed when our starting QB went down.

We have a pretty good RB named Deji Karim. If you want his stats check the Payton Award list.

[caribbeanhen]

xrolleyesx We ain't Weber State, Cletus.

They're missing you in Crapsville.xnodx

do you want me to save a seat for you, I am thinking you'll be here with me next week

[Houndawg]

do you really want to hear the answer to that question?

xlolxSure, tell me all about it. Being a Hen fan means you have plenty of time.

[pather]

They weren''t CAA teams


couple of them were playoff teams.

just saying. seems about half the games we've played we have heard we are physically inferior....

we've got a pretty good o-line with 3 all-conference performers and one of the best linebacking cores and secondaries in america.

we'll be alright

[Tribe07]

Pather what is SIU's playoff history? Just curious- I really don't know. W&M's only recent appearance was 2004, beat Hampton 42-35, Delaware 44-38 in 2OT, and fell to eventual national champ JMU in the semis 48-34.

[pather]

seventh straight playoff appearance.

2008 lost in first round to new hampshire.
2007 lost in semi-finals to delaware after knocking off EIU and UMASS.
2006 lost in quarter-finals to montana after beating UT-Martin.
2005 lost in quarter-finals to app state after beating EIU.
2004 lost in 1st round to eastern washington
2003 lost in 1st round to delaware

prior to that we hadn't had an appearance since our 1983 national championship

[siuham]

2008 - Lost to UNH in the first round at home :(
2007 - Beat EIU, UMass, lost to Delaware at home in the semis
2006 - Beat Tenn-Martin, lost @ Montana
2005 - Won @ EIU, lost @ App State
2004 - Lost to EWU
2003 - Lost @ Delaware
1984-2002, SIU was pretty terrible
1983 - National Champs :)

[pather]

1984-2002. lord were we ever

[Tribe07]

7th straight? Wow. Jealous of that. It's tough to consistently make the playoffs from the CAA even when you are good, unfortunately. Ask JMU or UD, or us.

Not a knock of the MVC, just thinking outloud.

[siuham]

UNI, SIU, WKU, YSU, ISU, and now SDSU have made the playoffs from the MVC in that time.

[Killsback]

Next to Montana, we have the next longest post season streak currently in the FCS. Yes even in the MVFC. Several of the playoff appearances were at large berths.

[pather]

decline of YSU and IlSU have helped make it a pretty top-heavy conference in last couple years. and this year WIU was hit by the loss of their coach mid-season because of cancer so they weren't up to par.

but still a pretty solid top to indiana state conference.

[Houndawg]

7th straight? Wow. Jealous of that. It's tough to consistently make the playoffs from the CAA even when you are good, unfortunately. Ask JMU or UD, or us.

Not a knock of the MVC, just thinking outloud.

Of course. xlolx

[soccerguy315]

I've seen all of the above although the mix changed when our starting QB went down.

We have a pretty good RB named Deji Karim. If you want his stats check the Payton Award list.

payton award watch list eh? will definitely check his stats when I get a chance. xthumbsupx

mostly I'm trying to keep some football talk in the thread in between the shouting matches, lol. xoopsx

[LeadBolt]

I'm looking to come up to Carbondale Saturday from the Atlanta area for the game. What advice can you give on directions, accommodations, restaurants, etc? Any help would be appreciated.

[Houndawg]

payton award watch list eh? will definitely check his stats when I get a chance. xthumbsupx

mostly I'm trying to keep some football talk in the thread in between the shouting matches, lol. xoopsx

How about the forgotten match-up? SIU's defense vs. W&M's offense.

My two cents is that W&M's defense isn't that much better than SIU's defense and that W&M's offense isn't as good as SIU's offense. Sounds like under 40 total points for the game and special teams make the difference. I like our chances to pull off the upset.

[Houndawg]

I'm looking to come up to Carbondale Saturday from the Atlanta area for the game. What advice can you give on directions, accommodations, restaurants, etc? Any help would be appreciated.

If you're driving I-24 will get you to within 45 minutes of the stadium. Just north of where I-24 meets I-57 go west on Hwy. 13 for about a half hour to Carbondale. When you hit town notice the large dawg prints painted on the road; they lead to the stadium. South of C'dale is Shawnee hills wine country and there are lots of wineries and B&Bs in the area. Giant City Lodge has nice cabins and a great family-style fried chicken supper.

It's an 11:00 game and Atlanta is eight hours drive so you may want to factor that in.

[pather]

good restaurants in the area: 17th street bar and grill, stadium grille, family barbecue. breakfast places: harbaughs and mary lou's are far and away the best two.

best hotel=holiday inn.

bar suggestions: pinch penny pub, tres hombres.

sadly i will be out of town. upset ill be missing a dandy of a matchup

[rcny46]

[QUOTE=Houndawg;1481688]How about the forgotten match-up? SIU's defense vs. W&M's offense.

My two cents is that W&M's defense isn't that much better than SIU's defense and that W&M's offense isn't as good as SIU's offense. Sounds like under 40 total points for the game and special teams make the difference. I like our chances to pull off the upset.[/QUOtE

You probably have the best tem in FCS;I don't think it would be an upset if SIU won on the 5th.

[Houndawg]

How about the forgotten match-up? SIU's defense vs. W&M's offense.

My two cents is that W&M's defense isn't that much better than SIU's defense and that W&M's offense isn't as good as SIU's offense. Sounds like under 40 total points for the game and special teams make the difference. I like our chances to pull off the upset.

You probably have the best tem in FCS;I don't think it would be an upset if SIU won on the 5th.

I thought we had a decent team until I read this thread.

[rcny46]

I thought we had a decent team until I read this thread.

I screwed up my response to your message at the top of the page,attempted to edit it,and you saw the indecipherable result.What I meant to say was that I think SIU has the best team in the FCS,and a win on the 5th shouldn't be considered an upset,IMHO anyway.

[Houndawg]

I screwed up my response to your message at the top of the page,attempted to edit it,and you saw the indecipherable result.What I meant to say was that I think SIU has the best team in the FCS,and a win on the 5th shouldn't be considered an upset,IMHO anyway.

If we had the best team we would have been the 1 seed. We were lucky to get a seed at all.

[soccerguy315]

How about the forgotten match-up? SIU's defense vs. W&M's offense.

My two cents is that W&M's defense isn't that much better than SIU's defense and that W&M's offense isn't as good as SIU's offense. Sounds like under 40 total points for the game and special teams make the difference. I like our chances to pull off the upset.

that will definitely play into things as well. W&M's offense is not high powered. We attempted to go deep with the passing game some more recently and haven't had much luck. We have a pretty good running game, and a good short/mid range passing game. But, our running game can be shut down, as Richmond did the weekend before thanksgiving. When it comes down to it, you don't need to run or throw for a bunch of yards... you just need more points than the other guy when the clock hits 0:00, and defense and special teams points count just the same as offensive points.

SIU win would definitely not be an upset, you guys are the seed and at home xthumbsupx

I have thought all along that anyone in the top 6 of the AGS poll has a chance to win the championship. I stand by my statement. Obviously after this week there will only be 4 teams left, and some good teams will be eliminated.

[soccerguy315]

houndawg is sandbagging like a pro right now, haha... lucky to get a seed, right. xlolx SIU has a legitimate claim that they should've been the #1 seed.

[rcny46]

If we had the best team we would have been the 1 seed. We were lucky to get a seed at all.

Montana was given the number one seed by the committee because they were unbeaten,and I suppose they have a point.I am surprised to hear you say you thought they were lucky to even get a seed.Who would have gotten one over them?

[Houndawg]

that will definitely play into things as well. W&M's offense is not high powered. We attempted to go deep with the passing game some more recently and haven't had much luck. We have a pretty good running game, and a good short/mid range passing game. But, our running game can be shut down, as Richmond did the weekend before thanksgiving. When it comes down to it, you don't need to run or throw for a bunch of yards... you just need more points than the other guy when the clock hits 0:00, and defense and special teams points count just the same as offensive points.

SIU win would definitely not be an upset, you guys are the seed and at home xthumbsupx

I have thought all along that anyone in the top 6 of the AGS poll has a chance to win the championship. I stand by my statement. Obviously after this week there will only be 4 teams left, and some good teams will be eliminated.

:oThey just threw us a bone with the 3 seed; it's always an upset when a CAA team loses a playoff game to an outsider.

Who gets a TO and gives their offense a short field would be my guess for play of the game

[Houndawg]

Montana was given the number one seed by the committee because they were unbeaten,and I suppose they have a point.I am surprised to hear you say you thought they were lucky to even get a seed. Who would have gotten one over them?

Read more carefully, I said we were lucky to get a seed, not they were lucky to get a seed.

Imo they got the seed because of attendance. SIU is also unbeaten in FCS play, and everybody except the polls thought Nova was the best team on selection day.

[tribe_pride]

Those of you from SIU - best of luck. Should be a great matchup. Please also notice that it is our fellow conference mates (and some random other teams) that are generally the ones talking the Tribe up as sounding unbeatable.

We W&M fans know that winning on the road at SIU will be no easy task. Great game between 2 great teams. Especially from the sounds of it a great running Offense against a great rush Defense.

[Saluki09]

SIU Defense: (FCS Rank)
Yards: 3850 (69)
Passing Yards: 2462 (96)
Rushing Yards: 1388 (41)
Points per game: 15.3 (8)
Yards per game: 320.8 (41)
Touchdowns: 20 (12)
Field Goals: 10 (68)


This was interesting to me. To be #41 in yards allowed but as good as #8 in points allowed shows something.

A) It shows we tighten up in the red zone (also explaining disparity between TD's and FG's)

B) SIU Punter Scott Ravenesi (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypt3WdTptBs) is forcing opposing offenses to gain a lot of yards if they even want to sniff the endzone. 7 touchbacks and 18 inside the 20. It's difficult to consistently play 80+ yards of mistake free football.

[Hoyadestroya85]

yes to all. we get the yards in a variety of ways. mcintosh gets a lot on designed plays and a lot when given space on a pass play. he has 2 straight 100 yard games....a legit threat to run it at all times, which really helps the passing game.

deji will get play calls in all sorts. inside/outside. pitches and the occasional option sometimes too. lucien walker is a good goal line back and steven strother is another back who can run it as is richard white who was our opening day starter until suffering an injury shortly before marshall game.

deji also never fumbles. 2 years and he has one fumble on 350+ carries (came in last game tho). strother a little more fumble-prone but still takes care of it for the most part.

while we do have a good rotation of backs, deji will far and away get the most carries out of the backs and then it will be mcintosh.

Ah, Richard White.. who was thrown out of Villanova for Rape..

[Hoyadestroya85]

2008 - Lost to UNH in the first round at home :(
2007 - Beat EIU, UMass, lost to Delaware at home in the semis
2006 - Beat Tenn-Martin, lost @ Montana
2005 - Won @ EIU, lost @ App State
2004 - Lost to EWU
2003 - Lost @ Delaware
1984-2002, SIU was pretty terrible
1983 - National Champs :)

In 2002, the dawgs were pretty decent until Mo Abdulqaadir got hurt. It was also crappy that Tommy Koutsos got hurt as well. At that point, Sambursky wasn't quite the thrower that he became later on in his career and you guys were pretty much stymied. 2003 was a good season.. Watching Koutsos and Abdulqaadir in the same backfield was special, then the year after that was even more awesome with Brandon Jacobs, Terry Jackson and Arkee Whitlock. Those were some fun teams to watch. SIU has had some great runners in the last 8 seasons.

[tribetime10]

This was interesting to me. To be #41 in yards allowed but as good as #8 in points allowed shows something.

A) It shows we tighten up in the red zone (also explaining disparity between TD's and FG's)

B) SIU Punter Scott Ravenesi (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypt3WdTptBs) is forcing opposing offenses to gain a lot of yards if they even want to sniff the endzone. 7 touchbacks and 18 inside the 20. It's difficult to consistently play 80+ yards of mistake free football.

Interesting to hear about your punter. WM Punter David Miller has been getting a lot of attention of late. He's dropped 15 inside the 20 this year and is averaging a little over 41 yards a punt. (Not to be another CAA cheerleader, but...) Keep in mind the quality of punt returners he has faced as well. Looking specifically at Scotty McGee from JMU.

Many have mentioned that if the game comes down to special team, it is in SIU's favor, but I think special teams is a push. This should be an awesome match up.

I'm debating making the trek out to carbondale. :) We'll see...

Go tribe.

[Tribe]

I have to admit, SIU is the team I really didn't want to play. If you get a CAA squad at least there is familiarity there. In my opinion, SIU is the one team really flying under the radar in these playoffs. I love the Tribe's defense and that may win the game but I see this one going right down to the end.

[Houndawg]

I have to admit, SIU is the team I really didn't want to play. If you get a CAA squad at least there is familiarity there. In my opinion, SIU is the one team really flying under the radar in these playoffs. I love the Tribe's defense and that may win the game but I see this one going right down to the end.

SIU has been ignored all season, including while they were/are ranked first in the polls. It takes a lot of disrespect to get the third seed when you're undefeated in your division, and the Salukis have pretty much heard all they want to hear about how they are a mismatch for the Tribe and that the game is a foregone conclusion. The Tribe has a good defense and that may indeed win the game, but SIU's forgotten defense can play football too and the Tribe will want to make sure they have their chin-straps fastened.

[skinny_uncle]

A week ago, we were hearing that EIU hadn't had a running back break the 100 yard barrier against them all season. That number jumped to two last Saturday. I agree W & M probably has a better run D and has played better competition, but I still maintain they haven't seen anything quite like Karim. You might hold him down for a while, but sooner or later, he will burn you.

[Gil Dobie]

Bill and Mary by 3

[Tribe4SF]

SIU has been ignored all season, including while they were/are ranked first in the polls. It takes a lot of disrespect to get the third seed when you're undefeated in your division, and the Salukis have pretty much heard all they want to hear about how they are a mismatch for the Tribe and that the game is a foregone conclusion. The Tribe has a good defense and that may indeed win the game, but SIU's forgotten defense can play football too and the Tribe will want to make sure they have their chin-straps fastened.

Quit with the poormouthing, Dawg! Everyone respects SIU, and you haven't heard any Tribe fans calling this a mismatch.

Montana and Villanova had ten Div. I wins, as did Richmond. You guys were the only team with nine Div. I wins to get a seed. That's the other side of the coin that shows plenty of respect.

[Houndawg]

Quit with the poormouthing, Dawg! Everyone respects SIU, and you haven't heard any Tribe fans calling this a mismatch.

Montana and Villanova had ten Div. I wins, as did Richmond. You guys were the only team with nine Div. I wins to get a seed. That's the other side of the coin that shows plenty of respect.


Probably because they can't get a word in edge-wise past the rest of the conference rushing to assure us that we'll be lucky to run for positive yardage. When it comes to smack one Hen fan is worth a dozen Tribe fans.xnodx

[pather]

on SIU's side of the special teams:

ravanesi is one of the teams best players, no discredit to the rest of the team either. he has pro potential. 3 time 1st team mvfc.

daughterty was 2nd team mvfc this year and is enjoying his best year as kicker.

returner wise....karim returns kicks and ive never seen so many pooch and squib kickoffs, not even last year to warner. he has returned one to the house and has 2 other 50 yarders in limited opportunities.

lindsey returns punts and gets 7-12 yards per. he is solid.

kickoff coverage is excellent. punt coverage is good, tho occasionally ravanesi outkicks our coverage. we have also blocked a few punts and field goals this year. and had the biggest fluke of the year against NDSU when we blocked a field goal into our end zone and they recovered for a TD lol.

thats an overview on our special teams at any rate

[Houndawg]

xeyebrowx Villanova ran the ball on William & Mary (discard the sack number.) But I don't see SIU doing so, W&M has the best D-Line i've seen all season by far (and they're getting better every game.)


xeyebrowx If you can do it, we can too.

[Tribe4SF]

Probably because they can't get a word in edge-wise past the rest of the conference rushing to assure us that we'll be lucky to run for positive yardage. When it comes to smack one Hen fan is worth a dozen Tribe fans.xnodx

And we have MVFC fans telling us that we haven't seen a back like Karim, and some of your fans telling us he's going to break loose on Saturday.

So what...do we take that as disrespecting the Tribe, and translate it to the game being a foregone conclusion? Nobody needs to pretend they're being disrespected to get up for a game at this point. Relax a bit, and be ready to enjoy what appears to be one heckuva game on Saturday.

[Houndawg]

on SIU's side of the special teams:

ravanesi is one of the teams best players, no discredit to the rest of the team either. he has pro potential. 3 time 1st team mvfc.

daughterty was 2nd team mvfc this year and is enjoying his best year as kicker.

returner wise....karim returns kicks and ive never seen so many pooch and squib kickoffs, not even last year to warner. he has returned one to the house and has 2 other 50 yarders in limited opportunities.

lindsey returns punts and gets 7-12 yards per. he is solid.

kickoff coverage is excellent. punt coverage is good, tho occasionally ravanesi outkicks our coverage. we have also blocked a few punts and field goals this year. and had the biggest fluke of the year against NDSU when we blocked a field goal into our end zone and they recovered for a TD lol.

thats an overview on our special teams at any rate

The lazy man's guide to leading the nation in KO returns.

KO coverage is the thing that worries me; it was the reason we got beat by UNH last year.

[Tribe4SF]

xeyebrowx If you can do it, we can too.

This is what worries me about SIU. Add the sack losses back in, and Villanova rushed for 144 against W&M. If we can hold SIU under 150 rushing, I think that would be an achievement.

[Houndawg]

And we have MVFC fans telling us that we haven't seen a back like Karim, and some of your fans telling us he's going to break loose on Saturday.

So what...do we take that as disrespecting the Tribe, and translate it to the game being a foregone conclusion? Nobody needs to pretend they're being disrespected to get up for a game at this point. Relax a bit, and be ready to enjoy what appears to be one heckuva game on Saturday.

I don't think you have seen a back like DK this year, just as we haven't seen a run defense like the Tribe's, and by breaking loose I think they're referring to his running style rather than predicting huge stats for him. He's one of those backs that can run for 100 yards and 2 TDs on 20 carries and get stopped for no gain on 18 of those carries.

[Houndawg]

This is what worries me about SIU. Add the sack losses back in, and Villanova rushed for 144 against W&M. If we can hold SIU under 150 rushing, I think that would be an achievement.

I'd agree with the caveat that 150 could be enough for us to win depending on how it is done.

Imo, if the Tribe holds us to under 150 with their front seven only they could go home a winner. If they have to put eight or nine in the box to do it, SIU could win with a low rushing output.

[pather]

if you want to go strictly from stats W&M hasn't seen a RB like karim.

2nd in FCS in yards per game despite often only playing 2 and a half or 3 quarters a game.

1667 rushing yards. over 7 yards a carry. 18 rush td's. 2 rush td's over 90 yards. 4 rush td's over 70 yards. 9 td's over 20 yards. 4 games with 200+ total yards, including 3 with 280+.

he is a gamebreaker. seen him bottled up several times for better part of a half only to break one run for a td that changes the game.

again W&M's defense does greatly worry me. and id like to make it clear they do have a chance to win this game, very much so.

but karim will be the best RB they have seen all year

[LeadBolt]

Houndawg and pather,

Thank you for the information. I'm definitely going to come most of the way Friday night. Was thinking of staying in Paducah as I won't be able to get away from here until 3 PM or so EST. I am going to be tired Friday, so I don't want to have to push too hard to get there.

I'm looking for a good game. I haven't seen the point spread, but SIU has to be favored. To echo earlier posts, this is the game we didn't want to play. I would put the o/u in the 34 range.

From your description pather, Karim sounds a bit like Justin Forte. Since Forte is approx. 5 yds. to carry vs. 7 for Karim, it would appear Karim is better. Forte went to our high school here with my daughters, so I am very familiar with him.

I think that the 150 yd. mark for rushing sounds key to this one, along with kick/punt returns. Would feel very fortunate to win @ your house, esp. in Dec., but looking forward to a great game.

[pather]

i dont think either team wanted this one.

have a safe trip up and i hope you enjoy the carbondale area.

wish i could be at the game myself. its gonna be a dandy

[Skjellyfetti]

Before the playoffs I thought SIU was the best team in the country. I think this is the worst possible matchup for them and it's terrible luck for them to have to play it in the second round. William and Mary doesn't let anyone run on them and it's hard to believe SIU will be able to. If SIU can win this one... I think they will probably win the championship.

[Houndawg]

Houndawg and pather,

Thank you for the information. I'm definitely going to come most of the way Friday night. Was thinking of staying in Paducah as I won't be able to get away from here until 3 PM or so EST. I am going to be tired Friday, so I don't want to have to push too hard to get there.

I'm looking for a good game. I haven't seen the point spread, but SIU has to be favored. To echo earlier posts, this is the game we didn't want to play. I would put the o/u in the 34 range.

From your description pather, Karim sounds a bit like Justin Forte. Since Forte is approx. 5 yds. to carry vs. 7 for Karim, it would appear Karim is better. Forte went to our high school here with my daughters, so I am very familiar with him.

I think that the 150 yd. mark for rushing sounds key to this one, along with kick/punt returns. Would feel very fortunate to win @ your house, esp. in Dec., but looking forward to a great game.

Our winters aren't too bad; we may even be south of you, we're at about the same latitude as Richmond, VA.

I'd say we need 150 against your front seven to have a chance at the upset. If you bring more I think we only need about 100 on the ground because we'll get some big pass plays along with our fewer running yards. Again, imo, I see the the "other" match up as having the potential to upstage the marquee SIU O vs. W&M D.

Another huge factor will be who gets a short field from their defense or special teams, so that a lower than average day offensively, and I think both offenses will have them, can still result in points. One thing that SIU has excelled at on defense is stopping some smash mouth teams from running in the red zone, giving up 6 rushing TDs in 12 games.

[LeadBolt]

Our winters aren't too bad; we may even be south of you, we're at about the same latitude as Richmond, VA.

I'd say we need 150 against your front seven to have a chance at the upset. If you bring more I think we only need about 100 on the ground because we'll get some big pass plays along with our fewer running yards. Again, imo, I see the the "other" match up as having the potential to upstage the marquee SIU O vs. W&M D.

Another huge factor will be who gets a short field from their defense or special teams, so that a lower than average day offensively, and I think both offenses will have them, can still result in points. One thing that SIU has excelled at on defense is stopping some smash mouth teams from running in the red zone, giving up 6 rushing TDs in 12 games.

I agree with you on the short field. Turnover's and penalties also important. Your point about bringing more than 7 to stop the run is right on, but no way can I figure SIU as the underdog....

[Houndawg]

I agree with you on the short field. Turnover's and penalties also important. Your point about bringing more than 7 to stop the run is right on, but no way can I figure SIU as the underdog....

We haven't played anybody yet and I don't think we've faced a back as good as Grimes or a QB as good as Whitney...

[LeadBolt]

We haven't played anybody yet and I don't think we've faced a back as good as Grimes or a QB as good as Whitney...

Hmm... largest first round victory margin, beat SDSU by larger margin than Montana, lost by field goal to BCS team w/o losing record, solidly handled No. Iowa...

[WMTribe90]

We won't stack the box to stop the run. I don't believe we've done that all year. We will rely on the front seven to play the run. We have blitzed heavily at times on obvious passing downs, including some corner and safety blitzes. Just don't expect WM to sell out to stop the run.

SIU is going to get some yardage on the ground. Key will be to limit the big runs (>10 yds) and making tackles for loss or no gain to force third and long situations (something we've excelled at all yr). My goal would be to hold SIU to 150 yds rushing and 100 yds passing. Field poistion, special teams, penalties and turnovers will likely decide the outcome. WM's offense will need some short fields to score enough for the win IMO. Don't think we'll see many 80yd/12 play drives on Saturday from either team.

[pather]

We haven't played anybody yet and I don't think we've faced a back as good as Grimes or a QB as good as Whitney...



UNI, SDSU, Marshall, Il State, Mo State were all solid opponents.

and the first 3 were all on the road. its not like we've played nobody

[FCS Go!]

UNI, SDSU, Marshall, Il State, Mo State were all solid opponents.

and the first 3 were all on the road. its not like we've played nobody

He was trying to make himself understood by CAA fans. Played nobdody = haven't played a CAA team yet. :D

[LeadBolt]

I'm expecting a great game between two excellent teams, strength-on-strength. No posturing nor excuses needed, just a hard fought game. I'll be there pulling for the Tribe, if the Lord's willing and the creek don't rise.

[LeadBolt]

He was trying to make himself understood by CAA fans. Played nobdody = haven't played a CAA team yet. :D

I've lived all my life around "po' ole country boys", who try to lull you into a sense of false security with the poor mouth routine just before they thump you.

This year the CAA is having a great year no doubt, but SIU is capable of beating anyone in the remaining field and should be favored against most of them, including W&M.

[GoneTribal]

I'm expecting a great game between two excellent teams, strength-on-strength. No posturing nor excuses needed, just a hard fought game. I'll be there pulling for the Tribe, if the Lord's willing and the creek don't rise.

Lead, you're driving from Atlanta? I was thinking about flying (I'm in Columbia)...probably a 12 hour drive for me (8 for you right?). If I fly in, what is the best airport to fly into? Anyone think St. Louis?

[Killsback]

St Louis is the closest national airport...there may be a connecting flight to Marion, IL which would put you 15 minutes from Carbondale. You can also rent a car at Marion's Williamson County Airport. i am not sure if the flights to and from St. Louis are running yet.

St. Louis is a 2 hour drive to Carbondale..Nashville is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

[Saluki09]

Lead, you're driving from Atlanta? I was thinking about flying (I'm in Columbia)...probably a 12 hour drive for me (8 for you right?). If I fly in, what is the best airport to fly into? Anyone think St. Louis?

Don't know if it will be that long... IIRC when I was visiting my buddy in Fort Stewart, GA it took a little over 9 actual hours. I say actual because of the time change. 10 hours there and 8 hours back. Fort Stewart is quite a bit further from Carbondale than Atlanta. Then again I have a led foot.

Edit: And yes St. Louis is pretty much where everyone flies to when coming to Carbondale.

[pather]

absolutely st louis. bigger airport and 2 hour drive. nashville is closer to 3-3.5 hour drive.

from st louis take 64E for about 45-50 miles. then a quite turnoff on 157 and 15E and then 51S for another 45 miles or so. takes you right by campus/stadium

[Hoyadestroya85]

I don't think you have seen a back like DK this year, just as we haven't seen a run defense like the Tribe's, and by breaking loose I think they're referring to his running style rather than predicting huge stats for him. He's one of those backs that can run for 100 yards and 2 TDs on 20 carries and get stopped for no gain on 18 of those carries.

they see a running back like DK every day in practice, his name is Jonathan Grimes. They also see good running backs just about every week in the CAA. The only team that ran against Bill and Mary in the CAA was Villanova and in certain personnel packages, they have literally five guys on the field at a given time who can run the football. It also helps to beat a team when the first play of the game is a 59 yard touchdown pass that originates from the Wildcat formation. W&M outgained Villanova, they almost shut our offense down but Villanova forced turnovers and didn't turn the ball over.. They aren't only incredible against the run they also had the second best pass rush Villanova saw all season with the exception of Temple.

[GoneTribal]

If you're driving I-24 will get you to within 45 minutes of the stadium. Just north of where I-24 meets I-57 go west on Hwy. 13 for about a half hour to Carbondale. When you hit town notice the large dawg prints painted on the road; they lead to the stadium. South of C'dale is Shawnee hills wine country and there are lots of wineries and B&Bs in the area. Giant City Lodge has nice cabins and a great family-style fried chicken supper.

It's an 11:00 game and Atlanta is eight hours drive so you may want to factor that in.

Hound, I may be driving from Columbia, SC. I would be coming up 24 as you described. It would pretty much require me to drive in Friday night into Saturday morning cause I can't get off work. How much gameday traffic is there typically (meaning how much extra time should I allow for)? Thanks for any info.

Just saw the other posts from the fellow Saluki's. Thanks for all the driving tips guys. Much appreciated. Just curious to the traffic time needed to account for now.

[pather]

they see a running back like DK every day in practice, his name is Jonathan Grimes. They also see good running backs just about every week in the CAA. The only team that ran against Bill and Mary in the CAA was Villanova and in certain personnel packages, they have literally five guys on the field at a given time who can run the football. It also helps to beat a team when the first play of the game is a 59 yard touchdown pass that originates from the Wildcat formation. W&M outgained Villanova, they almost shut our offense down but Villanova forced turnovers and didn't turn the ball over.. They aren't only incredible against the run they also had the second best pass rush Villanova saw all season with the exception of Temple.

no offense to grimes...but he averages 2.4 fewer yards per carry than deji....pretty significant difference.

grimes also has 13 fewer TD's. so altho he appears to be a very good RB....that doesn't really put him in deji's league.

another DK stat: only RB in FBS or FCS in last 7 years to have 2 90+ yard TD's in a single year. and 7 years ago is when they started keeping track of longest run statistics, so who knows how long its really been.

also...as stated before...its not just DK. last two games both DK and McIntosh have run for over 100 yards a piece, it can come from either of them. also, our #1 WR, Joe Allaria, is a converted QB who was an excellent scrambler and is a threat to run as well.

and sometimes we will run out lucien walker, our #2 RB who averages 4.5 ypc in the backfield with DK as well. thats 3-4 viable running threats on the field at one time, including arguably the best RB in the country and the arguably the best running QB not named edwards. thats no cupcake to defend, no matter who you are.

[LeadBolt]

Lead, you're driving from Atlanta? I was thinking about flying (I'm in Columbia)...probably a 12 hour drive for me (8 for you right?). If I fly in, what is the best airport to fly into? Anyone think St. Louis?

I'm north of Atlanta just off of I-75, so I have a good head start, I'm expecting about 7 hours. It is about 4 hours from here to Columbia, but would think I26 to I40 might cut off another half hour or so.

For you I would think flying makes the most sense. I would try St. Louis first.

[siuham]

Gameday traffic...lol. not here. It'll take you an extra ten minutes at the most.

[GoneTribal]

no offense to grimes...but he averages 2.4 fewer yards per carry than deji....pretty significant difference.

grimes also has 13 fewer TD's. so altho he appears to be a very good RB....that doesn't really put him in deji's league.

another DK stat: only RB in FBS or FCS in last 7 years to have 2 90+ yard TD's in a single year. and 7 years ago is when they started keeping track of longest run statistics, so who knows how long its really been.

also...as stated before...its not just DK. last two games both DK and McIntosh have run for over 100 yards a piece, it can come from either of them. also, our #1 WR, Joe Allaria, is a converted QB who was an excellent scrambler and is a threat to run as well.

and sometimes we will run out lucien walker, our #2 RB who averages 4.5 ypc in the backfield with DK as well. thats 3-4 viable running threats on the field at one time, including arguably the best RB in the country and the arguably the best running QB not named edwards. thats no cupcake to defend, no matter who you are.

sounds a lot like Villanova with all the threats on the field at once. should be a fun game.

[GoneTribal]

I'm north of Atlanta just off of I-75, so I have a good head start, I'm expecting about 7 hours. It is about 4 hours from here to Columbia, but would think I26 to I40 might cut off another half hour or so.

For you I would think flying makes the most sense. I would try St. Louis first.

I have to take 20 to 24 I think due to the rock slide on 40. I'll map it out better tonight, but flihts are CRAZY expensive and the ones that aren't don't fit my work schedule to leave out, so I am stuck driving.

[siuham]

Is it Saturday yet? Ugh.

[Houndawg]

they see a running back like DK every day in practice, his name is Jonathan Grimes. They also see good running backs just about every week in the CAA. The only team that ran against Bill and Mary in the CAA was Villanova and in certain personnel packages, they have literally five guys on the field at a given time who can run the football. It also helps to beat a team when the first play of the game is a 59 yard touchdown pass that originates from the Wildcat formation. W&M outgained Villanova, they almost shut our offense down but Villanova forced turnovers and didn't turn the ball over.. They aren't only incredible against the run they also had the second best pass rush Villanova saw all season with the exception of Temple.

I think I already said that we haven't seen anybody like Grimes and Whitney this year, that's why I called us the underdog. Hey, did you say Richard White was convicted of rape at Nova earlier?

[wml33t]

I think I already said that we haven't seen anybody like Grimes and Whitney this year, that's why I called us the underdog. Hey, did you say Richard White was convicted of rape at Nova earlier?

Avoided correcting you earlier as I figured it was just a typo.

Whitney is Villanova's QB.

Our QB is a first year starter, senior RJ Archer. He is a good QB, but Whitney probably brings more to the table than Archer does.

[Houndawg]

sounds a lot like Villanova with all the threats on the field at once. should be a fun game.

The problem is that all these guys were recruited by Jerry Kill to run a power - I and a 4-3 defense. They spent all season last year converting to the spread and the 3-4, and even though they're more comfortable with the new coach and system this season there is still some breaking in going on, especially with the offense. Our playbook is bigger than last year but not as big as it will be next year. Defense is finally getting to where they can put some blitz packages in, last year we spent the whole season in the base 3-4. We're just trying to take it one step at a time.

[Houndawg]

Avoided correcting you earlier as I figured it was just a typo.

Whitney is Villanova's QB.

Our QB is a first year starter, senior RJ Archer. He is a good QB, but Whitney probably brings more to the table than Archer does.

xoopsx My bad, I had Whitney and Archer mixed up. All them east coast schools are so close together....

[LeadBolt]

I have to take 20 to 24 I think due to the rock slide on 40. I'll map it out better tonight, but flihts are CRAZY expensive and the ones that aren't don't fit my work schedule to leave out, so I am stuck driving.

I have flown into Paducah, KY, long ago when I lived in Raleigh. I'm guessing it is about 1:15 to 1:30 to Carbondale from there. As I remember it was expensive and limited schedule, but you might check it out.

[GoneTribal]

The problem is that all these guys were recruited by Jerry Kill to run a power - I and a 4-3 defense. They spent all season last year converting to the spread and the 3-4, and even though they're more comfortable with the new coach and system this season there is still some breaking in going on, especially with the offense. Our playbook is bigger than last year but not as big as it will be next year. Defense is finally getting to where they can put some blitz packages in, last year we spent the whole season in the base 3-4. We're just trying to take it one step at a time.

wow, pretty good for baby steps xnodx

[Houndawg]

wow, pretty good for baby steps xnodx

Gotta walk before you run....

[Houndawg]

I have flown into Paducah, KY, long ago when I lived in Raleigh. I'm guessing it is about 1:15 to 1:30 to Carbondale from there. As I remember it was expensive and limited schedule, but you might check it out.

If you do fly into Paducah you only have a one hour drive. Leave I-24 at Vienna, IL and head west on Hwy. 146 for about 20 minutes to Anna, IL where you will turn North on Hwy 51, which runs right past the stadium about 20 miles North of Anna.

[Tribe07]

that's why I called us the underdog.

Houndawg what are you talking about? If yall were the underdog we'd be playing this game in Williamsburg. If you'd like to do that fantastic. No way I can make it out to Carbondale. Just like there is no way SIU is the underdog in this game.

[LeadBolt]

Houndawg what are you talking about? If yall were the underdog we'd be playing this game in Williamsburg. If you'd like to do that fantastic. No way I can make it out to Carbondale. Just like there is no way SIU is the underdog in this game.

Look at Houndawg's signature to see what's going on. He would have SIU an under dog to VSDB....

[skinny_uncle]

If you do fly into Paducah you only have a one hour drive. Leave I-24 at Vienna, IL and head west on Hwy. 146 for about 20 minutes to Anna, IL where you will turn North on Hwy 51, which runs right past the stadium about 20 miles North of Anna.
From Paducah, it would probably be quicker to just take I-24 to route 13 at Marion and then head west to Carbondale. Then you follow the paws to the stadium. The Anna route will take you through the wine country. It depends on your priorities.

[Houndawg]

Look at Houndawg's signature to see what's going on. He would have SIU an under dog to VSDB....

VSDB is underrated.

[skinny_uncle]

they see a running back like DK every day in practice, his name is Jonathan Grimes. They also see good running backs just about every week in the CAA. The only team that ran against Bill and Mary in the CAA was Villanova and in certain personnel packages, they have literally five guys on the field at a given time who can run the football. It also helps to beat a team when the first play of the game is a 59 yard touchdown pass that originates from the Wildcat formation. W&M outgained Villanova, they almost shut our offense down but Villanova forced turnovers and didn't turn the ball over.. They aren't only incredible against the run they also had the second best pass rush Villanova saw all season with the exception of Temple.


SIU has a pretty good pass rush of their own with 35 sacks and 22 INTs this year.

[LeadBolt]

VSDB is underrated.

Exactly!;)

[Houndawg]

Houndawg what are you talking about? If yall were the underdog we'd be playing this game in Williamsburg. If you'd like to do that fantastic. No way I can make it out to Carbondale. Just like there is no way SIU is the underdog in this game.

Well, the selection committee thinks we're overrated and they do this for a living. Hell, they probably would have seeded W&M if it weren't for them being worried about being called ecb.

[Houndawg]

From Paducah, it would probably be quicker to just take I-24 to route 13 at Marion and then head west to Carbondale. Then you follow the paws to the stadium. The Anna route will take you through the wine country. It depends on your priorities.

I've gone both ways, they're the same on low traffic days. On a high traffic day 13 is the worst road in Egypt and going 146 to 51 is faster..

[Houndawg]

Exactly!;)

Who is VSDB anyway?xconfusedx

[LeadBolt]

Who is VSDB anyway?xconfusedx

Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind

[Hoyadestroya85]

I think I already said that we haven't seen anybody like Grimes and Whitney this year, that's why I called us the underdog. Hey, did you say Richard White was convicted of rape at Nova earlier?

he wasn't convicted, but there was a rape on campus prior to the '07 football season and three incoming freshman football players were expelled.. White was one of them. The girl declined to press charges though. One of the kids is playing football at monmouth, another is running track at Florida and then there is Richard White who was supposed to be the prize of the class that includes Matt Szczur, Chris Whitney, Ben Ijalana and Terence Thomas.. every single one of those guys have been first team all conference.

[Houndawg]

Oh hell, I'd put us in as a slight favorite, depending on the injury report. Running QBs sometimes give us trouble.

[Hoyadestroya85]

SIU has a pretty good pass rush of their own with 35 sacks and 22 INTs this year.

I'm talking all-time great.. I'm more impressed with this defense than I was with Richmond's "stonewall" defense from last year.

[skinny_uncle]

I'm north of Atlanta just off of I-75, so I have a good head start, I'm expecting about 7 hours. It is about 4 hours from here to Columbia, but would think I26 to I40 might cut off another half hour or so.

For you I would think flying makes the most sense. I would try St. Louis first.

I would just take I-75 to Chattanooga and get on I-24 to Marion, IL and then route 13 west to Carbondale.
A little over 7 hours.

[Houndawg]

he wasn't convicted, but there was a rape on campus prior to the '07 football season and three incoming freshman football players were expelled.. White was one of them. The girl declined to press charges though. One of the kids is playing football at monmouth, another is running track at Florida and then there is Richard White who was supposed to be the prize of the class that includes Matt Szczur, Chris Whitney, Ben Ijalana and Terence Thomas.. every single one of those guys have been first team all conference.

Maybe there might be more to the story if the lady didn't press charges. White had earned the starting RB position over Karim for the Marshall game but he seems to not be very durable, he's had a bad ankle since he got here.

[skinny_uncle]

I really don't see SIU putting up even close to 100 yards on the ground on us, and that should seriously handicap their offense. Is the SIU O-line incredible or something?
When a team averages 5.58 yards/carry, you can bet the O-line deserves some credit.

[Hoyadestroya85]

When a team averages 5.58 yards/carry, you can bet the O-line deserves some credit.

How are they in Pass-Pro? That could be important if Bill and Mary do a good job against the run.

[Houndawg]

How are they in Pass-Pro? That could be important if Bill and Mary do a good job against the run.

They've allowed 10 sacks this season. They're still transitioning to the new coach and system but they are more comfortable this year, as expected.

[Hoyadestroya85]

That's impressive.. Villanova's O-Line is very solid but they give up Far too many sacks, It may be a function of Whitney not anticipating the pass rush at times but who knows. The temple, bill and mary and Penn games really brought up the sack numbers and those were probably the three best defenses we faced. One thing's for sure, those guys will have to be on their game as Adrian Tracy and Shawn Lissemore are almost unblockable.

[soccerguy315]

I see SIU plays a 3-4... is that a 3-4 where the LBs wait and read the play, thus only rushing 3 in passing situations? Or is it a 3-4 where at least one LB joins the 3 down linemen in the rush?

[siuham]

I see SIU plays a 3-4... is that a 3-4 where the LBs wait and read the play, thus only rushing 3 in passing situations? Or is it a 3-4 where at least one LB joins the 3 down linemen in the rush?

I think the point of the 3-4 is that you don't know what's coming necessarily.

3 lineman, yeah, but how many more are coming and from where?

[Houndawg]

I see SIU plays a 3-4... is that a 3-4 where the LBs wait and read the play, thus only rushing 3 in passing situations? Or is it a 3-4 where at least one LB joins the 3 down linemen in the rush?

Last year we sat back a lot while we were switching from the 4-3. This year we're getting a little more comfortable and do some blitzing.

[caribbeanhen]

Yeah, he's superhuman. How did W&M ever manage to not win the CAA. anyway?

they lost against #2 Nova and #4 Richmond on a last second field goal

[Houndawg]

they lost against #2 Nova and #4 Richmond on a last second field goal

That's some hard luck.

[pather]

18 different salukis have at least half a sack. 12 of them are linebackers.

you wont see a 3 man rush unless its a deep yardage situation and probably not even then.

korey lindsey and brandon williams are both excellent in coverage so it allows us a lot of leeway attacking the QB. also have 3 top notch safeties. mcelroy is probably an all-american this year and rodgers was AA last year and splits duties now with lance caldwell. deep, deep secondary.

[pather]

That's some hard luck.

seconded. maybe its a good thing we have a good kicker who beat UNI on a last second FG last year

[Hoyadestroya85]

VU actually beat W&M by 12.. but that was with the benefit of a few turnovers in the red zone.. If they're on, their offense can move the ball nearly at will. I think this game is just about a push and I'm pulling for the Dawgs.

[Houndawg]

VU actually beat W&M by 12.. but that was with the benefit of a few turnovers in the red zone.. If they're on, their offense can move the ball nearly at will. I think this game is just about a push and I'm pulling for the Dawgs.

Are they a spread team? How do they like to move the ball?

[soccerguy315]

I'm pretty sure it was 11... 28-17.

[pather]

spread team no-huddle offense. lots of running plays with a ton of different looks and ways of running it.

short-medium passing game is good. can air it though. lot of potential receivers. marc cheatam, joe alaria, jeff evans start at WR and ryan kernes and cj roberson are a pair of good te's. deji a good receiver and our FB even has 4 td catchest this year.

potential wild card. dieker is practicing this week and could be able to play. tho mcintosh is absolutely our QB dieker could be used as a threat in a surprise package.

i kinda like the idea of dieker mcintosh and karim all lining up in the backfield.

no guarantees about dieker tho, just practicing. and again...this is absolutely PM's team. kid deserves it.

[pather]

totally overlooked our #2 WR bryce morris too.

[Hoyadestroya85]

Are they a spread team? How do they like to move the ball?
Villanova is a spread offense in the West Virginia/Appalachian St. mold. We tend to line up in the shotgun except on the goal line (although our go to move in short yardage is to put Szczur in the wildcat and just run up the gut.) We use anywhere from two wide receivers to a five wide empty set (we run the ball from every formation we use.) this season we have three players with over 500 rushing yards and six players with at least 150 rushing yards. We're a running team but for the season, Chris Whitney still has over 1600 yards passing and 17 passing touchdowns (22 total, 4 rushing and 1 receiving) to go along with his 790 yards on the ground (leads the team.) Our bread and butter is the running game which relies heavily on the Zone-Read Option, with some option plays using receivers, a heavy dose of Szczur in the wildcat and a very efficient short passing game. We're pretty flexible on offense and that's why even the best defenses tend to have some semblance of trouble because when Whitney needs to, he has shown that he can have a great day passing the ball and when he doesn't need to, he's always a threat to run the ball.

:gasps for air:


I'm pretty sure it was 11... 28-17.

You're right

[Tribe4SF]

Are they a spread team? How do they like to move the ball?

Assuming you were asking about W&M, we are not a spread team. The look is based from a pro-set, with about equal distribution of shotgun, and under center. You'll see someone in motion on just about every down, and some power-I stuff as well. 56% of offensive plays this year have been runs.

[Houndawg]

Assuming you were asking about W&M, we are not a spread team. The look is based from a pro-set, with about equal distribution of shotgun, and under center. You'll see someone in motion on just about every down, and some power-I stuff as well. 56% of offensive plays this year have been runs.

Doess Archer favor dropping back or rolling out?

[Tribe07]

He loves the bootleg roll-out plays, but he can drop back in the pocket as well.

[Tribe4SF]

Archer is versatile, and is a threat to run at any moment. He's at his best on the move, and has a very quick release. Frequently finds receivers at the last second when it appears he is going to run.

[Hoyadestroya85]

Archer definitely has athletic ability.. before he was the quarterback he played wideout. He and Grimes combined with Marriner are a dangerous combo.

[bullseye44]

Villanova is a spread offense in the West Virginia/Appalachian St. mold. We tend to line up in the shotgun except on the goal line (although our go to move in short yardage is to put Szczur in the wildcat and just run up the gut.) We use anywhere from two wide receivers to a five wide empty set (we run the ball from every formation we use.) this season we have three players with over 500 rushing yards and six players with at least 150 rushing yards. We're a running team but for the season, Chris Whitney still has over 1600 yards passing and 17 passing touchdowns (22 total, 4 rushing and 1 receiving) to go along with his 790 yards on the ground (leads the team.) Our bread and butter is the running game which relies heavily on the Zone-Read Option, with some option plays using receivers, a heavy dose of Szczur in the wildcat and a very efficient short passing game. We're pretty flexible on offense and that's why even the best defenses tend to have some semblance of trouble because when Whitney needs to, he has shown that he can have a great day passing the ball and when he doesn't need to, he's always a threat to run the ball.


Whitney is the Tim Tebow of FCS, but with a better arm IMO.

[caribbeanhen]

Are they a spread team? How do they like to move the ball?

video hi lites of all games available here

http://www.tribeathletics.com/story.php/8843/

[skinny_uncle]

spread team no-huddle offense. lots of running plays with a ton of different looks and ways of running it.

short-medium passing game is good. can air it though. lot of potential receivers. marc cheatam, joe alaria, jeff evans start at WR and ryan kernes and cj roberson are a pair of good te's. deji a good receiver and our FB even has 4 td catchest this year.

potential wild card. dieker is practicing this week and could be able to play. tho mcintosh is absolutely our QB dieker could be used as a threat in a surprise package.

i kinda like the idea of dieker mcintosh and karim all lining up in the backfield.

no guarantees about dieker tho, just practicing. and again...this is absolutely PM's team. kid deserves it.
Why not just throw in former QB Joe Allaria into that backfield and you would have three different guys who are all a threat to run and/orpass. Think of the possibilities.
xwhistlex

[caribbeanhen]

video hi lites of all games available here

http://www.tribeathletics.com/story.php/8843/

I am not sure if Virginia looked that bad or W&M is just that good, but man they whipped that ACC team

[LeadBolt]

I'm getting jazzed about going to see this one. I'm thinking it will be a classic, hard fought, strength on strength struggle with something out of the ordinary making the difference near the end. Hope the ball bounces in the Tribe's direction and they pull off the upset against the seeded team at their place.

[Houndawg]

I'm getting jazzed about going to see this one. I'm thinking it will be a classic, hard fought, strength on strength struggle with something out of the ordinary making the difference near the end. Hope the ball bounces in the Tribe's direction and they pull off the upset against the seeded team at their place.

There are going to be a lot of play makers on the field, that's for sure.

[Tribe07]

Did the team fly into Carbondale on Thursday or today?

[Houndawg]

Did the team fly into Carbondale on Thursday or today?

don't know.

[GoneTribal]

I would imagine yesterday. (hope so anyway).

This is going to be such a great game. To the SIU posters, thanks for being fun to banter back and forth with and I wish you guys a little less luck than us tomorrow.

[Houndawg]

I would imagine yesterday. (hope so anyway).

This is going to be such a great game. To the SIU posters, thanks for being fun to banter back and forth with and I wish you guys a little less luck than us tomorrow.

Same to ya, Bubba, and may there be no injuries. xthumbsupx Thoughts:

At least you won't have to endure the misery of MVC officiating.


Should be one hell of a game what with a Payton Award finalist and two Buchanan Award candidates on the field. Getting a short field will be huge. Getting a short field and not scoring will be huger.

The punting stats will tell a story.

[LeadBolt]

Did the team fly into Carbondale on Thursday or today?

Unfortunately, I heard today.

[TheTribeHasSpoken]

Yep they flew in today.

[Tribe4SF]

This was not a difficult trip. Team chater flew into Williamson Regional Airport from Newport News. Two hour flight, and the airport is only about five miles from SIU.

[TheOutlaw]

This is a really tough game to call. It should be a great match-up. I think the winner of this game will face Montana in the Title Game. Good luck to both sides.

[Saluki09]

RAWR... Going to sleep now, waking up at 6:00 (3 and a half hours), pre tailgate until 8, tailgate until the game at 11, and it's GO TIME!!!

[UNIFanSince1983]

We are 3 hours away from what should be the best game of the day!!

[siuham]

Been playing 3 man for 2 hours. Gametime let's go.

[jstclmet]

2nd qtr, score tied 3 - 3. SIU is more physical than I thought. Their O-Line is really giving the Tribe fits. SIU had a 1st & Goal at the 6, but holding was called on the QB scramble, and took the ball back near the 40 in the 1st qtr. SIU missed a subsequent FG. Tribe got their 3 in the 2nd Qtr.

[NovaHater]

How about the forgotten match-up? SIU's defense vs. W&M's offense.

My two cents is that W&M's defense isn't that much better than SIU's defense and that W&M's offense isn't as good as SIU's offense. Sounds like under 40 total points for the game and special teams make the difference. I like our chances to pull off the upset.

How's that again ?

What about that W&M defense, not any better than SIU xlolxxlolxxlolx

[kdinva]

How's that again ?

What about that W&M defense, not any better than SIU xlolxxlolxxlolx

xrulesxxreadxxthumbsupxxthumbsupx

[Tribe07]

Hey Novahater what was that again?

[YoUDeeMan]

Yup. The Tribe hasn't seen anything like Karim. xrolleyesx

12 rushes, 27 yards. Buy, hey, he busted one out for 9 yards. xlolx

SIU: 187 total yards. 23:14 seconds of possession. xwhistlex

[caribbeanhen]

xrolleyesx We ain't Weber State, Cletus.

They're missing you in Crapsville.xnodx

pull up a chair Houndawg, let me tell ya how bad they beat Delaware

[Houndawg]

pull up a chair Houndawg, let me tell ya how bad they beat Delaware

First round is on me.


xprost2x
Ohole Mahluna!

[bullseye44]

We are 3 hours away from what should be the best game of the day!!

Sadly, at this point, a 24-3 butt kicking is by far the best game of the day so far. 121-10 total score through 3 games. Hopefully UR/App St lives up to the billing.

[Squealofthepig]

Just some major props to W&M on their win today. Had thought this matchup would be a lot closer after watching SIU take it to SDSU in South Dakota. And the first quarter was pretty much what I expected.

But then the Tribe found another gear, kept SIU's running game in check, and Grimes just flat out impressed the hell out of me. Kudos on a great win in Carbondale!

[Tribe07]

Much appreciated Squeal. Impressive dismantling of SFA today too, but I expected it to be honest. These 2 semifinals are going to be something else.

[Longhorn]

How about the forgotten match-up? SIU's defense vs. W&M's offense.

My two cents is that W&M's defense isn't that much better than SIU's defense and that W&M's offense isn't as good as SIU's offense. I like our chances to pull off the upset.


Well, I guess your take on W&M's D etc. is kaput. ;) But despite being a seed and a higher ranked team prior to the start you did accurately discern the point total and that SIU was the underdog and a win would be an upset. xthumbsupx

[ZableNoise]

As one of the few tribe fans who made the trek to Carbondale (14 hrs, yikes), I just wanted to say how impressed I was by the class of the Saluki fans. People kept coming by and complementing us, they were easy to talk to, knowledgeable. All around, the classiest fan base I have ever encountered. Better luck next year!

[caribbeanhen]

First round is on me.


xprost2x
Ohole Mahluna!

Our fans were all fired up for this game, even though it was a road game, several thousand hen fans made the trip down to W'burg. The team did not appear to be as fired up as the fans as W&M hit on a 91 yard TD pass on the first play and before we knew what hit us it was 14-0. Devlin running for his life was about the only running game we got going all night. xlolx The final score was 30-20, but those in attendance said it was much worse. Several fans that made the trip down where crying the blues for the rest of the year on gohens.net.
so what happend to you guys?
xbeerchugx

[WMTribe90]

Just wanted to echo other WM posters, SIU fans were all class from all reports. Wish I could have been there. Nice to hear that opposing fans can still interact before and after the game in a constructive and friendly manner. Consider me a fan of SIU, class program and fans.

[Houndawg]

Our fans were all fired up for this game, even though it was a road game, several thousand hen fans made the trip down to W'burg. The team did not appear to be as fired up as the fans as W&M hit on a 91 yard TD pass on the first play and before we knew what hit us it was 14-0. Devlin running for his life was about the only running game we got going all night. xlolx The final score was 30-20, but those in attendance said it was much worse. Several fans that made the trip down where crying the blues for the rest of the year on gohens.net.
so what happend to you guys?
xbeerchugx

Mostly, a better team happened. xcoffeex

I've never seen Lennon's crew as thoroughly out coached, I hope they have apologized to the players for making them look worse than they are; in the 1st quarter we ran at will, gaining 102 yards to W&M's 2. Unfortunately we got only three points as four of our six penalties were called during the first qtr, twice on big plays (a pox on the MEAC). Once W&M adjusted we had no answer and our OC was a step behind for the rest of the game and stuck to four plays that weren't working. He also didn't appear to try to do anything about the pass rush. W&M started rolling Archer, but the thought never seemed to occur to us to try likewise. I suspect that the plan was to not put the game on the shoulders on a freshman QB, but only throwing one deep ball was over-reacting, imo.

The defense played well until they got gassed, it was 10-3 at the half and then they spent 23 minutes of the 2nd half on the field. Even under those circumstances they got a pick and made a huge stop on 4th and inches that the offense couldn't do anything with.

Best of luck to the Tribe, you made a believer outta me....

[YoUDeeMan]

Mostly, a better team happened. xcoffeex


Best of luck to the Tribe, you made a believer outta me....

You are not the only one....


"We tried to establish some things and just couldn't get it going," Karim said. "They're just tough. They were tougher than us, more physical than us."

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20091206/SPORTS07/912060386/1028/Division-I-AA-football-playoffs--Villanova-s-defense-tramples-New-Hampshire

[LeadBolt]

To echo what several of the other posters have said, having made the trip to Carbondale and seeing firsthand, SIU has a great group of knowledgeable and classy fans. Their team had scary speed and we were fortunate it didn't break loose.

Thanks to Houndawg and Pather for the help earlier in this post. Had a great breakfast at Harbaugh's and walked to the game. Best of luck next year in your new stadium!

[GOODY26]

I love that defense that W&M plays.xthumbsupx

[siuham]

To echo what several of the other posters have said, having made the trip to Carbondale and seeing firsthand, SIU has a great group of knowledgeable and classy fans. Their team had scary speed and we were fortunate it didn't break loose.

Thanks to Houndawg and Pather for the help earlier in this post. Had a great breakfast at Harbaugh's and walked to the game. Best of luck next year in your new stadium!

What'd you have? I was there myself at 7:30 am. :D

When we got there there was literally one person there. They weren't expecting so many people so early. They had to call in a bunch of people. xlolx

[Houndawg]

What'd you have? I was there myself at 7:30 am. :D

When we got there there was literally one person there. They weren't expecting so many people so early. They had to call in a bunch of people. xlolx

Mexican Omelette. Served by the tall brunette with the big brown eyes and the spellbinding ass.xnodx

[LeadBolt]

What'd you have? I was there myself at 7:30 am. :D

When we got there there was literally one person there. They weren't expecting so many people so early. They had to call in a bunch of people. xlolx

WE got there about 9. I had the Breakfast Burrito and my buddy had the Mexican Omlette like Houndawg. Sounds like it could have been the same waitress....

[Tribe4SF]

We ate at Mary Lou's, and had a great time with the staff and all the Saluki's who were there. Couldn't find the biscuits 'n gravy on the menu, and the waitress said "oh, they come with everything...sort of like an appetizer".

[caribbeanhen]

Mexican Omelette. Served by the tall brunette with the big brown eyes and the spellbinding ass.xnodx

sounds like the Omelette was not the only thing Mexicanxlolx

[Out To Lunch]

To echo what several of the other posters have said, having made the trip to Carbondale and seeing firsthand, SIU has a great group of knowledgeable and classy fans.

AMEN! What a wonderful group of fans at SIU. Pre- AND post-game, we were treated like honored guests by everyone we met there. The AD even stopped by our parent's group tailgate. Hats off to a fine team and even finer group of fans!!!!!