September 25th, 2007 12:00am
A Harlon Hill Trophy.
Four games of 300 yards or more rushing.
The single season NCAA all-divisions rushing record.
And the latest feather in Danny Woodhead's hat? The Division II career rushing record, which former Pittsburg State star Germaine Race held for all of 10 months. Woodhead's 160 yards last Saturday gave him 7,066 career yards, besting Race's total of 6985.
The assault on the record books is not over. Woodhead is just 288 yards away from become the NCAA's all-divisions career rushing leader, 927 yards shy of becoming D-II's career all-purpose yardage leader, and 1,138 yards from becoming the all-division leader in all-purpose yardage.
The most interesting thing to me about Woodhead is that he is such a polarizing figure, and not by any of his own doing. I have heard from many detractors over the past couple of seasons, people that insist he is not as good as advertised.
You see, if he were putting up these kinds of numbers in the NCC or the GSC or the MIAA, there would be no one doubting his accomplishments. But since he has played in the RMAC, where the competition is relatively weaker, there are those that say his statistics are artificially inflated.
I have even seen people come up with the "take away that one 80 yard run and he only averaged three yards per carry in that game" nonsense that some like to use to try to explain away greatness. I guess there will always be those that just refuse to accept it when one player deviates so far from the mean.
I don't know if Danny Woodhead is the most talented back in Division II or even if he is much of a pro prospect. What I do know is that 7,000 yards is territory reserved for players that could only be classified as great… I don't care what level of play or who the competition is.
Every person I've ever talked to about Danny Woodhead tells me that he is humble, a great student, a great teammate, and he couldn't care less about individual accomplishments and awards. We should all be proud that we have someone of Danny's ability and character as the current face of Division II football.
The Upside-down Northeast-10
Stonehill sits atop the Northeast-10 standings.
Let me repeat that so it sinks in: the Stonehill Skyhawks are currently leading the NE-10 with a 3-0 conference record. A few facts to illustrate just how shocking it is to see the Skyhawks in this position:
- Stonehill went 1-9 last season, and averaged just 8 points and 163 yards of offense per game.
- The Skyhawks got to 3-0 by beating perennial league power C.W. Post 12-7 last week. It was Stonehill's first win in 11 tries against the Pioneers.
- Stonehill's current three game winning streak is the program's longest since 1996.
First year head coach Robert Talley clearly has this program headed in the right direction. But I think it's unlikely that the Skyhawks can keep it up for a full season. They are still getting out-gained by roughly 50 yards per contest and have been winning because of a big turnover advantage (plus seven). Those types of statistics tend to even out over the course of the season and will catch up to Stonehill at some point. But even if the Skyhawks can just finish with a .500 record it will be a major accomplishment. Considering where Stonehill has been, if Talley can coax seven or more wins out of his team this year he needs to be a leading candidate as the national coach of the year in D-II.
Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year
Speaking of coach of the year, Liberty Mutual has now expanded its award to include recipients from each of the four NCAA levels of football. This award is neat for a couple of different reasons. Number one, part of the criteria for selecting the winner is his level of responsibility, not just to his team, but to his community and society in general.
The second neat thing about this award is that the general public can have its say on who the recipient should be. All you have to do to get involved is visit http://www.coachoftheyear.com to cast your vote. You have until November 27 to make your pick. Finalists in all four divisions will then be announced and fans can return to the site between December 5th and December 15th to make their selection from the group of finalists. The fan vote will be taken in combination with votes from College Football Hall of Fame members and selected media voters to determine the recipients. The winner in each division will have money donated to his charitable activities and to his school's alumni association.
Welcome Back New Haven
The University of New Haven announced late last week that it will be reinstating its football program and joining the Northeast-10, both effective in 2009.
The Chargers were a power throughout the 90's, reaching the national championship game in 1997. Running back Roger Graham won the 1993 Harlon Hill Award.
But UNH was never able to secure a conference membership and was forced to drop football following the 2003 season because traveling all over the country to play games got to be too expensive.
Reportedly, UNH tried for several years to get into the NE-10, but was rebuffed for one reason or another. The NE-10, however, is faced with losing two of its ten current football-playing members (Bryant and C.W. Post are likely leaving after this year) and needed to add new members. Enter New Haven back into the picture.
I doubt that UNH will be able to reclaim its status as a D-II power simply because the NE-10's equivalency restrictions make it next to impossible to do so. But the Chargers will have an instant rival in cross-town conference foe Southern Connecticut State and the ability to battle other local D-II teams in conference play should bring plenty of excitement back to the UNH program.
Chowan Joins the CIAA
The CIAA announced Tuesday that Chowan has accepted an invitation to join the conference as a football-only member. The Hawks are scheduled to join the league in 2008.
Chowan becomes the first non-HBCU (historically black college or university) to become a member in the conference and this move would certainly seem to indicate that the CIAA is looking to diversify its membership. Another non-HBCU, UNC-Pembroke, has also been invited to join the conference in football but there is no word yet on whether the school will accept.
New Stadium at Augustana
Augustana announced in a press conference on Wednesday that it will be building a new 6,500 seat on-campus football stadium. A $6.1 million donation from current Viking equipment manager Bob Hall and his wife Kari will help to fund the project and the stadium will be named Kirkeby-Over Stadium in honor of Kari's parents.
A new stadium is always a huge boost to any football program, but its value in Augie's case can't be overstated. The Vikings have long played at Sioux Falls' publicly owned Howard Wood Field, which sits miles from campus. The lack of a collegiate atmosphere at Howard Wood has always been a problem and has probably done as much as anything to hold back the Viking program over the years.
This is also another sign that, despite the demise of the NCC, Augustana is not taking a step back with its athletic program. I know there was some speculation out there that by losing South Dakota State and South Dakota (both of whom will be D-I starting next year) as rivals, that the Viking athletic program would struggle to find a new identity.
But this new stadium, along with several other improvements to athletic facilities, will insure that Augustana athletics are competitive long into the future. Plus, the Vikings are busy creating new rivalries by coming to a scheduling agreement with neighboring University of Sioux Falls in several sports. In my opinion, Augustana is to be commended for trying to become the best it can be at the Division II level.
Other News and Notes from Around the Nation
-The Cactus Bowl is making a comeback after a one year hiatus. The game serves as a postseason all-star game for D-II players, but was cancelled last year after losing its main corporate sponsor. Valero Energy Corporation has been added as the new sponsor for the game and it will be back in Kingsville, TX on January 11th.
-North Dakota can be thankful for two things. One, that the Sioux have a prolific offense capable of just plain outscoring opponents and two, that they have the softest part of their conference schedule to open the season. UND's defense was young to start with and has been decimated by injuries early this fall. Until the defense can gel and get everyone back healthy, the Sioux will need to keep piling up the points like they did in last week's 63-42 win over Western Washington.
-Delta State was missing head coach Ron Roberts on Saturday because he was serving a suspension related to the brawl at the end of the Henderson State game two weeks ago. You might have thought that the Statesmen would have learned a thing or two about discipline because of that incident. Apparently not. DSU committed an incredible 22 penalties for 263 yards against Ouachita Baptist, including five personal fouls and the ejection of top defensive player Michael Eubanks.
-What in the world has happened to Washburn quarterback Jordan Brill? Brill was regarded as one of the top up and coming young quarterbacks in Division II two years ago as a sophomore when he threw for 2775 yards and 24 touchdowns in leading his team to the MIAA title and a playoff berth. He also played well the first half of last season, compiling a 158 quarterback rating before missing the last five games with an injury. But last week's awful performance (7-18 for 79 yards with four interceptions) in a 28-14 loss to Central Missouri leaves Brill with the worst quarterback rating (110) of any starter in the MIAA. He will have to play much better than that if the Ichabods (2-2) are going to rebound and have a decent season.
Game of the Week
Newberry (4-0) @ Carson-Newman (4-0)
When Newberry hired Zak Willis prior to the 2003 season to lead its football program, the situation could not have been much worse. The Indians had lost 23 of their previous 24 conference games, had never won a SAC conference title, and had not beaten perennial power Carson-Newman in 19 years.
Last season's victory over Eagles was a watershed moment for the football program, one that eventually propelled the Indians to the league title and a first-ever D-II playoff appearance. The Newberry program is brimming with confidence now, so much so that there is even a link on its official football site that gives the protocol for NFL scouts to attend practice and contact coaches. I kid you not.
I was among those that thought the Indians would struggle some this season due to the graduation of star quarterback Josh Stepp and wide receiver Tymere Zimmerman. I apparently was wrong. The Indians have been dominating thus far, outscoring opponents 53-9 on average behind a powerful rushing attack, a ball hawking defense and an excellent return game. Newberry did lose starting quarterback Eric McCollom to an apparent leg injury two weeks ago though, so it remains to be seen how well this team can throw the football.
Much has been made about the addition of former Tennessee star James Banks to the Carson-Newman lineup this season. Although Banks has made a couple of big plays, he has not been the key to C-N's improvement so far this year. The Eagles are just plain better overall in all phases of the game, from a dominant defense that allows to just 15 rushing yards a game to an offense that scores over 40 points.
I like Carson-Newman in this game for two reasons. One, the Eagles are playing at home, and opponents rarely win at Burke-Tarr Stadium. And two, I think the Eagles play good enough run defense that they will force Newberry and quarterback Brandon Gantt (making his second career start) to throw the football more than they want to. Carson-Newman 26 Newberry 22.
Other Games of Note
Minnesota State (3-1) @ Nebraska-Omaha (4-0)
This game is a true contrast in styles, as UNO wants to line up and overpower you with its rushing attack while MSU likes to throw the ball all game long out of its four and five receiver sets.
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't give MSU much of a chance in this game, but injury problems on UNO's offensive line (two starters missed last week's game with Augustana) could serve as an equalizer. MSU also has an experienced senior quarterback in Ben King and he is capable of giving UNO fits throwing the football if his offensive line can protect.
But I think UNO will find a way to win, mainly because the Mavericks are playing at home and because quarterback Zach Miller will just plain take over the game if necessary. Do not be surprised, however, if it is close throughout. Nebraska-Omaha 34 Minnesota State 26.
Saginaw Valley (3-1) @ Northwood (2-2)
Normally the Axe Bowl is the top contest in the GLIAC each season not involving Grand Valley. SVSU and NU are located a mere 20 minutes apart and since at least one (and sometimes both) of these teams has made the playoffs every year dating back to 2000, their common success has added fuel to the rivalry. But this season both teams appear to be a bit off their usual standards, and since both must still face GVSU, this is probably a playoff elimination game.
NU has given up a combined 97 points in its last two games and that has to be a grave concern because the Cardinals have been potent on offense so far this fall, averaging 467 yards per game. Senior quarterback Chris Doughtery has already thrown 13 touchdown passes and he will challenge a Timberwolve defense that has just one interception and three sacks this year. It's a rivalry game, so it will be close, but I think SVSU's offense will be too much for NU to overcome. Saginaw Valley 30 Northwood 20.
Ashland (3-1) @ Mercyhurst (4-1)
How strange is it that in Mercyhurt's final year in the GLIAC, the Lakers finally become competitive in football? The Lakers are going out with a bang before they join the PSAC next year.
Mercyhurst has been winning with an efficient offense that has been moving the football both on the ground and through the air. Running back Richard Stokes averages 123 yards per game on the ground and he is complemented by a balanced passing attack that has seen seven receivers each catch at least eight passes. The Laker defense is not great by any means, but has forced 11 turnovers so far.
Ashland, of course, has benefited greatly by having its game versus Grand Valley wiped out by weather. The Eagles have used a strong offense to just plain outscore teams by a 38 to 33 margin on average this season. Obviously, AU's strength is not defense.
I don't think anyone would argue that Ashland has more talent on its roster. But talent alone doesn't always win games and this Mercyhurst team has been great at finding ways to win. Mercyhurst 31 Ashland 28.
Nebraska-Kearney (3-1) @ Mesa State (4-0)
This RMAC contest is important because these are only two league teams with the talent to challenge Chadron State for the league title. The Mavericks have won with defense so far this season, allowing just 32 rushing yards and 12 points per game. Defense has become even more important with an injury to star running back Bobby Coy, who missed last week's game against Fort Lewis.
The Lopers have also been very solid defensively, but it is their talent on offense that gives them an advantage in this game. Quarterback Dennis Havrilla leads an effective rushing attack (258 yards per contest) and he throws the ball just well enough to keep opposing defenses honest. The Mavericks have enough talent on defense to stay in this game, but it will be tough to overcome the Lopers unless Coy is back in the line up. Nebraska-Kearney 27 Mesa State 16.
IUP (3-0) @ Slippery Rock (4-0)
This is a tough game to handicap simply because neither team has faced much competition so far this year. The combined record of these two teams' opponents: 7-19. This is a very important game not only because it is the PSAC West Division opener for both teams, but they are also bitter rivals. There is no love lost between the two programs.
IUP has been dominating on defense and balanced so far offensively, with eight different players scoring touchdowns already this year. The IUP rushing attack has been bolstered by the addition of running back Poohbear McNeal, who transferred in after Mansfield dropped football.
SRU is led by two of the most productive offensive players in the PSAC in quarterback Nate Crookshank and running back Corey Manfull. The Rock is also solid defensively, but maybe not quite as athletic as IUP is and I think that's where the advantage lies. IUP 23 Slippery Rock 20.
Eastern New Mexico (4-0) @ Abilene Christian (3-1)
ENMU is old school… play solid defense and run the football. But this Greyhound team takes old school to the extreme. ENMU averages over 400 rushing yards per game with its option offense, but they have attempted just 12 passes in their first four games. And… brace yourself for this… ENMU has intercepted more opponent passes (seven) than they have completed themselves (four).
So obviously goal for ACU in this game is going to be to force the Greyhounds to throw the football by getting a lead and slowing down quarterback Michael Benton (751 rushing yards, 8.3 yards per carry) and the ENMU rushing attack. Probably easier said than done. But the Greyhounds have not seen anything this season like talent the Wildcat offense brings to the table in this game. Quarterback Billy Malone and the ACU offense have hit their stride in the last three games, scoring 41 points or more in each one. Plus ACU is playing at home and is just plain more talented overall. Abilene Christian 31 Eastern New Mexico 21
North Alabama (3-0) @ Arkansas Tech (3-1)
ATU jumped on Valdosta State last week and nearly pulled the upset, before the Blazers rallied in the second half to get the win. Perhaps the biggest question coming into this game is whether ATU can get up again emotionally to take on another very talented team in UNA.
Both teams are led by talented veteran quarterbacks in A.J. Milwee at UNA and Cole Barthel at ATU. But the major difference is in the supporting casts. The Lions have more talent on defense and more playmakers on offense and I would imagine that they will be ready to play after seeing VSU nearly get upset last week. North Alabama 34 Arkansas Tech 23.
Pittsburg State (3-1) @ Central Missouri (3-1)
Pittsburg State has not figured out its defensive problems. That was apparent after the Gorillas were gashed for 325 yards on the ground in just 35 attempts by Missouri Western last week. In the past PSU had the offensive firepower to just outscore opponents, but they don't have as many playmakers this year. Translation: this Gorilla team is probably going to struggle to win almost every week.
In contrast, UCM is the leading defense statistically in the conference, allowing just 273 total yards and 29 rushing yards per game. The Mules run the ball fairly effectively and the recent insertion of talented transfer Stinson Dean as the starter at quarterback has stabilized the offense. It used to be that PSU had a major psychological advantage over UCM, but that disappeared in the Gorillas' 83-21 loss in Warrensburg two years ago. All signs point to another Mule win this week. Central Missouri 24 Pittsburg State 19.
Mailbag
[Q] I've noticed that the Northeast-10 always seems to play several Friday night games during the season. Is there a reason for this?
Mike
[A] Well Mike, I did not know the answer to this question so I decided to solicit a response from the NE-10 Director of Media Relations, Greg Pellegrino. This is what he had to say:
"It is an option we leave up to the individual schools. Most of our schools have been updating their facilities and a few added lights so that they can play on Friday nights. Also, on a crowd standpoint, some schools attract more fans during Friday night games than they do on Saturday afternoon. Another reason is if there is another football game going on in the area they do not have to compete for coverage. In the end, it is entirely up to the school if they want to switch their Saturday afternoon game to Friday night."
Thank you Greg for taking the time to answer our question this week.
Contact Me
Have a question, comment, or criticism? Want to have your question answered in the weekly Mailbag? Email Bob.