Now that the cupcakes—Marietta, UW-River Falls, and Augsburg—have been devoured, the Johnnies get their first taste of the main course as the Concordia Cobbers invade Collegeville. It’s time to answer the annual question—just how good are these Johnnies? Judging by early season dismantlings of Marietta and Augsburg, this looks like a Johnnie team that’s ready to climb the Mount (Union), but recent struggles against Concordia were followed by truncated playoff runs. Here’s a look at what our contributors expect from this year’s struggle with Concordia.
DuffMan: If history has shown me anything, it’s that games between Concordia and St. John’s are always close (except for 2002). I can see that happening again, unfortunately. The question in my mind is how will the Cobbers respond to their heartbreaking loss last weekend? Will they come out firing on all cylinders, or will they be deflated? And did they sustain any significant injuries? The Johnnies look to be fairly healthy. Mike Patnode made his return last weekend, so that should bolster the running game if Aaron Blackmore is 100%. I’d like to see the Johnnies come out rolling like last weekend. If that happens, the game shouldn’t be a problem. In all reality, I see both teams struggling to move the ball consistently. St. John’s 28, Concordia 20.
DustySJU: Cobb Coach Terry Horan leads a new group of MIAC headmen taking aim at Collegeville and the football sage John Gagliardi. Horan distinguishes himself among the upstarts having already won one MIAC conference championship. Cobber is a top tier MIAC team, however a superior Collegeville defense and a sub par Cord defensive corps spells doom for our protestant brethren from the west. Originally this was going to be my upset special of the week however the 2007 Johnnie crew is a special one. St. John’s 34, Concordia 10.
Finsleft: Traditionally, the Cobbers game is one circled on the calendar as our foes from across the prairie hinterlands can always be counted on to give SJU all they can handle. I’m sensing something different this year, however. For some reason, the Cobbs have not seemed to find their legs yet. But more than that, my sense is that SJU is feeling the rumblings of something special. Kofoed is looking like the total package now and will be lofting bombs into the waiting arms of Vanderheyden and (watch this guy) Pollock. And the Johnnie defense…well, nuff said. St. John’s 37, Concordia 13.
Mr.Shoes: There’s something about Concordia that just always makes me uneasy, and I’m sure it’s not the fact that the college is located in almost-North Dakota. It has something to do with that old-school offense they run; it always gives the Johnnie defense fits and as a fan, there’s nothing more unsettling than watching our defense not be dominant. To compound things, Concordia always brings a solid defense. That said, Concordia is throwing the ball more than ever this season, and while I’m no less uneasy about this game tomorrow, I think the Johnnies will win by more than a whisker. St. John’s 27, Concordia 14.
Sjusection105: The Cobbers are the team in the MIAC that I have the most respect for. Sure, it’s nice to notch a “W” over the Oles, Royals or the Tommies but a “W” over the Cobbers is greeted with as much relief as it is joy from this Johnnie fan!
My opinion is that the Cobbers are—other than the Johnnies—the most fundamentally sound and best-coached team in the MIAC. The emergence of a passing game for the 2007 season gives the Johnnies defensive staff one more thing to scheme against going into this match up.I know the Cobbers scored 45 points last week in a triple overtime loss to Bethel and that will put them in a bad mood, but I don’t see that offensive fireworks show being set off in Collegeville today.
I also see the Cobbers being a bit stingier with the points they will allow this week. I see Russell Gliadon adding to his FG total for the Johnnies during today’s game. The Johnnie defense does not allow a TD. My prediction for this hard-hitting well-played game: St. John’s 20, Concordia 6.
TC: If what Concordia SID Jim Cella said was correct—the Cobbers aired it out against Bethel solely because of how bad Bethel’s secondary was—then I feel good about the Johnnies’ chances for a MIAC championship this year. If the Bethel defense is so bad the even the Cobbers can pass on them and the Cobbers are so bad that they can’t win even when they pass for a bunch of yards… yikes. Johnnies in a romp. St. John’s 42, Concordia 14.
Touchdown Tommy: History says that the game will be close. Well, 2007 is the exception. The Cobbers are extremely lucky to be 2-1 instead of 1-2. They were given an early Christmas gift from cross-town rival Minnesota State-Moorhead, who is historically not a very good Division 2 team. 51 points allowed to Bethel and 32 to Moorhead tells me this isn’t your typical Cobber stout defense. I fully expect the Cobbers to drop 5 or 6 into coverage in an attempt to stop the Johnnies’ passing attack. Look for Alex Kofoed to utilize the option with his RBs and draw some of these defenders closer to the line of scrimmage. This will eventually open up the middle of the field and the seam routes. I expect a big day from TE Brett Saladin who has proven again and again when given the ball he makes plays. St. John’s 41, Concordia 17.
