A week after losing 14-9 to the Bethel Royals in Arden Hills, the St. John’s Johnnies look to get back to their winning ways this weekend against the Hamline Pipers in Collegeville. The loss marked the third straight season the Johnnies have lost to the Royals, the first time a team has pulled that trick against St. John’s since the St. Olaf Oles did so from 1984-86.
Speaking of streaks, the Johnnies are looking to extend a few more impressive ones this week against the Pipers. The Johnnies haven’t lost two consecutive MIAC contests since they fell at Hamline and against the St. Thomas Tommies to open conference play in 1983—before any of the current players were born. The Johnnies haven’t scored less than 41 points against the Pipers since before the turn of the century and haven’t lost to them since 1994.
While the Johnnies’ playoff hopes were severely damaged when they suffered their second loss of the season last week, they could still make the playoff field with enormous amounts of help, either in the MIAC or across the country. More important for the program’s future may be how the team uses the rest of 2008 to gain valuable experience for the young players who will be expected to fill key roles in the future. The game against Hamline is usually a date that the backups have circled on their calendar, and a close game this weekend could cost many of them a chance at playing time.
Here’s how the contributors to JohnnieFootball.com see this week’s game shaping up:
Duffman: So far, the Johnnies have found a way to keep games close when they should not be. This week should not be a barn-burner, but I have faith that the Johnnies will make it one (I hope I am wrong). Quarterback woes continue, but the Johnnie defense keeps us in this one. St. John’s 24, Hamline 10.
DustySJU: After a one game road trip to Arden Hills, the Johnnies are back home this afternoon and ready to renew their spirits following last weekend’s season ending loss to Bethel. Nothing provides a greater rush than a football playoff game in Clemens Stadium and for the first time in 4 years we’ll be monitoring this year’s postseason from our home computers. The Johnnies begin their 14-month journey back to the NCAAs today with a solid performance against the Pipers. Look for play from untested freshmen and maybe even a surprise or two at the QB position. St. John’s 34, Hamline 14.
Finsleft: As bad as things have been this year for our lads in red, returning to the Pine Curtain for some home-cooking should be just what they need. Everyone else in the MIAC seems to be improving this year. Well, everyone except the Pipsqueaks. Look for a comfortable victory. St. John’s 35, Hamline 6.
Johnnie Tats: Let me be crystal clear. The 160-some odd Johnnie players are doing their best and should be proud of how they are representing SJU and all in the Johnnie Nation. It is not their fault that the play calling during the games has been inexcusable. It is not their fault that they are being put in difficult situations and then being asked to produce results that may not be reasonable. The Johnnies are doing the best they can with what they are being given! So, no technical analysis from me this week, just a hope that I am proven wrong and that our Johnnies can overcome those who are hindering their season! St. John’s 2, Hamline 0.
Mr.Shoes: We’re not losing to ****ing Hamline. St. John’s 42, Hamline 10.
Sjusection105: The Johnnies are back at home and this seems to be where they are most comfortable. After a heartbreaking loss to Bethel, the Johnnies are due to beak out of their offensive shell. The Johnnie defense will be as tough as nails and the offense will need the help in a field position ball game. I see another low scoring game with the winning touchdown being scored by the St. John’s defense. St. John’s 14, Hamline 10.
TC: Well, the secret’s out. The 2008 squad isn’t the most talented St. John’s has ever fielded. Still, they aren’t without their charms. For the first time in three seasons, the Johnnies were able to slow the vaunted Bethel Royal rushing attack, even if the offense wasn’t able to pull out the victory in the end. And, well, that’s about where the optimism ends right now.
The offensive line is struggling against good defensive fronts right now and that is throwing off the timing of the rest of the offense. Sure, the quarterback carousel isn’t helping the offense find its rhythm, but when given time to operate all three quarterbacks have shown flashes of competence, if not brilliance. Make no mistake, the Hamline defense won’t be mistaken for the Cobbers’ or Royals’ anytime soon, and the defense should have no difficulty stopping the perpetually putrid Pipers. For one weekend, at least, all will be right in Collegeville again. St. John’s 40, Hamline 6.
TDT: When was the last time SJU football was caught “playing out the string” in early October? The Johnnie defense continues to sparkle (ho hum new year, same routine), but man the offense and specifically the QB play is painful to watch. Hamline comes into Collegeville playing good football with the potential to play the Johnnies tougher than they have in years. I really won’t be surprised if this game is a blowout or a tight 4th quarter game. I just can’t get a read on this squad. No reason Hamline should be in this football game beyond the 1st half, but this isn’t your father’s Johnnie squad. St. John’s 27, Hamline 16
