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When Crawfordsville and Greencastle, Indiana, found themselves beneath a total eclipse last week, it turned out to be a great time to combine a rare celestial event with a chance to talk with the coaches in one of Division III football’s top rivalries. In the case of DePauw, that’s Brett Dietz, whose team has won […] The post ATN Podcast 352: Can’t eclipse the Monon Bell appeared first on D3football.com » D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast.

What's next? That's a great question this time of year, and we tackle that big question in a few ways in our January podcast, the first one of 2024. Cortland, now the reigning and defending national champs, says what's next is turning the page, but before they do, we sit down with Red Dragons head coach Curt Fitzpatrick to reflect on a great (the greatest?) Stagg Bowl, and the aftermath, while talking about recruiting and the transfer portal and what his program is looking for for next season. We ask what's next of Brad Spencer and North Central football. Spencer reflects on the play call that left his team out of the end zone on a two-point conversion with 80 seconds left in the game, then getting his players back in the meeting room on campus recently to talk about what happens between now and spring ball? Something else that's definitely "next" in Division III is new programs taking the field, and the Roanoke Maroons will do so in a limited way this fall, and a more formal way in 2025. Patrick and Greg sit down with new Roanoke head coach Bryan Stinespring and his defensive coordinator, Mike Giancola, as they start the daunting task of taking a football program from an idea on paper to a unit on the field, one which will play on the same field the Stagg Bowl was just played on. Plus, what's next in the Division III football playoffs? We talk about that drive for 40 teams. Patrick and Greg discuss that and more in this edition of the podcast. The D3football.com podcast is a weekly in-season podcast by Patrick Coleman and Greg Thomas, which was started in 2007. The post ATN Podcast 351: What’s next? appeared first on D3football.com » D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast.

We wrap up another season, here on the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast. Perhaps not as well as the Cortland defense wrapped up Luke Lehnen on the two-point conversion attempt pictured here on the page, but we try. Was this the best Stagg Bowl ever? We've only seen about half of them in person, but our crew does its best to answer that question. Patrick Coleman and Greg Thomas are joined by Keith McMillan, Ryan Tipps, and Frank Rossi and James Baker of In the Huddle. Plus, Cortland sports information director Fran Elia, a podcast superfan, stops by to chat, and we talk with and congratulate Cortland football fans who were getting a bite to eat and a cold beverage at the famous Mac and Bob's in Salem, Virginia. Our crew hands out game balls, and talk about the unsung big plays of the game. Calling a time out? Sure. Fourth-down scramble? Definitely. Is this a changing of the guard? Great question. Will the Stagg Bowl return to Salem at some point after this? We discussed it before, but after the game, maybe things seem different. Plus, Patrick has some news as to the order of quarterbacks the next time awards are handed out. You'll want to hear, complainers. This edition of the podcast is sponsored by d3photography.com, the licensed photography bureau contracted by D3sports.com. The crew discusses, in this edition of the podcast. The D3football.com podcast is a weekly in-season podcast by Patrick Coleman and Greg Thomas, which was started in 2007. The post ATN Podcast 350: Wrapping up an amazing 2023 appeared first on D3football.com » D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast.

It's great to be back in Salem covering a Stagg Bowl, and Patrick and Greg and Frank Rossi are here to preview Stagg Bowl with North Central and Cortland. For North Central, it's the fourth time in a row they've been to a Stagg Bowl, and in four different places, so how does their experience stack up? For Cortland, it's the first Stagg Bowl, but does their experience playing the Cortaca Jug game in Yankee Stadium help this group prepare? From Cortland, we talk with coach Curt Fitzpatrick, quarterback Zac Boyes, linebacker John Whiney and wide receiver Cole Burgess. And from the North Central side, we chat with coach Brad Spencer, quarterback Luke Lehnen, left tackle Jeske Maples, safety Julian Bell and wide receiver DeAngelo Hardy. Will the Stagg Bowl return to Salem at some point after this? We discuss. Plus, we generally expect a high-scoring game, but how high? Over or under 94.5 points? Who will be the most prolific quarterback-to-receiver combo? More over-unders, listener questions, and the rest in our Stagg Bowl preview podcast. The post ATN Podcast 349: We’re here for Stagg Bowl 50 appeared first on D3football.com » D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast.

Just as we expected -- one amazing national semifinal and one blowout. Never mind that people generally thought it would be the other way around -- not our predictions, by the way, which did not have North Central winning in a blowout. We talk through the Cortland win against Randolph-Macon, hear the reactions of players Cole Burgess and Jack Winey as told to Keith McMillan, talk about what we learned and whether Saturday's defensive performance by the Red Dragons is enough to suggest they can slow down North Central. We also talk through the implications of the North Central's narrow win, talk through the exciting plays that had the Cardinals on the ropes and the key defensive stops and big offensive plays which won the day. We also talk with quarterback Luke Lehnen about the experience of playing in the cold and wind, on the road, in a big game, and his sense of calm even as the Cardinals were struggling to move the ball. Plus, let's be honest. It's Stagg Bowl L. 50. FIFTY. And it's back in Salem, Virginia. That requires a special tribute, and Patrick Coleman is glad to provide. Scroll down for lyrics because they fly by pretty fast. Plus, our listener questions: What do you suggest we do in Salem? We'll give our insight there plus tackle some other questions, as well as talk about who the loudest fans are and what else is coming up this week on D3football.com This edition of the podcast is sponsored by d3photography.com, the licensed photography bureau contracted by D3sports.com. Patrick Coleman and Greg Thomas discuss, in this edition of the podcast. The post ATN Podcast 348: And then there were two appeared first on D3football.com » D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast.

Yep, that's correct. You see the colors above, and nary a Purple Power to be found. No more UW-Whitewater, no Mount Union, and of course, none of those other prominent purple powerhouses that failed to make the field. Instead, you've got the familiar red of North Central, plus Cortland as actual Red Dragons, along with the Yellow Jackets of Randolph-Macon and the orange of Wartburg. These teams got here through a pretty fantastic quarterfinal round, and Patrick and Greg talk about it all. We sit down with DeAngelo Hardy of North Central after his amazing day where he filled the stat sheet in ways you wouldn't imagine possible in one person. Keith McMillan makes another return to the podcast and chats with Mitchell Johnson and Nick Hale, two of the four key running backs for Randolph-Macon. Zac Boyes talks about finding his receiver wide open on a key play that broke the Cortland game at Alma wide open, and Wartburg's Hunter Clasen talks about catching the game-winning touchdown pass against UW-Whitewater. Plus, our listener question: What does each team need to do defensively this week in order to succeed? This edition of the podcast is sponsored by d3photography.com, the licensed photography bureau contracted by D3sports.com. Patrick Coleman and Greg Thomas discuss, in this edition of the podcast. The post ATN Podcast 347: No more purple appeared first on D3football.com » D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast.

We used to do this preview podcasts all the time, before life and day jobs interfered. But it's great to get back in the saddle, and do some longer interviews in this edition of the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast. Founding co-host Keith McMillan sits down for an in-depth conversation with Randolph-Macon coach Pedro Arruza as his team gets ready to take on Johns Hopkins in the quarterfinals. Arruza's career as a head coach at Randolph-Macon has now reached 20 seasons, and that's something considering he almost didn't get past year No. 3. Keith and Pedro talk about that, plus what drove Arruza to become a head coach, and much more. Patrick Coleman sits down with Alma quarterback Carter St. John. Yes, he joined us for Fast Five in 345 and talked about the final drive at Mount Union, but this is a new conversation about how St. John came to Alma rather than backing up a D-III quarterback you have definitely heard of at another school in the region. Plus, how far the kilt wearing has spread on the team, and whether a name like Carter St. John really lends itself to a fine clothing line. (Psst, it does.) We also chat with Curt Fitzpatrick, who is bringing his Cortland team to Alma this upcoming weekend. You'll hear about the Red Dragons' unexpected itinerary, plus get an early look at how Cortland quarterback Zac Boyes compares to St. John. Fitzpatrick also talks about the difference between his team's two very different playoff performances so far in this bracket. And we wrap up our conversations with UW-Whitewater cornerback and Gagliardi Trophy semifinalist Egon Hein. He talks about playing for a new head coach and a new defensive coordinator, ones who are hardly new to the program at all, as well as what it's like to play in front of all those people at Perkins Stadium, preparing for the Nameless Gray Face on the opposing side this week, playing with his brother, and much more. Plus, Trevor Castle brought us a great question: How did North Central get to this dominant position, and who are the programs that are poised to make that next step themselves? This edition of the podcast is sponsored by d3photography.com, the licensed photography bureau contracted by D3sports.com. Patrick Coleman and Greg Thomas discuss, in this edition of the podcast. The D3football.com podcast is a weekly in-season podcast by Patrick Coleman and Greg Thomas. The post ATN Podcast 346: Heading to the quarterfinals appeared first on D3football.com » D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast.

We can't say in any way, shape or form that we called it. But in podcast 343, we did identify Alma as a team that could challenge Mount Union. But when push comes to shove, no, Alma scoring 24 points in the fourth quarter to defeat Mount Union was not something any of us saw coming. The magnitude of the victory may not have sunk in yet for everyone at Alma. We catch up with Scots quarterback Carter St. John, who talks us through that final drive and the game-winning touchdown with 10 seconds left. We also talk about the reaction to the loss in Mount Union circles and whether people should circle the wagons around their head coach. Plus, has anyone ever scored 24 in the fourth quarter of an elimination game against Mount Union? Our crack research staff has the answer. How about another thrilling finish? That's what happened when Cortland went for two, then held on against a field goal attempt from Grove City in the closing seconds. Cortland was always going for two, and Red Dragons head coach Curt Fitzpatrick comes on to talk about it. Plus, it's still hard to believe that North Central has to travel to UW-La Crosse this week. It's just as unbelievable for North Central coach Brad Spencer, whose monologue about how we have to do better for student-athletes is well worth your time to listen to. Patrick and Greg talk about all eight second-round games, and take your questions in this edition of the podcast. This edition of the podcast is sponsored by d3photography.com, the licensed photography bureau contracted by D3sports.com. We also hand out game balls and spotlight the key stats in the bracket. Patrick Coleman and Greg Thomas discuss, in this edition of the podcast. The post ATN Podcast 345: Well, that doesn’t happen every day appeared first on D3football.com » D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast.

In our first week of playoffs, the teams that should have been hosting went and won on the road anyway, and while we only had a couple of games go down to the final possession, those were certainly thrilling, memorable games. Endicott gets so close to winning a playoff game once again. Susquehanna almost avoided […] The post ATN Podcast 344: Running down the first round appeared first on D3football.com » D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast.

Oh man. Back in 2011, Patrick wrote a piece on Selection Sunday morning with the headline "Two-loss teams need not apply," essentially calling out the NCAA football committee for not even considering two-loss teams in previous years and wondering if that would change. It did change. It changed that season and in multiple seasons which followed. As the seasons have progressed, getting comfortable that a strong SOS would be rewarded has led teams to schedule some really top-quality non-conference games. This year, we're back in the bad-ol' days, it seems like. And when you ask for an explanation as to how the criteria were applied, the only answer seems to be that there aren't enough at-large bids. We know this. Thanks. That puts a damper on what otherwise is not a terrible bracket. Unless you like competitive balance. Unless you like the criteria to actually be used to determine who gets to have home games and who should be traveling. Sometimes there's a common opponent result that should be consulted. Patrick and Greg try to understand why, and we also answer a number of listener questions. What teams do we think can actually win the national championship? How would we try to work within the current system to get more at-large bids? That and more, plus, Whitworth coach Rod Sandberg joins us for our Fast Five interview to talk about his team's last-minute win at Linfield. This edition of the podcast is sponsored by d3photography.com, the licensed photography bureau contracted by D3sports.com. Plus, we hand out game balls and spotlight the key stories in each region. Patrick Coleman and Greg Thomas discuss, in this edition of the podcast. The D3football.com podcast is a weekly in-season podcast by Patrick Coleman and Greg Thomas, which was started in 2007. The post ATN Podcast 343: Strength of what, exactly? appeared first on D3football.com » D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast.

If you were are hoping your team can get some help in getting into the NCAA playoffs as an at-large team, we got so close to being able to give you what you wanted on Saturday. But in the end, a few places where teams were on the ropes turned out to be all about chalk and we'll all be holding our collective breath for another week of what should be epic games. Maybe, just maybe teams got some help when the status quo was preserved in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and River Falls didn't beat La Crosse and turn things into a potential mess. We chat with UWL coach Matt Janus and quarterback Keyser Helterbrand is our guest on Fast Five, talking about everything from playing behind a freshman backup center, to how he ended up at La Crosse in the first place and not some school closer to home. We hear from Mount Union coach Geoff Dartt after his team got a comfortable win against John Carroll. It was perhaps Mount Union's first big test of the year, and it didn't come until Week 10, but it was a test which they passed. And Cortland aced the Empire 8 final, with Cortland turning the tables on Brockport and making its own defensive presence known. This edition of the podcast is sponsored by d3photography.com, the licensed photography bureau contracted by D3sports.com. Plus, we hand out game balls and spotlight the cool stats from Saturday and key stories in each region. Patrick gives us his take on the four at-large teams as the playoff picture stands right now. Greg predicts who will win the NJAC's Friday night finales, and we break down the potential five-way tiebreaker in that conference. Yes, there is math. And bacon. And ginsu knives. And more. Patrick Coleman and Greg Thomas discuss, in this edition of the podcast. The post ATN Podcast 342: No help for the bubble appeared first on D3football.com » D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast.

The game between Johns Hopkins and Muhlenberg ended in a pretty epic way on Saturday. So did Belhaven’s unbeaten streak this season, at the hands of Maryville. And a 20-year long streak went by the wayside this weekend as well. Matt Mitchell talks about getting back onto the field at exactly the right time for […] The post ATN Podcast 341: Epic endings appeared first on D3football.com » D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast.

The season of regional rankings, mock brackets and things such as Pool C teams is upon us, and how better to get things started than by having a conversation with the chair of the Division III football championship committee? We start every year with burning questions, and Northwestern (Minn.) head coach Matt Moore was kind enough to sit down and chat with Pat Coleman on campus earlier this week and give the most honest and open answers possible, considering not a single ranking has been made. But when you wonder, what does "results against regionally ranked opponents" mean, and how is it used, well, the answer wasn't what we expected or what we had been told was reality by chairs in years and sports past. This edition of the podcast is sponsored by d3photography.com, the licensed photography bureau contracted by D3sports.com. If you want to hear the answer to what happens when a team plays zero non-conference games, you'll get the best answer we can get so far this season here in this podcast. If you want to know whether the national committee would change a regional ranking if it doesn't line up or make sense with the others, you'll hear that answer as well. And if you want to know how important strength of schedule is, you can get no answer more clear than Moore's answer. Pat Coleman and Matt Moore talk, and Pat and Greg Thomas discuss, in this edition of the podcast. The D3football.com podcast is a weekly in-season podcast by Pat Coleman and Greg Thomas, which was started in 2007. The post ATN Podcast 340: A chat with the chair appeared first on D3football.com » D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast.

Greg Thomas starts off this podcast by quoting one of the famous philosophers of our time, and it is true about what point in the season we have reached. If you intend to play in the Stagg Bowl, just know that Week 8 is only the halfway point. In a week where our panel finally […] The post ATN Podcast 339: We’re halfway there appeared first on D3football.com » D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast.

UW-Whitewater and UW-River Falls met in another of the big battles that should determine who goes to the playoffs out of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, whether it's one, two or three teams. And even though one of the most decorated offensive players on the field was held in check -- not to mention off the field -- for the vast majority of the game, River Falls still had a shot at the end. We chat with UW-Whitewater coach Jace Rindahl about his team, his fired-up sideline demeanor, his decision to start going for two in the second quarter and more in this week's podcast. And Matt Walker of UW-River Falls talks about what's still there for his Falcons to accomplish. But there's more ... This edition of the podcast is sponsored by d3photography.com, the licensed photography bureau contracted by D3sports.com. It was a big week for dreams getting crushed just a little bit as well this week. Washington U. had designs on getting into the D3football.com Top 25 (they were already ranked in the coaches poll) but fell at home to Augustana. Carleton fans were looking for a little respect up at St. John's after a 5-0 start. And King's took down Lebanon Valley, which had been riding high ever since Week 1 against Franklin & Marshall. Plus, who got a game ball out of the CCIW? And the NESCAC? What were the interesting stats of the week, and who was having fun in Region 1, pulling through in Region 2, what's to see in the 3, who's looking for more in the 4, showin' some drive in the 5 and got something to fix in the 6? Plus, how are the Top 25 voters looking at Hardin-Simmons? Patrick and Greg tackle that and more in this week's podcast. The D3football.com podcast is a weekly in-season podcast by Pat Coleman and Greg Thomas, which was started in 2007. The post ATN Podcast 338: Midseason reality checks appeared first on D3football.com » D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast.

It seems there can be little doubt that Division III football is at its best on a Saturday afternoon when the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference is playing its conference games. They might draw 20,000-plus fans, they might go to double overtime, but whatever the weekend, it always seems at least one or two of the games is going to be entertaining, if not epic. But Division III is also at its best when it is forward-looking and innovative. When a university for the Deaf and hard of hearing can work with AT&T on a project to help level the playing field for a team that finds it hard to call plays. We ask Gallaudet coach Chuck Goldstein about how well the new 5G helmet worked for his team in their win against Hilbert, plus we talk about much more in the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast. This edition of the podcast is sponsored by d3photography.com, the licensed photography bureau contracted by D3sports.com. Yes, UW-La Crosse came away with a great win at UW-Whitewater, shaking off a losing streak to the Warhawks that had reached 19 games. We talk about the Eagles' new wrinkles on offense and their quality defensive performance as well. Plus, Ithaca finally won a Liberty League game at RPI, and we hear from Ithaca quarterback A.J. Wingfield about that. And we look at the strange way that the Hardin-Simmons at McMurry game came to an end. We also hand out game balls, pick out our stats of the week, answer reader questions, predict winners for some of next week's games and highlight the big ones coming up in Week 7. The D3football.com podcast is a weekly in-season podcast by Pat Coleman and Greg Thomas, which was started in 2007. The post ATN Podcast 337: When D-III football is at its best appeared first on D3football.com » D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast.

W is for Wartburg. W is for Wolverines. And W is for winning. The connection is purely alphabetical, but we know that the top teams had some big wins on Saturday, one for a bell that is little, and made of brass; one that is against a key conference rival; and one that was on the road after a big turnaround. Berry had Trinity on the ropes before the Tigers' defense recovered in the second half. They had us looking super closely in the first half, not gonna lie. But Trinity came out with the win. Wartburg was down at home before scoring two fourth-quarter touchdowns to win. Grove City, of course, held off rival Washington & Jefferson to win on Saturday as well, getting the Wolverines to a 5-0 start for the first time since ... when? We ask Grove City coach Andrew DiDonato about it, plus we talk about much more in the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast. This edition of the podcast is sponsored by d3photography.com, the licensed photography bureau contracted by D3sports.com. North Central put up some incredible numbers on offense on Saturday in beating Wheaton in the Little Brass Bell game, and we'll detail exactly how dominant Cardinals quarterback Luke Lehnen and his colleagues were. Plus, who was having fun in the 1, pulling through in the 2, out to sea in the 3, the score in the 4, lookin' alive in the 5 and in the mix in the 6. Plus, if you saw a couple of close games on Saturday and were concerned, know that you weren't alone, and we'll talk you through which results to be concerned about and which to let go. The D3football.com podcast is a weekly in-season podcast by Pat Coleman and Greg Thomas, which was started in 2007. The post ATN 336: Week 5 is for capital W’s appeared first on D3football.com » D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast.

It's not often the outcome of a single game can turn perceptions in Division III on their head, especially a game in September. But last Friday night, Endicott not only defeated No. 5 Hardin-Simmons, the Gulls defeated the Cowboys soundly. And Pat was there to witness, interview and report. Did Hardin-Simmons losing their starting quarterback and their All-Region linebacker make a difference? What did we see on the ground in Beverly, Massachusetts? Pat gives his analysis here, first, in the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast. This edition of the podcast is sponsored by d3photography.com, the licensed photography bureau contracted by D3sports.com. Check out what Pat called the most spine-tingling thing he has witnessed in 25 years at D3football.com. And hear some of the unique things that go on in postgame speeches and celebrations in the locker room after games, both at Endicott and Tufts, which defeated Bates on Saturday night. Plus we look at Augsburg's Hail Mary win, Grove City's blow struck in the PAC, and hand out game balls. When is the first woman to play a position other than kicker not the first woman to play a position other than kicker? We talk about the woman who played cornerback two weeks ago. There's that and so much more crammed into this 70 minutes. The D3football.com podcast is a weekly in-season podcast by Pat Coleman and Greg Thomas, which was started in 2007. The post ATN Podcast 335: Striking a blow for New England appeared first on D3football.com » D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast.

This week didn't feature five games between Top 25 teams, but as we've known for years in Division III football, that doesn't make it any less thrilling. Out of 116 games, you're going to see a little bit of everything, such as a game where three touchdowns were scored in the final 60 seconds. A walk-off field goal for a Top 25 upset. A 0-3 team ranked in the Top 25 (first time for everything). Game balls handed out to players who did a little of everything, or who were the team's go-to guy in the closing moments. This edition of the podcast is sponsored by d3photography.com, the licensed photography bureau contracted by D3sports.com. Last week we talked about the latest 6-foot-4, 245-pound running back -- well, how about a 300-pounder taking a fake punt to the house? Plus, who's getting it done in the 1, feeling blue in the 2, running free in the 3 and much more. We answer reader questions, put Pat and Greg on the spot and more in this podcast covering Division III football's Week 3 games. Plus, we mention every team listed in the tags at the bottom of the page. The D3football.com podcast is a weekly in-season podcast by Pat Coleman and Greg Thomas, which was started in 2007. The post ATN Podcast 334: No less thrilling a week appeared first on D3football.com » D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast.

It was a fun night for Trinity (Texas) fans in San Antonio, and the same for fans of Eastern on a rainy night in Philadelphia. Oberlin got a losing streak out of the way, King's looks good at 2-0, Susquehanna got a win off of the Brockport bullpen, and UW-Whitewater followed a Week 1 statement with a Week 2 statement. Yes, Trinity got over the hump of beating Mary Hardin-Baylor for the first time in more than two decades. Is that enough to make the Tigers the program to beat in Texas? We convened a panel of experts to talk about that and more from the Tigers' 35-16 win. This edition of the podcast is sponsored by d3photography.com, officially licensed photography bureau contracted by D3sports.com. Plus we hand out game balls to two performances which took place in the same state, talk about the latest 6-foot-4, 245-pound running back, see a different set of Tigers come roaring back, talk about a matchup with a little bit of buzz. We answer reader questions, put Pat and Greg on the spot and more in this podcast covering Division III football's Week 1 games. The D3football.com podcast is a weekly in-season podcast by Pat Coleman and Greg Thomas, which was started in 2007. The post ATN Podcast 333: A little fun under the lights appeared first on D3football.com » D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast.