2014 Training Camp Tour - AUG

All good things must come to an end, someone much smarter than me either said or wrote long ago, and so is the case with the 2014 MIAC Football Training Camp Tour. My last stop was one of the best, as I spent Wednesday afternoon under an overcast Minneapolis sky watching the Augsburg College Auggies prepare for their first game - a big one on Saturday night against No. 17-ranked Wartburg.

It's been a fun and educational process, visiting each of our nine football teams and getting to visit with coaches, student-athletes, athletic trainers, sports information directors and other athletic department personnel. One constant has been the passion and excitement for the upcoming season. It's clear that everyone thinks the level of football continues to rise in the MIAC, and after what I was able to see with my own two eyes, I'd have to agree.

Below is my final "Nine-for-Nine" on Augsburg ... nine takes for each of my nine stops on the tour. There is a 2014 MIAC Football Training Camp Tour Home Page on the MIAC site so you can re-live all the fun in anticipation of Saturday's kickoff, and I'll be doing my weekly football preview for Week 1 later today, with a wrap-up of the tour coming in feature and video form tomorrow. Hopefully, this series has satisfied your football craving as the countdown to kickoff 2014 has ticked away over the past two weeks. Thanks to everyone who checked out the videos and blogs, and I hope see you at a MIAC football game this fall!

2014 MIAC FOOTBALL TRAINING CAMP TOUR - AUGSBURG

No. 1 - Working hard
At each stop of the tour, my first question to coaches and players was, "How has camp gone this fall?" The standard answer was positive. I finally got a little different tune from star Augsburg QB Ayrton Scott when I asked him that yesterday. He told me camp was really tough and the team was really put to the test to get in the best shape possible leading up to the season. He went on to tell me that it went well and the team really responded, but reiterated how hard the team worked throughout camp. Part of that has to be how the Auggies start the season - at home under the lights Saturday night against No. 17 Wartburg. With such a big game right off the bat, it's clear the Auggies have been putting in maximum effort to get ready to go. Also, this team has been on the cusp of greatness the last few years, so the increased intensity in camp could be their push to take that last step into MIAC title and Playoff contention.

No. 2 - Starts with Scott
A major reason the Auggies have been on the cusp of greatness has been the play of Scott over his first two seasons. A starter from day one, the Augsburg QB is a two-time All-MIAC selection. As a freshman, Scott led the MIAC in rushing yards per game (143.6) and touchdown passes (26), ranked second in passing yards per game (224.5) and was third in rushing touchdowns (12). He was third in the nation in total offense with 368.1 yards per game. Last year, he threw for more yards to lead the league (276.7) and he again led the MIAC with 25 touchdown passes, but his rushing numbers dropped off due to some issues with a hamstring injury. Last year Scott ran for 647 yards and just five scores on the ground. Haege said Scott is fully healthy again and dropped 10 or 15 pounds to improve his speed and mobility, and they fully expect him to return to his lethal dual-threat status this season. The MIAC is loaded with quarterbacks this season, and Scott just may be the best of the bunch. For more on Scott, check out this great feature in the Star Tribune by Rachel Blount.

All-MIAC QB Ayrton Scott is back and hopes to return
to the dual-threat form of his freshman season.

No. 3 - Weapons aplenty
The only thing better than having a two-time All-MIAC QB under center is having more than enough weapons around him. Augsburg will again field one of the league's most impressive arrays of skill players, despite the losses of All-MIAC TE Adam Carl and Second Team RB Phil Putratz. Star WR Joey Sonnenfeld is back after a breakout season where he led the MIAC in receiving yards per game (108.7), receiving TDs (13) and averaged 15.2 yards per catch en route to All-MIAC honors. Second-Team All-MIAC RB Jerise Washington will step into a featured role in the backfield, and he'll team with Scott to give the Auggies a dangerous 1-2 punch in the run game and he's also a big asset in the passing game. Erickson Saye should also have a chance to move the chains for Augsburg and adds to the offensive depth. The team also adds Minnesota State-Mankato transfer Hunter Friesen at wideout, and Haege thinks he'll give Scott another great target and make a big impact in his first season in the MIAC.

No. 4 - Patching the holes
Despite all that weaponry back for the Augsburg offense, both Scott and Haege addressed some concerns the team is working to clean up. The Auggies were the league's most penalized team a year ago, with 65 total flags costing them 618 yards (second-most in the MIAC) throughout the season. In addition, Augsburg struggled taking care of the football, losing 13 of its 27 fumbles and Scott offset his 25 TD passes with 15 interceptions. The junior QB addressed that issue head-on, saying he needs to be more careful with the ball. This is just a guess, but that hamstring injury last season could've forced him into throwing into tighter windows, rather than taking off and running when he didn't see any open receivers, so Augsburg is hoping improved health and experience for their star will result in fewer turnovers. The team also gave up the second-most sacks in the league (19) in 2013, and expects to get better play out of the offensive line this season.

Augsburg should have one of the MIAC's
most explosive offenses in 2014.

No. 5 - Room for improvement
Though the Augsburg defense wasn't a liability last year - it ranked fifth in yards allowed (356.7 per game) and sixth in scoring (26 points per game) - Haege has higher hopes for the unit in 2014. The team lost one of its leaders in All-MIAC DB Hakeem Bourne-McFarlane, and All-MIAC LB Michael Juberian and his MIAC-leading 141 tackles are currently sidelined via a suspension to start the season, but there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic. First-Team All-MIAC DL Chris DeVet is back after making 63 tackles, five sacks and 12 TFL a year ago, and DB Felix Coleman racked up 83 tackles, four TFL, two interceptions and his four forced fumbles tied for the league lead. The defense helped offset some of the offense's turnover woes by recovering 16 fumbles and picking off 15 passes. Haege also has some exciting new faces on defense that he thinks can help that unit improve in 2014 once they mix in with the veterans.

No. 6 - Getting more special on special teams
The kicking game was a concern for Augsburg a year ago, and even a little improvement there could be big for a team on the rise. Last year, Auggie kickers were just 3-for-6 on field goals and 30-for-42 on PATs. Those numbers will need to improve, or Haege will have to think about going for more fourth downs and two-point conversions. Punting wasn't much better, as four different Auggie punters averaged just 32.3 yards per punt with just six inside the 20. In fact, Augsburg's leading punter was - you guessed it - Ayrton Scott, who kicked it away six times for a 36.7 average. The team should again be extremely good in the return game even with All-MIAC returner Bourne-McFarlane gone to graduation. Washington, Save, Tyrell Martin and some athletic newcomers give Haege plenty of electric options in both kick and punt return formations.

No. 7 - Adding a video board, losing a legend
Even though it won't have anything to do with the team's performance on the field, Augsburg fans have a lot to be excited about with the addition of a new video scoreboard at Edor Nelson Field. The 20-feet-high by 40-feet-wide jumbotron was unveiled on August 18 during a 100th birthday celebration for the field's namesake. The glamorous addition to the Auggies stadium will enhance the game-day experience, and Haege told me those type of amenities don't hurt in recruiting either. Unfortunately, the field's namesake won't get to see it in action, as Nelson passed away last week. Expect the team to keep the Augsburg legend's memory in their hearts and minds throughout the season.

Head Coach Frank Haege addresses the
Auggies at Wednesday's practice.

No. 8 - A play or two away
Though Augsburg was 5-5 overall and 3-5 in the MIAC last season, that record isn't indicative of the product on the field. The Auggies started 3-0 and four of the five losses came by a four points or less. The team dropped a 31-28 decision at MIAC champ Bethel, suffered a 30-28 loss at Saint John's, fell to St. Thomas 17-14 at home and saw a 17-point lead evaporate in the fourth quarter in a season-ending 49-45 loss at Carleton. With Scott back - and healthy - and most of the team's top offensive weapons back in place, that experience in those near misses will go a long way in 2014. Not only will Augsburg enter each games - even against the Royals and Tommies - confident it can play with the league's elite, it will now have experience in close games against great opponents. Those factors could be big if the Auggies can put themselves in similar positions late in games again in 2014.

No. 9 - Navigating the schedule
Augsbug will open with No. 17 Wartburg Saturday night in a game that could be a big indicator of how the Auggies will fare this season. MIAC Champion Bethel dispatched of Wartburg in a close game in the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season, so if the Auggies can open with a win, they could announce their intentions of being a top 25 team and title contender. Augsburg has an interesting schedule breakdown with the opener against Wartburg, a final game at Bethel and back-to-back games in mid-October against the MIAC's other top teams - St. Thomas and Concordia. They'll finish September hosting Gustavus, and will open November with a home game against Saint John's, which will also be crucial to the team's final spot in the standings. Basically, Augsburg should be a team to watch with seemingly big matchups on the schedule every week. If the team can get off to a hot start and build momentum over the season's first three or four weeks, it will enter its big MIAC matchups with a ton of confidence, and could find itself in the mix for the NCAA Playoffs and the conference title.

2014 MIAC Football Training Camp Tour

Aug. 25 - Bethel
Aug. 28 - Saint John's
Aug. 29 - Concordia
Aug. 30 - St. Thomas
Aug. 31 - St. Olaf
Sept. 1 - Carleton
Sept. 2 - Hamline
Sept. 3 - Gustavus
Sept. 4 - Augsburg

2014 Training Camp Tour - GAC

The third time's the charm. I had planned to go to Gustavus for the eighth stop of the MIAC Football Training Camp Tour Saturday, but a change in practice time forced me to reschedule. Then I hoped to get there Monday, but they had another change that made it tough for me so, finally, on Tuesday I got down to St. Peter for a spirited, sharp practice on a beautiful sunny day.

The Gusties were one of the MIAC's most improved teams in 2013, finishing 6-4 overall and 4-4 in the conference for a fifth-place finish. Gustavus had won just five games total the previous two seasons, so last season's performance was a huge step in the right direction. Tuesday's practice revealed a team that is very aware of itself and eager to build on the success it had a season ago.

All good things must come to an end, and today I'll be making my ninth and final stop on the tour when I head to Augsburg to check in on the Auggies. Their blog and video will be online tomorrow, and I'll wrap it all up with a feature and compilation video on the MIAC site on Friday. In the meantime, check out all the blogs and videos on the camp tour home page, or by using the links at the bottom of the post. And here are my "Nine-for-Nine" takes - nine observations from each of the nine stops - on the Gusties.

2014 MIAC FOOTBALL TRAINING CAMP TOUR - GUSTAVUS

No. 1 - Unique twists
Since it's my eighth stop, some of the practices were understandably starting to blend together, although Gustavus did several little things that seemed pretty unique that I didn't see anywhere else. The first thing was after the team wrapped up 11-on-11 scrimmaging, the offense and defense lined up and shook hands. I hadn't seen that at a football practice before, but I think it's a great reminder of good sportsmanship, and helps a team remember that even though they were just going up against one another, they're all still on the same team. The Gusties also did more conditioning at the end of practice than I had seen, which especially stood out since they were just four days from their first game. The other new wrinkles all came on defense, where defenders picked up every single loose ball, which I'll cover in depth later in the blog, and when they weren't hitting the linemen and linebackers were all trying to knock the ball loose, so turnovers appear to be an emphasis for the Gustie D. Also in the unique category? Gustavus was the first team that practiced while the entire theme from Star Wars blared over the speakers.

No. 2 - Rebuilding the run
A year ago, Gustavus was built around the running game. Now, they'll need to rebuild. Gone is star RB Jeffrey Dubose and four of the starters on the offensive line. Dubose scored 25 touchdowns last season and led the MIAC in points scored (150) with 30 more than anyone else in the league. He was second in the league in rushing by a single yard with 1,459, and his average of 5.5 yards per carry ranked No. 2 in the MIAC as well. He was an All-Region (First Team) and All-American (Honorable Mention) selection and graduated with school records in rushing yards (3,419) and rushing touchdowns (41). In addition, All-MIAC First Team linemen David Gschneidner and Lyle Opdahl were also among the four starting OL to depart. Those are some really big shoes to fill. How Gustavus rebuilds its run game and restores its identity will be a huge storyline in 2014.

QB Mitch Hendricks is back to lead the Gustie offense.

No. 3 - Going up-tempo
Part of the answer to how the Gustavus offense will replace those missing pieces could be partly addressed by the scheme. Though Dubose and most of the line graduated, starting QB Mitch Hendricks is back after throwing for nearly 2,000 yards last season with a good 61.2 completion percentage that ranked third in the league. Two of his top targets from a year ago - Matt Boyce and George Buchner - are also back, and the Gusties are excited about their speed and athleticism on offense. Expect to see this team air it out more in 2014, and pick up the tempo as they adapt to fit the strengths of their personnel.

No. 4 - Reloading the defense
Gustavus was also hit pretty hard with losses on the defensive side of the ball, but the team feels good about the returning talent coming back and thinks it can be just as good - if not better - on defense this season thanks to its team approach. All-MIAC First Team DL Donte Green and ILB Joe Haas and Second Team DB Torey Asao all graduated, and First Team DB Zach Dilger suffered an injury and won't play in 2014. However, Second Team OLB Anthony Boyce is back after making 37 tackles and several big plays a season ago, as is senior defensive end Cameron Cropsey and his team-leading 13 TFL and 59 total tackles. The team also returns its third- and fourth-leading tacklers in DB Jake Forcier and LB Matt Keller. Rather than rebuild, the Gustie defense could be in position to reload. Last year's unit ranked fourth in scoring and third in yardage in the MIAC, and a similar performance would be a big catalyst to more success.

No. 5 - Speed kills
The Gusties are feeling so good about their chances on defense thanks to their team speed, and their commitment to get as many guys to the ball as possible. Forcier told me that their motto is, "Gusties swarm," and they pride themselves in being fast to the ball and working as a unit. As I mentioned in No. 1, the Gustie defense literally leaves no loose ball uncovered during drills, be it an incomplete pass, fumble, or even just an offense player dropping the ball after the whistle. The Gusties have been coached to flock to any loose ball they see and treat it as a chance to return it to the house. The Gusties were second in the MIAC with 16 interceptions last season, but dead last with six fumble recoveries, so this approach is Not only are they hoping this will help the team create takeaways and be prepared to be opportunistic when a loose ball emerges, but it also helps foster the team-first mindset of getting everyone to the ball. This approach could certainly lead to a few scoop-and-scores this season, but the bigger picture could be the way it fosters intensity and teamwork on the Gustavus defense. clearly an effort to increase those numbers.

The Gustavus defense wants to play fast and physical.

No. 6 - 'Committed to the process'
With last season's improvement to 6-4, Coach Haugen and his squad saw their plan working the way they envisioned, and he told me it's important they stay the course and keep working on the things they've implemented and trusted to get them this far. He said it was important that, regardless of last year's results, the program stays, "committed to the process," and continue building on the tenets that have gotten them to this point. Lineman Zach Vine and Forcier both talked about the work the team did in the offseason, and how they felt that work was evident from the first snap of fall camp, so it appears the whole squad is committed and all pulling in the same direction.

No. 7 - Keeping it close
Last season, Gustavus was no stranger to close games, as half of their 10 games were decided by eight points or less. The team suffered narrow losses to Augsburg (19-16) and nearly beat two of the MIAC's elite teams, losing 20-12 to St. Thomas 38-31 to Concordia in the season's final game. However, they also won a couple close ones too, beating Simpson 28-21 to open the season and scoring a 23-20 double-overtime win over Saint John's. That experience in those barn burners - especially for a returning QB like Hendricks - will be big in 2014. If Gustavus can keep it close into the fourth quarter, it will have plenty of experience playing in big spots, and a couple more wins in those scenarios could mean contending for a MIAC title. Forcier told me the theme of camp has been: "Finish strong," so the team knows how important it will be to play its best in the biggest moments.

No. 8 - Seeking a "signature" win
Along the lines of No. 7, Gustavus came extremely close to knocking off ranked opponents in St. Thomas and Concordia a year ago. To take that next step, the Gusties will focus on beating the other teams joining them in the middle of the pack - Saint John's, Augsburg and Carleton - and trying to knock off the likes of the Cobbers, Tommies or even defending champion Bethel. If they can beat one - or more - of those teams it would serve as a signature, and potentially even season-defining, win, and could be what propels Gustavus to the next level.

No. 9 - Build momentum
The Gusties open at home against Crown, then hit the road to face Lake Forest and open MIAC play against Hamline. That should give Gustavus a chance to start the season strong. If the Gusties play well from the get-go, they have a chance to potentially start with anywhere from four to six wins in their first six games, and game No. 7 will be against Saint John's - a team Gustavus beat a year ago. Lots of wins and lots of confidence will be crucial for the Gusties, as their final three games are all against the MIAC's top three teams from a year ago, with the final two on the road. Gustavus ends with Bethel at home, then on the road at Concordia and St. Thomas. That's a brutal final stretch, but if the Gusties build momentum over the season's opening weeks, there could be a ton on the line for those big late-season showdowns.

2014 MIAC Football Training Camp Tour

Aug. 25 - Bethel
Aug. 28 - Saint John's
Aug. 29 - Concordia
Aug. 30 - St. Thomas
Aug. 31 - St. Olaf
Sept. 1 - Carleton
Sept. 2 - Hamline
Sept. 3 - Gustavus

2014 Training Camp Tour - HU

Some last-minute changes to practice schedules altered my Labor Day plans, and instead of heading to St. Peter to hang out with the Gusties, I enjoyed a shorter trip to St. Paul and fought the final-day State Fair traffic to get a look at the Hamline University Pipers in their second camp under Head Coach Chad Rogosheske. It was a great day, and my first look at a team transitioning from "camp mode" to preparations for their first game.

Hamline showed glimpses of promise last season that hadn't been evident in previous seasons. My visit to Monday's practice revealed an optimistic group and a very efficient practice, with a mix of drill and fundamental work and big-picture team sessions. Rogosheske returns some of his best players from a year ago, and it's logical to expect the Pipers to continue to improve.

The MIAC Training Camp Tour is winding to a close with just two stops remaining. Today I'll be heading to Gustavus (following a hectic afternoon with our first Athlete-of-the-Week releases for 2014-15) and I'll wrap up the tour tomorrow with a visit to Augsburg. It's been an exciting week-and-a-half visiting each of the MIAC's teams, and I'm confident it will end with a couple of high notes. At each stop, I'm doing "Nine-for-Nine" ... nine items of interest for each of the nine stops on the tour. Hamline's "Nine-for-Nine" and accompanying video are below, and a full archive of the tour can be found at the bottom of the post.

2014 MIAC FOOTBALL TRAINING CAMP TOUR - HAMLINE

No. 1 - Getting familiar
When I spoke to Rogosheske after Monday's practice, he talked about the differences in camp this year now that it's his second year on the job. Players know what to expect from a practice and preparation standpoint, and they can spend more time on the details and fine tuning than a year ago, when everyone was learning a new system and style. The Pipers' practice was remarkable upbeat and efficient. It appeared all players were engaged at all times, whether during the positional drill work which focused on fundamentals, or during the team sessions. Intensity was high for 7-on-7 and full team scrimmages, with both the offense and defense trying to gain an edge. After visiting the Pipers a year ago during Rogosheske's rookie year, it certainly seemed every part of practice ran like a well-oiled machine, and there was evidence of continued progress.

Hamline RB Austin Duncan is back after
leading the MIAC in rushing yards in 2013.

No. 2 - All Duncan, all the time
A year ago, Sophomore RB Austin Duncan emerged as one of the league's breakout stars. His 1,460 yards led the MIAC by a single yard over Gustavus' Jeffrey Dubose, and his 319 carries led the league buy a wide margin. For all those carries, Duncan held up incredibly well and only fumbled once all season. His virtuoso performance came in a 298-yard masterpiece in an overtime loss to Carleton, and he was named All-MIAC and Third Team All-Region. Duncan's season included new Hamline records for single-season and single-game rushing yards. Rogosheske praised Duncan's talent and his durability, so expect him to get a ton of touches again this season. He looked great in practice Monday and another huge season seems like a certainty for the Pipers' star RB.

No. 3 - Leading the way
Leading the way for Duncan and all those carries and yards is a stout, veteran offensive line. Senior Alec Grimm was named one of the team's captains, and he'll move to center this year to help direct traffic and make the right calls for a team that had the No. 2 rushing attack in the MIAC in 2013. Hamline racked up 2,049 yards with a good average of 4.2 yards per carry, and a lot of the credit goes to Grimm and his teammates along the line. Look for them to have another great year as Hamline tries to pound the rock and control the clock.

Hamline hopes for more passing production.

No. 4 - Improve through the air
While the rushing game is already one of the league's best, Rogosheske didn't mince words while discussing the need for more offense through the air. Hamline ranked dead last in passing in the MIAC in 2013 with just 122.2 yards per game and 4.8 yards per attempt. Part of the problem was health, as junior starter Tim Bona missed a pair of games, and three different QBs saw significant snaps under center. This year, Bona is entering the season healthy and a newly minted captain, and hopes are high for him in his second season, especially with defenses stacked to stop Duncan and the running game. Look for Hamline to incorporate some quick-strike plays on the edge to establish rhythm and find cracks in those stacked defenses. Rogosheske is high on senior WR Hoyfal Adam, who he said has had a great camp and offseason and could help jump-start that passing attack, and leading receiver Naji El-ARaby is back after a solid rookie campaign. The Pipers return nearly all their significant pass catchers from a season ago, so experience could breed results as well.

No. 5 - Tackling machine
A season ago, DB Anthony Hill racked up 109 total tackles to rank fourth in the MIAC despite playing in just nine games after missing the opener. The tackling machine had an average of 12.1 stops per game, which ranked second in the league and he added three tackles for a loss, an interception and eight pass breakups. Hill will again be the leader of the Piper secondary - if not the defense as a whole - and brings a hard-nosed presence to the Hamline defensive backfield. The hope at Hamline is that he won't have to hit the century mark again, because that would mean more plays made in front of him and fewer snaps for the opposing offense, but regardless of how the number shake out, his play will be a key to Hamline's defensive hopes again in 2014.

No. 6 - Experience on defense
HIll isn't the only key defender back on defense, as Hamline only graduated only a few key members of last season's squad. Senior captain Corey Touchette is back after 37 tackles, four sacks and five TFL a year ago, and his play at a hybrid rush end/drop linebacker spot will be a key to the unit's success. DL Matt Wildes returns after a team-high 9.5 TFL and second-best 46 tackles a season ago and, in all, Hamline's top four tacklers and eight of the top nine are all back as the unit looks to improve and give its ball-control offense more chances to be on the field. A year ago, Hamline generated just 15 turnovers (four interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries) so creating takeaways will be another emphasis for the team this season. To end 2013, the Pipers allowed just 20 points to Saint John's and seven to Macalester, so Rogosheske hopes that's a trend that will continue.

No. 7 - Kicking consistency
A year ago, Hamline had a chance to start 2-0, but missed field goals late in regulation and again in overtime were costly in a 20-17 OT loss to Carleton. The team also came close in a 20-14 loss to Saint John's and a 7-0 loss to Macalester. Rogosheske acknowledged the role special teams played in those close calls and said the team needed more consistency in the kicking game in 2014. The Pipers were just 2-for-6 on FGs and 16-for-19 on PATs last season, and the punters averaged just 30.2 yards per punt, so if the team can show improvement in those areas, it could make a big difference in close games this season.

Piper camp has gone well under second-year
Head Coach Chad Rogsheske.

No. 8 - Numbers are up
Hamline returned 52 players from last season's squad, and both started and finished camp with 78 players on the roster. Rogosheske said the improved numbers made a big difference throughout training camp, as the team could employ more units and keep the foot on the gas pedal a little more, where a season ago they had to really gauge when the guys were getting burned out and needed off-days or lighter workloads. The team is still working on building depth and hoping to avoid injuries in key spots, but the amount of returners and a big, promising crop of freshmen have the roster in much better shape than it's been in recent years.

No. 9 - Rebuilding is working
Prior to Rogosheske's arrival, Hamline had gone 1-9, 0-10 and 1-9 in the previous three seasons. His 2-8 (1-7 MIAC) team matched that win total in his first season, and it was clear the Piper alum was a good fit for the program, and the team was willing to put in the necessary work on the rebuilding project. This season, the team hopes to be successful against nonconference foes UM-Morris and Macalester again, and after beating St. Olaf and narrowly losing to Carleton and Saint John's in 2013, the team is hopeful for a few more MIAC victories as well. It wouldn't be shocking - if Duncan, Hill and other key players stay healthy and productive - to see the Pipers double their win total again and move towards the middle of the pack in the MIAC. The team has a good recipe for success with its running game and returners on defense, and its improved depth and familiarity with Rogosheske's system are both bonuses as well. The 2014 squad should elicit the most optimism Hamline fans have had this decade.

2014 MIAC Football Training Camp Tour

Aug. 25 - Bethel
Aug. 28 - Saint John's
Aug. 29 - Concordia
Aug. 30 - St. Thomas
Aug. 31 - St. Olaf
Sept. 1 - Carleton
Sept. 2 - Hamline

2014 Training Camp Tour - CAR

In all the previous stops on the 2014 MIAC Football Training Camp Tour, I had stopped by a practice or workout. My stop at Carleton on Friday afternoon was much different, because I actually got to see the Knights going head-to-head against a different opponent. The team was hosting a scrimmage against UW-River Falls, so it was fun to get my first "real" look at MIAC football with officials, an opponent, down markers and a running clock.

The Knights have been a team on the rise, finishing with a .500 record last season. Though there are some key spots on offense that need to be filled, the team is optimistic about continuing that ascension in 2014. I'm doing nine observations from each of the nine MIAC training camps, and my "9-for-9" from Carleton is listed below.

Carleton was my sixth stop on the tour, leaving just Hamline, Gustavus and Augsburg left on my list. I had some slight changes to my schedule, and will be visiting Hamline this afternoon, Gustavus Tuesday and wrapping the tour Wednesday at Augsburg. I also have created a landing page on the MIAC site so all the blogs and videos from the tour can be found in one spot. Links to each blog can be found at the bottom of this post.

2014 MIAC FOOTBALL TRAINING CAMP TOUR - CARLETON

No. 1 - Trending up
Carleton's current senior class began their college careers with a 2-8 record. They improved to 3-7 in 2012 and took another big step last season, going 5-5 overall and 3-5 in the MIAC. Now in the third season under head coach Bob Pagel, who was the interim head coach in 2012 and received the permanent position in 2013, the Knights hope the progress continues. If they could keep upping their win total and get to 6-4 in 2014, or even 7-3, it would be considered a huge success. Keep an eye on the team's progress under Pagel.

No. 2 - Searching for skill
The Knights graduated all six starters in their skill positions on offense from a year ago, including QB Conor Lynch  and his 2,122 passing yards and WR Anthony Kemper and his 982 receiving yards and nine TDs. However, the cupboard is far from empty. Sophomore RB Chris Madden flashed serious potential as a rookie, and could be poised to be one of the conference's breakout offensive stars with more touches in 2014. The versatile back caught 36 passes and racked up 797 all-purpose yards a year ago. New starting QB Zach Creighton also took some snaps as a freshman in 2013 and should team with Madden to give the Knights an offense nucleus to excite fans for years to come.

No. 3 - Offense set up front
As the new skill players adjust, they'll have the luxury of an experienced and talented offensive line, which should feature several seniors. Hopefully, the veteran line will keep Creighton clean in the passing game, and open up holes for Madden and the other backs. Leading the way is senior Eric Wittenburg, who could be poised for an All-MIAC type season as Carleton's leader up front.

Carleton has high hopes for its
veteran defense in 2014.

No. 4 - Defensive depth
For all the new faces on offense, the defense will be stacked with veterans who have put up great numbers and performances. Four of Carleton's top five tacklers are back from a year ago, and other talented players are coming back after injuries. For a team on the rise, a strong returning defense is a great asset, especially considering some of the potent offenses the Knights will face in the MIAC. Mason Schnarr was a breakout star at LB with 113 tackles, 3.5 TFL and seven pass breakups as a freshman, and he'll look to continue the strong start to his career in 2014. Senior DBs Daniel Cook (81 tackles, three INTs) and Alex Polk (80 tackles, six breakups) should give the Knights a strong secondary, and Mitch Heflin and Zach Heinrich join Schnarr at linebacker to give Carleton one of the best returning LB corps in the MIAC. If the team can get some production out of the defensive line - the one defensive unit hit by graduation - the sky's the limit for the Carleton defense in 2014.

No. 5 - Promising rookies
After the scrimmage with UW-River Falls, I spoke to Heinrich and Pagel and they both spoke excitedly about the incoming freshmen class, and it's clear many are expected to contribute right away. Heinrich, a senior leader, said the team has really embraced the new crop of rookies and integrated them into the team with open arms, so if some of the talented newcomers can step in and make an impact, it will make the future - and even the present - incredibly bright for the Knights.

No. 6 - Staying healthy
The other thing both Pagel and Heinrich said is that they don't have a very large team in terms of numbers in 2014. That will make health essential. Without a ton of depth, a few key injuries could really derail the Knights' hopes this season. Staying healthy and doing everything they can to develop some depth with their smaller roster will be a key to Carleton's success.

Carleton hopes for more succes
in the red zone in 2014.

No. 7 - Capitalizing on chances
A year ago, Carleton maxmized its opportunities, which is evidenced by a pair of key stats. Despite ranking sixth in the MIAC in offensive yardage, the Knights had the third-best scoring offense in the league. To compliment that, Carleton was the No. 2 team in the MIAC in the red zone, scoring on 83 percent (30-of-36) of its trips inside the 20. Even better, the Knights led the MIAC with touchdowns on 75 percent of its trips to the red zone, meaning the team was the best in the league at finishing drives. If that trend can continue and Carleton's offense can continue its opportunistic nature, it will both put pressure on opponents and give that veteran defense some much needed rest on the sidelines.

No. 8 - Comeback kids
In Carleton's three conference wins in 2013, the Knights came from behind all three times, including twice in dramatic fashion. The team trailed rival St. Olaf 21-7 in the first quarter and 24-21 in the second before rallying for a 42-37 shootout win. The Knights were down 17 late in the game against Hamline, but a Madden TD tied it up, and Carleton won it with a field goal in OT. Most incredibly, Carleton trailed Augsburg by 17, 45-28, with just over seven minutes left, and rallied for an improbable 49-45 victory in its final game of the season. Those thrilling comeback wins should give Carleton confidence it can come back from any deficit, or make big plays with the game on the line in the fourth quarter. Those victories show a team that has learned how to win, and they hope to have more opportunities to apply those lessons in 2014.

No. 9 - The next step     
Carleton's wins over an improved Hamline squad, rival St. Olaf and a very good Augsburg team certainly were cause for celebration on the Knights' campus. However, to keep progressing, Carleton will be looking for a signature win against one (or more) of the league's upper echelon teams. A year ago, the Knights lost to Concordia by just eight points (35-27) and just 10 to Saint John's (23-13). This year, if the Knights can use their late-game magic in a few games against teams near the top of the standings, finishing above .500 and taking that next big step towards contention becomes a reality. Keep an eye on Carleton during their biggest MIAC matchups to see if the team can continue climbing in the conference standings.

2014 MIAC Football Training Camp Tour

Aug. 25 - Bethel
Aug. 28 - Saint John's
Aug. 29 - Concordia
Aug. 30 - St. Thomas
Aug. 31 - St. Olaf
Sept. 1 - Carleton