Quote from: cciwman on January 04, 2025, 08:30:27 PMWith all the weapons NCC has utilized, the acrobatic toe-toucher Jack Rummell has been banged up for months but the past couple weeks has seemed healthier.  He has the deep threat ability and I predict hauls in two big sideline grabs.

And I agree with GusD, but for both teams.  Whoever can stay away from the "dumbass" penalties will win and be shaking hands with a smile.

Hoping for a great game. 

(anyone find a book where this game is available for betting?)

Sure--- Big Tony on the Southside will always book the action.  I will DM you Vito, his runner's, cell number.

I played against all four of those guys.  Hofer was probably the best, and the most feared as he transferred from Illinois with some fanfare and led them to their 1st National Championship game.  After that, Augie became the destination school in the CCIW.  IMHO though, Penny still stands out in my mind as the best of the bunch.  Of course, running Wing-T left their stats lacking, especially compared to this era.

Quote from: cciwman on December 08, 2024, 02:18:29 PMNow that Norm is retired, he could share his defensive schemes with NCC opponents.  Heck this year they held the Cards to the lowest since the 2018 match-up.

Of course, most of the current players were in 1st or 2nd grade the last time IWU beat NCC, so if Norm wants to help them out I'm fine with it. And, best of all, Norm can teach them not to shake hands afterwards.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on October 06, 2024, 09:59:43 AMCher: The missing ingredient of Wheaton football.

Or move time forward. Nothing lasts forever, I hate to say. But, in the forseeable future, we may close the gap on the 47-55-3 alltime record we have against Wheaton.

Quote from: CarollFan on October 05, 2024, 06:07:07 PMFinal Scores

NCC 55 Wheaton 27
NP 30 Augie 27  2OT
WashU 33 IWU 23
Elmhurst 23 Carthage 17
Carroll 49 Millikin 14


Game Stats
https://athletics.wheaton.edu/sidearmstats/football/summary

https://athletics.augustana.edu/sidearmstats/football/summary

https://www.iwusports.com/sidearmstats/football/summary

https://athletics.carthage.edu/sidearmstats/football/summary

https://gopios.com/sidearmstats/football/summary

All is well, We have the Bell!

Quote from: CardinalAlum on September 26, 2021, 11:43:05 AM

Quote from: Kovo on September 26, 2021, 08:25:33 AM

Quote from: lmitzel on September 26, 2021, 01:32:07 AM

Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 26, 2021, 01:00:01 AM
When's the last time that anybody put up 62 points against Illinois Wesleyan? Today's game at Keller Field wasn't nearly as close as the final score indicated; it was 48-7 going into the fourth quarter, and Dustin Hass liberally emptied the Firebirds bench in the final stanza.

NCC hung 69 on the team in green in '19 (6 of those coming on that SportsCenter Top 10 play from Andrew Kamienski). Wasn't that the game where Norm Eash made some comment about NCC not being that much better than his squad?

I think that you are absolutely correct sir.   I also think that is is apparent that the game has passed Norm by, and that long cold autumns of darkness are descending upon Weenieville.

On another note, the attendance at North Central yesterday is reported as 4955.  This is up from the 4700 or so against Aurora (For comparison Illinois State vs. Southern Illinois drew 8618 yesterday).  To me, that is some great news.  Obviously, this is the Golden Era of North Central football, but to see the growing interest in the program and CCIW games is really heart warming.  I hope that the Cardinals keep marching toward sellout crowds, since it will be fun for both teams (a little more fun for the Cardinals I suppose). 

A CCIW game will never be the Tommies vs. the Johnnies of the not so distant past, but I love small stadiums packed with enthusiastic fans.  A real benefit to everyone involved.  Not sure who else around the country is really packing them in.  Maybe some you guys who are more plugged into the national scene can comment.

It was homecoming, plus perfect weather and hall of fame induction day.  Probably a bit inflated but attendance I'm sure will continue to be very good.

You're probably right but just a shade under 10k in two home dates is pretty good.  I would hope that the excitement continues to build.

Quote from: lmitzel on September 26, 2021, 01:32:07 AM

Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 26, 2021, 01:00:01 AM
When's the last time that anybody put up 62 points against Illinois Wesleyan? Today's game at Keller Field wasn't nearly as close as the final score indicated; it was 48-7 going into the fourth quarter, and Dustin Hass liberally emptied the Firebirds bench in the final stanza.

NCC hung 69 on the team in green in '19 (6 of those coming on that SportsCenter Top 10 play from Andrew Kamienski). Wasn't that the game where Norm Eash made some comment about NCC not being that much better than his squad?

I think that you are absolutely correct sir.   I also think that is is apparent that the game has passed Norm by, and that long cold autumns of darkness are descending upon Weenieville.

On another note, the attendance at North Central yesterday is reported as 4955.  This is up from the 4700 or so against Aurora (For comparison Illinois State vs. Southern Illinois drew 8618 yesterday).  To me, that is some great news.  Obviously, this is the Golden Era of North Central football, but to see the growing interest in the program and CCIW games is really heart warming.  I hope that the Cardinals keep marching toward sellout crowds, since it will be fun for both teams (a little more fun for the Cardinals I suppose). 

A CCIW game will never be the Tommies vs. the Johnnies of the not so distant past, but I love small stadiums packed with enthusiastic fans.  A real benefit to everyone involved.  Not sure who else around the country is really packing them in.  Maybe some you guys who are more plugged into the national scene can comment.

Quote from: Stagg Again!! on September 25, 2021, 10:22:20 PM

Quote from: kiko on September 25, 2021, 06:47:02 PM
Today:

Wheaton 58, North Park 27 at Foster & Kedzie
Carthage 62, Illinois Wesleyan 35 in Kenosha
North Central 58, Augustana 6 in Naperville
Wash U 27, Elmhurst 7 in St. Louis

Tonight:

Carroll at Millikin

Changing topics for a moment... I just watched the entire MHB v. HS game.  I have two questions:  1) How was this game even close? and 2) How was HS ranked so high coming into the game?  While I don't know enough about HS, I don't see a team in the Top 25 that wouldn't be favored to beat the Cowboys on any given Saturday.  Heck, I believe that HS would have a very difficult time keeping pace with the "run and gun" Aurora Spartans based on what I saw tonight.  Would love to hear what others saw in tonight's game... maybe I just missed it!

I didn't see the UMHB game so I defer to SA.  What I did see is that Aurora dropped another 70 today which by my count is 173 points in three games against teams not named North Central. 

When do they return to the top 25, next week or the week after?

Quote from: kiko on September 24, 2021, 05:31:39 PM

Quote from: BIG BLUE BEN on September 24, 2021, 10:25:11 AM
Alright fellas, if its okay with everyone else, I want to talk about a big (yes I know its not the Bell game) CCIW ballgame.

Millikin vs Carrol @Frank M. Lindsay Field

This should turn out to be a great competitive contest that is highlighted by the cool connection of Carrol's Coach Buda and Coach Dan Gritti. Buda flurished at Millikin for 3 years 2 of which he spent shattering the offensive record books with nicco stepina. His offense has had success everywhere he has went and if he is ever able to steal recruits from the other WI conference then I think he can scheme with the best in the country. With that said, I think Millikin will have there hands full with a team that is also coming off a big win last week (upset IWU).

I excpect Millikin's offense to be improved from last week and continue to move the ball with a balanced run/pass combo. Millikin's strength is there O-line (have not given up a sack this year) along with there AA WR Colton Lockwood requiring so much of the attention that it opens up the rest of Millikin's talented young WR's. Millikin offense has only been stopped this year when they shoot themselves in the foot. Finally getting to play at home should help them play more relaxed and hopefully turnover free football.


Defensively, Millikin has the advantage on the line of scrimmage and on top of that, Carrol lacks a mobile QB which will allow Gritti to dial up a variety of blitzes/stunts. Carrol's air raid is scary when they are clicking. They have big bodied WR's which will have a big advantage on Millikin's undersized corners. With that said, I think Millikin will create tackles for loss/sacks and will be able to get off the field when ot counts Saturday.

Special teams,
No surprise Coach Gritti leads the CCIW in blocks through 2 games.
-Week 1 (Blocked punt for TD)
-Week 2 (blocked opening punt/blocked game winning field 25 yard field goal)
-Well see if we can one against Carrol but for nothing else, teams having to waste practice time prepping extra for PUNT is point for Millikin.

Turnovers have plagued the Big Blue but I think they find their groove playing at home for first time in really 2 years; Millikin plays their most complete game so far and wins a close shootout at home. Millikin 34-Carroll 29

This may very well be the most Millikin content (and Carroll content, for that matter...) that we've had in one post in the 20-ish year history of this board.

More, please.

I agree.  It would be nice if more teams were regularly involved in the posting.  Quite frankly, if NCC isn't playing I'm always looking for a CCIW contest to enjoy.  For those of you who watched it, Carroll vs. IWU was a treat for the neutral observer.  I'm hoping for the same from MU vs. Carroll.

Quote from: New Tradition on September 22, 2021, 01:16:38 PM

Quote from: Kovo on September 22, 2021, 09:46:39 AM
(Does anyone hope the Cards break out the black helmets at home this weekend?!)

According to Twitter, red jersey and pants with black helmets.

YES!!!  That's the kind of information I'm looking for!!!

Quote from: WashedUpCard on September 22, 2021, 09:56:54 AM

Quote from: Kovo on September 22, 2021, 09:46:39 AM
Talk about serving the ultimate nothing burger. 

That sort of felt like a bash on my post.. but I couldn't quite tell.  I guess I got distracted trying to remember if St. Malachy was any good 40 years ago....

Not a bash on your post.  I thought that I was agreeing with you but taking it a step further.

1977 IESA Class B State Runner-ups.  Thanks for asking. (1981 Class B State Champions, but I was worried about beating Big 12 teams that didn't respect me by then).

(modified by GS for formatting)

Quote from: WashedUpCard on September 21, 2021, 11:49:33 PM
This whole conversation is a bit overblown but since we are still discussing I thought I'd weigh in...

Thorne spoke about one goal for the program is to consistently show up in the semi's every year vying for a chance to go to the Stagg – like Mount.  IF the team can do that then maybe they would be shown more respect (I think they have been shown plenty of respect but what coach tells their team that the world adores them). 

I take that as meaning if Mount had done what NCC had did in 2019 and returned 15+/- starters would they be ranked 4th in the nation and picked to finish 2nd in their conference?  Of course not!  Why?  Because they have a track record of being in the final mix every year.  Now NCC needs to prove that they can consistently be in the mix, too.

I don't think he was slamming any other team.  I think the message was simply a) people have been doubting you and think you can't repeat what happened in 2019, b) you proved tonight that this year's team is capable of beating the best teams in the country as they did in 2019 and c) this performance should erase any lingering doubt (maybe meant more internally than externally).

I see it being purely motivational – but his goal of continuing to build program so it competes annually for the title is a noble one.

Talk about serving the ultimate nothing burger.  We would be better off with a nice uniform thread (Does anyone hope the Cards break out the black helmets at home this weekend?!)

This is one of the oldest motivational tools in the bag.  Man, I remember being in the Junior High basketball lockerroom (Shout out to the St. Malachy Tigers!) about 40 years ago and the coach screaming at us right before we took the floor against our cross town rivals: "THERE AREN'T 5 PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF THIS ROOM WHO THINK YOU CAN WIN THIS GAME!!!!  Or playing as a football independent in Central Illinois back in the Day and before every game against a Big 12 team hearing (loudly) THEY WON'T LET US IN THIS CONFERENCE BECAUSE THEY DON'T THINK THAT YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH!!!

Not withstanding that both statements were patently false, the coaches thought it would provide some motivation.  Maybe it did, maybe it didn't, but it's good to see some things never change.

Quote from: robertgoulet on September 19, 2021, 12:24:16 PM

Quote from: BigRedScots on September 19, 2021, 11:25:55 AM
Only buzz kill about last nights game is that neither team will be challenged the remainder of the regular season.

Seems to be a down year for the rest of the conference.

Just hope they can both avoid the injury bug. And the Covid bug.

I'm not sure that I would call it a down year.   I think that the CCIW has two top five teams.  Show me the conference that has a third or fourth best team that can challenge a top 5 team.  In fact, outside of the top seven in the rankings go ahead and make the case for anyone else beating NCC or Wheaton.  I don't see it.

Quote from: matblake on September 18, 2021, 09:46:55 PM
Good game Cards. Mobile QB and experienced secondary was the difference in this one. Was puzzled by the lack of running plays by Wheaton and by continuously going after an all American defensive back. The Thunder will now need to go computer era of the BCS on the rest of the conference.

Here is the reality.  Wheaton is a heck of a good team.  Several experts picked the Crusaders to win the whole thing, the coaches picked them to win the conference, and the panel picked them to win this game.  With that said, NCC walked in and won by two touchdowns in their house.  No disrespect intended, as I think that should Wheaton run the table they belong in the playoffs and could make a deep run.

However, how do you not vote NCC #1?!  What do they need to do? Win a National Championship?  Beat a ranked team by 50 points? (did anyone notice that Aurora won by 70 today?) Knock off a top 5 team on the road by two touchdowns?  Seriously?!  I could make a case that these are the two best teams in the country.  Somebody make the case that there is a team out there that should be ranked in front of NCC.  I would love to hear it.

As far as the rest of the NCC schedule, since sports betting is now legal in Florida, I will take the Cards to win out and give anyone who wants it the field for a $100 a pop.  Just send me a personal email if you want a piece of the action. (Maybe Pat can hold the money and we could talk him into a 5% vig instead of the usual 10%).

Quote from: BIG BLUE BEN on September 16, 2021, 11:08:57 AM
Expect a great game up @Wheaton. I believe Wheaton's D-line to be the better of the two, however, I think NC has a slight advantage in the skill position department. Wheatons key to success will be scoring first and playing with the lead. If NC finds them selves in 3rd and 8-12 and Wheaton's pass rushers can peal their ears back and get after a freshman QB then I think its going to be a long day for NC. In the end though, I think NC wins in a close one 28-23.

As for the Millikin @ Augy Matchup.

I expect to see Millikin to be shot out of a cannon when they take the field and will play with a chip on their shoulder. Although Greenville was a much stronger team than history shows, it was a wake up call to the Big Blue that you cannnot take any team for granite. Unlucky for Augy there is no way to "fake" or manufacture desperation. With that said, I think Millikin comes out and plays like a team refusing to lose again while Augy plays like a team hoping to win. There is an old saying that goes, "always fear a man who has nothing to lose" and I think that saying holds true Saturday and Millikin plays harder for longer and wins decisively.

Millikin 34. Augustana 21

Not sure if I agree with you on the better D-line.  Re-watched the Cardinal opener and part of the 2019 National Championship game.  NCC's D-Line has been outstanding.  The ends get up the field and find the QB on his spot since the DT's (particularly #48-- one of the most underrated performers on this team) continually push the pocket into the QB's lap so he can't step up or step into throws for that matter.  Wheaton's O-Line is outstanding but I watch pocket being pushed regularly to disrupt the passing games.