Quote from: Kovo on December 14, 2013, 08:14:47 PM

Quote from: Gregory Sager on December 14, 2013, 03:39:07 PM
What a fun game to watch!

Congrats, NCC, on a fantastic season and a fantastic effort today.

I will direct this one at you Gregory-----maybe you can appreciate it.

But at the turn of the century, I told my old teammate (a long time board toller who declines to post). that if we could win one CCIW title I could someday die happy.  That was coming off another 2 win or so season.  I never could have dreamed NC having this success.  I have enjoyed every minute of this run.  So while many of the Cardinal faithful are down tonight, I am not.  The guys represented themselves and the CCIW well.  Will we ever get over the mountain?  I don't know and I don't care.  Every game is a thrill for me.

Special props to AD Jim Miller, my teammate and roommate at NC.  A true Cardinal who loves NC more than anyone.  It is no coincidence that we went to the final four in football and basketball in the same year under his direction.  I could bore all off you with all the sacrifices he and his family have made for the institution, but I won't.  I will simply say Thank You, Jim (I know you read the board), for everything.

And thank you to all the CCIW posters sent the warm wishes to NC.  Let's keep it going as a league, and compete at the highest levels.

Great post, Kovo.  You hit the nail on the head with your thoughts on Coach Miller.  Every guy I know that played (or wrestled) for Coach Miller thinks the world of him. 

There was a good group of football alums at the Lantern on Saturday.  The place was going nuts.  Despite the loss, the faithful was proud and joyous about how far the program has come since we all strapped it up. 

I can't say enough about this team.  What a bunch of competitors.  I can't wait for next season.  Go Cards!!

Quote from: CardinalAlum on December 13, 2013, 10:56:05 AM
Cardinals working out at Massillon HIGH SCHOOL today.  Are you kidding me?

Looks just like my high school facilities..... NOT!  I wonder if they are going to the HOF today. 

BSN posted their All American team today ---> http://www.beyondsportsnetwork.com/pages/2013AA

Congrats to Slezak, Dierking, Werkheiser, and Stanek.

I also heard that NCC is heading east today and will be practicing at Notre Dame this afternoon.  That should be a great experience for the boys.

It should be a great game on Saturday.  Go Cards!

Based on social media, the team did a walk thru this morning at University of Minnesota's indoor facilities.

Nice preview on this weekend's game.... Peterson is listed on the 2-deep and mentioned as a game time decision.  However, its my understanding that teams can change their 58 player "dressed" list up to 10 minutes before kickoff so I'm not sure that means anything at this point.

http://northcentralcardinals.com/news/2013/12/4/FB_1204133516.aspx

Quote from: USee on December 01, 2013, 07:07:55 PM
NCCAlum48:

A couple of questions for you.

1. You say "I'm sure there have been a number of games where I thought the team played incredibly well while Coach Thorne and his staff felt differently". What games are those if not Albion?

Your observation of Bethel being the best opponent so far is a reality. When you are one of the last 8 teams standing, by definition, every team you play is the best of the year.

2. Exactly how many points is NCC getting in your underdog scenario? I am not a betting man but I will take NCC and whatever points you give. I am also sure you could find a lot of people, including Bethel fans, willing to take NCC and points in this game. A pickem game would get a lot of action from both sides I would guess and my NCC -5.5 line is likely to draw some serious consideration from the Bethel faithful.

After the Albion game I posted that I thought the team would need a better pass rush, ball security, etc. to beat UWP.  You can look up what I wrote.  I guess that was construed as me being negative about the team.  Oh well.  Obviously I'm not privy to what Coach Thorne and his staff say behind close doors about the teams performance each week... my apologies if my last post seemed to imply otherwise.  I just know that there were times as a player I thought we played well in a winning effort and the coaches felt differently. 

I stated my opinion on next weeks game already.  I'll let my previous posts speak for themselves.  Like I said, I hoping/praying/cheering for a Cardinal victory next week.  I just think it is a tough matchup in a tough environment.  I always like to be the underdog... but I guess that's just me.  I know I played better as a player when I went into a game with an underdog mentality, too.  Anyways, this is getting exhausting so I'm just going to step aside and let you guys banter about the game.

Go Cards!!

Quote from: ILGator on December 01, 2013, 05:10:17 PM

Quote from: NCCAlum48 on December 01, 2013, 03:06:08 PM

Quote from: AndOne on December 01, 2013, 03:02:45 PM
1. Look at NCC's results/stats and tell me they will be a double digit underdog to any team. Especially to a team whose starting QB probably won't be available. Sorry, but this is simply not realistic and ain't happenin'

2. With regard to game location, NCC's own football web site shows the game will be played in MN.   

http://northcentralcardinals.com/schedule.aspx?path=football

3. Curious about the status of Bethel QB Erik Peterson, I did some checking and located an article from the St. Paul Pioneer press in which Royals Coach Steve Johnson said "It is a separated shoulder at best." He will have an MRI tomorrow. Again, refer back to #1. Playing with a separated shoulder?
The article also indicates the Bethel was the #1 seed.

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_24630440/bethel-advances-division-iii-playoffs-but-loses-its?source=rss

I know NCC's results and stats as well as anyone.  Clearly, you are missing my point.  Oh well.  Looking forward to the game on Saturday.  It's gonna be cold... better pack the long underwear.  Go Cards!

You were busting NCC's play against Albion, while Coach Thorne said it was their best effort all year. I'm not sure what your aim is. Most NCC fans are optimistic about this week's game. I'm not sure what the reason of your negativity is.

NCC has seen backup QBs in the playoffs before. In 2010, UWW played this day-to-day nonsense about Matt Blanchard when he was out for the remainder of the season (replaced by Lee Brekke). In 2011, we saw a backup QB when we went to Wabash. Nothing new for NCC and it doesn't really change the preparations.

Bethel's offense is balanced. Their backup QB is a senior, so he's been there. He threw two TDs last weekend, so I wouldn't expect much change in their offensive style. Perhaps the only negative is that NCC will see less than a game of him on film.

Hey Gator... my commentary wasn't meant to be negative but rather my observations of how I thought the team played.  I'm sure there have been a number of games where I thought the team played incredibly well while Coach Thorne and his staff felt differently.     

As far as this week's game... I've watched the video of a handful of Bethel's games this year.  I think they are clearly the best opponent we have faced so far this season.  They are big, physical, fundamentally sound and have some very good playmakers.  My gut reaction is, based on a number of factors, that we are the underdog going into this game.  Is that a bad thing for a fan to feel?  I don't think so.  Do I think we can win?  Absolutely... no question.  And I certainly hope we do.  My "aim" is to simply offer my opinion on the team, their performance and their future prospects.  Nothing more.  If you're expecting blind adulation and optimism... I'm not your guy.   

Quote from: AndOne on December 01, 2013, 03:02:45 PM
1. Look at NCC's results/stats and tell me they will be a double digit underdog to any team. Especially to a team whose starting QB probably won't be available. Sorry, but this is simply not realistic and ain't happenin'

2. With regard to game location, NCC's own football web site shows the game will be played in MN.   

http://northcentralcardinals.com/schedule.aspx?path=football

3. Curious about the status of Bethel QB Erik Peterson, I did some checking and located an article from the St. Paul Pioneer press in which Royals Coach Steve Johnson said "It is a separated shoulder at best." He will have an MRI tomorrow. Again, refer back to #1. Playing with a separated shoulder?
The article also indicates the Bethel was the #1 seed.

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_24630440/bethel-advances-division-iii-playoffs-but-loses-its?source=rss

I know NCC's results and stats as well as anyone.  Clearly, you are missing my point.  Oh well.  Looking forward to the game on Saturday.  It's gonna be cold... better pack the long underwear.  Go Cards!

Quote from: Titan Q on December 01, 2013, 01:43:53 PM

Quote from: NCCAlum48 on December 01, 2013, 01:16:29 PM
I think NCC has to be a double digit underdog in this game. 

"C'mon man!"

HAHA!!  Hey, just my opinion.  I appreciate the fact that you guys don't agree.  But hey, they are the top seeded team, right?  That's why we are traveling, right? And nobody knows for sure what the QB situation is exactly.  Is he out?  Is that confirmed?  I am a Cardinal fan through and though but I have no problems with NCC going into this game being an underdog. 

Quote from: HScoach on December 01, 2013, 11:07:46 AM
Regardless of the location, the timing of a certain QB injury makes NCC even more sure in my mind.  Should be a good game, but I would guess NCC was a TD favorite even before the injury.

I respect your opinion but I don't see it that way.  From what I've seen Bethel has an outstanding team. I don't see the QB situation having a big impact.  Taking into account the weather, field conditions, travel, etc. I think NCC has to be a double digit underdog in this game.  But I'm sure our boys will make it a competitive contest... and maybe even pull off an upset

It should be a great game! Go Cards!!

Quote from: NCF on December 01, 2013, 08:46:15 AM

Quote from: NCCAlum48 on December 01, 2013, 07:50:59 AM
Unless I'm misreading the NCAA website... it appears that Bethel will be traveling to Naperville next week. I didn't expect that....

Probably not. If you're reading the top team listed as the #1 seed, because it also shows SJF would host UMHB and I'm sure that is not happening. I thought the top four seed were Mount, UMHB, UWW and Bethel.

Take a look at these pairings and let me know who you think is at home.  Also go back and look how the pairings were presented the last two weeks as well...

http://www.ncaa.com/scoreboard/football/d3/2013/15

Unless I'm misreading the NCAA website... it appears that Bethel will be traveling to Naperville next week. I didn't expect that....

Quote from: RoyalsFan on November 30, 2013, 10:14:34 PM

Quote from: swmnsports on November 30, 2013, 09:46:55 PM
All signs seem to point toward Bethel playing at North Central, not North Central at Bethel.  I guess we'll see tomorrow...

I could be wrong, but I thought the regional seedings determine who the home team is? Since Bethel was seeded number 1, why wouldn't they be the home team? The only reason I can see them moving it to North Central is because of severe weather conditions.

Agreed. I think it is safe to assume that NCC will be loading the buses and heading to Bethel next week...

Just got home from the NCC-Albion game.  Despite the score, NCC didn't play their best game IMHO.  NCC will need to have a better pass rush next week vs. UWP.  The sacks today seemed to be more from coverage than from winning individual battles.  Pad level seemed very high and NCC was uncharacteristically careless with the ball at times.  Not sure if it was the cold temps or something else.  A win is a win but NCC will need to play better next week if they want to advance further IMO.

Score predictions are up on Atomic.... http://www.knology.net/jashburn/football/archive/af_predictions_All.html#III