Didn't mean to short your QB. He was 15-27 (55%). Not 17-32 (53%). My bad.

Quote from: hazzben on December 08, 2013, 07:37:49 AM
@USee: first, I appreciate the back and forth. Here's a quick response to what I'd regard as a very selective rebuttal.

Quote from: USee on December 08, 2013, 02:07:10 AM
A running back falling down in the open field is the field conditions. 2 players fell or slipped on every play. that was going to happen. The pitch on the option was aggressive defense. The NCC player hit the qb as he pitched it. Wasn't a bad pitch, just a good defensive effort.

True on the RB, they all played on the same field. As for Keefe's fumble. The D was there. But he made the pitch just before the hit. It was a horrendous pitch...like 4 yds behind a back who had no defenders around him. Still, you only addressed the one fumble by Keefe that Bethel didn't lose. How about those other 4 TO's. To recap. Fumble that NCC recovers on the BU 38. Fumble that NCC recovers on their own 33. Keefe INT at the BU 41. Keefe INT at the BU 4.

Quote from: USee on December 08, 2013, 02:07:10 AM
Time of possession was 31 min for Bethel, 29 min for NCC. Bethel had 14 possessions to NCC's 15 possessions. Your defense was tired playing less than 30 minutes? Don't think so. I agree Peterson produces more points. I just don't think he makes Bethel 4 TD's better and I think NCC could have kept the gas pedal down and scored 2-3 more time if they had to.

I didn't say they were tired. My point is that 1-11 on 3rd down is brutal. It's a stat Peterson never puts up, IMO. He didn't against UST, who has a better D IMO. There are points left on the field. And I think he maybe does make Bethel 4 TD's better. Shoot, 2 of Keefe's most inexplicable TO's came with the offense driving deep into NCC territory. That's 2 TD's right there. My bigger point, is that with Peterson playing NCC is stressed on D in a way they weren't with Keefe. They gave up 6.3 ypc to a team with very little passing threat, especially downfield. I'm not sure how much TOP changes, but the issue isn't how much longer Bethel has the ball, it's what they are doing with it and how their drives are finishing with Peterson.

Quote from: USee on December 08, 2013, 02:07:10 AM
We can't prove a negative and Peterson wasn't there but the players who played, NCC was better. Just like Wartburg was better than IWU and NCC was better than Wheaton. By the way, Wheaton played a home game, had an all american QB playing for them, a top15 defense that held NCC to less yards than Bethel and rushed for over 200 yds vs NCC and lost 35-16 because they weren't as good.

As I've said before, NCC was better today with the players on the field. I agree. I just think the statements that NCC is clearly the better team, period, finally, hasn't been substantiated. Bethel's best player, the MVP of one of the best conferences, didn't step on the field. The passing game is drastically better with him, the running game opens up as well. As to Wheaton, apples to oranges...you had your 'all american' QB playing for you. That's been my whole point, Bethel didn't. 

Back to the present. I'm getting intrigued by the NCC v. Mount matchup. As much as I obviously wanted to see Bethel in this spot, this could be a very interesting game. Mount seems vulnerable in the exact area where NCC is very strong. Stanzek could have a day in Alliance. Good luck, I'd love to see some new blood in the Stagg. But if I'm honest, even just Mount not there would be a nice change of pace.

I attended the game yesterday and had the chance to see every other MIAC team this year. I have to say that HB is spot on. NCC has a very good QB, an average defense according to MIAC standards and was the benefactor of 5 unforced errors by Bethel. The key to yesterday's game was a team's ability to throw the ball deep on occasion (and hold onto the ball). Bethel could not get that done with their QB, but dominated on both the offensive and defensive lines (Avg rush 6.3 BU vs. 3.4NC). If you actually read the box score, even "Mr. CCIW" (which I am not sure is saying much) was only 17-32 which is far below his CCIW 74% completion percentage.

For those who know, I see many similarities between NCC and Augsburg which is a team than can beat you on any given Saturday in the MIAC, but does not have the line presence to win consistently. Talented QB, good receiver and an all conference LB (much like NCC). They put up a lot of passing yards and can throw up a lot of points from time to time. The NCC defense is nowhere near a St. Thomas or Gustavus and their O-line is not as physical as BU or UST. Add Peterson to the mix and I would have expected a 38-28 Bethel win - based on what I saw on the field.

All this is said not because we can rewrite history, but to add some reality back to this board for the CCIW heading into Mount. If NCC brings this same game into Alliance next week they are looking at getting trouced and manhandled by a much larger and more physical UMU, just as they did by the Bethel O-line and front 7. My prediction for the semis: UMU 56, NCC 24 (and yet another purple Stagg Bowl)

Oh and one more thing - play like you expect to be there. The late hits and cheap shots in the Bethel game show that you felt you needed to prove you manhood. I would have been much more impressed if you had played with some class - once again, I was there and SAW it.

Having followed Bethel Football for 20 years I need to say this was the best all-around team we have put on the field. Congratulations to Coach J and the team on a great season and a great career for these Seniors! You have achieved much for which you can be very proud. Looking forward to next season and another run through the playoffs.