There is a lot of talk that losing the QB and OL will be huge challenges to continuing this amazing run, BUT what happens if a coach leaves?  The last time when Thorne left, Spencer was in the pipeline and ready to take over having been a major player in the rise of the program.  A seldom mentioned "key" figure in this program has been Defensive Coordinator Shane Dierking.  He has been the DC through the 7 year of rising to dominance. 

Last night Mount had a dominant rushing advantage early, but by halftime adjustments had been made and the Cards began to force longer third down yardage.  While the secondary still struggled a bit, the defense is what made this victory happen as they held down Mount.

If Dierking were to leave for a new gig, that is not Spencer's expertise and from what I heard Dierking is a heck of a recruiter too...  At somepoint you would think he would want to be in charge of his own program.

Some really odd decisions by Mount, including inserting the second QB in the first half when they were moving the ball well.  Then bring back the starter in third and 4.  And run it on that play. 

ESPN doesn't show replays anymore?  that long pass in the third quarter looked to be right on the endline.  No replay ever... 

With 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?)

Just a hope for the new year.  Can't have a season where we aren't tracking post-game handshakes. 

Norm is returning with a new 4 year deal.

Now 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.

Sad that Madsen has been hurt, but it sounds like a perfect example of the difference between the Top of D3 and a lower ranked conference champ.  Their best offensive player transfers over and can't get time at a postion which is routinely rotated and used more this year than in years past.  Hopefully for him, his chance to shine late in the playoffs will present itself and he can capitalize to help the team.

Quote from: SpartanHouse4 on November 11, 2024, 01:01:38 PMIWU is a fantastic job and would think there would be some outstanding candidates.

Wonder if Jeff Thorne would be interested in the job.

What a great way to get back at Norm for all his antics in the past, take over after him and win.  But if Norm was allowed to stay around this long, no way he doesn't have say in who replaces him.

Don't forget that while IWU has struggled in recent years, the great 2020 year where Norm led them to a tie for second in the CCIW with a 2-1 record. If it wasn't for a loss to Millikin.  Amazing he can hang on at that school, not win and act as he does. 

Norm's school is located in a community with 5 high schools that compete at a high level in different classes.  A quick search of the roster has 4 kids from Bloomington or Normal.  Normal Community is a powerhouse annually.  Really??  Why would this be?  Yes some kids want to leave town, but I bet many have heard the Norm stories.

Norm has been an embarrassment for a long time and seems to be getting worse.  Wish I could make the Augie game but am working on getting over to see NCC and IWU.  He is always well behaved in that match-up.

Anyone find the game on an actual book available to bet? 

Quote from: NCC2010 on December 11, 2023, 10:23:09 AM
Does anyone know if ESPN has any influence over the uniform combos for Friday? 

NCC has traditionally worn their white helmets, red jerseys, white pants for the past 3 Stagg Bowls.  wondering if they will go with the all black look or the black helmet, red jersey, black pants combo on Friday since it seems Cortland's away jersey is white helmet, white jersey, red pants.  kind of hoping they wear the all black just so the jerseys for both team aren't so similar.

While the all black concept is cool, they can't do it.  Those black jerseys make seeing the numbers almost impossible. Been to a few games in person and you can't see the numbers.  While they have white outline, the inside is like a gradual gradient of red to black.  Very difficult to use when watching the game.

Was curious from the comments I heard on Pat's podcast, NCC was upset over someone recording signals during the UWL game.  Any more to this?  Was the individual talked to or stopped?  Haven't see it mentioned anywhere else. 

Would be interesting to feed Chat GPT the NCAA tourney rules, automatic bids and other info including rankings which I realize are not part of the "tourney considerations" and see what it turns out for a bracket.  Maybe we don't need this committee anymore since many agree annually (without bias) there are some really odd decisions in seeding.