FB: Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference

[baseman201]

well they did beat everyone in the conference by at least 2 touchdowns except Greenville who lost in OT @ CUW.

CUW only beat CUC by 11 @ CUW

And I think Catch22s predictions are right on the button as well.

[drucker]

I have talked it over with some ESPN people and they agree with me. Whoever wins the conference title needs to win a playoff game and send the IBC out with a bang. That would be a great treat, then we could get all the former IBC participants together and have a big party, hell Pat you are invited as well.

[neweraibfc]

would anyone be surprised if BU stole the conference?...I've heard preseason hype about the usual contenders but the boys in lisle have been pretty silent.

[FatalImpact]

I would be surprised....the usual contenders get the hype because they prove themselves year after year

[Pat Coleman]

I think there's room in this league for an up-and-comer like Benedictine or Greenville to take the final title.

[79jaybird]

You will get a good idea of how Benedictine is (strength wise) when they battle Elmhurst and North Central in the non-conference.    Elmhurst has dominated the EC/BEN matchup of late, winning 7 straight, however I think Benedictine will be much improved this year, along with having home field advantage, so I think opening day will be a much more difficult game for Elmhurst.
I don't know about Lakeland and CUW, but I think Benedictine is going to be in the top 2-3 of the conference, with an outside shot at the crown.
I hope Ben wins every game uh, after opening day 

[TruCountry95]

I could see BU in the Top 3.   Going to be some tough games this year.  Thank goodness Lakeland, CUW, and BU all play at GC this year. 

[NCC_alum62]

That is definetly a plus for Greenville...To get the top four in the conference at home.  I could see BU making a run at the IBC title if they play well.  They have been gaining ground each year with thier new coach.  I don't think they will beat thier CCIW opponents though.

[FatalImpact]

I admit BU has Improved over the last couple of years is due large in part to Jon Cooper.....I believe they will do well they just must prove it on the field.....NCC_alum62-I wouldn't put BU in the top 4 just yet....and I'm also curious to see if GC can hang after losing their best defensive player......I think there will be a lot of close games this year but I think the 3 usual contenders will remain on top.....CUW, AU, LC...with GC, BU not far behind but I think those top 3 will remain constant

[old 40]

BU's Offense must come to play in order for them to challenge for the championship. IMO, their defense will be one of the better ones in the conference. IMO, the QB position will be a big question mark. Last year was his first year as a starter, he did well on the run, especially on the option but the whole passing game will have to improve big time. Durability is the big question, He is not the biggest guy. They will have plenty of depth this year at most positions. I hear they had a bumper crop of recruits.

Fatal Impact, I agree with you that there will be  a lot of close games between Aurora,BU,CUW,GU,CUW and Lakeland.

I don't see GU losing many of their home games. Their schedule will be a big factor for them.

[TruCountry95]

GC away schedule is CUC, MAC, and AU.  Playing at AU will be tough. We had them at GC last year and beat them, but lost in 05 at AU.   GC plays EU at Greenville too.   I could not ask for a better schedule this year.

One other thing to think about is, GC is going in to the 2007 season with the same head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator as last year and the year before.  Lakeland has different Head Coach, AU has different Offensive Coordinator, MAC....I don't know if MAC has a staff.  That could also play a part this year.   Who knows how much of a part. 

[catch22]

Tru Country, the team to beat is CUW, last year, was last year, forget how tough you played, 2007 is the key, and CUW also returns, there Head Coach, Offensive and Defensive Coordinator, AU has the same head coach and from what I heard he called the offensive plays, beware of Benedictine, they are my surprise team for 2007.

[TruCountry95]

Tru Country, the team to beat is CUW, last year, was last year, forget how tough you played, 2007 is the key, and CUW also returns, there Head Coach, Offensive and Defensive Coordinator, AU has the same head coach and from what I heard he called the offensive plays, beware of Benedictine, they are my surprise team for 2007.

I'm aware CUW is the team to beat, do to the fact CUW is the conference champs, it's not in question.  I'm saying GC had the best chance to take them down last year, and with both teams losing some key players, but returning QB's who like to option alot it's going to be an awesome game.

[Fartcus Smellwood]

rumors around Cougar Land....80+ players on the team this year...I smell competiton amongst the team with most of these players Coach Preis is bringing in this year and the athletes already on the team. It will be an above average year for the Cougars. Every year this team is doubted by many and well, back then they had a reason to be. Look out for a new CUC team this year...stronger and faster.

COUGAR CAMP in 8 DAYS
BOOM

[catch22]

Marcus Ellwood, you are correct I pick them to be #5 in the conference, but they must improved on defense, they offense scored a few points last year 41 against Mac,  if they can improved that area of the team, they could beat some people.