FB: Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference

[footballguy1]

I'll bet AU gets North Central in the first round.  Based on the regional rankings, I believe Mt. Union will head to the east once again, leaving NC the top seed in the Midwest and your classic #1 v #8.

it doesnt matter who they get they are going to get killed the first game of playoffs anyway

You are right, who cares who AU plays in the playoffs.  They would obviously have a better chance then CUW would considering AU beat them and of course AU is the better team.  Maybe if you made a few more plays at LB for CUW vs AU  they would have had a chance at beating them this year and CUW would be going to the playoffs.  Did you know CUW gave up 340 total yards that game including 150 to their running back?  And of course who could forget about AU's #3 nationally ranked defense who allowed a minuscule 91 rushing yards to the supposed mighty rushing attack of CUW.  Have fun not being in the playoffs and I'm sure that NAC championship trophy will look great in AU's trophy case!

[muzzman]

It would sure be nice for a program from the NAC step up and get a win in the playoffs, but like iitwi88 says I will be an uphill battle. A number 1 going agianst a number 8 unless someone from the NAC (AU) draws better than an 8 seed, but not likely

[WhatDoIKnow]

iitwi88,

I wouldn't say it doesn't matter who they get.  If they get NC, it could get ugly; but otherwise depending on their draw, it could be closer game than you expect.  Only time will tell.

Nuts and Old 40,

I think it is fair to say the NAC schools are 10 years behind the curve with athletic facilities, programs, etc. from a football standpoint.  It is unfair to compare the NAC schools to the WIAC schools from a facility standpoint.  I think those NAC schools which get creative with their costs, financial aid, etc. given the economy over the next few years could close the gap from an athlete standpoint, but still need to generate money to develop better facilities.

[ftballfan09]

While I think that the conference has no shot at wining a playoff game, I would like to know how the teams are so far behind the times. Who are you and why should anyone believe what you are saying? I know that the illi-badger conference had trouble and this new one will probably not win this season, but who are you to say that the teams are 10 yrs behind? Personally I think that they have things to work on but you are full of **** by saying they are 10 years behind.

And to NONEED.... you are something to call out your former school like that if I was from your school I would be pissed and I think that is ****ty to bag on your former school like that. Where is your loyalty?

[baseman201]

WhatdoIknow-

Ehhhh, I am not sure if I agree on the 10 years behind on facilities statement.  I mean, CUC had the best field for awhile, then Benedictine built what is probably the nicest stadium in the region, then CUW followed suit and has a VERY nice field.

Who really knows why the IBC/NAC can't bring in players who can contend with some of the better teams in the nation.  Maybe the coaches going about recruiting the wrong way?  Getting their players from all the wrong places?

Who really knows.

[WLCALUM83]

Look at the larger schools (particularly in Chicago) the NAthCon schools are battling with for players, too. (D1 Illinois, Northwestern, NAIA Trinity Int'l, et al). Being a first-year football conference, I agree it'll be a long uphill climb. Just my .02.

[WhatDoIKnow]

Gentlemen, Gentlemen...

I am glad I got a few of you stirred up for certainly all the wrong reasons.  But, it opens up some good discussion. 

ftballfan09 - It doesn't matter really who I am and you don't have to believe me.  My comments below are simply my opinion.  You are correct the IBFC had its trouble (Greenville, Mac, Eureka, CUC, Benedictine).  The NAC is really no different (Rockford, Maratha, etc.).  Until each one of NAC institutions makes football a priority, they will remain behind the curve of conferences like the CCIW, OAC, NCAC, MIAA and IIAC.

I would like you to expand on your comment "things to work on" and let me know how long each of things would take to complete.  I can tell you I have told my alma mater these things and things have certainly changed around D3 football since I played.  My loyalty is with the NAC, but changes need to be made.


baseman201 - Facilities is more than a football field.  CUC maybe won an average of 1 game a year with their new field.  Granite, most schools in the NAC have a quality football field/stadium.  But, what school doesn't these days.  Those schools in the conferences I noted above fill their stadiums on Saturdays for 3-5,00 people.  The NAC does not.  Do any of the NAC schools have new indoor facilities, weight rooms, etc..  If they possess these items, do they have a stable coaching staff, quality jv program, financial aid, etc..  Bottom line, the NAC in most institutions does not provide a big time atmosphere to attract the top players or put themselves in a position to attract these players.

I could certainly go on, but I hope you understand the point I am trying to make.  I think it is ironic my comments are taken the way they are when both of you stated the conference has no shot at winning a playoff game.  If you have no shot at winning a playoff game, win a conference/national title, why even participate for any of the NAC schools.  If your response is, "I love playing the game", then once again my point exactly.

[New Tradition]

I mean, CUC had the best field for awhile, then Benedictine built what is probably the nicest stadium in the region, then CUW followed suit and has a VERY nice field.

Benedictine's stadium is nice, but nicest in the region?  I'm not so sure.  Illinois Wesleyan has gorgeous facilities (not only the football stadium, but I think that's the most beautiful D3 campus I've ever seen), and my alma mater, North Central, is a far sight nicer than Benedictine's, all bias aside, IMHO.

[baseman201]

New Tradition-

Yeah.....IL WES has a pretty nice stadium, but I don't know, BEN is pretty close man.......

But yeah, facilities definately help in the recruiting process.  Although, when a recruit is going to a game and visiting a school, it helps that there are 5,000 people in the stands as well.

[old 40]

The NAC made it to 300 pages.

Very Good discussions an many valid points. It is good to hear everyones perspective on the key issues with the NAC.

My Guesses for this week;

MBBC at Rockford- I think it will be close. Rockford wins 24-21, Home field advantage.

AU at CUC- AU wins big 48-21. CUC scores some through the air. An AU win and a CUW win clinches the title and the AQ for AU.

CUW at Lakeland- The "Cheese Bowl" CUW has won 6 of the last 7. No different this year CUW 20-12.

BU at WLC- Good game but WLC has a decent Defense and wins 21-7.

[WLCALUM83]

WLCALUM83's picks for this weekend:

Rockford over Maranatha

Aurora over Concordia-Chicago

Concordia-WI over Lakeland

Benedictine over WLC  (Warriors turnover prone of late again, IL Eagle special teams can be dangerous.)

[FatalImpact]

That's why I always love a good underdog story.....Everyone I expect to see a good battle between them and hope to see AU come out on top.....Remember ANY GIVEN DAY


Pics for this week:

AU trounces CUC

CUW trounces Lakeland

RC over Maranatha

BU over WLC

AU clinches after a season of domination

[muzzman]

What happened to Concordia Wisconsin? Did they even show up?,

[FatalImpact]

What was the score?    AU still wins the championship though IMHO

[muzzman]

Last I heard 34-7 Lakeland