FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[smedindy]

It had to be odd for IC. They were in limbo, and probably kept some practice regimen thinking they were on the table for an at large. I would say that they could have looked at some potential opponents but the NCAA really put the kibosh on that with how they developed the brackets.

A positive for IC is that any nagging injuries had more time to heal, though. However the LGs had an equal time to prep for the Blueboys as vice-versa.

[Bash-Dad #84]

Question:  Illinois College hasn't played since November 5; is this a disadvantage heading in to the playoffs?  It's much different than a bye week because you don't know your opponent, heck, they didn't know if they'd still be playing.  Bash can start very quickly (see Witt, see DPU...) - if they do this Saturday, I think that's a huge edge to Wabash.

Thoughts?

When are NCAC awards announced?



The only advantage I see is that they get a chance to come into the playoffs healthy. From a timing perspective, etc. I think it may be somewhat of a disadvantage, but I would be very grateful to start the playoffs with all our key people feeling good. 

[Pat Coleman]

It had to be odd for IC. They were in limbo, and probably kept some practice regimen thinking they were on the table for an at large. I would say that they could have looked at some potential opponents but the NCAA really put the kibosh on that with how they developed the brackets.

A positive for IC is that any nagging injuries had more time to heal, though. However the LGs had an equal time to prep for the Blueboys as vice-versa.

They did practice.

[BashBacker#16]

Smeds,

Impossible to plan/practice/prepare for an unknown opponent - just can't do that.  I also know the intensity of any practices that week had to be sketchy at best.  I get the whole "extra week to heal" thing but I think big picture - it's tough on IC.  Now you go on the road for your 1st ever playoff appearance at Wabash - a place tough to win.  Not saying they can't at all - far from that, just saying.

I'm looking forward to the IC O vs the Bash D.  Will be interesting...

WAF

[wally_wabash]

Question:  Illinois College hasn't played since November 5; is this a disadvantage heading in to the playoffs?  It's much different than a bye week because you don't know your opponent, heck, they didn't know if they'd still be playing.  Bash can start very quickly (see Witt, see DPU...) - if they do this Saturday, I think that's a huge edge to Wabash.

Thoughts?

They have the advantage of "resting" guys and getting healthy, but unlike Witt, Allgheny, and WashU they don't have the luxury of knowing who they play and using that extra time to specifically plan for one team which is what I think the bigger advantage is. 

I like that Wabash comes in to the playoffs coming off of the three toughest/biggest games of the year...the long roadie to Allegheny, conference championship game vs. Witt, and then the Bell game.  The last few weeks, and especially the last two, have had kind of a playoff intensity to them.  I think it's good to have the team wired for big games when the playoffs start.   

[TitanPride]

Question:  Illinois College hasn't played since November 5; is this a disadvantage heading in to the playoffs?  It's much different than a bye week because you don't know your opponent, heck, they didn't know if they'd still be playing.  Bash can start very quickly (see Witt, see DPU...) - if they do this Saturday, I think that's a huge edge to Wabash.

After playing for 10 straight weeks, I think the bye did help to heal some nagging bumps and bruises.  Something that I think is interesting:  IC doesn't have lights on their football field.  Therefore, they've been having to practice at the local high school on grass for the last two weeks. 

[BashBacker#16]

TitanPride,

I'll be interested to get your take on the Wabash Athletic facilities. I'm biased but it's pretty sweet!  . The turf is the same grade that they have in most NFL stadiums (Lucas Oil - Colts) - the IC guys will dig it.  Also check out the baseball and soccer stadiums.

Is it Saturday yet?

[TitanPride]

I went to school at Illinois Wesleyan, so I got a good feel for the athletic facilities at the CCIW schools and now, in the last few years, have seen most of the MWC facilities.  Definitely looking forward to visiting Wabash's campus --- everything I've seen and read looks very impressive

[wally_wabash]

I went to school at Illinois Wesleyan, so I got a good feel for the athletic facilities at the CCIW schools and now, in the last few years, have seen most of the MWC facilities.  Definitely looking forward to visiting Wabash's campus --- everything I've seen and read looks very impressive

IWU's got some nice facilities.  I enjoyed strolling around when Wabash and IWU had the double OT classic a couple of years ago. 

Here's a question...why is the only IC support coming from an IWU alum? Where are the Blueboys at?  This is program history happening!

[bashbrother]

Ok -   Been working this up over the past few days... Here is my take on Saturday's Wabash/Illinois Collge Match-up

First, if you take the perceived or actual strength of conference out of the equation,  this really sets up to be a compelling and interesting match-up statistically.

You basically have one of the most productive offenses in Div. III, (IC #5 - 499 yards/gm) vs. one of the stingiest defensive in Div. III, (Wabash #14 245 yards/game).   Wabash is also, #3 in rush defense (64 yrd/game).   Something will have to give on Saturday.

From a scoring standpoint, things get interesting as well.   Wabash is #4 in the country in scoring defense (10 pts/game) .... whereas, IC is #185, giving up 32 pts/game.     IC has still put together a successful 9-1 season, by putting up just over 40 pts./game. (#16 in Div. III)

Thus, we come to handicapping the game and giving my take on the keys to victory for the Little Giants!

Defense -

1. Stop the run and keep contain on IC QB.  Force them to pass

2. Bring the "Hammer Time" pressure on the QB, who is now forced to pass

3. Turnovers -  Get a few

Offensively -

1.  Play the system,  take advantage of opportunities.... IC's defense will give us opportunities, need to execute.

2.  Wes & Horn ALL DAY.... both of these guys will be the best WR's, maybe by far, that IC's defensive backfield has seen all year.

3. No Turnovers!  Best way to let an underdog feel like they have a shot is to equalize the game by turnovers.  Mr. Belton has been so smart with the ball down the stretch.... not trying to do too much and if it is not there, huck it into Mudd Hollow.

4. Penalties -  Come on Man!  Stop it.  We have a rhythm offense, penalties disrupt drives.


Summary -

Score early, score often.   Most underdogs don't respond too well to this.

This will NOT be a 45-38 shootout,  Wabash's defense will not let this happen.  It will be interesting to see how IC's offense responds to not being able to do the things that they have been able to do all year.

Less time in the pocket, better defense down field will frustrate IC's QB and he will begin to take-off.   

Prediction: Wabash's offense will score more against IC's defense than IC's offense will score against Wabash's defense.

Wabash 35  IC  14

Safe travels to all heading to the game!  IC Fans, don't know what the environment is like at Midwest Conference Games, but you will find the Wabash tailgate very fun and cordial.   Don't shy away,  participate, you are more than welcome.

[bashbrother]

Question:  Illinois College hasn't played since November 5; is this a disadvantage heading in to the playoffs? 

I also think this is a huge edge for Wabash.   Wabash has put up 31 & 21 pts in the first half in their last two (the biggest games of the year)

IC is not going to have any time to clean any cobwebs.   If they get off the bus flat, this game will be over in the 1st half.

[wabashcpa]

I think the advantage goes to the team that played versus the team that rested.  Less rust to knock off.

[wabashcpa]

I think Bear may have set a new record for getting a new thread locked - 1 minute, 27 seconds!  And it wasn't even incendiary (yet)!

[bashbrother]

I think Bear may have set a new record for getting a new thread locked - 1 minute, 27 seconds!  And it wasn't even incendiary (yet)!

Forced hibernation for the bear.   

[Li'l Giant]

I can't say that I blame Bear. What else do fans of a 4-5 team coming off a 3rd straight Bell Game beating have to look forward to? Oh yeah, HOW DOES IT FEEL?