FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[Gregory Sager]

I have to agree with cigarstore that invoking autism as an insult is really offensive, BashDad. And I say this as someone who has heretofore been very impressed by the depth and reasoning of your posts this week.

[cigarstore_indian]

If you are going to the game, bring a tissue box, because you will be crying into your steering wheel all the way back to Naperville, bud.

I'm looking forward to the contest!

Honestly, I have no qualms with Wabash.  I have a few friends who went there, and everyone else I have encountered from there are great people.  I'm looking forward to tailgating and pre-game banter, as well!

It just irritates me when people label an argument "autistic".  "Poorly planned"  or "exactly the type of point I was referring to", those are ways to dissect someone's argument or get your point across.  You don't do it by labeling an argument with a disease.

[smedindy]

Illinois College is 80th in Massey. Wabash's dominating win knocked them down a few spots. That means they're a good team - in the upper 1/3 of D-3. In the same measure, Elmhurst is 86th. NC dominated Elmhurst like Wabash dominated IC.

Benedictine is 178th, hanging out with teams like Lake Forest and Marietta.

But this week is not about Dubuque, or IC, or Benedictine. It's about Wabash vs. North Central - and how this is THE game for both programs. Again, for Wabash, it's validation that they are on par with the tier right below the Purples. For NC, if they want to be the king of that tier, and feel they have what it takes to knock off a Purple this year or in the coming years, they can't lose this game.

The key is how Wabash can keep NC from controlling the game on the ground. How can Wabash's line and linebackers stop NC at the point of attack. If Wabash can keep NC from establishing the run game and also make their QB uncomfortable, they have a good chance at winning. Of course, the trick is if Wabash can do that. The LGs have some big-time playmakers on defense.

Does NC have experienced against a dual threat QB like Belton?

[CardinalAlum]

Illinois College is not a "fine to good" team.  Look at is this way, Illinois College would lose to Benedictine.  Benedictine gets blown out by North Park regularly.  North Park hasn't won a conference game in nearly 13 years.  North Central plays (virutally) mistake-free football.  And they are a team that is able to overcome any adversity they face.  Their depth is outstanding, and their back-ups are just as good as their first stringers.  I'm not saying that this won't be a great game.  Believe me, it will be.  I am really looking forward to coming to visit you guys!  All I'm saying is that you guys seem to be discrediting everything North Central has done over the last three years. 

The CCIW is easily in the top 3 conferences in the nation (OAC, CCIW, WIAC not in any specific order).  North Central ran the CCIW and beat a very tough Dubuqe team.  You may not want to count your chickens before they hatch.

This is exactly the kind of response that makes me want to poke out my eyeballs. Your distinction between Dubuque ("very tough"!) and Illinois College ("Worse than Benedictine!") is entirely suspect and, ugh: responding to a post decrying the hollowness of conference rah-rah with more conference rah-rah is, like, autistic. You win. Your conference is better. We've been through that. Engage, please, with the actual question.

I'll re-post:

Isn't holding a team like IC (and other "fine to good" teams) to 26 yards rushing a relative indication that we might expect Bash to hold a team like NCC to, say, 175? And isn't that statistic a constant in every tight and losing game the Cardinals have played?

Wow, BashDad.  Pretty classy post there.  Calling an argument "autistic".  It's even MORE classy considering I have been a one to one aid for a student that has autism.  So glad to see that your rhetoric and arguments are able to stoop so low as to bring in children/people that have special needs (I hope you can pick up on the sarcasm in that statement). 

However, I will admit that my argument was poorly planned out, and I tried to think of common opponents (since strength of schedule and statistics seem to not be working for you). 

I sincerely hope the rest of the Wabash Nation is not nearly as snide as you (and there seems to be no indication of that, considering everyone I've encountered from there is outstanding), nor so quick to bring down the level of a conversation.

His quote was it was "like, autistic".  I took it as meaning repetitive.  Don't turn it into more than it was meant.  Talk football.

[cigarstore_indian]

Illinois College is not a "fine to good" team.  Look at is this way, Illinois College would lose to Benedictine.  Benedictine gets blown out by North Park regularly.  North Park hasn't won a conference game in nearly 13 years.  North Central plays (virutally) mistake-free football.  And they are a team that is able to overcome any adversity they face.  Their depth is outstanding, and their back-ups are just as good as their first stringers.  I'm not saying that this won't be a great game.  Believe me, it will be.  I am really looking forward to coming to visit you guys!  All I'm saying is that you guys seem to be discrediting everything North Central has done over the last three years. 

The CCIW is easily in the top 3 conferences in the nation (OAC, CCIW, WIAC not in any specific order).  North Central ran the CCIW and beat a very tough Dubuqe team.  You may not want to count your chickens before they hatch.

This is exactly the kind of response that makes me want to poke out my eyeballs. Your distinction between Dubuque ("very tough"!) and Illinois College ("Worse than Benedictine!") is entirely suspect and, ugh: responding to a post decrying the hollowness of conference rah-rah with more conference rah-rah is, like, autistic. You win. Your conference is better. We've been through that. Engage, please, with the actual question.

I'll re-post:

Isn't holding a team like IC (and other "fine to good" teams) to 26 yards rushing a relative indication that we might expect Bash to hold a team like NCC to, say, 175? And isn't that statistic a constant in every tight and losing game the Cardinals have played?

Wow, BashDad.  Pretty classy post there.  Calling an argument "autistic".  It's even MORE classy considering I have been a one to one aid for a student that has autism.  So glad to see that your rhetoric and arguments are able to stoop so low as to bring in children/people that have special needs (I hope you can pick up on the sarcasm in that statement). 

However, I will admit that my argument was poorly planned out, and I tried to think of common opponents (since strength of schedule and statistics seem to not be working for you). 

I sincerely hope the rest of the Wabash Nation is not nearly as snide as you (and there seems to be no indication of that, considering everyone I've encountered from there is outstanding), nor so quick to bring down the level of a conversation.

His quote was it was "like, autistic".  I took it as meaning repetitive.  Don't turn it into more than it was meant.  Talk football.

I still find it disrespectful, regardless.  Anyway, I agree. Back to football.

[BashDad]

I have to agree with cigarstore that invoking autism as an insult is really offensive, BashDad. And I say this as someone who has heretofore been very impressed by the depth and reasoning of your posts this week.

Well, look, I meant it to be literally descriptive of the situation. It was, and is, the closest word to what I meant. 

Sorry to have offended.

[robertgoulet]

Illinois College is 80th in Massey. Wabash's dominating win knocked them down a few spots. That means they're a good team - in the upper 1/3 of D-3. In the same measure, Elmhurst is 86th. NC dominated Elmhurst like Wabash dominated IC.

Benedictine is 178th, hanging out with teams like Lake Forest and Marietta.

But this week is not about Dubuque, or IC, or Benedictine. It's about Wabash vs. North Central - and how this is THE game for both programs. Again, for Wabash, it's validation that they are on par with the tier right below the Purples. For NC, if they want to be the king of that tier, and feel they have what it takes to knock off a Purple this year or in the coming years, they can't lose this game.

The key is how Wabash can keep NC from controlling the game on the ground. How can Wabash's line and linebackers stop NC at the point of attack. If Wabash can keep NC from establishing the run game and also make their QB uncomfortable, they have a good chance at winning. Of course, the trick is if Wabash can do that. The LGs have some big-time playmakers on defense.

Does NC have experienced against a dual threat QB like Belton?

Dubuque's QB seemed to give NC a little trouble in the first quarter or two of last week's game. NCC's DB's and LB's covered up the WRs well, and the DL didn't get to the QB, leaving a nice running lane for DU's QB on multiple occasions. Those running lanes were gone by the end of the 2nd quarter though, as NCC's DL took over and got to their QB before he could get to his progressions.

Dual threat QBs bother me. If NCC's line isn't getting to the QB and the LBs and DBs are doing well in coverage, you have a lot of room for the QB to run.

I know I said before that Wabash's return game bothered me, but I think that's more the kickoff return than punt return...and if you're returning kickoffs that means that NCC has scored...so I guess I hope Wabash gets a lot of chances to return kickoffs?

[cigarstore_indian]

I have to agree with cigarstore that invoking autism as an insult is really offensive, BashDad. And I say this as someone who has heretofore been very impressed by the depth and reasoning of your posts this week.

Well, look, I meant it to be literally descriptive of the situation. It was, and is, the closest word to what I meant. 

Sorry to have offended.

It's all good.  Sorry to have gotten on my soapbox!   

[BayernFan]

This will be a tough hard fought game.  The forecast is storms and upper 50s.   

I have every reason to believe that the Wabash D that has played the best that I have ever seen in 34 years, especially against the run, will prevent NCC from getting its running attack in gear and in rhythym.  Wabash is built to stop the run.  So NCC is playing to Wabash's strength.

As for all the schemes and such that NCC is known for, I have every reason to believe that Coach Raeburn, a Mount alum, and BJ Hammer and every one else have reviewed plenty of film on NCC's offense.  They know how to gameplan and they have the horses carry one out. 

The Wabash D and special teams will create plenty of short fields for Chase to work with.  When the bell has rung, he has responded.

If Wabash gets the early lead, then watch out.

Wabash 24 NCC 18.

[robertgoulet]

This will be a tough hard fought game.  The forecast is storms and upper 50s.   

I have every reason to believe that the Wabash D that has played the best that I have ever seen in 34 years, especially against the run, will prevent NCC from getting its running attack in gear and in rhythym.  Wabash is built to stop the run.  So NCC is playing to Wabash's strength.

As for all the schemes and such that NCC is known for, I have every reason to believe that Coach Raeburn, a Mount alum, and BJ Hammer and every one else have reviewed plenty of film on NCC's offense.  They know how to gameplan and they have the horses carry one out. 

The Wabash D and special teams will create plenty of short fields for Chase to work with.  When the bell has rung, he has responded.

If Wabash gets the early lead, then watch out.

Wabash 24 NCC 18.

It is unfortunate this it is only Tuesday. I'm ready for this game to be played!

[cigarstore_indian]

Illinois College is 80th in Massey. Wabash's dominating win knocked them down a few spots. That means they're a good team - in the upper 1/3 of D-3. In the same measure, Elmhurst is 86th. NC dominated Elmhurst like Wabash dominated IC.

Benedictine is 178th, hanging out with teams like Lake Forest and Marietta.

But this week is not about Dubuque, or IC, or Benedictine. It's about Wabash vs. North Central - and how this is THE game for both programs. Again, for Wabash, it's validation that they are on par with the tier right below the Purples. For NC, if they want to be the king of that tier, and feel they have what it takes to knock off a Purple this year or in the coming years, they can't lose this game.

The key is how Wabash can keep NC from controlling the game on the ground. How can Wabash's line and linebackers stop NC at the point of attack. If Wabash can keep NC from establishing the run game and also make their QB uncomfortable, they have a good chance at winning. Of course, the trick is if Wabash can do that. The LGs have some big-time playmakers on defense.

Does NC have experienced against a dual threat QB like Belton?

Dubuque's QB seemed to give NC a little trouble in the first quarter or two of last week's game. NCC's DB's and LB's covered up the WRs well, and the DL didn't get to the QB, leaving a nice running lane for DU's QB on multiple occasions. Those running lanes were gone by the end of the 2nd quarter though, as NCC's DL took over and got to their QB before he could get to his progressions.

Dual threat QBs bother me. If NCC's line isn't getting to the QB and the LBs and DBs are doing well in coverage, you have a lot of room for the QB to run.

I know I said before that Wabash's return game bothered me, but I think that's more the kickoff return than punt return...and if you're returning kickoffs that means that NCC has scored...so I guess I hope Wabash gets a lot of chances to return kickoffs?

Great analysis, RG.  If NCC can't get in and disrupt Belton and put some hits on him, he'll have the room to run.  There were some flashbacks to the Franklin games from 07 and 08 when Chad Rupp would use his athletic ability to make plays both running and throwing.  Does Belton have Rupp's ability?  I haven't really followed Wabash that much.

[cigarstore_indian]

Illinois College is 80th in Massey. Wabash's dominating win knocked them down a few spots. That means they're a good team - in the upper 1/3 of D-3. In the same measure, Elmhurst is 86th. NC dominated Elmhurst like Wabash dominated IC.

Benedictine is 178th, hanging out with teams like Lake Forest and Marietta.

But this week is not about Dubuque, or IC, or Benedictine. It's about Wabash vs. North Central - and how this is THE game for both programs. Again, for Wabash, it's validation that they are on par with the tier right below the Purples. For NC, if they want to be the king of that tier, and feel they have what it takes to knock off a Purple this year or in the coming years, they can't lose this game.

The key is how Wabash can keep NC from controlling the game on the ground. How can Wabash's line and linebackers stop NC at the point of attack. If Wabash can keep NC from establishing the run game and also make their QB uncomfortable, they have a good chance at winning. Of course, the trick is if Wabash can do that. The LGs have some big-time playmakers on defense.

Does NC have experienced against a dual threat QB like Belton?

Dubuque's QB seemed to give NC a little trouble in the first quarter or two of last week's game. NCC's DB's and LB's covered up the WRs well, and the DL didn't get to the QB, leaving a nice running lane for DU's QB on multiple occasions. Those running lanes were gone by the end of the 2nd quarter though, as NCC's DL took over and got to their QB before he could get to his progressions.

Dual threat QBs bother me. If NCC's line isn't getting to the QB and the LBs and DBs are doing well in coverage, you have a lot of room for the QB to run.

I know I said before that Wabash's return game bothered me, but I think that's more the kickoff return than punt return...and if you're returning kickoffs that means that NCC has scored...so I guess I hope Wabash gets a lot of chances to return kickoffs?

Great analysis, RG.  If NCC can't get in and disrupt the Bash QB and put some hits on him, he'll have the room to run.  There were some flashbacks to the Franklin games from 07 and 08 when Chad Rupp would use his athletic ability to make plays both running and throwing.  Does your QB have Rupp's ability?  I haven't really followed Wabash that much.

[Stagg Again!!]

Illinois College is not a "fine to good" team.  Look at is this way, Illinois College would lose to Benedictine.  Benedictine gets blown out by North Park regularly.  North Park hasn't won a conference game in nearly 13 years.  North Central plays (virutally) mistake-free football.  And they are a team that is able to overcome any adversity they face.  Their depth is outstanding, and their back-ups are just as good as their first stringers.  I'm not saying that this won't be a great game.  Believe me, it will be.  I am really looking forward to coming to visit you guys!  All I'm saying is that you guys seem to be discrediting everything North Central has done over the last three years. 

The CCIW is easily in the top 3 conferences in the nation (OAC, CCIW, WIAC not in any specific order).  North Central ran the CCIW and beat a very tough Dubuqe team.  You may not want to count your chickens before they hatch.

This is exactly the kind of response that makes me want to poke out my eyeballs. Your distinction between Dubuque ("very tough"!) and Illinois College ("Worse than Benedictine!") is entirely suspect and, ugh: responding to a post decrying the hollowness of conference rah-rah with more conference rah-rah is, like, autistic. You win. Your conference is better. We've been through that. Engage, please, with the actual question.

I'll re-post:

Isn't holding a team like IC (and other "fine to good" teams) to 26 yards rushing a relative indication that we might expect Bash to hold a team like NCC to, say, 175? And isn't that statistic a constant in every tight and losing game the Cardinals have played?

Illinois College d. Millikin 34-30
NCC d. Millikin 61-14
NCC d. Dubuque 59-13

Appears to me as if Illinois College and Dubuque are in the same ballpark (given how close the game was between Illinois College and Millikin) -- roughly.

[WABCOL86]

Belton has shown some uptick on the learning curve from earlier in the season.  he makes better decisions than in the first four games.  Belton, if healthy, is pretty fast.  He also has a very strong arm.  Sometimes he thinks he is Peyton Manning in trying to stick the ball into tight corners and windows, but has cut down on that recently.  Up and down in accuracy.  Size is a factor sincer he is 5'11" and about 175 pounds.

[BayernFan]

I have to agree with cigarstore that invoking autism as an insult is really offensive, BashDad. And I say this as someone who has heretofore been very impressed by the depth and reasoning of your posts this week.

Maybe someone who goes by a screen name of "cigar store indian" shouldnt be so easily offended.