FB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[bleedpurple]

On the topic of scheduling D2 programs... UW Oshkosh played Minnesota Mankato in 2006 and lost 22 to 33. That team finished only 5-5. this year's team could absolutely win plenty of Division II football games. UWW lost to St Cloud St in the late 00's I believe and lost a close game. They went on to win the D3 title. In both cases the D2 team finished below .500.

I agree completely that year's UWO would beat plenty of DII teams. And the DII teams have little to gain by taking that risk. So scheduling remains problematic. Ideally a solution could emerge within DIII, but it's difficult because the current format provides little incentive for most teams to schedule a potentially really good team. I really respect the programs that are willing to play good teams.

[D O.C.]

Let's hope the money managers keep WIAC/NWC pre-conference games alive.
I have no inside idea where LF money lies but if George Fox can do it, I don't know why LF can't play Stevens Point or LAX again.
Ideally a 2 year deal with WW.

[bleedpurple]

Let's hope the money managers keep WIAC/NWC pre-conference games alive.
I have no inside idea where LF money lies but if George Fox can do it, I don't know why LF can't play Stevens Point or LAX again.
Ideally a 2 year deal with WW.

Now THAT would be awesome! I don't know how far out the Cats are scheduled, but they have proven they are willing to play excellent teams in taking on UMHB. I wonder how far out Linfield is scheduled for their non-conference games.  Speaking of which, why do they not play 10 games a year?

[02 Warhawk]

Let's hope the money managers keep WIAC/NWC pre-conference games alive.
I have no inside idea where LF money lies but if George Fox can do it, I don't know why LF can't play Stevens Point or LAX again.
Ideally a 2 year deal with WW.

Now THAT would be awesome! I don't know how far out the Cats are scheduled, but they have proven they are willing to play excellent teams in taking on UMHB. I wonder how far out Linfield is scheduled for their non-conference games.  Speaking of which, why do they not play 10 games a year?

Haven't these 2 programs attempt this in the past, but the plans fell through?

[bleedpurple]

Let's hope the money managers keep WIAC/NWC pre-conference games alive.
I have no inside idea where LF money lies but if George Fox can do it, I don't know why LF can't play Stevens Point or LAX again.
Ideally a 2 year deal with WW.

Now THAT would be awesome! I don't know how far out the Cats are scheduled, but they have proven they are willing to play excellent teams in taking on UMHB. I wonder how far out Linfield is scheduled for their non-conference games.  Speaking of which, why do they not play 10 games a year?

Haven't these 2 programs attempt this in the past, but the plans fell through?

It seems to me there were discussions, but they couldn't make the finances work? But my memory has moved from being simply forgetful to actually making things up, so don't hold me to that!

[emma17]

I'd love to see UWW play Linfield, but I don't see how a game like that fits in with the goal of winning the national championship. Like you said Bleed, unless the pool C selection process changes, I think there is more to lose than to gain. The WIAC provides enough competition to prepare for playoffs. I'd rather see them schedule a team like Robert Morris or Morningside than a Linfield. RM and Morningside provide the experience of playing better/faster athletes while a loss doesn't hurt as much.

[WarhawkDad]

Imo, UWW should have a little easier time finding willing opponents then in the past (not saying easy, but easier).

Hope you are right. Doubt it. You know who should be willing to play us? Every school represented on the West Region and National Committee. That's who. You don't even want to rank us? Cool.  Play us.

AMEN!

[bleedpurple]

I'd love to see UWW play Linfield, but I don't see how a game like that fits in with the goal of winning the national championship. Like you said Bleed, unless the pool C selection process changes, I think there is more to lose than to gain. The WIAC provides enough competition to prepare for playoffs. I'd rather see them schedule a team like Robert Morris or Morningside than a Linfield. RM and Morningside provide the experience of playing better/faster athletes while a loss doesn't hurt as much.

I know. As sad as that is, it's true.  Playing UMHB the first game of the season the last two years has definitely not positioned them well in the playoffs. Conversely (I think), I'm not sure beating Linfield really affected UMHB all that much either.  Maybe it helped them gain home field in the semi's last year? But you are right, especially in the WIAC, the risk of playing a Linfield is great. I meant it would be awesome because the games and experience of playing them would be awesome. It's just too bad the current criteria works against awesome! Seems like everyone loses!

[HScoach]

^  the Mount loss to John Carroll had more to do with MHB hosting the semi than their win over Linfield.

[fredfalcon]

Other than the UWRF finish in the WIAC, I see no justification for Michael Diggins not making first team all conference. And that really is not a justification.

[02 Warhawk]

I'd love to see UWW play Linfield, but I don't see how a game like that fits in with the goal of winning the national championship. Like you said Bleed, unless the pool C selection process changes, I think there is more to lose than to gain. The WIAC provides enough competition to prepare for playoffs. I'd rather see them schedule a team like Robert Morris or Morningside than a Linfield. RM and Morningside provide the experience of playing better/faster athletes while a loss doesn't hurt as much.

This is spot on. Plus, you can make a strong argument that an ambitious non-conference schedule kept UWW out of the playoffs this year.

However,  i'm not letting them totally off the hook for their tough schedule. They really did underperform...those are 2 games they should have won.

The coaching staff really needs a bounce back season next year. As a fan and alumn, it's concerning how this program has been trending over the past 3 seasons. Winning the WIAC in 2018 would be a great start for the fan base to restore some confidence in this coaching staff.

[USee]

I'd love to see UWW play Linfield, but I don't see how a game like that fits in with the goal of winning the national championship. Like you said Bleed, unless the pool C selection process changes, I think there is more to lose than to gain. The WIAC provides enough competition to prepare for playoffs. I'd rather see them schedule a team like Robert Morris or Morningside than a Linfield. RM and Morningside provide the experience of playing better/faster athletes while a loss doesn't hurt as much.

I know. As sad as that is, it's true.  Playing UMHB the first game of the season the last two years has definitely not positioned them well in the playoffs. Conversely (I think), I'm not sure beating Linfield really affected UMHB all that much either.  Maybe it helped them gain home field in the semi's last year? But you are right, especially in the WIAC, the risk of playing a Linfield is great. I meant it would be awesome because the games and experience of playing them would be awesome. It's just too bad the current criteria works against awesome! Seems like everyone loses!

This has been Wheaton Coach Mike Swider's mantra for years and why he doesn't schedule top 10 teams in the Non conference.

[Veracity]

I'd love to see UWW play Linfield, but I don't see how a game like that fits in with the goal of winning the national championship. Like you said Bleed, unless the pool C selection process changes, I think there is more to lose than to gain. The WIAC provides enough competition to prepare for playoffs. I'd rather see them schedule a team like Robert Morris or Morningside than a Linfield. RM and Morningside provide the experience of playing better/faster athletes while a loss doesn't hurt as much.

This is spot on. Plus, you can make a strong argument that an ambitious non-conference schedule kept UWW out of the playoffs this year.

However,  i'm not letting them totally off the hook for their tough schedule. They really did underperform...those are 2 games they should have won.

The coaching staff really needs a bounce back season next year. As a fan and alumn, it's concerning how this program has been trending over the past 3 seasons. Winning the WIAC in 2018 would be a great start for the fan base to restore some confidence in this coaching staff.

I don't think the offense side of the coaching staff has the ability to bounce back. They lost some pivotal players due to graduation.  I haven't heard much on who they have recruited to come in behind them.  Truthfully, after the play calling, penalties, and overall disorganized nature of the offense this year, I don't foresee it getting better until there is a change in the staff.

[emma17]

Good points Veracity.
I caught a little of the UWO first quarter. Their second touchdown was reminscent of the old UWW offense. They broke the huddle and lined up, then did a multiple player shift bringing strength to the left. Then they brought motion, slot from right to left and TD. 

At UWW, Candyland has produced Fancyland.

[New Tradition]

Crickets over here for 2 days during the playoffs?  Do we not have many UWO posters?  I guess I'll get the ball rolling.  First of all, congrats on taking care of business and steamrolling Lakeland.  What can we expect to see from the Titans?  What do they do well?  Are there any attractions or fine dining (read: delicious/inexpensive gin joints) that we should be checking out?  What is the tailgate scene like?  Is there a specific area for the visiting fans to do so?

As for the Cardinals, traditionally, they have a very balanced attack.  They have run the ball about 60% of the time all year, and they've had success all season doing so.  Most of the time they run the ball out of a spread formation.  The starting running back, Bruenig, was the Art Keller offensive player of the year for the CCIW this year.  The offensive line is big and moves well.  The receiving corps is very young, but is coming along nicely.  The standout target is #11, Kamienski.  Rutter, the QB, is just a sophomore, but won the Art Keller offensive player of the year award in 2016 as a freshman, so he can sling it.  If you had a chance to watch the game last week, what you saw isn't really indicative of the Cardinals' typical M.O.  Weather and a lower body injury to Bruenig led to the Cards really taking it to the Johnnies between the tackles with who we usually see as the Cards short yardage back, Dom Muoghalu.  He rushed for 180 yards on the day (the Johnnies gave up an average of 74/game going into last Saturday.)  Bruenig's status for this upcoming Saturday is uncertain. 

Defensively, the front 7 is a big strength for the Cardinals.  The D-line in particular is exceptionally well coached, and they have 8 players that they'll sub in and out to keep legs fresh with no real change in production from one man to the next.  The LBs are stout.  Sora does a nice job plugging up the middle and DJ Warkenthien, an OLB can really move and typically wreaks a good amount of havoc in opponent's backfields.  Similar to the offensive side of the ball, the DBs are the young and inexperienced unit on this side of the ball.  The coaching staff tried a bunch of things personnel-wise until finally settling on the lineup that they are currently using.  Now that they have the Jimmy's and Joe's figured out and there has been some consistency there, the pass defense has drastically improved.  The defense has really come into its own lately.  They can get after the QB and VERY nearly held St. John's scoreless last Saturday.  There was a drive late in the 4th that consisted of 2 long passing plays that led to their lone score.  If the shutout had been preserved, it would have been St. John's first since 1990, I've been told. 

The overall team speed is good, though I'd imagine that's the case with most teams that are playing in a game after Thanksgiving.  Kicking game is excellent.  The place kicker, Crotty, is the most accurate in school history, and the punter (who actually got quite a few carries as an RB last week in the absence of Bruenig) is among the CCIW's best.