FB: American Rivers Conference

[emma17]

Really looking forward to this game. Big congratulations to Central for the victory over Bethel. Central had been under-appreciated prior to last Saturday. I'm guilty of the "wait and see" attitude as Central ran the regular season slate.

[DuffMan]

I'm guilty of the "wait and see" attitude as Central ran the regular season slate.

As was I.  There were some tough-as-nails IIAC teams in the recent past, but it just seemed like the conference has slid downhill the past few years (maybe it slid with the name change to the ARC  ).  It's good to see another tough team from Iowa come to the table!

[emma17]

I'm guilty of the "wait and see" attitude as Central ran the regular season slate.

As was I.  There were some tough-as-nails IIAC teams in the recent past, but it just seemed like the conference has slid downhill the past few years (maybe it slid with the name change to the ARC  ).  It's good to see another tough team from Iowa come to the table!

Probably should commission some sort of study on the performance of teams and conferences after a name change. You spend your whole career or even life knowing who you are (sort of) and bam, you're someone else.

Agreed on toughness of the Iowa teams. Wartburg at UWW 2014 is still fresh in my mind- excellent football team.

[SpartanHouse]

To clarify, I tried to say this is the best OL/DL they have had overall at the same time.  There may have been better OL (I can't remember one) and this is the exact same DL except for Brayden Anthony instead of Pat O'Connell at DE. So I think the 3 returners and Brayden are better than the 2019 group. I agree the WR group isn't as strong as 2019. 

I am not sure how the Bethel game translates. If you are looking at that game and the relative strength of Bethel you then get into St Johns/Aurora/NCC etc and that's a tough argument for either side.

I think HansenRatings is often pretty accurate and he has it close to a pickem.

Pat O'Connell was a stud. That's the reasoning I think 2019 DL is better than 2021 after seeing them play Saturday.

I have also given up on the comparisons as well. Don't get how AU almost beats SJ and then SJ turned around and beats Wheaton in 2019.

I think this years Central team is the best IIAC team in the past 20 years. As you know, Wartburg has faired well on the national stage proving that the IIAC can hang w the big boys. Excited for this game Saturday.

[DuffMan]

I have also given up on the comparisons as well. Don't get how AU almost beats SJ and then SJ turned around and beats Wheaton in 2019.

Zimbleman just gave them fits.  As evidenced by the 2021 game, that offense is tough for SJU's scheme (also SJU had a ton of new guys on defence--including all but 1 DB).  Sometimes, score comparisons just don't work!

[Thunderdome21]

This is the best Offensive Line/Defensive Front, as a whole group, Wheaton has ever had. Very comparable to the 2019 version but better up front. They have faced the #2 and #12 offenses in the country and given up 20pts and 13 pts respectively. It will be a challenge to see how they do against Offense #1.

The Wheaton offense, ranked 10th in the country and actually averaging 7.7 yds per play (FYI, Central averages 7.5, NCC averages 8.7, Aurora 6.8) has been somewhat overlooked and will be the matchup I am most interested in. Bethel ranks #34 in total offense (#61 in defense) and was Central's best opponent so far.

Central does some unique things on offense and defense which will present its own challenges. Two very motivated teams going into this one.

I actually thought Wheaton has had better OL in the past. Didn't think this was their top group.
Also thought their 2019 DL was better.
Lastly, I thought their WR core was their worst position group.

Seeing how Central dismantled Bethel I think this will be a GREAT game and Central will have a chance to win in the 4th.

Can you think of a year where Wheaton was better on the O-line than this one?  While I've only been following Wheaton football since 2018, this year's O-line is by far the most dominant that I've seen.

As for the Wheaton D-Line, 2021 is also more dominating. Opposing teams are averaging 37.1 rushing yds per game against them this year (#2 in the nation) whereas in 2019, opposing teams averaged  51.8 rushing yds against them.  They lead D-3 in sacks. Dallas McRae already has more sacks and TFL than he had in 2019 when he was the Defensive Player of the Year. Jake Holaday was really good in 2019, but is even better this year. Already has 3 more sacks than 2019, is on pace to have more TFL's than 2019, and he has broke up 8 passes from the line of scrimmage. Luke Anthony, who replaced Patrick O'Connell from 2019, has very similar numbers to O'Connell, except Anthony intercepted a pass and ran it back 29 yards for a TD.  River Schindledecker has almost exactly the same numbers so far as last year, except he's only played 11 games rather than the 13 that he played when Wheaton made the quarterfinals.  Add to the fact that they like to bring Will LB Wyatt Lee in blitzing packages, which has resulted in 7 sacks for Wyatt. 

IMHO, this game will be won in the trenches, special teams, and turnovers. Can Wheaton bring enough pressure to make Blaine Hawkins (the best QB in D-3), uncomfortable in the pocket? So far, no team that Central faced this year has been able to do so. I am not sure if that's because the competition's been mediocre or because Central's O-Line is really good. I suspect its a combination of both.  I don't see Bethel as a good measuring stick and comparison when it comes to good defensive teams. They were 61st in scoring defense, 188th in sacks, and 82nd in rushing defense. Therefore, Hawkins was able to tee off against them and do what wanted to do.   Also can Central stop Wheaton's extraordinary run game?  One can make a credible argument that Wheaton and North Central have the top two rushing offenses with the top 2 RBs in D-3.  Overlooked is the fact that Central's defense only allows 3.01 rushing yds per carry, which is pretty good.  Wheaton, on the other hand averages 7.15 rushing yards per carry which is the best in the D-3.

I was really impressed by Central's special teams, especially its kick return game. It was one of the major reasons why Central was able to score so many points on Bethel. Almost every drive began with a half field or shorter. That's amazing! Wheaton's defensive special teams, while it started off rough in its first 2 or 3 games, has become one of its primary strengths.  Wheaton is 6th in d-3 with touchbacks against their kicking team. Wheaton also leads all of d-3 in punt blocks with 8. 

I like Wheaton's chances in this game because of the matchups that I mentioned.  The old adage that defense wins championships applies to this game. 

[USee]

I have been closely following Wheaton for over 30 years and I don't remember a better OLine/DLine.

I have also seen Central most years going back to playoffs against Augustana in the 80's and this is as good a team as I have seen.

It will be a great game.

[Thunderdome21]

To clarify, I tried to say this is the best OL/DL they have had overall at the same time.  There may have been better OL (I can't remember one) and this is the exact same DL except for Brayden Anthony instead of Pat O'Connell at DE. So I think the 3 returners and Brayden are better than the 2019 group. I agree the WR group isn't as strong as 2019. 

I am not sure how the Bethel game translates. If you are looking at that game and the relative strength of Bethel you then get into St Johns/Aurora/NCC etc and that's a tough argument for either side.

I think HansenRatings is often pretty accurate and he has it close to a pickem.

Pat O'Connell was a stud. That's the reasoning I think 2019 DL is better than 2021 after seeing them play Saturday.

I have also given up on the comparisons as well. Don't get how AU almost beats SJ and then SJ turned around and beats Wheaton in 2019.

I think this years Central team is the best IIAC team in the past 20 years. As you know, Wartburg has faired well on the national stage proving that the IIAC can hang w the big boys. Excited for this game Saturday.

SJ played an injury-plagued Wheaton team in 2019.  Wheaton was vulnerable because it wasn't healthy. They had lost 2 two really good starting offensive lineman for the season, they had lost Spencer Peterson for the season, they had lost their all-conference SAM linebacker for the season, and several key players including all conference RB TJ Williams and all conference WR Phillip Nichols were not 100%, but were playing through some injuries.   

That is why I am not so keen on SJ going very far in this year's tournament.  They have just as many (or maybe more) injuries as Wheaton had in 2019.  Of course I'm not factoring in the Johnny Magic... so maybe I'm wrong.

[SpartanHouse]

This is the best Offensive Line/Defensive Front, as a whole group, Wheaton has ever had. Very comparable to the 2019 version but better up front. They have faced the #2 and #12 offenses in the country and given up 20pts and 13 pts respectively. It will be a challenge to see how they do against Offense #1.

The Wheaton offense, ranked 10th in the country and actually averaging 7.7 yds per play (FYI, Central averages 7.5, NCC averages 8.7, Aurora 6.8) has been somewhat overlooked and will be the matchup I am most interested in. Bethel ranks #34 in total offense (#61 in defense) and was Central's best opponent so far.

Central does some unique things on offense and defense which will present its own challenges. Two very motivated teams going into this one.

I actually thought Wheaton has had better OL in the past. Didn't think this was their top group.
Also thought their 2019 DL was better.
Lastly, I thought their WR core was their worst position group.

Seeing how Central dismantled Bethel I think this will be a GREAT game and Central will have a chance to win in the 4th.

Can you think of a year where Wheaton was better on the O-line than this one?  While I've only been following Wheaton football since 2018, this year's O-line is by far the most dominant that I've seen.

As for the Wheaton D-Line, 2021 is also more dominating. Opposing teams are averaging 37.1 rushing yds per game against them this year (#2 in the nation) whereas in 2019, opposing teams averaged  51.8 rushing yds against them.  They lead D-3 in sacks. Dallas McRae already has more sacks and TFL than he had in 2019 when he was the Defensive Player of the Year. Jake Holaday was really good in 2019, but is even better this year. Already has 3 more sacks than 2019, is on pace to have more TFL's than 2019, and he has broke up 8 passes from the line of scrimmage. Luke Anthony, who replaced Patrick O'Connell from 2019, has very similar numbers to O'Connell, except Anthony intercepted a pass and ran it back 29 yards for a TD.  River Schindledecker has almost exactly the same numbers so far as last year, except he's only played 11 games rather than the 13 that he played when Wheaton made the quarterfinals.  Add to the fact that they like to bring Will LB Wyatt Lee in blitzing packages, which has resulted in 7 sacks for Wyatt. 

IMHO, this game will be won in the trenches, special teams, and turnovers. Can Wheaton bring enough pressure to make Blaine Hawkins (the best QB in D-3), uncomfortable in the pocket? So far, no team that Central faced this year has been able to do so. I am not sure if that's because the competition's been mediocre or because Central's O-Line is really good. I suspect its a combination of both.  I don't see Bethel as a good measuring stick and comparison when it comes to good defensive teams. They were 61st in scoring defense, 188th in sacks, and 82nd in rushing defense. Therefore, Hawkins was able to tee off against them and do what wanted to do.   Also can Central stop Wheaton's extraordinary run game?  One can make a credible argument that Wheaton and North Central have the top two rushing offenses with the top 2 RBs in D-3.  Overlooked is the fact that Central's defense only allows 3.01 rushing yds per carry, which is pretty good.  Wheaton, on the other hand averages 7.15 rushing yards per carry which is the best in the D-3.

I was really impressed by Central's special teams, especially its kick return game. It was one of the major reasons why Central was able to score so many points on Bethel. Almost every drive began with a half field or shorter. That's amazing! Wheaton's defensive special teams, while it started off rough in its first 2 or 3 games, has become one of its primary strengths.  Wheaton is 6th in d-3 with touchbacks against their kicking team. Wheaton also leads all of d-3 in punt blocks with 8. 

I like Wheaton's chances in this game because of the matchups that I mentioned.  The old adage that defense wins championships applies to this game.

Just one mans opinion but I don't put a lot of stake in Wheatons statistics this year as the CCIW was as mediocre as i can remember(The top of the conference was the best ever). Wheaton also didn't ply a quality team in non-conference.


I think this game comes down to Wheaton's secondary vs Central's Pass Game AND if Central can stop the run. Wheaton in a shootout.

[bleedpurple]

This is the best Offensive Line/Defensive Front, as a whole group, Wheaton has ever had. Very comparable to the 2019 version but better up front. They have faced the #2 and #12 offenses in the country and given up 20pts and 13 pts respectively. It will be a challenge to see how they do against Offense #1.

The Wheaton offense, ranked 10th in the country and actually averaging 7.7 yds per play (FYI, Central averages 7.5, NCC averages 8.7, Aurora 6.8) has been somewhat overlooked and will be the matchup I am most interested in. Bethel ranks #34 in total offense (#61 in defense) and was Central's best opponent so far.

Central does some unique things on offense and defense which will present its own challenges. Two very motivated teams going into this one.

I actually thought Wheaton has had better OL in the past. Didn't think this was their top group.
Also thought their 2019 DL was better.
Lastly, I thought their WR core was their worst position group.

Seeing how Central dismantled Bethel I think this will be a GREAT game and Central will have a chance to win in the 4th.

Can you think of a year where Wheaton was better on the O-line than this one?  While I've only been following Wheaton football since 2018, this year's O-line is by far the most dominant that I've seen.

As for the Wheaton D-Line, 2021 is also more dominating. Opposing teams are averaging 37.1 rushing yds per game against them this year (#2 in the nation) whereas in 2019, opposing teams averaged  51.8 rushing yds against them.  They lead D-3 in sacks. Dallas McRae already has more sacks and TFL than he had in 2019 when he was the Defensive Player of the Year. Jake Holaday was really good in 2019, but is even better this year. Already has 3 more sacks than 2019, is on pace to have more TFL's than 2019, and he has broke up 8 passes from the line of scrimmage. Luke Anthony, who replaced Patrick O'Connell from 2019, has very similar numbers to O'Connell, except Anthony intercepted a pass and ran it back 29 yards for a TD.  River Schindledecker has almost exactly the same numbers so far as last year, except he's only played 11 games rather than the 13 that he played when Wheaton made the quarterfinals.  Add to the fact that they like to bring Will LB Wyatt Lee in blitzing packages, which has resulted in 7 sacks for Wyatt. 

IMHO, this game will be won in the trenches, special teams, and turnovers. Can Wheaton bring enough pressure to make Blaine Hawkins (the best QB in D-3), uncomfortable in the pocket? So far, no team that Central faced this year has been able to do so. I am not sure if that's because the competition's been mediocre or because Central's O-Line is really good. I suspect its a combination of both.  I don't see Bethel as a good measuring stick and comparison when it comes to good defensive teams. They were 61st in scoring defense, 188th in sacks, and 82nd in rushing defense. Therefore, Hawkins was able to tee off against them and do what wanted to do.   Also can Central stop Wheaton's extraordinary run game?  One can make a credible argument that Wheaton and North Central have the top two rushing offenses with the top 2 RBs in D-3.  Overlooked is the fact that Central's defense only allows 3.01 rushing yds per carry, which is pretty good.  Wheaton, on the other hand averages 7.15 rushing yards per carry which is the best in the D-3.

I was really impressed by Central's special teams, especially its kick return game. It was one of the major reasons why Central was able to score so many points on Bethel. Almost every drive began with a half field or shorter. That's amazing! Wheaton's defensive special teams, while it started off rough in its first 2 or 3 games, has become one of its primary strengths.  Wheaton is 6th in d-3 with touchbacks against their kicking team. Wheaton also leads all of d-3 in punt blocks with 8. 

I like Wheaton's chances in this game because of the matchups that I mentioned.  The old adage that defense wins championships applies to this game.

Just one mans opinion but I don't put a lot of stake in Wheatons statistics this year as the CCIW was as mediocre as i can remember(The top of the conference was the best ever). Wheaton also didn't ply a quality team in non-conference.


I think this game comes down to Wheaton's secondary vs Central's Pass Game AND if Central can stop the run. Wheaton in a shootout.

What is the best team Wheaton has beaten this year?

[SpartanHouse]

A Wheaton fan can answer better but probably Wash U.

[USee]

This is the best Offensive Line/Defensive Front, as a whole group, Wheaton has ever had. Very comparable to the 2019 version but better up front. They have faced the #2 and #12 offenses in the country and given up 20pts and 13 pts respectively. It will be a challenge to see how they do against Offense #1.

The Wheaton offense, ranked 10th in the country and actually averaging 7.7 yds per play (FYI, Central averages 7.5, NCC averages 8.7, Aurora 6.8) has been somewhat overlooked and will be the matchup I am most interested in. Bethel ranks #34 in total offense (#61 in defense) and was Central's best opponent so far.

Central does some unique things on offense and defense which will present its own challenges. Two very motivated teams going into this one.

I actually thought Wheaton has had better OL in the past. Didn't think this was their top group.
Also thought their 2019 DL was better.
Lastly, I thought their WR core was their worst position group.

Seeing how Central dismantled Bethel I think this will be a GREAT game and Central will have a chance to win in the 4th.

Can you think of a year where Wheaton was better on the O-line than this one?  While I've only been following Wheaton football since 2018, this year's O-line is by far the most dominant that I've seen.

As for the Wheaton D-Line, 2021 is also more dominating. Opposing teams are averaging 37.1 rushing yds per game against them this year (#2 in the nation) whereas in 2019, opposing teams averaged  51.8 rushing yds against them.  They lead D-3 in sacks. Dallas McRae already has more sacks and TFL than he had in 2019 when he was the Defensive Player of the Year. Jake Holaday was really good in 2019, but is even better this year. Already has 3 more sacks than 2019, is on pace to have more TFL's than 2019, and he has broke up 8 passes from the line of scrimmage. Luke Anthony, who replaced Patrick O'Connell from 2019, has very similar numbers to O'Connell, except Anthony intercepted a pass and ran it back 29 yards for a TD.  River Schindledecker has almost exactly the same numbers so far as last year, except he's only played 11 games rather than the 13 that he played when Wheaton made the quarterfinals.  Add to the fact that they like to bring Will LB Wyatt Lee in blitzing packages, which has resulted in 7 sacks for Wyatt. 

IMHO, this game will be won in the trenches, special teams, and turnovers. Can Wheaton bring enough pressure to make Blaine Hawkins (the best QB in D-3), uncomfortable in the pocket? So far, no team that Central faced this year has been able to do so. I am not sure if that's because the competition's been mediocre or because Central's O-Line is really good. I suspect its a combination of both.  I don't see Bethel as a good measuring stick and comparison when it comes to good defensive teams. They were 61st in scoring defense, 188th in sacks, and 82nd in rushing defense. Therefore, Hawkins was able to tee off against them and do what wanted to do.   Also can Central stop Wheaton's extraordinary run game?  One can make a credible argument that Wheaton and North Central have the top two rushing offenses with the top 2 RBs in D-3.  Overlooked is the fact that Central's defense only allows 3.01 rushing yds per carry, which is pretty good.  Wheaton, on the other hand averages 7.15 rushing yards per carry which is the best in the D-3.

I was really impressed by Central's special teams, especially its kick return game. It was one of the major reasons why Central was able to score so many points on Bethel. Almost every drive began with a half field or shorter. That's amazing! Wheaton's defensive special teams, while it started off rough in its first 2 or 3 games, has become one of its primary strengths.  Wheaton is 6th in d-3 with touchbacks against their kicking team. Wheaton also leads all of d-3 in punt blocks with 8. 

I like Wheaton's chances in this game because of the matchups that I mentioned.  The old adage that defense wins championships applies to this game.

Just one mans opinion but I don't put a lot of stake in Wheaton's statistics this year as the CCIW was as mediocre as i can remember(The top of the conference was the best ever). Wheaton also didn't ply a quality team in non-conference.


I think this game comes down to Wheaton's secondary vs Central's Pass Game AND if Central can stop the run. Wheaton in a shootout.

What is the best team Wheaton has beaten this year?

Why is that a factor this Saturday? While it's important to understand teams relative strengths given the few data points we all have to work with, figuring out who is strong and who isn't is a tough exercise because it's complex.

[USee]

This is the best Offensive Line/Defensive Front, as a whole group, Wheaton has ever had. Very comparable to the 2019 version but better up front. They have faced the #2 and #12 offenses in the country and given up 20pts and 13 pts respectively. It will be a challenge to see how they do against Offense #1.

The Wheaton offense, ranked 10th in the country and actually averaging 7.7 yds per play (FYI, Central averages 7.5, NCC averages 8.7, Aurora 6.8) has been somewhat overlooked and will be the matchup I am most interested in. Bethel ranks #34 in total offense (#61 in defense) and was Central's best opponent so far.

Central does some unique things on offense and defense which will present its own challenges. Two very motivated teams going into this one.

I actually thought Wheaton has had better OL in the past. Didn't think this was their top group.
Also thought their 2019 DL was better.
Lastly, I thought their WR core was their worst position group.

Seeing how Central dismantled Bethel I think this will be a GREAT game and Central will have a chance to win in the 4th.

Can you think of a year where Wheaton was better on the O-line than this one?  While I've only been following Wheaton football since 2018, this year's O-line is by far the most dominant that I've seen.

As for the Wheaton D-Line, 2021 is also more dominating. Opposing teams are averaging 37.1 rushing yds per game against them this year (#2 in the nation) whereas in 2019, opposing teams averaged  51.8 rushing yds against them.  They lead D-3 in sacks. Dallas McRae already has more sacks and TFL than he had in 2019 when he was the Defensive Player of the Year. Jake Holaday was really good in 2019, but is even better this year. Already has 3 more sacks than 2019, is on pace to have more TFL's than 2019, and he has broke up 8 passes from the line of scrimmage. Luke Anthony, who replaced Patrick O'Connell from 2019, has very similar numbers to O'Connell, except Anthony intercepted a pass and ran it back 29 yards for a TD.  River Schindledecker has almost exactly the same numbers so far as last year, except he's only played 11 games rather than the 13 that he played when Wheaton made the quarterfinals.  Add to the fact that they like to bring Will LB Wyatt Lee in blitzing packages, which has resulted in 7 sacks for Wyatt. 

IMHO, this game will be won in the trenches, special teams, and turnovers. Can Wheaton bring enough pressure to make Blaine Hawkins (the best QB in D-3), uncomfortable in the pocket? So far, no team that Central faced this year has been able to do so. I am not sure if that's because the competition's been mediocre or because Central's O-Line is really good. I suspect its a combination of both.  I don't see Bethel as a good measuring stick and comparison when it comes to good defensive teams. They were 61st in scoring defense, 188th in sacks, and 82nd in rushing defense. Therefore, Hawkins was able to tee off against them and do what wanted to do.   Also can Central stop Wheaton's extraordinary run game?  One can make a credible argument that Wheaton and North Central have the top two rushing offenses with the top 2 RBs in D-3.  Overlooked is the fact that Central's defense only allows 3.01 rushing yds per carry, which is pretty good.  Wheaton, on the other hand averages 7.15 rushing yards per carry which is the best in the D-3.

I was really impressed by Central's special teams, especially its kick return game. It was one of the major reasons why Central was able to score so many points on Bethel. Almost every drive began with a half field or shorter. That's amazing! Wheaton's defensive special teams, while it started off rough in its first 2 or 3 games, has become one of its primary strengths.  Wheaton is 6th in d-3 with touchbacks against their kicking team. Wheaton also leads all of d-3 in punt blocks with 8. 

I like Wheaton's chances in this game because of the matchups that I mentioned.  The old adage that defense wins championships applies to this game.

Just one mans opinion but I don't put a lot of stake in Wheatons statistics this year as the CCIW was as mediocre as i can remember(The top of the conference was the best ever). Wheaton also didn't ply a quality team in non-conference.


I think this game comes down to Wheaton's secondary vs Central's Pass Game AND if Central can stop the run. Wheaton in a shootout.

Isn't that true of Central and Bethel too? Even UWW? Most of those teams didn't play anyone out of conference. Bethel played North Park. So all their stats aren't worth looking at? Central is #1 offense in the land but they haven't played anyone, does that make their stats no good?

I find the stats, which are definitely relative, are indications of a teams strengths (and weaknesses). They don't necessarily give you a complete picture of how a team measures up against a future opponent, but they do tell you how they like to play and what they are generally good at.

[SpartanHouse]

Not following

I'm saying the CCIW wasn't a good conference this year. MIAC and WIAC were pretty good.

[bleedpurple]

This is the best Offensive Line/Defensive Front, as a whole group, Wheaton has ever had. Very comparable to the 2019 version but better up front. They have faced the #2 and #12 offenses in the country and given up 20pts and 13 pts respectively. It will be a challenge to see how they do against Offense #1.

The Wheaton offense, ranked 10th in the country and actually averaging 7.7 yds per play (FYI, Central averages 7.5, NCC averages 8.7, Aurora 6.8) has been somewhat overlooked and will be the matchup I am most interested in. Bethel ranks #34 in total offense (#61 in defense) and was Central's best opponent so far.

Central does some unique things on offense and defense which will present its own challenges. Two very motivated teams going into this one.

I actually thought Wheaton has had better OL in the past. Didn't think this was their top group.
Also thought their 2019 DL was better.
Lastly, I thought their WR core was their worst position group.

Seeing how Central dismantled Bethel I think this will be a GREAT game and Central will have a chance to win in the 4th.

Can you think of a year where Wheaton was better on the O-line than this one?  While I've only been following Wheaton football since 2018, this year's O-line is by far the most dominant that I've seen.

As for the Wheaton D-Line, 2021 is also more dominating. Opposing teams are averaging 37.1 rushing yds per game against them this year (#2 in the nation) whereas in 2019, opposing teams averaged  51.8 rushing yds against them.  They lead D-3 in sacks. Dallas McRae already has more sacks and TFL than he had in 2019 when he was the Defensive Player of the Year. Jake Holaday was really good in 2019, but is even better this year. Already has 3 more sacks than 2019, is on pace to have more TFL's than 2019, and he has broke up 8 passes from the line of scrimmage. Luke Anthony, who replaced Patrick O'Connell from 2019, has very similar numbers to O'Connell, except Anthony intercepted a pass and ran it back 29 yards for a TD.  River Schindledecker has almost exactly the same numbers so far as last year, except he's only played 11 games rather than the 13 that he played when Wheaton made the quarterfinals.  Add to the fact that they like to bring Will LB Wyatt Lee in blitzing packages, which has resulted in 7 sacks for Wyatt. 

IMHO, this game will be won in the trenches, special teams, and turnovers. Can Wheaton bring enough pressure to make Blaine Hawkins (the best QB in D-3), uncomfortable in the pocket? So far, no team that Central faced this year has been able to do so. I am not sure if that's because the competition's been mediocre or because Central's O-Line is really good. I suspect its a combination of both.  I don't see Bethel as a good measuring stick and comparison when it comes to good defensive teams. They were 61st in scoring defense, 188th in sacks, and 82nd in rushing defense. Therefore, Hawkins was able to tee off against them and do what wanted to do.   Also can Central stop Wheaton's extraordinary run game?  One can make a credible argument that Wheaton and North Central have the top two rushing offenses with the top 2 RBs in D-3.  Overlooked is the fact that Central's defense only allows 3.01 rushing yds per carry, which is pretty good.  Wheaton, on the other hand averages 7.15 rushing yards per carry which is the best in the D-3.

I was really impressed by Central's special teams, especially its kick return game. It was one of the major reasons why Central was able to score so many points on Bethel. Almost every drive began with a half field or shorter. That's amazing! Wheaton's defensive special teams, while it started off rough in its first 2 or 3 games, has become one of its primary strengths.  Wheaton is 6th in d-3 with touchbacks against their kicking team. Wheaton also leads all of d-3 in punt blocks with 8. 

I like Wheaton's chances in this game because of the matchups that I mentioned.  The old adage that defense wins championships applies to this game.

Just one mans opinion but I don't put a lot of stake in Wheaton's statistics this year as the CCIW was as mediocre as i can remember(The top of the conference was the best ever). Wheaton also didn't ply a quality team in non-conference.


I think this game comes down to Wheaton's secondary vs Central's Pass Game AND if Central can stop the run. Wheaton in a shootout.

What is the best team Wheaton has beaten this year?

Why is that a factor this Saturday? While it's important to understand teams relative strengths given the few data points we all have to work with, figuring out who is strong and who isn't is a tough exercise because it's complex.

I'm not sure this is a factor this Saturday. I wasn't implying that. I was just curious as to the perceptions out there. I think UW-W has played several teams with Top 15 level size and speed (UW-L, UW-RF, UW-0, Salisbury). But as for Saturday, Central has played one IMO, Bethel. Truthfully, they shocked me with how many points they put on Bethel. I'm not saying Bethel is Wheaton. They are not.  But they are a top 15 type team. 

Wheaton is fascinating because they played NCC really well.  But beyond that,  we have no data beyond that as far as how they fare against Top 15 level talent.  We will know far more about them after another game or two.