FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[usee]

How do you think Wheaton will do now that Ullrich is out?

this changes the CCIW race immensely in my view. What would NCC have done last year without Kam? Wheaton has some good horses in the stable but Zach is a special talent and poised to have a special year. And given the struggles of their running game early on there is no arguing the fact that Wheaton has come back to the pack. The question is how much? I will post my thoughts after this weekends game vs. Hope. 

[Mugsy]

How do you think Wheaton will do now that Ullrich is out?

Clearly Ullrich will be missed in a huge way, not only for his ability at QB, but also because he is an outstanding leader.

IMO, he was looking at a breakout year at QB based on his ability.  He has a great arm, outstanding pocket presence, and was very athletic so he could hurt you running the ball.  That is very difficult to replace.

That said I don't think Wheaton's cupboard is bare when it comes to the QB position.  I think Bradley is very capable and Sean Norris was a very good QB at Wheaton North high school.  To me it is a bit of an unknown as to what Norris can do at this point.

For any other Wheaton team over the past 5 years, I wouldn't be so concerned and could honestly say they would still be right up there in the running for the CCIW championship because Wheaton was so balanced run vs. pass.  Wheaton has had some very good RBs and OLines in the past that could pound the ball when necessary.  

The jury is still out on Wheaton's running game this year... the OLine has had some injuries, though the starters should be returning this week or next.  Can the OLine jell quickly?   Wheaton doesn't have the big, bruising RB's to get you the tough yards this year.  They have potential to be good/decent RB's, but if the OLine doesn't provide the holes, they aren't the kind of RBs to get you 3-4 yards out of nothing.

Wheaton clearly has an outstanding defense and special teams.  I believe Wheaton was relying heavily on Ullrich to carry the offense with the experienced receivers they had returning.

Given the past decade, I would not count Wheaton out by any means, but the loss of Ullrich is very significant to their chances.

[Mugsy]

How do you think Wheaton will do now that Ullrich is out?

this changes the CCIW race immensely in my view. What would NCC have done last year without Kam? Wheaton has some good horses in the stable but Zach is a special talent and poised to have a special year. And given the struggles of their running game early on there is no arguing the fact that Wheaton has come back to the pack. The question is how much? I will post my thoughts after this weekends game vs. Hope. 

I'm pretty much in agreement with usee on this one...

[Mugsy]

New idea for you CCIW analysts out there:

after this weekend's games (since the "preseason" will be over  8) )we all get to post our updated predictions on the CCIW race based on observations, research, analysis during the next week. Some haven't seen their own team play yet let alone any of the other teams so for you armchair analysts out there start pouring over the stats, websites, and of course d3football.com and if you haven't made it out to see a game find one near you this weekend.

I will prompt everyone starting Monday to post their new predictions based on most recent information and we can let the CCIW schedule and all the debates begin.

Nice idea.  I like it.

[NCC_alum62]

The guy is referencing Michael Gardiner, who is indeed on our 2001 preseason team.

Yeah I checked him out on BU's records page 38 career sacks and 19 in a single season 2000 I think, probably why you all put him on the preseason team.

[NCC_alum62]

How do you think Wheaton will do now that Ullrich is out?

Clearly Ullrich will be missed in a huge way, not only for his ability at QB, but also because he is an outstanding leader.

IMO, he was looking at a breakout year at QB based on his ability.  He has a great arm, outstanding pocket presence, and was very athletic so he could hurt you running the ball.  That is very difficult to replace.

That said I don't think Wheaton's cupboard is bare when it comes to the QB position.  I think Bradley is very capable and Sean Norris was a very good QB at Wheaton North high school.  To me it is a bit of an unknown as to what Norris can do at this point.

For any other Wheaton team over the past 5 years, I wouldn't be so concerned and could honestly say they would still be right up there in the running for the CCIW championship because Wheaton was so balanced run vs. pass.  Wheaton has had some very good RBs and OLines in the past that could pound the ball when necessary.  

The jury is still out on Wheaton's running game this year... the OLine has had some injuries, though the starters should be returning this week or next.  Can the OLine jell quickly?   Wheaton doesn't have the big, bruising RB's to get you the tough yards this year.  They have potential to be good/decent RB's, but if the OLine doesn't provide the holes, they aren't the kind of RBs to get you 3-4 yards out of nothing.

Wheaton clearly has an outstanding defense and special teams.  I believe Wheaton was relying heavily on Ullrich to carry the offense with the experienced receivers they had returning.

Given the past decade, I would not count Wheaton out by any means, but the loss of Ullrich is very significant to their chances.

Honestly based on what I've seen and read Wheaton is still #1 team and the team to beat in the CCIW this year.  NCC is close second in my mind before the season started and still close, but the passing game has been largely ineffective the first two games, I predicted the running game would carry the team early with Sulo and a good O-line but the QB and recievers need to step up if they want to challenge for a repeat.  Carthage and Elmhurst both have enough weapons to challenge for conference this year.

I was going to ask the question earlier but it seemed rude until we knew more if Ulrich was going to be fine or not:

Could he redshirt this season (medical reshirt which is allowed in CCIW) and come back next year?

[Tailgater]

I am an ex-Wheaton football player and recently got the update from one of the coaches on Zach Ullrich.  The preliminary diagnosis was that he suffered a hematoma on the brain (aka brain bleed), which is extremely serious and even life threatening.  It sounds like it was very serious for a while, but it looks like things have gotten better.  He has been responsive and the bleeding has stopped, which means he shouldn't require any surgery.  He isn't in the clear yet, so keep up your prayers, but things do look better.  The last thing I heard was that he was still in Barnes Jewish hospital in St. Louis.  This hospital is supposedly great at dealing with injuries like Zach's so I believe he is in great care.
That's all I know at the moment.  If I hear anything else I will let you guys know.  Just keep he and his family in your prayers.  As for his season, well that looks like it is pretty much over.

Hi all, been out on the right coast enjoying the heat, humidity and golf courses at Hilton Head so haven't been around to keep up to date. Sad news about Zach. This was the first topic talked about this morning upon returning to work. My parents are tightly connected at Wheaton and seemed to know the details. Apparently Zach was falling in and out of consciousness as a result of the hematoma which prompted the rush to the hospital. Don't know any details of when or how the hit which caused the condition occurred. I'm told, currently, all is going well and Zach should make a full recovery. Unfortunately, this will most likely be a career ending health condition for Zach. Not the way any athlete wants to leave their sport, but in the big picture health far outweighs the thrills and challenges of playing football. It is nice to see there are a lot of prayer warriors out there on this CCIW Post Board. Zach and family will continue to need your prayer support as he/they deal with the consequences of this unfortunate occurrence, so please be vigilant in your daily chats with God.

[NCC_alum62]

Agreed, no player wants thier career cut short by an injury, its painful enough when you know you've played your last game not hurt.

New idea for you CCIW analysts out there:

after this weekend's games (since the "preseason" will be over  8) )we all get to post our updated predictions on the CCIW race based on observations, research, analysis during the next week. Some haven't seen their own team play yet let alone any of the other teams so for you armchair analysts out there start pouring over the stats, websites, and of course d3football.com and if you haven't made it out to see a game find one near you this weekend.

I will prompt everyone starting Monday to post their new predictions based on most recent information and we can let the CCIW schedule and all the debates begin.

Nice idea.  I like it.

I like it as well. Good luck to all CCIW teams in pre-conference action this weekend (its like a cross between pre-season and non-conference) 

[Pat Coleman]

The guy is referencing Michael Gardiner, who is indeed on our 2001 preseason team.

See Pat, I knew you could do it. 

Which we did not release, say, on Sept. 21.

[D306]

Just logged on to follow some of the scores from the other regions, and read the story of the Wheaton injury.
Glad to hear he is on the mend.

Give your kids and players a big hug after the game and tell them how proud of them ( even if they did not get in game ) you are.
It is hard work and dedication and it can as we see end very quickly.

He is in our prayers.

Hang in there Wheaton and finish strong for him.

Albion Brits fan

[Tailgater]

New idea for you CCIW analysts out there:

after this weekend's games (since the "preseason" will be over  8) )we all get to post our updated predictions on the CCIW race based on observations, research, analysis during the next week. Some haven't seen their own team play yet let alone any of the other teams so for you armchair analysts out there start pouring over the stats, websites, and of course d3football.com and if you haven't made it out to see a game find one near you this weekend.

I will prompt everyone starting Monday to post their new predictions based on most recent information and we can let the CCIW schedule and all the debates begin.

Good idea usee. After 3 weeks it would appear Wheaton, NCC, Augie, Carthage and Elmhurst should make up the top 5 in some order. At the start I figured Wheaton as a run away with the CCIW this year, but obviously things change rapidly in this sport. It may come down to depth of roster for all these teams. Carthage has recovered quickly after the temporary loss of Brennan O'Boyle as Dan DeBoeuf has performed like the intended starter at QB. I am anxious to see who comes out first series at Elmhurst as O'Boyle was said to be available to return then. Nice to have 2 capable leaders available to run the offense. Not sure what to make of Whittier putting up 28 points on the D, but I'm certain there was an element of distraction at work as none of these kids have ever had a travel experience like this. Disneyland was involved so you know their heads were elsewhere that day. All said, this should lead to another week-in-week-out season in the CCIW where anyone can win. Better show up prepared and focused every game.

[Mr. Ypsi]

In reply to NCC_alum62's question:

Since it was only Wheaton's 2nd game, Ullrich would be eligible for a medical redshirt, but from what little I know about hematoma's I doubt he would get medical clearance to play again.  Besides, in nonscholarship d3 I would imagine that a great majority of players eligible for medical redshirts don't take them anyway - it's expensive!

[cardinaldad]

Prayer is powerful. Let's everyone keep Zach in our prayers. This will be a long road for him physically AND mentally. As someone posted earlier, anyone who has played the game knows how it affects you mentally when you leave the game on your own terms let alone when the terms are not your's. He will need a lot of support.

[cardinaldad]

[quote author=NCC_alum62 link=topic=4077.msg757284#msg757284
but the passing game has been largely ineffective the first two games, I predicted the running game would carry the team early with Sulo and a good O-line but the QB and recievers need to step up if they want to challenge for a repeat. 

NCC_ALUM62, I agree with you. The offense has me a bit worried. It's not horrible, but it's not where it needs to be to compete for the coference champiomship. And, it's not that we are used to Kam. Both qb's have missed wide open receivers. It appears that Kniss needs to settle down a bit and stop trying to force things. I think he is trying too hard.  IMO Fanthorpe has a SLIGHT edge. I believe he throws a better ball (long and short)and has better command of the offense. Several people I was talking to after the game on Saturday also felt that Fanthorpe had the edge. I hope they don't keep alternating them. I think it throws off the rhythm of the offense. One more game for one of them to stand out.
Will the coaches choose one?

[cardinaldad]

Hey CCIW teams, don't let your guard down against Wheaton. In lieu of Zach's misfortune, don't let the Wheaton posters lull you into thinking that they don't have a quality qb ready to play. You're not a perrenial power without having depth......and they are deep. They always have somebody step in and play. Zach will be sorely missed, but Wheaton will be competing for the conference championship when all is said and done. That Wheaton team will rally and dedicate themselves to win it for him.