FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Mr. Ypsi]

BTW, while realistically it is a 3-team race, Carthage is not yet mathematically eliminated.  If they win out (unlikely, with games @Millikin, @Wheaton, and home to NCC), and either IWU or Wheaton (or both) are upset this Saturday, they are still (barely) alive.

[usee]

Or Country Companies, another mainstay of the Bloomington-Normal business community.

I also recall a pretty strong "Steak and Shake" representation in Btown.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Or Country Companies, another mainstay of the Bloomington-Normal business community.

I also recall a pretty strong "Steak and Shake" representation in Btown.

Don't forget the home of Beer Nuts!

[matblake]

Or Country Companies, another mainstay of the Bloomington-Normal business community.

I also recall a pretty strong "Steak and Shake" representation in Btown.

My dog, who we recently had to put to sleep, loved Steak and Shake Vegetable Soup.  There was one incident which, when the smoke cleared, involved both the dog and myself wearing most of the soup.

[formerd3db]

Hey matblake:

Sorry to hear about your dog.  We lost ours just over a year ago too in the same way.  I never realized it (nor believed it) when people said how it was like losing a member of your own human family until going through that.  At any rate, hand in there and think of the love and great memories you had with your dog - like the Steak and Shake story you just told us.

[D O.C.]

Come on, Augustana, keep that streak alive...ALIVE!

[Viking Mike]

     While many in Rock Island are disappointed with the play of the Vikings this year, I don't think anyone is naive enough to think that the problem lies with Coach Barnes.  He has had an outstanding record at Augie and with the exception of his first year and this year, the Vikings have been playing for the CCIW title at the end of each year.  His teams are always well prepared, disciplined, and always play with mental toughness whether they are up big, or trying to stage a rally.
     That being said, the problems this year lies with the players.  The Carthage game probably sums up the year nicely.  Turnovers, poor execution on offense and very shaky pass defense.  Augustana held the Red Men to about 36 yards net rushing and LOST THE GAME b/c of five turnovers, one of which completely swung momentum in Carthage's favor.  When Augie had a chance to put some distance b/w them and Carthage, they fumbled at the Carthage 5 yd line and the Red Men went on to score 14 points before halftime.  The secondary was in position each time to knock away a pass, but they failed  to turn and look at the ball and allowed  the receiver to make a catch each time.  As a fan and alumni, this has been very frustrating.  In Rock Island, we are use to slow starts to begin the season, but the Vikes always seem to finish strong.   After seeing the Vikes play Wheaton, a game they easily could have won, and still be in a 5 turnover game with Carthage with 2 min left (despite a weak call by the referee regarding running into the kicker after a muffed snap), I know this football team is CAPABLE of playing very strong.    North Central should not be able to run against Augie...no one really has been able to....However if the secondary is not able to tighten up the pass defense this weekend and play a little more aggressively, it could be a long day.  My gut says Barnes will turn the Viking ship around and get it back on course for the last 3 games of the year.  I look for Augie to play with more intensity this homecoming weekend and I'm hoping to see good sound ball control,  better offensive execution, no turnovers and improved pass defensive play.  Plus I don't think the team has forgetten the hurting the Cardinals put on Augie last year.  GO AUGIE...BEAT NORTH CENTRAL...FORGET THE PAST AND FINISH STRONG!!!

[burly]

Or Country Companies, another mainstay of the Bloomington-Normal business community.

I also recall a pretty strong "Steak and Shake" representation in Btown.

My dog, who we recently had to put to sleep, loved Steak and Shake Vegetable Soup.  There was one incident which, when the smoke cleared, involved both the dog and myself wearing most of the soup.

Feel your pain.  Recently lost my best hunting dog.

[Carthage Fan]

     While many in Rock Island are disappointed with the play of the Vikings this year, I don't think anyone is naive enough to think that the problem lies with Coach Barnes.  He has had an outstanding record at Augie and with the exception of his first year and this year, the Vikings have been playing for the CCIW title at the end of each year.  His teams are always well prepared, disciplined, and always play with mental toughness whether they are up big, or trying to stage a rally.
     That being said, the problems this year lies with the players.  The Carthage game probably sums up the year nicely.  Turnovers, poor execution on offense and very shaky pass defense.  Augustana held the Red Men to about 36 yards net rushing and LOST THE GAME b/c of five turnovers, one of which completely swung momentum in Carthage's favor.  When Augie had a chance to put some distance b/w them and Carthage, they fumbled at the Carthage 5 yd line and the Red Men went on to score 14 points before halftime.  The secondary was in position each time to knock away a pass, but they failed  to turn and look at the ball and allowed  the receiver to make a catch each time.  As a fan and alumni, this has been very frustrating.  In Rock Island, we are use to slow starts to begin the season, but the Vikes always seem to finish strong.   After seeing the Vikes play Wheaton, a game they easily could have won, and still be in a 5 turnover game with Carthage with 2 min left (despite a weak call by the referee regarding running into the kicker after a muffed snap), I know this football team is CAPABLE of playing very strong.    North Central should not be able to run against Augie...no one really has been able to....However if the secondary is not able to tighten up the pass defense this weekend and play a little more aggressively, it could be a long day.  My gut says Barnes will turn the Viking ship around and get it back on course for the last 3 games of the year.  I look for Augie to play with more intensity this homecoming weekend and I'm hoping to see good sound ball control,  better offensive execution, no turnovers and improved pass defensive play.  Plus I don't think the team has forgetten the hurting the Cardinals put on Augie last year.  GO AUGIE...BEAT NORTH CENTRAL...FORGET THE PAST AND FINISH STRONG!!!

Augie did hold the Red Men to 36 yds rushing  but I don't think that was the Red Men game plan.  Our D has forced turnovers all year so even though we expect them, getting 5 on Saturday was great!  Augie had 5 pass break ups which shows some good coverage but unfortunately for you the 80 yd pass to Merchut was wide open.  On the roughing the kicker call, please check the rule book, it was a good call.  Yes Go Augie Beat North Central!

[redman04]

Except this year, Michigan will win the Big 10.

I would bet on Ohio State over Michigan

Ok, you're on.  Loser has to change their post pattern screen name.  Deal?

Only if we get to pick each other's name!

[redman04]

BTW, while realistically it is a 3-team race, Carthage is not yet mathematically eliminated.  If they win out (unlikely, with games @Millikin, @Wheaton, and home to NCC), and either IWU or Wheaton (or both) are upset this Saturday, they are still (barely) alive.

And we need help from others as well.... Go Augie, Elmhurst, and NPU!!!!!

[Jim Matson]

Viking Mike, while I agree that Augie should have been able to score from the 7 late in the game, overall, that one was Wheaton's to win, not Augies.  I thought that the number of dropped passes by Wheaton receivers and the muffed interception on that last Augie drive made Wheaton the mistake prone team that almost blew the game.  That game shouldn't have been close.

[wheels81]

What is this animal planet pet sob stories or what?
I know someone who is lamenting the fact that she found out that a neighbors beagle lived to be 19 yrs, hers is only 13 so she has a six more years to "enjoy"  his company.
  She was hoping for a much shorter sentence.

[burly]

Except this year, Michigan will win the Big 10.

I would bet on Ohio State over Michigan

Ok, you're on.  Loser has to change their post pattern screen name.  Deal?

Only if we get to pick each other's name!

This could be dangerous... 

In order to change your profile name, do you have to start a new account?  I'm down for whatever - call the ball.

[79jaybird]

Like the dog stories  as both myself and Tailgater were at one time Veterinarian hopefuls in college.  I lost my dog (which was my backbone during the troubling times of my paren't split when I was 12) when our family was on vacation in Florida.  I can still remember the call talking to the dog sitter.  Tough times and the pets DO become part of the family. 
One of my favorite bumper stickers is "Wife and dog missing:  Reward for Dog!"     Now I'm not slamming women here, I just think it's funny how dogs can hold such a huge chunk of a person's heart.