FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Gotberg]

I don't follow d3 football to that closely, but does it benefit Wheaton to run up the score like they were trying to do against NP in the beginning of the second quarter?

You gotta be kiddin' me?  Running up the score in the 2nd quarter?  Are you serious?  

That is ridiculous.  It's the 2nd quarter.  There is still half a game left.  So Wheaton is supposed to put their 2nd & 3rd string team in before the half?  NO ONE ever does that and is accused of running up the score.  Typically if the game is out of reach coaches will play the 1st team for the 1st or 2nd series in the 2nd half before subbing.

Do you forget Wheaton has 6 more games and needs to play their starters for at least a half to keep them sharp?  

Need I remind you the score was only 27-0 at half?  

What prompted my question is at the beginning of the 2nd quarter, Wheaton did a fake punt on 4-10 at around the 50.  I doubt they would do this against most CCiw teams.  Ater Wheaton scored a touchdown on the drive, Wheaton's OC did an exagerated fist pump about 10 yards onto the field and had a short steer down towards the NP bench.  That just struck me as odd.  I know blowouts are kind of important for D1, in order to get votes....wasn't sure if the same was necessary or d3 post season seeding.

I did not stay past half-time - they weather got pretty severe so didn't watch the rest of the game.

[WahooThunder]

I don't follow d3 football to that closely, but does it benefit Wheaton to run up the score like they were trying to do against NP in the beginning of the second quarter?

You gotta be kiddin' me?  Running up the score in the 2nd quarter?  Are you serious?  

That is ridiculous.  It's the 2nd quarter.  There is still half a game left.  So Wheaton is supposed to put their 2nd & 3rd string team in before the half?  NO ONE ever does that and is accused of running up the score.  Typically if the game is out of reach coaches will play the 1st team for the 1st or 2nd series in the 2nd half before subbing.

Do you forget Wheaton has 6 more games and needs to play their starters for at least a half to keep them sharp?  

Need I remind you the score was only 27-0 at half?  

What prompted my question is at the beginning of the 2nd quarter, Wheaton did a fake punt on 4-10 at around the 50.  I doubt they would do this against most CCiw teams.  Ater Wheaton scored a touchdown on the drive, Wheaton's OC did an exagerated fist pump about 10 yards onto the field and had a short steer down towards the NP bench.  That just struck me as odd.  I know blowouts are kind of important for D1, in order to get votes....wasn't sure if the same was necessary or d3 post season seeding.

I did not stay past half-time - they weather got pretty severe so didn't watch the rest of the game.

Your question makes much more sense in that context. Since I was just following on live stats and didn't get to see it, I'm not sure what to think about the reaction on the Wheaton sideline, but they were probably just excited that the play worked and it is natural to be pumped up about scoring a touchdown. I would be very surprised if they were trying to rub it in to North Park in any way. As for why they did it, it was probably just a good opportunity for them to practice that play in a game situation, when they may very well need to use it in a close game later in the year. I don't think Wheaton would ever do something like that just to show up an opponent.

[NuTS]

"Your question makes much more sense in that context. Since I was just following on live stats and didn't get to see it, I'm not sure what to think about the reaction on the Wheaton sideline, but they were probably just excited that the play worked and it is natural to be pumped up about scoring a touchdown. I would be very surprised if they were trying to rub it in to North Park in any way. As for why they did it, it was probably just a good opportunity for them to practice that play in a game situation, when they may very well need to use it in a close game later in the year. I don't think Wheaton would ever do something like that just to show up an opponent."

Are you kidding?!

[WahooThunder]

"Your question makes much more sense in that context. Since I was just following on live stats and didn't get to see it, I'm not sure what to think about the reaction on the Wheaton sideline, but they were probably just excited that the play worked and it is natural to be pumped up about scoring a touchdown. I would be very surprised if they were trying to rub it in to North Park in any way. As for why they did it, it was probably just a good opportunity for them to practice that play in a game situation, when they may very well need to use it in a close game later in the year. I don't think Wheaton would ever do something like that just to show up an opponent."

Are you kidding?!

No.

[Tailgater]

I don't follow d3 football to that closely, but does it benefit Wheaton to run up the score like they were trying to do against NP in the beginning of the second quarter?

You gotta be kiddin' me?  Running up the score in the 2nd quarter?  Are you serious?  

That is ridiculous.  It's the 2nd quarter.  There is still half a game left.  So Wheaton is supposed to put their 2nd & 3rd string team in before the half?  NO ONE ever does that and is accused of running up the score.  Typically if the game is out of reach coaches will play the 1st team for the 1st or 2nd series in the 2nd half before subbing.

Do you forget Wheaton has 6 more games and needs to play their starters for at least a half to keep them sharp?  

Need I remind you the score was only 27-0 at half?  

What prompted my question is at the beginning of the 2nd quarter, Wheaton did a fake punt on 4-10 at around the 50.  I doubt they would do this against most CCiw teams.  Ater Wheaton scored a touchdown on the drive, Wheaton's OC did an exagerated fist pump about 10 yards onto the field and had a short steer down towards the NP bench.  That just struck me as odd.  I know blowouts are kind of important for D1, in order to get votes....wasn't sure if the same was necessary or d3 post season seeding.

I did not stay past half-time - they weather got pretty severe so didn't watch the rest of the game.

I may be mistaken, but isn't Wheaton's new OC formerly from NP?

[Tailgater]

Carthage game ugly, IWU Good. no excuses. Thank goodness the tailgate food and fellowship was exceptional! 

[Son of Tailgater]

"Your question makes much more sense in that context. Since I was just following on live stats and didn't get to see it, I'm not sure what to think about the reaction on the Wheaton sideline, but they were probably just excited that the play worked and it is natural to be pumped up about scoring a touchdown. I would be very surprised if they were trying to rub it in to North Park in any way. As for why they did it, it was probably just a good opportunity for them to practice that play in a game situation, when they may very well need to use it in a close game later in the year. I don't think Wheaton would ever do something like that just to show up an opponent."

Are you kidding?!

No.

To put an end to this: This is college football and non-the-less one of the top conferences in D3. I could see this being a problem at the Youth Program level but even then what I am I supposed to tell my players...do not play hard and do not score? Whether you lose 58-0 or 21-20 it is still a loss either way.

[FormerCard]

I don't follow d3 football to that closely, but does it benefit Wheaton to run up the score like they were trying to do against NP in the beginning of the second quarter?

You gotta be kiddin' me?  Running up the score in the 2nd quarter?  Are you serious?  

That is ridiculous.  It's the 2nd quarter.  There is still half a game left.  So Wheaton is supposed to put their 2nd & 3rd string team in before the half?  NO ONE ever does that and is accused of running up the score.  Typically if the game is out of reach coaches will play the 1st team for the 1st or 2nd series in the 2nd half before subbing.

Do you forget Wheaton has 6 more games and needs to play their starters for at least a half to keep them sharp?  

Need I remind you the score was only 27-0 at half?  

What prompted my question is at the beginning of the 2nd quarter, Wheaton did a fake punt on 4-10 at around the 50.  I doubt they would do this against most CCiw teams.  Ater Wheaton scored a touchdown on the drive, Wheaton's OC did an exagerated fist pump about 10 yards onto the field and had a short steer down towards the NP bench.  That just struck me as odd.  I know blowouts are kind of important for D1, in order to get votes....wasn't sure if the same was necessary or d3 post season seeding.

I did not stay past half-time - they weather got pretty severe so didn't watch the rest of the game.

Fake punt at the 50 when your defense is playing well?   That could have been done against any CCIW opponent.
The fact is teams should not let up in the 1st half or even the 3rd quarter in my mind.  You are always preparing yourself for the remainder of the season and that includes playing starters, trying new plays and trying to score.  It contributes to conditioning and situational football.    By running a fake punt, you put every CCIW team on alert that in that situation you may be running a fake punt which may cause NCC or IWU not to bring as much pressure or put 2 deep in return when they play Wheaton.

Secondly,
When a coach puts a play in and the team executes it perfectly and scores...it is a good thing and a fist pump may be warranted.

Finally,
Football is a competitive game at all levels, D3 is no exception.   The 2nd quarter is not a good time to get really conservative in your play calling.

[Mugsy]

I don't follow d3 football to that closely, but does it benefit Wheaton to run up the score like they were trying to do against NP in the beginning of the second quarter?

You gotta be kiddin' me?  Running up the score in the 2nd quarter?  Are you serious?  

That is ridiculous.  It's the 2nd quarter.  There is still half a game left.  So Wheaton is supposed to put their 2nd & 3rd string team in before the half?  NO ONE ever does that and is accused of running up the score.  Typically if the game is out of reach coaches will play the 1st team for the 1st or 2nd series in the 2nd half before subbing.

Do you forget Wheaton has 6 more games and needs to play their starters for at least a half to keep them sharp?  

Need I remind you the score was only 27-0 at half?  

What prompted my question is at the beginning of the 2nd quarter, Wheaton did a fake punt on 4-10 at around the 50.  I doubt they would do this against most CCiw teams.  Ater Wheaton scored a touchdown on the drive, Wheaton's OC did an exagerated fist pump about 10 yards onto the field and had a short steer down towards the NP bench.  That just struck me as odd.  I know blowouts are kind of important for D1, in order to get votes....wasn't sure if the same was necessary or d3 post season seeding.

I did not stay past half-time - they weather got pretty severe so didn't watch the rest of the game.

I may be mistaken, but isn't Wheaton's new OC formerly from NP?

Yes.  Wheaton's offensive coordinator this year was the coordinator at North Park last year.

[Mugsy]

I don't follow d3 football to that closely, but does it benefit Wheaton to run up the score like they were trying to do against NP in the beginning of the second quarter?

You gotta be kiddin' me?  Running up the score in the 2nd quarter?  Are you serious?  

That is ridiculous.  It's the 2nd quarter.  There is still half a game left.  So Wheaton is supposed to put their 2nd & 3rd string team in before the half?  NO ONE ever does that and is accused of running up the score.  Typically if the game is out of reach coaches will play the 1st team for the 1st or 2nd series in the 2nd half before subbing.

Do you forget Wheaton has 6 more games and needs to play their starters for at least a half to keep them sharp?  

Need I remind you the score was only 27-0 at half?  

What prompted my question is at the beginning of the 2nd quarter, Wheaton did a fake punt on 4-10 at around the 50.  I doubt they would do this against most CCiw teams.  Ater Wheaton scored a touchdown on the drive, Wheaton's OC did an exagerated fist pump about 10 yards onto the field and had a short steer down towards the NP bench.  That just struck me as odd.  I know blowouts are kind of important for D1, in order to get votes....wasn't sure if the same was necessary or d3 post season seeding.

I did not stay past half-time - they weather got pretty severe so didn't watch the rest of the game.

Fake punt at the 50 when your defense is playing well?   That could have been done against any CCIW opponent.
The fact is teams should not let up in the 1st half or even the 3rd quarter in my mind.  You are always preparing yourself for the remainder of the season and that includes playing starters, trying new plays and trying to score.  It contributes to conditioning and situational football.    By running a fake punt, you put every CCIW team on alert that in that situation you may be running a fake punt which may cause NCC or IWU not to bring as much pressure or put 2 deep in return when they play Wheaton.

Secondly,
When a coach puts a play in and the team executes it perfectly and scores...it is a good thing and a fist pump may be warranted.

Finally,
Football is a competitive game at all levels, D3 is no exception.   The 2nd quarter is not a good time to get really conservative in your play calling.

The fake punt also means future opponents need to spend sometime in preparation for that type of play.  The more opposing teams need to spend on things like this, the less they spend on their core game planning.

[Tailgater]

Quoting Coach Tim Rucks on the Oct. 3 Illinois Wesleyan Game:  "It was an ugly game.  The entire first half, it looked like we were going slow speed and half motion.  We weren't very physical, and that shocked me, because I thought we were ready to play.  We just didn't put up much of a fight.  We struggled up front on the offensive line the entire game, and we didn't bring enough pressure to bear on their quarterback.  Kraig Ladd is too good a quarterback with that kind of protection.  He'll pick you apart with that kind of protection, and that's what happened to us.  Illinois Wesleyan is very good and very talented, and their offensive line is very, very good.  We need to get better at what we do.  We had a bad game, but we have to put this one behind us.  It's time for men to be men and leaders to be leaders."

[Tailgater]

From Mugsy on the In-game posting:
I haven't been paying attention due to installing drywall in the bathroom, but it appears as if Evan Jones may be injured.  His stats read 8-14 for 36 yards, 2 INTs.  Another Carthage QB is 6-8 for 43 yards.  Implies Jones isn't playing.

The Carthage back up QB Trevor Beazley took quite a few snaps starting in the first half of the game. There appears to be no injury issue with Jones as he was the QB who threw the final 18yd TD pass in the 4th qtr for the Red Men. Beazly had some fairly decent numbers in a relief pitcher role. At times Jones and Beazly rotated during a series in the second half. I can only speculate that with the lopsided score early on Carthage took the opportunity to get some in-game experience for their back-up QB and/or wanted to spare Jones some needless pounding from IWU's defensive rush.

[Mr. Ypsi]

New poll is out.  Positions of Wheaton and NCC unchanged, though Wheaton has slightly more breathing room over Wesley: Wheaton dropped one point, but Wesley dropped 11 points.  NCC remains #14, but gained 32 points, while #13 Otterbein gained only 11, and leads NCC by only 5.

A curiosity in the ORV's: IWU rose from 5 to 18 points (expected), but Carthage ROSE from 2 points to 17!  Did some voters go dyslexic on the score??!

[79jaybird]

Augie/Elmhurst

Could be summed up in a couple words for EC-  Missed opportunities.  Elmhurst had plenty of opportunities to win this game.  Holding Augie to 7 and then 14 points a half, the offense needs to reciprocate.  We dropped a sure TD at the 5 yd line when it was 7-3 and then missed an Int by the DE which would have been 7 when (I believe) it was 14-3.
Eventually any defense is going to crack when they are on the field THAT LONG a time. 
This is the first time all year I have seen dropped balls (our receivers had a horrible day), which cost us 14 points and many 3rd down conversions.

It was not as much Augie beat us  as we beat ourselves with poor execution.

[Gregory Sager]

Also we started an O lineman who converted from D lineman this week!

Carthage has, what, 374 players on the football team? And yet Tim Rucks is switching players from the defensive line to the offensive line in order to plug up a hole? Interesting.

I don't follow d3 football to that closely, but does it benefit Wheaton to run up the score like they were trying to do against NP in the beginning of the second quarter?

You gotta be kiddin' me?  Running up the score in the 2nd quarter?  Are you serious?   

That is ridiculous.  It's the 2nd quarter.  There is still half a game left.  So Wheaton is supposed to put their 2nd & 3rd string team in before the half?  NO ONE ever does that and is accused of running up the score.  Typically if the game is out of reach coaches will play the 1st team for the 1st or 2nd series in the 2nd half before subbing.

Do you forget Wheaton has 6 more games and needs to play their starters for at least a half to keep them sharp? 

Need I remind you the score was only 27-0 at half? 

What prompted my question is at the beginning of the 2nd quarter, Wheaton did a fake punt on 4-10 at around the 50.  I doubt they would do this against most CCiw teams.  Ater Wheaton scored a touchdown on the drive, Wheaton's OC did an exagerated fist pump about 10 yards onto the field and had a short steer down towards the NP bench. That just struck me as odd.  I know blowouts are kind of important for D1, in order to get votes....wasn't sure if the same was necessary or d3 post season seeding.

I did not stay past half-time - they weather got pretty severe so didn't watch the rest of the game.

I may be mistaken, but isn't Wheaton's new OC formerly from NP?

Yes.  Wheaton's offensive coordinator this year was the coordinator at North Park last year.

That tells you everything you need to know about the fist-pump and stare-down. There are a lot of hard feelings at North Park about Joe Davis not just leaving NPU, but leaving NPU to take a job at the school every Parker despises. That's huge -- it's bigger than outsiders suspect, even outsiders who are connected to Wheaton. Think of it in the same way that Green Bay fans are going to feel about Brett Favre when they see Favre in the hated purple tonight as the Packers play Minnesota -- except that, unlike Favre, Joe Davis didn't have a storied career at North Park that might ameliorate any hard feelings one might get from seeing him collaborate with the enemy.

A lot of people connected to the North Park football program have been very vocal about the fact that they consider Joe to be the gridiron version of Judas Iscariot (or at least Benedict Arnold or Vidkun Quisling), and, knowing Joe and how fired-up he gets, I'm not the least bit surprised that Saturday was thus an emotional day for him. His team won big. He earned the right to that fist-pump and stare-down. That's fine. My guess is that if any of us were in his shoes, we'd probably react the same way. Coaches are not automatons, as we all know very well. If your team was drubbing a team filled with people whom you suspect consider you to be the scum of the earth, wouldn't you do the same thing?

Wheaton actually went for it on fourth down twice on that drive -- once on the fake punt on 4th and 10, the other on a 4th and 5 in which the Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance lined up in a normal formation. I wasn't upset either time Wheaton went for it (although I was upset with the results of the plays), and none of the NPU fans around me got upset about Wheaton going for it, either. It seemed perfectly logical, since Wheaton (as we all suspected would happen) was basically able to do whatever it wanted whenever it wanted.

Of course, if anyone in the know on the NPU side of the grandstand had looked over and seen Joe Davis's reaction, there might've been more hard feelings than the simple "what can we do about it, anyway?" shrug of the shoulders that the successful fake punt and the successful 4th-and-5 produced.