FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[vikes35]

Mr Ypsi,

It was a taunt and recognition in the same play. I was about 25 feet away from it and he turned around showed the ball and then pitched it. Whether it was recognition or not, it was a shameless play and our coach did what he should of after it. He broke free he should have just scored and had some more class, that is the way Augie plays football.

[vikes35]

dansand,

I am sure that Cozzi was excited and that he wanted Zeifert to get in, but I agree it was in bad judgment to do what he did. I just wanted other posters to know what happened at least and let them know that most Augie fans would not approve of such a play.

Also in terms of numbers I couldn't agree more, they weren't pretty but to be honest neither is Augie football, it is down and dirty get your pads on and hit someone football. The offense got what they needed and pretty much just let the defense play its heart out. With that combo we could go real far in the playoffs.

[Mr. Ypsi]

From your description, you are right - shame on the taunt.  If he had JUST pitched the ball, I'd give him benefit of the doubt on wishing to honor a blocker.  (Though only up 7-0 in the second quarter, it would STILL be bad judgement!)

[Mugsy]

Looking at the box score, I was wondering what the deal was with Zeifert scoring a TD. I agree that it's not only uncalled for but also dangerous, considering the score was only 7-0 at the time midway through the second quarter. I'm sure Cozzi was just excited to get his All-American lineman a TD, but that's probably not the best judgement in that situation.

I know that the Thunder passing game was a little down this year, but what an impressive performance by Augie's defense, allowing six completions for 64 yards and picking off five Wheaton passes, three by Tom Anthony, who hopefully sewed up CCIW Defensive POY today. Kudos to the offense as well. Although their overall numbers weren't exceptional, their first drive set the tone: 15 plays, 82 yards, 7:55. Beautiful.

My first reaction to the pitch to the O-Lineman was that of shock from a sportsmanship standpoint.  But then I saw Coach Barnes reaction and it was clear to me the Rb just got over excited about giving one to the "hogs".  I wouldn't have even mentioned it if it occurred in the 4th quarter when the game was basically over.  Very risky so early in the game.  While poor judgement, I don't think it was to show Wheaton up.

I can't every recall seeing Wheaton QB's look so bad.  I don't mean to discredit Augie's D.  They played a heck of a game.  But almost every pass was either WAY over thrown, thrown way too late or was telegraphed.  The int that almost went for a TD, when Wheaton was driving to cut the lead to 7, Andrews never took his eye off the receiver for a second.  I watched the safety move 15 yards to pick it off because it was clear where the pass was going to go.  Wheaton scores there and we might have had a game.  Instead Wheaton goes down by 3 TD's and goes to "huck & chuck" offense.

Anyway... congrats to Augie on a great year.  With such a competitive CCIW this year, who would have thought a team would go undefeated in conference.  An awesome accomplishment.  I'll be rooting for the CCIW representitives in the playoffs.  Do us proud!

[NCC_alum62]

What a great CCIW season was had.  Congrats to all the teams who played thier hearts out this year and good luck to the Vikings and the Cardinals in the play-offs...if NCC goes to Mount Union I hope to make the trip.  Iwould love to see a re-match of Augie-NCC in the later stages of the play-offs...best of luck folks

[wheatonc]

Congrats to Augustana for winning the conference.  Your team is so deserving after manhandling the Thunder today.  Hope both the Vikings and Cardinals go far in the playoffs.

[vikes35]

Wheaton fans,

Very classy to be so understanding about the TD in question. I as an Augie fan just wanted to point out how I thought the play was in bad judgment and wanted anyone who might have been offended to know that it was a pretty nonsense move by an excited player. Way to take it in stride and move along, once again showing why it is more than just the football team, but also thier fans that gives Wheaton football a good name. Tough luck this year, but I for one expect you guys to be back in the thick of it next season.

[augievike93]

I was happy however when Barnes called him out on it and did his best Lou Holtz bringing his player to the sideline by the facemask.

Can you imagine what Bob Reade would have done?  I wouldn't want to be in on that conversation.  I am sure that Barnes would be more animated, but there is nothing that I hate more than the quiet conversation of dissappointment.

[usee]

congratulations to augustana players, coaches and fans today. you were the better team and kicked our tails. I was very impressed w augie today. made no mistakes and capitalized on wheaton's mistakes. we are definately sending our best teams to the post season and i believe they will both do well. both are very comparable to the wheaton and carthage teams we sent last year. possibly even better.

as regards to the TD by zeifert, if i was the coach i would have done what barnes did because it was a dumb move to a lineman w gloves on in 7-0 game. but as a wheaton fan i thought it was pretty cool. in particular because a lineman was 40 yds downfield w the rb on the play. i have no problem w the play.

great job to augie!!

[Brick]

I dont think tossing the ball back to an Olineman to score is bad taste....I think it is great to see the RB respect his line enough to get one of them a touchdown!  He sacrificed his own stats to give someone who doesn't get into the books all that much a touchdown...Great Play

[formerd3db]

usee and others:

At the risk of getting "blasted" by some of you. . . and I don't want to be a cad, nor am I intending to taunt anybody here regarding the play you all are discussing.  However, without having seen it, I would have to agree with usee - it sounds like one of those "spur of the moment" happenings.  I agree that it was rather poor judgement to do it with the score close and so early in the game; moreover, I would agree that if it was done as a taunt, it shows poor sportsmanship.  However, if he did it to honor his lineman, why not?  We've seen much more weirder and poor antics by many players in this day and age (especially in the NFL obviously); but again if this was taunting, shame on the rb.  If it was not, it was either kind of one of those crazy, inane antics we all are capable of from time to time or again a rather different way to honor one of your lineman and give them one of those "once in a lifetime thrills"  And finally, regardless of what it was, the coach did the right thing in reprimanding the player for it at that time

Anyway, congrats to your Augustana team's title and good luck to them (and NCC if they get in) during the playoffs, unless, of course, they meet our MIAA rep in Albion along the way!

I'd have to agree with the other poster; it has indeed been quite a season for many of the leagues.

[formerd3db]

augie2000:  Ditto.  You said it better than I was trying to relate.

[Redmen96]

Why doesn't that helmet site you guys got your pics from have a Carthage helmet?   Are they afraid to offend someone?

[formerd3db]

Redman and Go Thunder:
Do you have the link to that helmet site (Helmet Project?) and once there, how do I get the photo onto my post site here?  What are the steps?  I am a computer idiot, so please help.  Thanks.

[Augie6]

The play in question happened right in front of me, and although stupid, I don't believe it was done maliciously to taunt Wheaton.  Coach Barnes reaction was appropriate, with one of his comments being, "run the ball into the end zone and act like you've been there before." 

As for the game, it really was much closer than the final score would indicate.  I haven't looked at the stats, but I would guess that Wheaton had as much or more offensive production than did Augie.  What killed Wheaton in this game (and this season) is the number of uncharacteristic mistakes made.  I agree with Mugsy that it was the worst passing display I have seen out of a Wheaton team, ever.  When there was an open receiver the ball was thrown poorly and when there wasn't, the QB tried to force the ball in.  The botched punt for the Augie TD should have never happened either.  Although the snap was poor, it still seemed the punter had plenty of time to get off the kick.  The decision to run and the ensuing fumble was a crucial error after Augie had just went up by 2 TD's.  I know this has been a disappointing season for the Wheaton faithful, but I'm sure you will be back competing for the CCIW crown next season.

Congrats to Augie on a great regular season.  Let's make some noise in the playoffs.  GO AUGIE!!!