FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[emma17]

Congratulations to all NCC players, coaches and fans for a great season and an excellent game.  I said before that I wish our teams were on opposite sides of the bracket as I feel both deserve to still be playing.   

Wenger was amazing and I hope he gets a fair shot at the pros.  It was nice to meet his parents as well. 

Best of luck next season. 

[bleedpurple]

Congratulations to all NCC players, coaches and fans for a great season and an excellent game.  I said before that I wish our teams were on opposite sides of the bracket as I feel both deserve to still be playing.  

Wenger was amazing and I hope he gets a fair shot at the pros.  It was nice to meet his parents as well.  

Best of luck next season.  

I agree with you Emma17.  I honestly  think NCC may be the third best team in the nation. I guess I will be in a better position to comment Saturday evening, but I think the physicality that both NCC and UW-W play with is a rarity.

[nccfac]

Most of the NCC fans seemed gracious to us as we were leaving the building, very few seemed bitter...a lot of class in Naperville, i really enjoyed my time down there.sametime next year? 

But in the Perk! 

I really wish we would play ever year. I know that some would say not to because a two loss team might be out of the playoffs, but these are two teams that could still win their conferences even with one loss. NCC in the past had a problem if one of their stars was hurt but they have gained greater depth this year and hopefully this will continue in the future. This would become in the early part of the season the big game of the week in D3.

[NCF]

Turnovers are like drugs, THEY KILL. This and what has already been posted says it all for NCC yesterday!

As for NCC and Coach Thorne and his coaching Staff I say "Thanks". 4+ years ago I sat in his office and listen to him tell my son their goals as a team for the next 4 years. I'm happy to say everyone one was kept except one which we came real close to this year. Yes there were some tears on the field but even more surprising was after yesterday's game I didn't hear the regret I thought I would hear but encouragement from the Seniors to the underclassmen reminding them that it's now their duty to continue on with the tradition that was maintained by their group as was told to my son after his Freshman year. Now that's special!

Continued success to NCC and keep recruiting to re-load, not re-build. I remember when NCC was everybody's hope for homecoming weekend and so do the other CCIW schools who will do their best to knock you down.

Congrats to UWW and bring the Trophy home the the North Division!

Thanks to your son and the rest of the senior class! A great group of talented, selfless players who put the TEAM first! They brought NC to the place where a trip to the quarters is a disapointment!This team will be back with a bigger chip on their shoulders than UWW had for not getting the #1 seed. They bring back so many talented players on both sides of the ball. Most of the key players on offense still have two years together and the defense returns 7 of the top 12 statistical leaders. They are hungry for more and now know they have what it takes to play with the best. It's time to turn it up a notch and finish the job this years seniors started. For the returning players 2011 starts today. Go Cards! Thanks for a great season.

[robertgoulet]

Turnovers are like drugs, THEY KILL. This and what has already been posted says it all for NCC yesterday!

As for NCC and Coach Thorne and his coaching Staff I say "Thanks". 4+ years ago I sat in his office and listen to him tell my son their goals as a team for the next 4 years. I'm happy to say everyone one was kept except one which we came real close to this year. Yes there were some tears on the field but even more surprising was after yesterday's game I didn't hear the regret I thought I would hear but encouragement from the Seniors to the underclassmen reminding them that it's now their duty to continue on with the tradition that was maintained by their group as was told to my son after his Freshman year. Now that's special!

Continued success to NCC and keep recruiting to re-load, not re-build. I remember when NCC was everybody's hope for homecoming weekend and so do the other CCIW schools who will do their best to knock you down.

Congrats to UWW and bring the Trophy home the the North Division!

Thanks to your son and the rest of the senior class! A great group of talented, selfless players who put the TEAM first! They brought NC to the place where a trip to the quarters is a disapointment!This team will be back with a bigger chip on their shoulders than UWW had for not getting the #1 seed. They bring back so many talented players on both sides of the ball. Most of the key players on offense still have two years together and the defense returns 7 of the top 12 statistical leaders. They are hungry for more and now know they have what it takes to play with the best. It's time to turn it up a notch and finish the job this years seniors started. For the returning players 2011 starts today. Go Cards! Thanks for a great season.

I went through the NCC roster when I got home Saturday afternoon and I found the number of returning starters to be interesting.

They have a bunch coming back, but the ones that they lose are the studs (Wenger, Antos, etc). I feel confident that all of the returning starters mean that they will again be favorites to win the conference. What does everyone else think?

Any chance they give Tassio a shot at QB (since he played it at North)? Or will we stick with one of Crackel/Stanek?

[NCF]

Turnovers are like drugs, THEY KILL. This and what has already been posted says it all for NCC yesterday!

As for NCC and Coach Thorne and his coaching Staff I say "Thanks". 4+ years ago I sat in his office and listen to him tell my son their goals as a team for the next 4 years. I'm happy to say everyone one was kept except one which we came real close to this year. Yes there were some tears on the field but even more surprising was after yesterday's game I didn't hear the regret I thought I would hear but encouragement from the Seniors to the underclassmen reminding them that it's now their duty to continue on with the tradition that was maintained by their group as was told to my son after his Freshman year. Now that's special!

Continued success to NCC and keep recruiting to re-load, not re-build. I remember when NCC was everybody's hope for homecoming weekend and so do the other CCIW schools who will do their best to knock you down.

Congrats to UWW and bring the Trophy home the the North Division!

Thanks to your son and the rest of the senior class! A great group of talented, selfless players who put the TEAM first! They brought NC to the place where a trip to the quarters is a disapointment!This team will be back with a bigger chip on their shoulders than UWW had for not getting the #1 seed. They bring back so many talented players on both sides of the ball. Most of the key players on offense still have two years together and the defense returns 7 of the top 12 statistical leaders. They are hungry for more and now know they have what it takes to play with the best. It's time to turn it up a notch and finish the job this years seniors started. For the returning players 2011 starts today. Go Cards! Thanks for a great season.

I went through the NCC roster when I got home Saturday afternoon and I found the number of returning starters to be interesting.

They have a bunch coming back, but the ones that they lose are the studs (Wenger, Antos, etc). I feel confident that all of the returning starters mean that they will again be favorites to win the conference. What does everyone else think?

Any chance they give Tassio a shot at QB (since he played it at North)? Or will we stick with one of Crackel/Stanek?

Yes, they lose some great players, but Ponx has been planning for next year's guys to step up and fill those voids and I think Tassio has a very good shot to be a QB, but it is intersting to have three very good options-makes it harder for the opposing defenses to prepare.

[usee]

Here is a quick preview of what to expect for 2011 in the CCIW and a way too early predicted order of finish

Prediction for 2011:

NCC
Wheaton
Elmhurst
IWU
Augie
Carthage
Millikin
NPU

North Central:
Strengths: They return all of their offensive skill positions led by Llavac and Tassio but not the 2 TE's. 6 of the top 12 defensive players return including McLeod, Hayes and Clendenning. Depth:Lots of players w game experience due to aggressive rotations. Many freshman got playing time.
Questions: Who will replace Wenger and Garza who accounted for about 30% of the defensive stats. They must replace their 2 best OL and they lose both TE's. QB controversy?

Wheaton:
Strengths: Skill guys area all back on offense (QB, top 2 RBs, 2 of 3 top WR). Core of defense is back (5 of top 7 def front) both stud safeties return.  East, Jacobson, McMullen, J Langs all return. Dykstra is going to be the next top DLineman in the conference.
Questions: returning only 2 of 5 OL and lose 3 top corners including T. Langs. Markley needs to step up.

Elmhurst:
Strengths: entire offense is back (all 5 OL, 5 of 6 top receivers, QB, RB, TE). All 4 DL are back. Scottie Williams and Rod Payton are top players at their position
Questions: lose 3 of top 5 Dbs and 2 of top 3 LBs including Wright. Furco needs to be much more efficient.

IWU:
Strengths: Return 3 of top 4 LBs and entire secondary. Defense should be very good. If Jenkins comes back on DL they will be dominant as they will have 3 returning DL. WR's all back.
Questions:No QB's or RB's with experience. Need to replace 3 OL starters. Def Coordinator Murray is a big loss as well.

Augie:
Strengths: David Lee is likely the best QB in the conference. Weber, S Holl, 3 of top 4 DB's return. McCullough is a great WR.
Questions:Only return 2 of 5 OL and lose J Mago, C Pershnick and Bohland on a good defensive front. New HC creates who is a defensive guys creates questions as Barnes ran the spread offense.

Carthage:
Strengths: return 4/5 OL, 4/5 top WR and 11 of 14 top Defensive players. Hipchen and TJ Jordan are studs.
Questions:No real playmakers stand out. No experience QB or RB and new Def coordinator.

Millikin:
Strengths: Return 14 of top 16 defensive players and 4/5 from the OLine.
Questions: They are a mess at QB and lose top RB Dion Wilson.

NPU:
Strengths: 4/5 OL, both QBs, 7 of top 12 defensive players are eligible to return
Questions: Will those experienced players return? Lose Nick Pantaleo and return only 2 of top 5 dbs.

[Mugsy]

Went out to see if there were any updates on Pete Ittersagen with the Titans today.  Looking on the official Titans website, Pete was no longer listed on the practice squad.  I could not find any new releases indicating he was let go or roster transactions from the Titans web site.

Goggled it and it looks like he was released from the practice squad 11 days ago.  Bummer.

http://ten.247sports.com/Article/Ryan-Durand-back-on-Titans-practice-squad-6599

[robertgoulet]

Turnovers are like drugs, THEY KILL. This and what has already been posted says it all for NCC yesterday!

As for NCC and Coach Thorne and his coaching Staff I say "Thanks". 4+ years ago I sat in his office and listen to him tell my son their goals as a team for the next 4 years. I'm happy to say everyone one was kept except one which we came real close to this year. Yes there were some tears on the field but even more surprising was after yesterday's game I didn't hear the regret I thought I would hear but encouragement from the Seniors to the underclassmen reminding them that it's now their duty to continue on with the tradition that was maintained by their group as was told to my son after his Freshman year. Now that's special!

Continued success to NCC and keep recruiting to re-load, not re-build. I remember when NCC was everybody's hope for homecoming weekend and so do the other CCIW schools who will do their best to knock you down.

Congrats to UWW and bring the Trophy home the the North Division!

Thanks to your son and the rest of the senior class! A great group of talented, selfless players who put the TEAM first! They brought NC to the place where a trip to the quarters is a disapointment!This team will be back with a bigger chip on their shoulders than UWW had for not getting the #1 seed. They bring back so many talented players on both sides of the ball. Most of the key players on offense still have two years together and the defense returns 7 of the top 12 statistical leaders. They are hungry for more and now know they have what it takes to play with the best. It's time to turn it up a notch and finish the job this years seniors started. For the returning players 2011 starts today. Go Cards! Thanks for a great season.

I went through the NCC roster when I got home Saturday afternoon and I found the number of returning starters to be interesting.

They have a bunch coming back, but the ones that they lose are the studs (Wenger, Antos, etc). I feel confident that all of the returning starters mean that they will again be favorites to win the conference. What does everyone else think?

Any chance they give Tassio a shot at QB (since he played it at North)? Or will we stick with one of Crackel/Stanek?

Yes, they lose some great players, but Ponx has been planning for next year's guys to step up and fill those voids and I think Tassio has a very good shot to be a QB, but it is intersting to have three very good options-makes it harder for the opposing defenses to prepare.

I would guess that the preference of the coaches would be to settle on 1 qb and not have to rotate. I can't believe that Tassio's arm is worse (not saying Stanek's is bad, but it could be better) considering his high school pedigree, and I would guess his legs are probably better. I like what Crackel brings to the table but that takes away the run threat from the QB position which I like to have.

Thank you Mugsy USee for the breakdown. You are a gentleman and a scholar. 

[NCF]

Turnovers are like drugs, THEY KILL. This and what has already been posted says it all for NCC yesterday!

As for NCC and Coach Thorne and his coaching Staff I say "Thanks". 4+ years ago I sat in his office and listen to him tell my son their goals as a team for the next 4 years. I'm happy to say everyone one was kept except one which we came real close to this year. Yes there were some tears on the field but even more surprising was after yesterday's game I didn't hear the regret I thought I would hear but encouragement from the Seniors to the underclassmen reminding them that it's now their duty to continue on with the tradition that was maintained by their group as was told to my son after his Freshman year. Now that's special!

Continued success to NCC and keep recruiting to re-load, not re-build. I remember when NCC was everybody's hope for homecoming weekend and so do the other CCIW schools who will do their best to knock you down.

Congrats to UWW and bring the Trophy home the the North Division!

Thanks to your son and the rest of the senior class! A great group of talented, selfless players who put the TEAM first! They brought NC to the place where a trip to the quarters is a disapointment!This team will be back with a bigger chip on their shoulders than UWW had for not getting the #1 seed. They bring back so many talented players on both sides of the ball. Most of the key players on offense still have two years together and the defense returns 7 of the top 12 statistical leaders. They are hungry for more and now know they have what it takes to play with the best. It's time to turn it up a notch and finish the job this years seniors started. For the returning players 2011 starts today. Go Cards! Thanks for a great season.

I went through the NCC roster when I got home Saturday afternoon and I found the number of returning starters to be interesting.

They have a bunch coming back, but the ones that they lose are the studs (Wenger, Antos, etc). I feel confident that all of the returning starters mean that they will again be favorites to win the conference. What does everyone else think?

Any chance they give Tassio a shot at QB (since he played it at North)? Or will we stick with one of Crackel/Stanek?

Yes, they lose some great players, but Ponx has been planning for next year's guys to step up and fill those voids and I think Tassio has a very good shot to be a QB, but it is intersting to have three very good options-makes it harder for the opposing defenses to prepare.

I would guess that the preference of the coaches would be to settle on 1 qb and not have to rotate. I can't believe that Tassio's arm is worse (not saying Stanek's is bad, but it could be better) considering his high school pedigree, and I would guess his legs are probably better. I like what Crackel brings to the table but that takes away the run threat from the QB position which I like to have.

Thank you Mugsy for the breakdown. You are a gentleman and a scholar.

You beat me to it-great breakdown. Add: Wenger's replacement has(still is) been groomed for the spot since last spring and Hahn has to be in the running for one of the TE positions. Garza's spot-maybe Bulandr or Clendenning. I could see the QB position shared by two with Tassio as a sure bet and either Stanek or Crackel depending how things go in the spring. Better picture of the team after spring ball, but whatever happens will be in the best interest of the team moving closer to a national championship appearance.
On a side note, just happened to leave the stadium with some UWW fans. While congratulating them on the win and wishing good luck this week, they replied that without the two turn overs that UWW might have lost the game.

[usee]

NewCardFan- you cannot replace Wenger. He is a 1x in 25 yr LB. You are not likely to see another like him for a long, long time. Bulandr is no where near the playmaker Garza was but he is very good in his own right. NCC has plenty of depth but the strength/weakness and personality of the defense will surely change with different people. You can't do everything they were able to do without Wenger.

On the UWW game, I agree without the TO's NCC has a strong chance to win as UWW could not drive the ball against NCC and if the possessions NCC had after they took  the lead had simply resulted in punts, UWW would have had to drive to win the game. That would have been a much bigger challenge. But UWW defense took those balls away (mainly the Stanek fumble and the 1st INT--the 2nd INT was a great play but the bounce they got was pure luck and you won't see that happen very often) and deserved to win because they made those plays.

[Mugsy]

Thank you Mugsy for the breakdown. You are a gentleman and a scholar.

Always nice to receive credit for something I didn't do, but alas I can't take credit.  It was USee's work.

I do agree on the sentiment, misplaced as it may be...   

[Veinteuno]

If I am not mistaken Garza might have another year.  He went to Iowa and he was a walk on there, but he transferred out.  I am assuming there is a possibility he could petition for another year.

[NCF]

NewCardFan- you cannot replace Wenger. He is a 1x in 25 yr LB. You are not likely to see another like him for a long, long time. Bulandr is no where near the playmaker Garza was but he is very good in his own right. NCC has plenty of depth but the strength/weakness and personality of the defense will surely change with different people. You can't do everything they were able to do without Wenger.

On the UWW game, I agree without the TO's NCC has a strong chance to win as UWW could not drive the ball against NCC and if the possessions NCC had after they took  the lead had simply resulted in punts, UWW would have had to drive to win the game. That would have been a much bigger challenge. But UWW defense took those balls away (mainly the Stanek fumble and the 1st INT--the 2nd INT was a great play but the bounce they got was pure luck and you won't see that happen very often) and deserved to win because they made those plays.

Just for clarification-I was NOT in any way referring to replacing him talent wise-just the position.

[NCF]

If I am not mistaken Garza might have another year.  He went to Iowa and he was a walk on there, but he transferred out.  I am assuming there is a possibility he could petition for another year.

I thought he might also, if so that would be great!