FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[AndOne]

Picture of the new stadium surface at North Central's Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium: 

http://yfrog.com/z/kfvnvtjj

[Gregory Sager]

Coaches poll is out:

1. North Central - 48 (six first-place votes)
2. Wheaton - 44 (two first-place votes);
3. Illinois Wesleyan - 33
4. Elmhurst - 31
5. Augustana - 28
6. Carthage - 20
7. Millikin - 13
8. North Park - 7

[matblake]

No surprises for the poll.  I did think it was interesting that Wheaton got 2 first place votes.  One had to have been from North Central (coaches cannot vote for their own team for first), it would be interesting to know who gave Wheaton other other first place vote.  

Looks like there is a bit of a bunch up in the middle, which is not really surprising.  With only seven conference games, there is little room for error, especially if you're fighting to finish with a winning conference record.

Unfortunately, Millikin and North Park's rankings are not surprising either.  

I observed the Coaches Chat.  Here's the replay if you're interested: http://www.cciw.org/sports/2011/7/7/FB_0707112325.aspx?id=690

[lakeshore]

Picture of the new stadium surface at North Central's Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium: 

http://yfrog.com/z/kfvnvtjj

nice except for the ugly soccer lines all over it....ugh.  I think Wheaton is the only team to not share a field with any other sport.

[Veinteuno]

Actually Augustana no longer shares the field either since a new soccer/lacrosse stadium has been built.

[DBQ1965]

Picture of the new stadium surface at North Central's Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium: 

http://yfrog.com/z/kfvnvtjj

Did last year's playoff game against UWW when they had to clear all the snow from the field wreck the playing surface?

[Viking Mike]

Augie picked 5th in the league........ hmmm, interesting.............................

[AndOne]

Picture of the new stadium surface at North Central's Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium: 

http://yfrog.com/z/kfvnvtjj

Did last year's playoff game against UWW when they had to clear all the snow from the field wreck the playing surface?

The snow removal operation went well. The original artificial surface was installed in 2001 and was due for replacement after 10 years.

[Always.A.Titan]

Picture of the new stadium surface at North Central's Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium: 

http://yfrog.com/z/kfvnvtjj

Looks good. It's about time they replaced that surface. That old school "new turf" was the worst because it ripped up and ended up all in your shoes and equipment.

Stadium almost looks like Benedictine's when it doesn't have the visitor's stands up there.

[AndOne]

Picture of the new stadium surface at North Central's Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium: 

http://yfrog.com/z/kfvnvtjj

Looks good. It's about time they replaced that surface. That old school "new turf" was the worst because it ripped up and ended up all in your shoes and equipment.

Stadium almost looks like Benedictine's when it doesn't have the visitor's stands up there.

I believe the disappearance of the visitors stands is temporary. The track is also being completely resurfaced, and the stands were dismantled so this could be completed.

[79jaybird]

NC's field looks sharp.

I am not surprised nor do I find it interesting to see Augie picked 5th.   With a new HC there is an indefinitive curiosity of what will the Vikes be like.  I think 2-6 could be a number of teams with only NC (going into the season) a bit above the rest of the pack.

Yup, bring your A game or go home with an L this year.

[hasbeen]

Augie picked 5th in the league........ hmmm, interesting.............................

Agreed...With a QB like David Lee coming back, I have a hard time seeing them finish 5th.

[AndOne]

Augie picked 5th in the league........ hmmm, interesting.............................

Agreed...With a QB like David Lee coming back, I have a hard time seeing them finish 5th.

But, as 79jaybird points out, with a new Augie HC, Mr. Lee will likely have to learn a new playbook. Don't underestimate the effect the added mental aspect of the game may have on his physical capabilities. Additionally, as with any other team with a good QB, can the O line keep defenders off Lee in passing situations, and open holes for the running game, can the receivers get open and catch the ball, and can the D stop the opposition?

While Augie was picked 5th, they were only 3 points behind Elmhurst, and 5 behind Wesleyan so I sense there will be a rather intense battle between the 3.
Also Wheaton finished only 4 points behind North Central as far as the predicted battle for 1st. NCC  will have the home field advantage when the teams meet, but its only a 20 minute drive from WC to NCC.

[matblake]

Great to have 2 teams in the pre-season poll.  Too bad the non-conference won't be a challenge for either NCC or Wheaton. 

Pre-season rankings are tricky.  At the end of the day, only the Pool A, B, and C selections for the playoffs matter.  Pre-season is fun though, everyone is excited and anxious to get started again.

[Pat Coleman]

I wouldn't overlook the challenge of playing at Redlands.