FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[izzy stradlin]

With Dallas McRae basically forcing his way in to the starting lineup, Wheaton's DLine is looking as good as I have ever seen under Swider. Austin Hoover started last year and is still in the rotation but will now be coming off the bench.   

[AndOne]

The NCC/IWU game earlier this evening was like 2 different back to back games.
The first half was basically a draw with a pretty equal amount of punches and counter punches being landed by both teams.
The second half was like a different game with NCC dominating the action, landing more punches, and providing a clear degree of separation between themselves and the Green Team. To this observer, the play that seemed to light the Cardinals fire was the interception and return by LB Tom Sora early in the 2nd half. Sora's timely play seemed to invigorate his teammates and provide them with a renewed shot of energy and purpose. To that end they pitched a 2nd half shutout, taking the lead midway through the 3rd quarter, and then allowing IWU to gain a total of only 20 yards on their final five possessions of the game.

USee previously wondered who, from among NCC 's new crop of receivers, might emerge as a competent compliment to the Cards top receiver, Ryan Kuhl. It appears the answer might be freshman Andrew Kamienski. He has 6 catches in each of the first two games for a total of 145 yards and 2 TDs

Although the vast majority of the season has yet to unfold, I don't think there are, or will prove to be, many better defenders within the conference than the IWU duo of Jordan Hassan and Josh Akin.

[Gregory Sager]

Although the vast majority of the season has yet to unfold, I don't think there are, or will prove to be, many better defenders within the conference than the IWU duo of Jordan Hassan and Josh Akin.

Jordan Hassan is the younger brother of former NPU running back Matt Hassan (C'12).

[wally_wabash]

The NCC/IWU game earlier this evening was like 2 different back to back games.
The first half was basically a draw with a pretty equal amount of punches and counter punches being landed by both teams.
The second half was like a different game with NCC dominating the action, landing more punches, and providing a clear degree of separation between themselves and the Green Team. To this observer, the play that seemed to light the Cardinals fire was the interception and return by LB Tom Sora early in the 2nd half. Sora's timely play seemed to invigorate his teammates and provide them with a renewed shot of energy and purpose. To that end they pitched a 2nd half shutout, taking the lead midway through the 3rd quarter, and then allowing IWU to gain a total of only 20 yards on their final five possessions of the game.

Agree that this was a key play, but I think it was key because of what came before it.  Two plays prior to the turnover, Bauer connected with Healy for a go-ahead touchdown...except that the play was negated by an offensive pass interference penalty.  Maybe it happened, maybe it didn't...but that foul wasn't obvious on the broadcast.  I'll leave it at that.  On the next snap, Bauer dropped a perfect pass onto Healy's hands at the back of the end zone that was dropped.  Then, the turnover which looked like some combination of a bad choice by Bauer and an excellent play by Sora.  That's tough...twice should have scored touchdowns, at worst should have had a shot at a FG, but instead got nothing and let NCC flip the field with the INT return.  IWU never regained forward inertia on offense after that sequence. 

[USee]

Spencer Peterson is taking the QB job.

Not that many people can be too surprised by this can they?

Don't think this is going to happen, although Spencer clearly has his place in the Thunder offense. Coach Swider said on the post game that his lack of accuracy in the passing game keeps him from competing. He is actually Wheaton's 3rd QB but they play him in this package. More than likely that package will be expanded.

Wheaton played two QBs and he was one of them.  He is not their third QB even if that's what the coaches say. 

Right now it reminds of the Tebow/Leak combo Florida used before Tebow got the full playbook.   Problem is Wheaton doesn't seem to have a Chris Leak.  They need to expand Peterson's practice reps/playbook.   Even if he is 60% as accurate as McWilliams, the treat of him running is going to open up a different set of routes.

Let's do a simple fact check.  SP19 played somewhere between 30-40% of the plays last night. He never came in on long yardage situations, only on running downs or 2nd/3rd and medium.  In all those plays he attempted 1 throw, on the goal line, for a touchdown. 

Last week when McWilliams went down, Furrow came in for the rest of the game.  SP19 continued to play throughout the game in situational packages.

Swider said on the air last night that SP19 was not very accurate and that's why he doesn't play more as an every down QB

While his running ability reminds us of JP11, do not confuse the two. The coaches actions are very telling here and it's a bit absurd to think Spencer should be the QB when he has thrown 4 passes total this season. Last year I didn't see what the coaches saw in their QB decision, this year I see no reason to question their decision.

So I actually think it's more accurate to say Spencer Peterson is the 3rd QB despite what anyone else thinks.

[Dr. Acula]

I found it funny that the Wheaton color guy (sounded like an older guy) kept saying "Peterson is a QB.  He can throw the ball very well.  He's not just a runner."  My thought each time was "Clearly based on the play calling Swider doesn't share your enthusiasm for his passing ability." 

[Dr. Acula]

USee previously wondered who, from among NCC 's new crop of receivers, might emerge as a competent compliment to the Cards top receiver, Ryan Kuhl. It appears the answer might be freshman Andrew Kamienski. He has 6 catches in each of the first two games for a total of 145 yards and 2 TDs

Beesley got open deep a couple times too.  Just needs to haul it in.  He looked like he could stretch the field though.  Nice size too. 

[robertgoulet]

The NCC/IWU game earlier this evening was like 2 different back to back games.
The first half was basically a draw with a pretty equal amount of punches and counter punches being landed by both teams.
The second half was like a different game with NCC dominating the action, landing more punches, and providing a clear degree of separation between themselves and the Green Team. To this observer, the play that seemed to light the Cardinals fire was the interception and return by LB Tom Sora early in the 2nd half. Sora's timely play seemed to invigorate his teammates and provide them with a renewed shot of energy and purpose. To that end they pitched a 2nd half shutout, taking the lead midway through the 3rd quarter, and then allowing IWU to gain a total of only 20 yards on their final five possessions of the game.

Agree that this was a key play, but I think it was key because of what came before it.  Two plays prior to the turnover, Bauer connected with Healy for a go-ahead touchdown...except that the play was negated by an offensive pass interference penalty.  Maybe it happened, maybe it didn't...but that foul wasn't obvious on the broadcast.  I'll leave it at that.  On the next snap, Bauer dropped a perfect pass onto Healy's hands at the back of the end zone that was dropped.  Then, the turnover which looked like some combination of a bad choice by Bauer and an excellent play by Sora.  That's tough...twice should have scored touchdowns, at worst should have had a shot at a FG, but instead got nothing and let NCC flip the field with the INT return.  IWU never regained forward inertia on offense after that sequence.

Was watching the game online, he definitly pushed off on that OPI call. Should have made game play in the back of the end zone though.

[AndOne]

Agree with both of Mr. Goulet's above 2 observations. 

[AndOne]

Although the vast majority of the season has yet to unfold, I don't think there are, or will prove to be, many better defenders within the conference than the IWU duo of Jordan Hassan and Josh Akin.

Jordan Hassan is the younger brother of former NPU running back Matt Hassan (C'12).

Both graduates (along with yours truly) of Glenbard West in west suburban Glen Ellyn. State Champions in 1983, 2012, and 2015. 🏈 🏆 🙂

[iwu70]

Tough calls on IWU missing out on two TDs.  Not a single DPI calls on the night.  Could have been a different game, a different outcome. NC surely outplayed IWU in the second half, good kicking game too, with the 4 FGs.  IWU played well, tough in the first half, but basically spotted NC 10 points right off with the TO, kick off fumble.  IWU's D is really good, with Hassan leading the way.  At halftime, really thought we had a chance, needed a good drive to get things going in the 2nd, but it didn't happen and NC D really played well the rest of the way.  Very impressed with the NC QB and his sharp, accurate short passing game.  IWU corners couldn't keep up.  Said earlier that IWU would have to play error free to have a chance and, sadly, we didn't -- with the two INTs and the fumble.  But, I continue to believe NC is beatable, so it's up to WC now to do it.  IWU will have to take their next best shot at WC in two weeks.  Great turnout of Titan fans at NC.  Enjoyed my visit to Naperville and seeing the beautiful NC campus.  Very friendly folks all 'round.  Difficult parking.  Great game, hard-fought.  NC better on the night. 

IWU'70

[izzy stradlin]

Spencer Peterson is taking the QB job.

Not that many people can be too surprised by this can they?

Don't think this is going to happen, although Spencer clearly has his place in the Thunder offense. Coach Swider said on the post game that his lack of accuracy in the passing game keeps him from competing. He is actually Wheaton's 3rd QB but they play him in this package. More than likely that package will be expanded.

Wheaton played two QBs and he was one of them.  He is not their third QB even if that's what the coaches say. 

Right now it reminds of the Tebow/Leak combo Florida used before Tebow got the full playbook.   Problem is Wheaton doesn't seem to have a Chris Leak.  They need to expand Peterson's practice reps/playbook.   Even if he is 60% as accurate as McWilliams, the treat of him running is going to open up a different set of routes.

Let's do a simple fact check.  SP19 played somewhere between 30-40% of the plays last night. He never came in on long yardage situations, only on running downs or 2nd/3rd and medium.  In all those plays he attempted 1 throw, on the goal line, for a touchdown. 

Last week when McWilliams went down, Furrow came in for the rest of the game.  SP19 continued to play throughout the game in situational packages.

Swider said on the air last night that SP19 was not very accurate and that's why he doesn't play more as an every down QB

While his running ability reminds us of JP11, do not confuse the two. The coaches actions are very telling here and it's a bit absurd to think Spencer should be the QB when he has thrown 4 passes total this season. Last year I didn't see what the coaches saw in their QB decision, this year I see no reason to question their decision.

So I actually think it's more accurate to say Spencer Peterson is the 3rd QB despite what anyone else thinks.

Killer fact check.   I'm impressed.   

It's obvious he is 3rd on the depth chart in terms of practice reps with the 1st team WR/TE on passing downs.  Everyone sees that.  He is taking the 2nd most snaps at QB during the season. 

Maybe Peterson can't hit the broad side of the barn in practice and McWilliams looks like Tom Brady.  I am going to assume you have a regular career and haven't watched practices.   

I'd like to think that with an athlete as dynamic as Peterson and TEs like Lindquist and Pace, with the threat of run and just some passing game at the same time, you change your offense.   If McWilliams starts lighting it up, great.  He has far from done that and has made some pretty bad mistakes.

[USee]

I did not see the NCC/IWU game so can't comment on the PI call in the 3rd quarter. What I do see is that IWU had 20 yds of offense in their final 5 possessioins of the game so regardless of the merits of the call, that's obviously not enough offense to win a big game. Brandon Bauer was 12-27 for 168 yards, which is also not very good in a big game. The Titans will need to be better on offense as they still have to play 2 more top quality defenses.

Kudos to the Cardinals for shutting down IWU down the stretch in this game.

IWU is @Wheaton in 2 weeks.

[USee]

Wheaton 37
Carthage 14

Similar to North Central, Wheaton came out in the second half and dominated this game to take control. The key sequence in the game started in the middle of the second quarter. Carthage, who had already snapped two balls over the punters head and had another blocked, decided to go for it on 4th and 1 at their own 14! Wheaton's Eric Stevenson dropped Jamel Davis for a 2 yd loss and the Thunder took over at the Carthage 27 after a 15 yard sideline penalty. McWilliams then threw his 2nd INT of the half to DL Cedric Fry and the Redmen took over at their 38 yd line. Carthage then proceeded to have a drive where their offense gained 24 yds and Wheaton's defense, through penalties gave them another 45 yds putting the Redmen at the Wheaton 11. On 3rd and 12 from the Wheaton 13 with under a minute left in the half (Wheaton leading 16-7), Carthage QB Friberg threw the ball across his body running to his right and it was intercepted in the endzone by Kyle Fox.

Wheaton got the ball to start the second half and ran it right at Carthage to extend the lead to 23-7 and Carthage's second half possessions resulted in -2 yds, -5 yds, 55 yds (49 TD pass to Cobbs), -12 yds, -5 yds. Wheaton sacked Friberg 6 times and held the Redmen to 33 rushes for 3 net yards. Wheaton ran the ball against Carthage's top 10 defense for 251 yds. Wheaton won this game because they dominated the LOS on both sides of the ball against a really good team. I still believe Carthage will surprise some people this year.

I have been watching Wheaton Football for 35 years and I don't remember a Wheaton defensive front as dominant as this one.

[USee]

Mike Swider, on the pregame interview, said he thought this year's CCIW is the strongest he has ever seen. He thinks the top 4 are all top 25 teams and he believes Millikin is the next best team.

Millikin hosts NCC this weekend after a bye week this weekend.