FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[AndOne]

That's true HSC. The game was at Frostburg and not in  danger of bad weather. However, the storm was expected to hit N.C. and turn north towards us, so CNU closed campus and that automatically cancels everything unless a team is already on the road. The storm hit N.C. and then turned south. We didn't even get rain here.

I truly hope we get this game played. It's not really about game day...game day looks to be good, so far.  It's Thursday and Friday that seem to be the issue. We are in the cone with expected hurricane force winds on Friday. If campus closes it will most likely close Thursday and Friday and not reopen until Sunday evening in order to resume classes Monday.

This would totally suck if this game doesn't happen.  This is a great test for us to see how we stack up against a premiere national power. Also, we have had decent luck against 5th ranked teams coming in from out of state. 

My understanding is that CNU closed today, but is expected to reopen tomorrow morning at 7:00.
The NCC football team apparently had somewhat of an adventure making its way to Newport News, VA for the game which is scheduled at noon (ET) tomorrow. Unable to fly into either Norfolk/Virginia Beach or Richmond, VA due to a series of problems, I was advised that they were able to finally find a flight into Washington DC, north of the major effects of Dorian. The team will be forced to be split among 3 separate flights for its return journey to Naperville following the game.

The Sat game-time forecast calls for sunny skies, and a temp of 80, with 51 percent humidity. ☀️ 🏈

[USee]

preview from Monmouth site on the game v Wheaton tomorrow:

https://monmouthscots.com/news/2019/9/5/football-scots-open-gridiron-season-with-no-22-wheaton.aspx


"The final score last year with Wheaton wasn't indicative of just how close that game was," said Braun after his team trailed by nine at the half. "We played well defensively, but gave up a couple of long pass plays for TDs. We had to punt 14 times. Fortunately, Joey (Biel) had a monster day punting and kept us in the game. I feel better this year going in from an offensive line standpoint."

Braun's O-line optimism is fueled by the return of the entire unit, plus their backups. That will be a critical component given the Scots graduated nearly all their starting skill players.

"The offensive line will have to carry us until we get up to speed with a bunch of new skill position starters," declared Braun.

Facing Monmouth's defense won't be an easy task, either. The Scots' secondary went through growing pains with a young group a season ago, but return everyone from that unit which picked off three Wheaton passes a season ago. The Scots lost a majority of starters at linebacker and on the line, but do return plenty of experience at those positions, especially in the trenches.

"I feel really good about our defense," said Braun. "We did lose a lot on the line, but we've got McCauley Johnston back from an injury and he was a big-time player two years ago. Drew Thaxton and Brad Buchner both have a lot of experience. We've got a couple of guys ready to move up. Don't get me wrong, Wheaton is very good on the offensive side of the ball and burned us a few times last year. We've got to eliminate Wheaton's big plays. The big plays killed us last year. We've got to make them earn every yard."

[formerd3db]

That's true HSC. The game was at Frostburg and not in  danger of bad weather. However, the storm was expected to hit N.C. and turn north towards us, so CNU closed campus and that automatically cancels everything unless a team is already on the road. The storm hit N.C. and then turned south. We didn't even get rain here.

I truly hope we get this game played. It's not really about game day...game day looks to be good, so far.  It's Thursday and Friday that seem to be the issue. We are in the cone with expected hurricane force winds on Friday. If campus closes it will most likely close Thursday and Friday and not reopen until Sunday evening in order to resume classes Monday.

This would totally suck if this game doesn't happen.  This is a great test for us to see how we stack up against a premiere national power. Also, we have had decent luck against 5th ranked teams coming in from out of state. 

My understanding is that CNU closed today, but is expected to reopen tomorrow morning at 7:00.
The NCC football team apparently had somewhat of an adventure making its way to Newport News, VA for the game which is scheduled at noon (ET) tomorrow. Unable to fly into either Norfolk/Virginia Beach or Richmond, VA due to a series of problems, I was advised that they were able to finally find a flight into Washington DC, north of the major effects of Dorian. The team will be forced to be split among 3 separate flights for its return journey to Naperville following the game.

The Sat game-time forecast calls for sunny skies, and a temp of 80, with 51 percent humidity. ☀️ 🏈

Glad they are going to be able to get the game in, although we will be praying for safe travels for them and everyone involved with and attending the game.

[USee]

Millikin had a somewhat surprising win last night over MIAA preseason favorite Hope, 27-21 in Decatur. I watched most of the first half and I was shocked that Hope thought they could cover CCIW All Conference Jordan Smith, a known commodity, one on one. He responded with 6 catches for 215 yds and 1 TD. Millkin put up 499yds of offense and found themselves a new QB, Cal Pohrte, who was 20-32 for 390 yds and 2 TD's. Impressively there were no turnovers in the game.

Hope has a dynamite QB in Mason Opple who threw for 197 yds and ran for 99, which was about 80% of Hope's production on the night.

Very nice win for Dan Gritti and the Big Blue to open the season.

[robertgoulet]

NCC's defense looks bigger than I recall them looking in previous seasons. Specifically their LB and DB units.

[USee]

Wheaton 38
Monmouth 0
Final

Wheaton 403 total yds
226 yds rushing
177 yds passing

TJ Williams 17 carries 124 yds
Luke Anthony 13-23 150 yds 2 TDs
Corey Kennedy 2 INTS, 1 TD

Monmouth 58 total yds
28 yds rushing
28 yds passing
4 turnovers

This was a dominating win by the Thunder. Monmouth couldn't get anything going on offense with just 3 first downs in the game. Wheaton's offense was a little slow to get going which is to be expected in a first game with a new QB and RB. Wheaton's defense was suffocating as their 2 DT's, Dallas McCrae and Jake Holladay were their leading tacklers with 16 between them and 5 TFL. Corey Kennedy had a great game with 2 INT's including a 70 yd return for a TD.

Great start for the Thunder, though they will face an infinitely more talented offense in 2 weeks. Monmouth's defense is pretty good and this was a great test for the Thunder to protect the ball and establish the run.

[formerd3db]

USee:

Nice and impressive win for your Wheaton.

Thanks for the summary and statistics of the Hope/Millikin game (Mr. Ypsi kept me informed last evening of the sad saga for my Hope ) You are correct that our QB Opple is the big producer for us on offense like he was last year.  However, the otherwise production (or lack thereof) regarding the overall offense is concerning. 

It appears that the game was similar to last year's when Millikin narrowly defeated us at our home stadium.  No doubt Hope will rebound next Saturday as we play Defiance as the latter has had some tough going the past couple of years and again today as Albion smashed them.  Yet, my concern is that if Hope has trouble in defeating Millikin (and Millikin is no slouch team). that doesn't exactly translate well with regard to performance in any 1st round playoff game were a spot to be won by Hope.  However, obviously, the season is only one game old and the final result is a long way off and and attempt at speculation is pointless at this time-although perhaps not with regard to Michigan with it's performance against Army today!   Ugly game, but I'll take the "W" any time!

 

[AndOne]

After outmaneuvering Hurricane Dorian to slip into Newport News, VA, the NCC Cardinals also outmaneuvered the home town Christopher Newport Captains to post a 43-13 season opening win. In rolling to the victory, the Cardinals racked up 508 total yards while allowing CNU just 212. They also forced 3 turnovers, and registered 4 quarterback sacks.

NCC All-America QB Broc Rutter completed 27 of 36 passes for 369 yards. Included in those 27 completions were 3 that went for touchdowns. The 3TDs were the 90th, 91st, and 92nd of Rutter's career, and set a new all-time career record for TD passes, surpassing the previous record which had stood since 2007.

One area definitely needing improvement is the kicking game as the Cardinals missed a relatively easy FG, and 2 PATs. That performance won't fly vs. superior opposition, and could easily cost a game.

[kiko]

This weekend's roundup:

Augie 41, Coe 3 in Rock Island
Carroll 44, Lakeland 33 in Plymouth
Oshkosh 20, Carthage 19 in Oshkosh
Millikin 27, Hope 21 in Decatur
North Central 43, Christopher Newport 13 in Newport News
Anderson 34, North Park 21 in Hoosierville
Wash U 43, Chicago 7 in Chicago
Wheaton 38, Monmouth 0 in Monmouth

Elmhurst and Illinois Wesleyan were idle and open next weekend, when everyone else is off.

Carthage pulled within a point with three minutes to go, and went for the lead but their two-point conversion attempt failed.  Just 24 first downs between the two teams in that game.

[kiko]

Post-week 1 poll is out:

5. North Central - 512 points (previously #5 / 482 points)
14. Illinois Wesleyan - 244 points (previously #15 / 197 points)
20. Wheaton - 164 points (previously #22 / 109 points)

ORV Wash U  - 50 points (previously ORV / 58 points)
ORV Millikin - 1 point / (no votes in preseason poll)

[CNU85]

After outmaneuvering Hurricane Dorian to slip into Newport News, VA, the NCC Cardinals also outmaneuvered the home town Christopher Newport Captains to post a 43-13 season opening win. In rolling to the victory, the Cardinals racked up 508 total yards while allowing CNU just 212. They also forced 3 turnovers, and registered 4 quarterback sacks.

NCC All-America QB Broc Rutter completed 27 of 36 passes for 369 yards. Included in those 27 completions were 3 that went for touchdowns. The 3TDs were the 90th, 91st, and 92nd of Rutter's career, and set a new all-time career record for TD passes, surpassing the previous record which had stood since 2007.

One area definitely needing improvement is the kicking game as the Cardinals missed a relatively easy FG, and 2 PATs. That performance won't fly vs. superior opposition, and could easily cost a game.

Kudos to CNU for always trying to fill the schedule with top notch opponents. It's the only way to measure where you are. Unfortunately, the first game of the year is always tough, and especially against teams like NCC. They weer big and fast. Even the crazy travel didn't deter them.

CNU has a ways to go to return to the top 25 and higher. But we are making strides. Our coach is just starting his 3rd year after taking over for a CNU legend. I think the program overall is on the right track. 

I did meet with the President of NCC and chatted a bit. Very down to earth guy. Was good chatting with him for a bit. I just may make the return trip next year.

[New Tradition]

That's true HSC. The game was at Frostburg and not in  danger of bad weather. However, the storm was expected to hit N.C. and turn north towards us, so CNU closed campus and that automatically cancels everything unless a team is already on the road. The storm hit N.C. and then turned south. We didn't even get rain here.

I truly hope we get this game played. It's not really about game day...game day looks to be good, so far.  It's Thursday and Friday that seem to be the issue. We are in the cone with expected hurricane force winds on Friday. If campus closes it will most likely close Thursday and Friday and not reopen until Sunday evening in order to resume classes Monday.

This would totally suck if this game doesn't happen.  This is a great test for us to see how we stack up against a premiere national power. Also, we have had decent luck against 5th ranked teams coming in from out of state. 

My understanding is that CNU closed today, but is expected to reopen tomorrow morning at 7:00.
The NCC football team apparently had somewhat of an adventure making its way to Newport News, VA for the game which is scheduled at noon (ET) tomorrow. Unable to fly into either Norfolk/Virginia Beach or Richmond, VA due to a series of problems, I was advised that they were able to finally find a flight into Washington DC, north of the major effects of Dorian. The team will be forced to be split among 3 separate flights for its return journey to Naperville following the game.

Not only that, but they had BOTH OF THEIR BUSES BREAK DOWN on the way from DC to Newport News at separate points along the journey according to Jeff Thorne's Twitter!  https://twitter.com/cardhcjt/status/1170109039235280896   

It's easy to let wild schedule disruption affect play on the field and the Cards have struggled against quality opponents early in the season, historically.  Hopefully that trend is a thing of the past.  Congrats to the Cards for being able to overcome some adversity and pull out an impressive victory. 

[CNU85]

Broken down buses are no fun. And since it was a last minute booking, I'm sure NCC didn't get the best in the fleet.

I remember a CNU game @ UMHB way back....we chartered a plane.....It was a no show!

[AndOne]

Broken down buses are no fun. And since it was a last minute booking, I'm sure NCC didn't get the best in the fleet.

I remember a CNU game @ UMHB way back....we chartered a plane.....It was a no show!

Yep, CNU Bus Lines could probably stand to upgrade its fleet a bit.  🚌 🍋 🚌 🍋 😏

[AndOne]

After outmaneuvering Hurricane Dorian to slip into Newport News, VA, the NCC Cardinals also outmaneuvered the home town Christopher Newport Captains to post a 43-13 season opening win. In rolling to the victory, the Cardinals racked up 508 total yards while allowing CNU just 212. They also forced 3 turnovers, and registered 4 quarterback sacks.

NCC All-America QB Broc Rutter completed 27 of 36 passes for 369 yards. Included in those 27 completions were 3 that went for touchdowns. The 3TDs were the 90th, 91st, and 92nd of Rutter's career, and set a new all-time career record for TD passes, surpassing the previous record which had stood since 2007.

One area definitely needing improvement is the kicking game as the Cardinals missed a relatively easy FG, and 2 PATs. That performance won't fly vs. superior opposition, and could easily cost a game.

Kudos to CNU for always trying to fill the schedule with top notch opponents. It's the only way to measure where you are. Unfortunately, the first game of the year is always tough, and especially against teams like NCC. They weer big and fast. Even the crazy travel didn't deter them.

CNU has a ways to go to return to the top 25 and higher. But we are making strides. Our coach is just starting his 3rd year after taking over for a CNU legend. I think the program overall is on the right track. 

I did meet with the President of NCC and chatted a bit. Very down to earth guy. Was good chatting with him for a bit. I just may make the return trip next year.

Not sure about other NCC fans, but I was a little concerned when I first saw the Cardinals opening game of the season was scheduled to be played in the Tidewater Area of Virginia which can certainly harbor its share of heat and humidity in early September. That was before Dorian entered the picture and took center stage with regard to the problems it presented from a transportation standpoint.

NCC President Hammond is a very down to earth guy. He certainly doesn't come across as a nuclear physicist when you first meet him. He is pretty supportive of the College's athletic program, and frequently attends a variety of contests both on the female and male sides of the ledger.

He may also be a clandestine caped crusader and faster than a speeding bullet as I was pretty sure I saw him at the volleyball tournament at NCC on Friday night. For him to make a noon kickoff in Newport News, VA the following day, he certainly had to have a strong wind beneath his wings.
Maybe he approved opening The Hangar and rolling out the NCC jet for a quick flight east early Saturday morning? 🛩