FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[bleedpurple]

If North Central and Mount both win next weekend, their semifinal game would be at ?

North Central. Their location in the bracket would indicate they are the higher "#1 seed".

[SpartanHouse]

It better be! Been looking forward to attending that game since the bracket was announced

[Next Man Up]

It better be! Been looking forward to attending that game since the bracket was announced

And sitting on which side? 
Seat license plans will be announced early in the week preceding the game. 

[SpartanHouse]

It better be! Been looking forward to attending that game since the bracket was announced

And sitting on which side? 
Seat license plans will be announced early in the week preceding the game. 

I'm a big Coach Thorne fan. Will be rooting for the cardinals.

Is this seat licensing thing serious or hopefully a joke

[USee]

I have spent a lot of time thinking about the game in Pella yesterday and also rewatched it. Coming into the game I was worried because the matchups both last week and yesterday are the toughest for Wheaton. A strong QB and passing game. (Zimbelman last week gave me some confidence). While there are a lot of things the Thunder could have done better to win that game, they did a lot right. These two teams were very even. The Thunder did not play poorly, Central played at an exceptionally high level. The game reminded me of the NCC/Mt Union game from the 2nd round in 2019. Central is also very similar to St Johns from 2019 and their AA QB. Blaine Hawkins is every bit as good as D3POY Broc Rutter and while he doesn't have an Andrew Kamienski, he has a bevy of receivers that are all really good route runners. Tanner Schminke is an All American quality WR. I counted around 15 catches by Central WR's that were closely contested/covered WR's that Hawkins either put the ball where only his guy could catch it or the WR made a contested catch. That's pretty amazing considering there was a 25 mph wind howling across the field pushing every pass across the field.

The Thunder defense played out of their minds and did everything they hoped to do short of winning. Consider this: They held the #1 offense in the land to 10 pts through 3 quarters (7 on the opening drive and just 3 after that until Q4). The #1 sack defense sacked Hawkins 4x (3 by McCrae) and hit/hurried him close to 15 other times. They held Central to 6 yds rushing for the game. Central threw the ball 65 freaking times and the Wheaton defense held Hawkins to 63% completions (41 completions-his season average is 72%). They intercepted Hawkins 4 times (one was negated by an unrelated penalty and one was on a 2 pt attempt) when he had only thrown 4 all year coming in.

Luke Anthony completed almost 70% of his passes in that wind including a drive to take the lead with 2:31 left after Central had scored to take the lead. Giovani Weeks ran for 107 yds and had 5 catches for 57 yds.

It was 21-10 to start the 4th Quarter.  The Thunder have faced North Central and held them to 20 total pts (7 in the last minute) and Aurora's Gavin Zimbelman, holding him to 13 pts. Most people outside of Pella think those two offenses are pretty good and would have placed a lot of money on Wheaton's defense holding on.  Hawkins proceeded to score 20 pts in the 4th quarter, more than any team scored all season on Wheaton's first team D,  including a memorable last drive where he converted two 4th down plays. That final drive was 13 plays and 63 yds. The Thunder played a dime defense with 3 DL rushing, 2 LB and 6 DB's. They still knocked Hawkins down 6x in the 13 plays (all pass plays). Centrals pass concepts are sophisticated and very difficult to cover. I thought Wheaton did a great job all game against them. Hawkins is special.

A couple other notes:

-The TD that Central had that many thought the WR was out of bounds was definitely a TD. I don't know how, but Jeff Herbers caught it with 2 Wheaton defenders all over him and got a foot inbounds

-The refs were pretty good I thought and called a pretty even game, despite some grumbling. I didn't think they missed any blatant penalties and caught the right ones. The final play was unfortunate from an officials standpoint. They blew the ball ready for play before the Central injured player was off the field and the players started the final play before being whistled dead, giving away the Wheaton defense and a probable sack (McCrae and Herber were unblocked), allowing Central to set up for the blitz and the final TD (Tanner Schminke adjusted his route from an inside slant to a corner route, fooling the Wheaton DB, who stumbled out of the break, giving Hawkins/Schminke the room they needed). Bad luck really.

-Central LT Que Baker-McCauley is one of the very best OL in D3. As good as I have seen all year ( and I've seen some great ones). LB Josh Van Gysel is also an AA type player. Great instincts and doesn't stay blocked.

These two teams feel like top 5 teams to me. UWW may match up differently than Wheaton and they also have a top 10 defense, strong running game and great QB so Central will have an uphill battle. But UWW will have their hands full with Hawkins for sure and the Central scheme on defense is simple but effective. UWW has a huge advantage of being able to watch the Wheaton tape. That's going to help, a lot. 

Gonna be a tough offseason for the Thunder as they lose a lot and likely won't be back at this level for a couple years.

[Next Man Up]

Well, the Wheaties basketball team gets an early Christmas present as the Anthony to Peterson connection can now transfer from the gridiron to the hardwood earlier than expected.

[USee]

good point.

[Next Man Up]

It better be! Been looking forward to attending that game since the bracket was announced

And sitting on which side? 
Seat license plans will be announced early in the week preceding the game. 

I'm a big Coach Thorne fan. Will be rooting for the cardinals.

Is this seat licensing thing serious or hopefully a joke

There is no joking in football!
The seat license fee, which allows you to then purchase a game ticket, comes with a lavish combination breakfast/lunch, all-you-can-eat eat, brunch buffet! 

[CardinalAlum]

I have spent a lot of time thinking about the game in Pella yesterday and also rewatched it. Coming into the game I was worried because the matchups both last week and yesterday are the toughest for Wheaton. A strong QB and passing game. (Zimbelman last week gave me some confidence). While there are a lot of things the Thunder could have done better to win that game, they did a lot right. These two teams were very even. The Thunder did not play poorly, Central played at an exceptionally high level. The game reminded me of the NCC/Mt Union game from the 2nd round in 2019. Central is also very similar to St Johns from 2019 and their AA QB. Blaine Hawkins is every bit as good as D3POY Broc Rutter and while he doesn't have an Andrew Kamienski, he has a bevy of receivers that are all really good route runners. Tanner Schminke is an All American quality WR. I counted around 15 catches by Central WR's that were closely contested/covered WR's that Hawkins either put the ball where only his guy could catch it or the WR made a contested catch. That's pretty amazing considering there was a 25 mph wind howling across the field pushing every pass across the field.

The Thunder defense played out of their minds and did everything they hoped to do short of winning. Consider this: They held the #1 offense in the land to 10 pts through 3 quarters (7 on the opening drive and just 3 after that until Q4). The #1 sack defense sacked Hawkins 4x (3 by McCrae) and hit/hurried him close to 15 other times. They held Central to 6 yds rushing for the game. Central threw the ball 65 freaking times and the Wheaton defense held Hawkins to 63% completions (41 completions-his season average is 72%). They intercepted Hawkins 4 times (one was negated by an unrelated penalty and one was on a 2 pt attempt) when he had only thrown 4 all year coming in.

Luke Anthony completed almost 70% of his passes in that wind including a drive to take the lead with 2:31 left after Central had scored to take the lead. Giovani Weeks ran for 107 yds and had 5 catches for 57 yds.

It was 21-10 to start the 4th Quarter.  The Thunder have faced North Central and held them to 20 total pts (7 in the last minute) and Aurora's Gavin Zimbelman, holding him to 13 pts. Most people outside of Pella think those two offenses are pretty good and would have placed a lot of money on Wheaton's defense holding on.  Hawkins proceeded to score 20 pts in the 4th quarter, more than any team scored all season on Wheaton's first team D,  including a memorable last drive where he converted two 4th down plays. That final drive was 13 plays and 63 yds. The Thunder played a dime defense with 3 DL rushing, 2 LB and 6 DB's. They still knocked Hawkins down 6x in the 13 plays (all pass plays). Centrals pass concepts are sophisticated and very difficult to cover. I thought Wheaton did a great job all game against them. Hawkins is special.

A couple other notes:

-The TD that Central had that many thought the WR was out of bounds was definitely a TD. I don't know how, but Jeff Herbers caught it with 2 Wheaton defenders all over him and got a foot inbounds

-The refs were pretty good I thought and called a pretty even game, despite some grumbling. I didn't think they missed any blatant penalties and caught the right ones. The final play was unfortunate from an officials standpoint. They blew the ball ready for play before the Central injured player was off the field and the players started the final play before being whistled dead, giving away the Wheaton defense and a probable sack (McCrae and Herber were unblocked), allowing Central to set up for the blitz and the final TD (Tanner Schminke adjusted his route from an inside slant to a corner route, fooling the Wheaton DB, who stumbled out of the break, giving Hawkins/Schminke the room they needed). Bad luck really.

-Central LT Que Baker-McCauley is one of the very best OL in D3. As good as I have seen all year ( and I've seen some great ones). LB Josh Van Gysel is also an AA type player. Great instincts and doesn't stay blocked.

These two teams feel like top 5 teams to me. UWW may match up differently than Wheaton and they also have a top 10 defense, strong running game and great QB so Central will have an uphill battle. But UWW will have their hands full with Hawkins for sure and the Central scheme on defense is simple but effective. UWW has a huge advantage of being able to watch the Wheaton tape. That's going to help, a lot. 

Gonna be a tough offseason for the Thunder as they lose a lot and likely won't be back at this level for a couple years.

I sadly only was able to see that last play of the game live once the NCC game ended and I was just stunned to see the Central player catching a TD with the clock reading zero.  Central has to be as legit as USee says they are as Wheaton D was as good as I have seen in a long time.  The big boys across the D line were those rare once in a while players you sometimes get at the D3 level that are just a notch above everyone else.  I was feeling like Wheaton was going to come out of the other side and hoping for an all CCIW final.  Thunder represented well.  Best of luck to all of those 5th/6th year seniors that put their lives on hold for one more shot.  Wheaton may not have the experience back next year, but they will be ready to go again in the Fall.  Hoping we can carry the CCIW torch for a while longer.   

[SpartanHouse]

Couldn't believe what I was seeing when the ref blew his whistle for ready to play as the injured player was still on the field.

[SpartanHouse]

Well, the Wheaties basketball team gets an early Christmas present as the Anthony to Peterson connection can now transfer from the gridiron to the hardwood earlier than expected.

After seeing Peterson play...it would be wise to not play hoops and focus solely for an NFL combine.

[Thunderdome21]

I have spent a lot of time thinking about the game in Pella yesterday and also rewatched it. Coming into the game I was worried because the matchups both last week and yesterday are the toughest for Wheaton. A strong QB and passing game. (Zimbelman last week gave me some confidence). While there are a lot of things the Thunder could have done better to win that game, they did a lot right. These two teams were very even. The Thunder did not play poorly, Central played at an exceptionally high level. The game reminded me of the NCC/Mt Union game from the 2nd round in 2019. Central is also very similar to St Johns from 2019 and their AA QB. Blaine Hawkins is every bit as good as D3POY Broc Rutter and while he doesn't have an Andrew Kamienski, he has a bevy of receivers that are all really good route runners. Tanner Schminke is an All American quality WR. I counted around 15 catches by Central WR's that were closely contested/covered WR's that Hawkins either put the ball where only his guy could catch it or the WR made a contested catch. That's pretty amazing considering there was a 25 mph wind howling across the field pushing every pass across the field.

The Thunder defense played out of their minds and did everything they hoped to do short of winning. Consider this: They held the #1 offense in the land to 10 pts through 3 quarters (7 on the opening drive and just 3 after that until Q4). The #1 sack defense sacked Hawkins 4x (3 by McCrae) and hit/hurried him close to 15 other times. They held Central to 6 yds rushing for the game. Central threw the ball 65 freaking times and the Wheaton defense held Hawkins to 63% completions (41 completions-his season average is 72%). They intercepted Hawkins 4 times (one was negated by an unrelated penalty and one was on a 2 pt attempt) when he had only thrown 4 all year coming in.

Luke Anthony completed almost 70% of his passes in that wind including a drive to take the lead with 2:31 left after Central had scored to take the lead. Giovani Weeks ran for 107 yds and had 5 catches for 57 yds.

It was 21-10 to start the 4th Quarter.  The Thunder have faced North Central and held them to 20 total pts (7 in the last minute) and Aurora's Gavin Zimbelman, holding him to 13 pts. Most people outside of Pella think those two offenses are pretty good and would have placed a lot of money on Wheaton's defense holding on.  Hawkins proceeded to score 20 pts in the 4th quarter, more than any team scored all season on Wheaton's first team D,  including a memorable last drive where he converted two 4th down plays. That final drive was 13 plays and 63 yds. The Thunder played a dime defense with 3 DL rushing, 2 LB and 6 DB's. They still knocked Hawkins down 6x in the 13 plays (all pass plays). Centrals pass concepts are sophisticated and very difficult to cover. I thought Wheaton did a great job all game against them. Hawkins is special.

A couple other notes:

-The TD that Central had that many thought the WR was out of bounds was definitely a TD. I don't know how, but Jeff Herbers caught it with 2 Wheaton defenders all over him and got a foot inbounds

-The refs were pretty good I thought and called a pretty even game, despite some grumbling. I didn't think they missed any blatant penalties and caught the right ones. The final play was unfortunate from an officials standpoint. They blew the ball ready for play before the Central injured player was off the field and the players started the final play before being whistled dead, giving away the Wheaton defense and a probable sack (McCrae and Herber were unblocked), allowing Central to set up for the blitz and the final TD (Tanner Schminke adjusted his route from an inside slant to a corner route, fooling the Wheaton DB, who stumbled out of the break, giving Hawkins/Schminke the room they needed). Bad luck really.

-Central LT Que Baker-McCauley is one of the very best OL in D3. As good as I have seen all year ( and I've seen some great ones). LB Josh Van Gysel is also an AA type player. Great instincts and doesn't stay blocked.

These two teams feel like top 5 teams to me. UWW may match up differently than Wheaton and they also have a top 10 defense, strong running game and great QB so Central will have an uphill battle. But UWW will have their hands full with Hawkins for sure and the Central scheme on defense is simple but effective. UWW has a huge advantage of being able to watch the Wheaton tape. That's going to help, a lot. 

Gonna be a tough offseason for the Thunder as they lose a lot and likely won't be back at this level for a couple years.

Agree with everything you said. Gotta add that both sides had to deal with injuries. It did not help Wheaton when its star RB had to leave the game for over a quarter because he was banged up. Even though Weeks ran for over 100 yds, he couldn't make his jump cuts and cut backs with his hip injury. Nor could he accelerate to his sprint level speed.

While the Thunder will lose all their 5th and 6th year seniors, there are some (not all) 4th year seniors coming back for their lost COVID year,  including some 2s on the defense, and what I'm hearing, at least one defensive starter.  Add to the fact that there are 2 second string juniors on the defense, it may not be quite as bad as you predicted in a previous post where you thought only 1 or 2 on Wheaton's 2-deep were coming back. I think they'll have alot of talented starters, but not nearly the upperclassman depth Wheaton's been blessed with the past 2-3 years.

[hazzben]

@ Usee (and Wheaton posters). I'd agree with everything you wrote. That was one of the great playoff matchups of recent memory. Heartbreaking loss for Wheaton, but they really did play an incredible game. The D, line play, and weeks were as advertised, but Hawkins really is one of those Rutter/Eerdman type generational talents. The entire Central team is very good, but having AA QB play will give you a shot in just about every game. In a more just world, this would have been an Elite 8 or Final 4 matchup.

I'm still trying to figure out if Mount/UWW are down just a tinge from their lofty heights of 5-15 years ago, or if the other elite of D3 have really finally raised their game. I'm starting to think it's the latter. NCC in 2019 was as legit a title team as they come and feels equally good this year. But there was a decade plus where you could basically pencil UWW vs. Mount both into the Stagg, if not at least one of them. They are both great again this year, but there are 7-8 teams this year, that if they are healthy, I could see having a legitimate chance to win a National Title. Wheaton is in that group, and Saturday (and 2019) showed just how razor slim that margin is. All that to say, D3 is much more captivating football right now than it has been for quite some time.

And again, congrats to Wheaton on a great season and great careers for those seniors. Special group, no doubt heart broken right now, but they have the makings of young men who will carry all they've learned as Thunder players into success later in life.

EDIT: Just saw the D3football front page for the podcast ... I guess great minds think alike! (or a blind squirrel and that acorn bit)

[kiko]

It is worth noting that, while we saw new blood atop the podium in 2019 (and we all know my loyalties on this site), we were essentially one play away from... Whitewater versus Mount Union in the Stagg Bowl.

At least one of Mount/Whitewater has been in the Stagg Bowl in 18 of the 20 seasons since 2000.  (And in one of the years they didn't make it the title was vacated.)  I'm a bit skeptical that others are there as reaching the quarterfinals by beating teams other than Mount and Whitewater is... not comparable to the level that those two programs are at.

The onus is on all of the other very-good-this-year teams to prove that they are at that elite level.  And not just this year, which is somewhat of an anomaly given the  number of fifth- and sixth-year players scattered about various rosters, but year after year after year after year after year after year after year after year after year.  That's what Mount and Whitewater have done.

Which is to say: I love seeing the progress that a school like Johns Hopkins (as one example) has made in recent years.  But they're still six miles behind the Purple Raiders and Warhawks on the highway.

There's a difference between a great season and a great program.

[Gregory Sager]

There's a difference between a great season and a great program.

That's worth using as a fixed quote at the bottom of your posts, kiko.