FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[dansand]

Isn't a chip shot more difficult the closer you get?  That might explain the difficulty from 25 or so yards.

Depends on what hash mark you are on, but it shouldn't be a problem for the better kickers.  If you are in between the hashes it isn't much different from a PAT, of which Wheaton has missed 4 already in 2006. 

To miss from that close, you really need to shank the kick.  Not that I'm an expert kicker...

Sometimes kicking problems are actually problems with the snapper and/or holder. Have the Thunder changed their snappers or holders?

[diehardfan]

Yeah, but just think how bad you'll feel when we beat you anyway.

April,
I feel bad when Augie loses to anyone. Four national championships create high expectations. 

Nicely done. Augie week is going to be fun.

And I know what you mean, Wheaton beating Augie in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 kinda sets high expectations for me too.

[Mugsy]

Thanks Mugsy.

It should show up as a plain gold helmet (and it does on my home computer), but when I peeked at the site at work today, it showed up as some weird, tiny logo, which I'm guessing is what you're seeing. Anyway,
Coach Barnes stripped the Vikings of the script "Augie" logo on their helmets before last week's game, so I had to scour the Helmet Project website for a plain gold helmet with blue stripes and facemask. I ended up with an old Franklin (IN) helmet from the late '90's. Since it's apparently not showing up anyway, I should probably change it back.

Whoa!  So was there any reason given as to why the logo was stripped off of their helmets?  Was it to "light a fire" under the team (ie. motivation tool - were not wearing the logo until we start playing like Augie)?

[Mugsy]

Having seen last weeks NC game I believe this will be the toughest conference game for Wheaton this year.  I was also listening to the game and the NC announcers said that in the off-season etc.. NC was preparing for Wheaton.  This team is designed to beat Wheaton.  The have plays where they send 4 to five guys on short passes and crossing routes.  When other teams have moved the ball on Wheaton they used short passes.  Sometimes it was on the second string though.  The second you bring the coverage up they sneak a second receiver long who may be wide open.  Have no illusions NC is a very good short passing team.  This game may decide the conference.  I think Wheaton should win but if they don't stop the short passing game I would have to give the edge to NC in a close game.  Wheaton also needs to find ways to exploit their advantage on the line with sack fumbles etc..  Last of all remembering last year the turning point in the game had to do with penalties.   Wheaton needs to watch their penalties, even when they had a few last week they involved turnovers etc...    If Wheaton stops the short passing game and watches the penalties it should be a long day for NC with the bell back in its NATURAL resting place at Wheaton college.

Actually I think last years game turned on the 4 2nd half interceptions thrown by Wheaton, one for a TD and at least one other in the redzone.  That is one quick way to eliminate a 20-6 halftime lead against a very, very tough opponent.

[dansand]

Thanks Mugsy.

It should show up as a plain gold helmet (and it does on my home computer), but when I peeked at the site at work today, it showed up as some weird, tiny logo, which I'm guessing is what you're seeing. Anyway,
Coach Barnes stripped the Vikings of the script "Augie" logo on their helmets before last week's game, so I had to scour the Helmet Project website for a plain gold helmet with blue stripes and facemask. I ended up with an old Franklin (IN) helmet from the late '90's. Since it's apparently not showing up anyway, I should probably change it back.

Whoa!  So was there any reason given as to why the logo was stripped off of their helmets?  Was it to "light a fire" under the team (ie. motivation tool - were not wearing the logo until we start playing like Augie)?

Yeah, that's exactly what it was. The script "Augie" logo is a pretty significant symbol. They started using it when Bob Reade came to Augie. It was kinda one of his signature things, along with the vertical stripes they used to wear on their sleeves. In the local paper they asked (I think it was) Chris Studer if the logo would be back next week and he was quoted as saying, "I wouldn't hold my breath."

[diehardfan]

Wow... that's really interesting. 

[RedmenFB44]

I really hope Carthage does not take IWU lightly. I don't think they will but IWU did play a solid game against Augie this past weekend. Carthage plays better at home (as do most teams) but I looked up some stats:

Carthage Overall Record since 2001: 34-23

Carthage Record at Home since 2001: 18-10

Carthage Record on the Road since 2001: 16-13

Pretty average if you ask me.

Here are the scores for Carthage against IWU since 2001:

2001
@Carthage - 0
IWU - 32

2002
@Carthage - 21
IWU - 20

2003
Carthage - 20
@IWU - 21

2004
Carthage - 33
@IWU - 15

2005
@Carthage - 42
IWU - 7

The last two years Carthage has dominated but the Redmen always have a bitter taste in their mouth when it comes to IWU week  

[Mugsy]

Wow... that's really interesting. 

AHHH... I haven't eaten dinner yet and diehard includes another cookie shot.

[washdupcard]

There is nothing natural about resting in Wheaton.  The bell stays.

[diehardfan]

Wow... that's really interesting. 

AHHH... I haven't eaten dinner yet and diehard includes another cookie shot.

Yup, I made those yesterday. I just thought I'd vary the cookie pics a little.

[79jaybird]

Comet14-- In regards to the officials for the Elmhurst/Carthage game.  I will say that I was not impressed with the officials staff.  They missed calls all night and for/against both sides. 
What I always say is let the players (kids) decide the outcome of the game(s).
I don't want to start a soapbox topic but I will say that for such a high level of excellence the CCIW schools and players have, I haven't been impressed with the officials in 2006.  Not just the Carthage game, but also the Chicago and Benedictine games. 
I would also say check the MIAA board.  The CCIW is not the only conference talking about the officials.
Lastly,  last Saturday, IMO is wasn't so much the calls on the field, but what frustrated me was one official would throw a flag, then there would be 5-10 minutes of discussion, and any flow to the game was nullified by the officials indecisiveness.  Let the kids play and decide the game.  Those listening on the radio probably could tell that I was getting frustrated (for both teams, not just Elmhurst) because we would have 2 plays, then a LONG delay, 1 more play, and another delay to replace the ball on the field, etc.
Hopefully this is the last time I have to "vent" about the officials lack of professionalism at a big game.

[79jaybird]

REDMENFAN-- It was great to meet you at the tailgate last Saturday.  As I mentioned on the email it was great hanging out with all of you and indeed, it was a great Division III game/environment last Sat.
I wish you and the Redmen all the best the rest of the way here in 2006! 

[Tailgater]

Jaybird- I was wondering what you thought of the officiating at the game sat. I thought is was horrible. The worst call being the onside kick that ( looked to me ) was touched before the 10 yards required.

I just watched the onside kick again on my game tape and it was certainly perfectly executed and totally legit. Touched and covered 11 yds from the kick spot.

Curious to know what calls or what about the officiating made it horrible. Seemed like a typical CCIW game to me.

[Mugsy]

Good thing the Wheaton/NCC game wasn't yesterday.  Over 4 inches of rain in Wheaton in 2 hours!

[Mugsy]

There is nothing natural about resting in Wheaton.  The bell stays.

Just as Naperville isn't fit to be the county seat of DuPage, the North Central isn't fit to possess the bell any longer.  The bell returns to it's proper resting place in Wheaton, where it has been 18 of the last 20 years.