FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[usee]

I'm done with the OAC board.  The arrogance is nauseating.   

Mugsy

Please don't paint every MUC fan with the same brush. I respect every Mount opponent and have always respected the accomplishments and talents of the Wheaton program. The Thunder is a final 4 team and deservedly so. Coach Swider has done a great job and is just as fine a person and leader as a football coach. I am very anxious to watch the 2008 version of the Thunder this Saturday and realize that anytime during the playoffs that if Mount does not come prepared with their A game, it could be their last.

I agree with you Mugsy, several of the Mount posters can't talk football so they have to continually beat the "I am better than you" drum as if we haven't been paying attention for 15 yrs. There are many over there who are great to chat with and discuss real issues and thoughts but the idiots remain who think they are selling something about "humor".

[Neverwas]

I am already nervous for tomorrow's game and I am not even playing.  I think I am so nervous becuase Wheaton has scored a grand total of 40 points the last four trips to Alliance with 21 of those coming in 2002.  Wheaton hasn't even reached the endzone since a meaningless fourth quarter TD in 2003. 

I keep looking back at the teams Wheaton has brought to Alliance and I don't see much of a difference in this years team.  I think Ittersagen is the key again.  He need a Franklin type performance...on steroids if that is possible.  Wheaton has brought fantastic players to Alliance before (Musso, Studebaker, Brown) and the result has been the same. 

Wheaton has been in the game going into halftime the last two games. 
2004: 20-6 (all the way till the 4th quarter)
2006 14-0 (14-3 midway through the 3rd)

The Thunder need to find a way to play 4 quarters without turning it over or kicking field goals.  I am excited for tomorrow!

[muc-raider]

I am already nervous for tomorrow's game and I am not even playing.  I think I am so nervous becuase Wheaton has scored a grand total of 40 points the last four trips to Alliance with 21 of those coming in 2002.  Wheaton hasn't even reached the endzone since a meaningless fourth quarter TD in 2003. 

I keep looking back at the teams Wheaton has brought to Alliance and I don't see much of a difference in this years team.  I think Ittersagen is the key again.  He need a Franklin type performance...on steroids if that is possible.  Wheaton has brought fantastic players to Alliance before (Musso, Studebaker, Brown) and the result has been the same. 

Wheaton has been in the game going into halftime the last two games. 
2004: 20-6 (all the way till the 4th quarter)
2006 14-0 (14-3 midway through the 3rd)

The Thunder need to find a way to play 4 quarters without turning it over or kicking field goals.  I am excited for tomorrow!

I've been following Mount Union football for many years.  I have always been impressed with Wheaton's football team.  And I see it improving year after year.  This will be quite a game.  How many bus loads of fans is Wheaton sending to Alliance?

[CRU96]

I too have the upmost respect for the Thunder program.  Your accomplishments are well-noted and with the recent articles by D3football.com and others my respect and admiration has continued to grow.  Your program is built around more than x and o's but faith as well.  I for one appreciate and respect that coming from UMHB.  I wish you the very best tomorrow, and you are a top program in D III both in football and character.

[letsplay2]

Does anyone here have any info on the status of Rocky Gingg's injury? From what I've read on this website, it sounds like he's questionable at best, but I haven't heard any specifics about the nature or seriousness of the injury except that he limped of the field against Franklin. Wheaton desperately needs to be able to establish the running game if they want to keep it close this weekend and I'm afraid without Gingg there's not much chance of that happening.

Rocky has a torn MCL. From what I've heard, he's going to try to brace it up and play, but I don't know very much about that type of injury.

This is a bit misleading.  It's sprained, so there might be a slight tear, but definitely not completely torn.  You can play on both, but performance definitely is affected more with a complete tear, so i thought i would clear that up.  Obviously it's going to affect him either way, I just hope not too much.   

[DIIIinVA]

Mt. Union has been good enough for long enough that they deserve to be supremely confident.  Sometimes that comes across as arrogant or condescending but shoot, they are good and they are overwhelming favorites in this game and they know it.  Living near Salem, VA I have been to most of the Stagg Bowls since 1996 and have interacted with Mt. Union fans a good bit, including frequently sitting in their midst.  Some are downright arrogant, but most of them are just good, loyal fans of an excellent football program. 

That said, it's frustrating to attempt football discussions with another fan base if their responses consist solely of "whatever you do it won't matter because we are too good for you."  So if that's what Mugsy was getting over on their "home" board, I don't blame him for coming back over here.  We can at least talk about the matchups and how Wheaton might give itself the chance to pull an upset, while acknowledging Mount Union for the overwhelming favorite that it is.

[Mugsy]

I've been following Mount Union football for many years.  I have always been impressed with Wheaton's football team.  And I see it improving year after year.  This will be quite a game.  How many bus loads of fans is Wheaton sending to Alliance?

I posted earlier in the week that I don't expect there to be a large contingent of Wheaton fans in Alliance. I could be wrong...

Next week is finals week, so I'm wondering how many students will make a long trek to Alliance when they are in crunch time with studies.  Yes I know it is the biggest game in Wheaton history, but I've always joked if Wheaton would close the library on Saturday afternoon the crowd size would double.

I suspect you will see some students, some Wheaton alum and mostly parents.

[Mugsy]

Does anyone here have any info on the status of Rocky Gingg's injury? From what I've read on this website, it sounds like he's questionable at best, but I haven't heard any specifics about the nature or seriousness of the injury except that he limped of the field against Franklin. Wheaton desperately needs to be able to establish the running game if they want to keep it close this weekend and I'm afraid without Gingg there's not much chance of that happening.

Rocky has a torn MCL. From what I've heard, he's going to try to brace it up and play, but I don't know very much about that type of injury.

This is a bit misleading.  It's sprained, so there might be a slight tear, but definitely not completely torn.  You can play on both, but performance definitely is affected more with a complete tear, so i thought i would clear that up.  Obviously it's going to affect him either way, I just hope not too much.   

A sprain is what I heard as well after the Franklin game, but was trying to keep hush-hush all week.  I figured in all likelihood he would be playing.  He is a tough kid.

[muc-raider]

I've been following Mount Union football for many years.  I have always been impressed with Wheaton's football team.  And I see it improving year after year.  This will be quite a game.  How many bus loads of fans is Wheaton sending to Alliance?

I posted earlier in the week that I don't expect there to be a large contingent of Wheaton fans in Alliance. I could be wrong...

Next week is finals week, so I'm wondering how many students will make a long trek to Alliance when they are in crunch time with studies.  Yes I know it is the biggest game in Wheaton history, but I've always joked if Wheaton would close the library on Saturday afternoon the crowd size would double.

I suspect you will see some students, some Wheaton alum and mostly parents.

Sounds like the typical contingent for the playoff games.  It's tough during finals week.  Thanks for the update.

[Mugsy]

I too have the upmost respect for the Thunder program.  Your accomplishments are well-noted and with the recent articles by D3football.com and others my respect and admiration has continued to grow.  Your program is built around more than x and o's but faith as well.  I for one appreciate and respect that coming from UMHB.  I wish you the very best tomorrow, and you are a top program in D III both in football and character.

Thanks for the kind words. The Wheaton coaches, players and alum take as much pride (if not more) in the off field activities as the on field results.  Best of luck to UMHB tomorrow as well.  I'll bet everyone in Texas is excited to have a home game this late in the season, instead of venturing to the frozen tundra.

[Augie6]

The Thunder need to find a way to play 4 quarters without turning it over or kicking field goals.  I am excited for tomorrow!

In addition to controlling the LOS, I think turnovers are the single biggest factor that could influence this game.  I know Mugsy and USee have stated their frustrations throughout this season with the turnover situation.  Until I looked at the stats, I didn't realize just how bad it actually is.  Wheaton has turned the ball over 28 times this year, which ranks 201st in the nation.  They have generated 24 turnovers, which ranks 79th in the nation.  Their turnover margin ranking for 2008 is 160th in the nation at (.31) turnovers per game.  Keeping in mind that this takes into account playoff games, their turnover ranking probably improves a little but their turnovers generated ranking decreases.  In the playoffs (overall), the statistics haven't improved with 7 turnovers for Wheaton and 5 for their opponents.  (Although last week was a good week in this department).

When I look at this, it amazes me that Wheaton has been able to do what they've done.  They have been a team that has been able to overcome a lot in terms of turnovers to be in the final four of the playoffs.  That being said, if those ratios hold true this Saturday in Alliance, it could be a long day.  They need to hold onto the ball this weekend and get some turnovers from MUC (who only have 16 turnovers this year).  Hopefully, they are able to do that. 

Good Luck to Wheaton tomorrow. 

[April]

Rumor has it that as long as we talk, at least a little bit, about the finer points of broadcasting (or anything else business related) that hscoach is buying at least one round.  I'm sure that whatever he does for the Raider fans, he would be glad to do for the Thunder fans as well--except Thundermom--but April, we'd love to meet you!!

No thanks, I wouldn't be a good daughter if I wanted to spend time where my family was not welcome. Besides, it's almost 70degrees in San Diego today and I've darned near caught pneumonia each time I went to Alliance. And there's the whole fact that that's an awfully long way to drive when there are plenty of guys with unmitigated pride that I can hang out with around here.

I'm done with the OAC board.  The arrogance is nauseating.   

Mugsy

Please don't paint every MUC fan with the same brush. I respect every Mount opponent and have always respected the accomplishments and talents of the Wheaton program. The Thunder is a final 4 team and deservedly so. Coach Swider has done a great job and is just as fine a person and leader as a football coach. I am very anxious to watch the 2008 version of the Thunder this Saturday and realize that anytime during the playoffs that if Mount does not come prepared with their A game, it could be their last.

I agree with you Mugsy, several of the Mount posters can't talk football so they have to continually beat the "I am better than you" drum as if we haven't been paying attention for 15 yrs. There are many over there who are great to chat with and discuss real issues and thoughts but the idiots remain who think they are selling something about "humor".

I honestly think the reason they still remember my mom five years later is because, well, few people have had thick enough skin to deal with the constant barrage of condescention and hubris that results from such a successful program and continue to make cogent responses rather than digressing to cheap insults. I can help but find it amusing that she got under their skin so much that they still mention her every year that Wheaton faces Mt. Union. You have such a good heart Mugsy, and such a healthy dose of humility. I'm surprised you've made it as long as you have over there.

True facts:

#1 If the actual Mount Union team allowed themselves to digress into the same kind of "our opponents should roll over and die" attitude as some of their posters, they never would have been able to have the levels of success that they have had. Kudos to their players and coaching staff for taking each game seriously even though so many people want to say it's in the bag before kickoff. Their hard work and sobriety is what has produced championship teams rather than just "coulda woulda" talented teams.

#2 Similar kudos should be given to the Wheaton players who have been diligiantly preparing for the game tomorrow like the game isn't already decided. Who will walk on the field with a quiet confidence that they can accomplish anything and will do their best to raise some hell. 

Those are some important life lessons that will translate to life successes long after these guys hang up their pads, and ultimately all that's more important anyway.

[muc-raider]

The Thunder need to find a way to play 4 quarters without turning it over or kicking field goals.  I am excited for tomorrow!

In addition to controlling the LOS, I think turnovers are the single biggest factor that could influence this game.  I know Mugsy and USee have stated their frustrations throughout this season with the turnover situation.  Until I looked at the stats, I didn't realize just how bad it actually is.  Wheaton has turned the ball over 28 times this year, which ranks 201st in the nation.  They have generated 24 turnovers, which ranks 79th in the nation.  Their turnover margin ranking for 2008 is 160th in the nation at (.31) turnovers per game.  Keeping in mind that this takes into account playoff games, their turnover ranking probably improves a little but their turnovers generated ranking decreases.  In the playoffs (overall), the statistics haven't improved with 7 turnovers for Wheaton and 5 for their opponents.  (Although last week was a good week in this department).

When I look at this, it amazes me that Wheaton has been able to do what they've done.  They have been a team that has been able to overcome a lot in terms of turnovers to be in the final four of the playoffs.  That being said, if those ratios hold true this Saturday in Alliance, it could be a long day.  They need to hold onto the ball this weekend and get some turnovers from MUC (who only have 16 turnovers this year).  Hopefully, they are able to do that. 

Good Luck to Wheaton tomorrow. 

I expect a hard-fought game and field goals will be a part of it.  Are you concerned about Wheaton's field goal kicking game or are you thinking Wheaton needs TDs instead of FGs?

[Mugsy]

The Thunder need to find a way to play 4 quarters without turning it over or kicking field goals.  I am excited for tomorrow!

In addition to controlling the LOS, I think turnovers are the single biggest factor that could influence this game.  I know Mugsy and USee have stated their frustrations throughout this season with the turnover situation.  Until I looked at the stats, I didn't realize just how bad it actually is.  Wheaton has turned the ball over 28 times this year, which ranks 201st in the nation.  They have generated 24 turnovers, which ranks 79th in the nation.  Their turnover margin ranking for 2008 is 160th in the nation at (.31) turnovers per game.  Keeping in mind that this takes into account playoff games, their turnover ranking probably improves a little but their turnovers generated ranking decreases.  In the playoffs (overall), the statistics haven't improved with 7 turnovers for Wheaton and 5 for their opponents.  (Although last week was a good week in this department).

When I look at this, it amazes me that Wheaton has been able to do what they've done.  They have been a team that has been able to overcome a lot in terms of turnovers to be in the final four of the playoffs.  That being said, if those ratios hold true this Saturday in Alliance, it could be a long day.  They need to hold onto the ball this weekend and get some turnovers from MUC (who only have 16 turnovers this year).  Hopefully, they are able to do that. 

Good Luck to Wheaton tomorrow. 

In the 2 games that Wheaton did play tougher against MUC, they had at least 2 turnovers inside the MUC redzone (a few INT's in the endzond).  

In addition following 3 of the 4 turnovers (if I'm not mistaken), MUC drove the distance for 7 points.  That is a killer.  Get the redzone and end up with zippo, then allow MUC to get 7 on the other end.  Disheartening and huge momentum swings.

I can't remember the last year Wheaton had a steallar turnover ratio.  I'd have to go back and look.  I've always wondered why?  It can't be from a lack of discipline, because that isn't how Wheaton coaches.  Perhaps it is due to the aggressive nature of play calling?  I dunno...

[CRU96]

Thanks for the kind words. The Wheaton coaches, players and alum take as much pride (if not more) in the off field activities as the on field results.  Best of luck to UMHB tomorrow as well.  I'll bet everyone in Texas is excited to have a home game this late in the season, instead of venturing to the frozen tundra.

We are certainly grateful to get a chance to play at home.  With the temperature around 60 degrees at game time it is better than the frozen tundra.  We too have a big task ahead of us with UWW beating us the previous three time.  We are (0-3) against them, but ready for the game tomorrow.  Much like Wheaton, we have been in most games (a mid-season 41-14 loss in UWW in 2007 being the exception). Late turnovers or good defense by the Warhawks has been our fate in the three contests.  Best to you my friends tomorrow.