FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Mugsy]

Speaking of turnovers... in each of the last 2 playoff games, Sean Norris' first pass of the game was intercepted.

Here's hoping that trend does not continue tomorrow.  Norris has had an outstanding playoff run.  I'm looking for that to continue tomorrow...

[muc-raider]

Speaking of turnovers... in each of the last 2 playoff games, Sean Norris' first pass of the game was intercepted.

Here's hoping that trend does not continue tomorrow.  Norris has had an outstanding playoff run.  I'm looking for that to continue tomorrow...

Maybe Wheaton will just run the ball.   

[CardinalAlum]

Good luck Thunder!!  Travel safe and bring your "A" game!!

[WahooThunder]

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?

I am sure his concern was about converting redzone opportunities into TD's, because in the past Wheaton has squandered most of them with turnovers or had to settle for field goals. There is no concern about the kicking game. Tim Ellingsen, a senior and the First-Team All-North Region kicker, has had an excellent season.

[WahooThunder]

For example, in 2006, Wheaton drove the ball inside the MUC 22 yard-line 4 times. The result was 3 interceptions and a 25 yard field-goal. There was also one other interception that occured within possible field goal range. In 2004, Wheaton's six points came off of two short field goals and they turned it over on downs in their other two redzone opportunities. Field goals are obviously better than turnovers, but if Wheaton is going to have any chance they're going to have to find a way to convert most of those opportunities into touchdowns tomorrow.

[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. 

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...

In my mind, the number of turnovers is probably more important than the turnover margin.  MUC's margin isn't anything impressive at .08 per game (16 turnover, 17 turnovers generated, tied for 116th), but the fact that Wheaton has turned it over 12 more times is the concerning number.  And as you just pointed out, this has been a major issue when they have played in Alliance.  I would agree that's it's not a discipline issue and maybe some of the interceptions are rooted in aggressive play calling.  The fumbles lost number, however, does stand out with 11 lost this year.   That ranks in a tie for 146th (with 21 other teams).   Here's hoping the defense continues it's stellar play and generates some turnovers and the offense holds onto the ball and puts it in the end zone instead of having red zone turnovers. 

[The General Public]

CONFIRMED: Gingg will not play tomorrow.

[WahooThunder]

CONFIRMED: Gingg will not play tomorrow.

I am encouraged by this news given its source. Hopefully it will be just as accurate as your previous posts.

[D O.C.]

Safe travels!

[Joe Wally]

Go Wheaton!!!!

Beat Mount!

[burly]

CONFIRMED: Gingg will not play tomorrow.

I am encouraged by this news given its source. Hopefully it will be just as accurate as your previous posts.

That was funny. 

[Mr. Ypsi]

CONFIRMED: Gingg will not play tomorrow.

I am encouraged by this news given its source. Hopefully it will be just as accurate as your previous posts.

That was funny. 

Hey, didn't you already win the bet?  Have you grown to love "REDMAN04 IS MY DADDY", or do we need a new contest to rename you?

[Mugsy]

CONFIRMED: Gingg will not play tomorrow.

I am encouraged by this news given its source. Hopefully it will be just as accurate as your previous posts.

That was funny. 

Hey, didn't you already win the bet?  Have you grown to love "REDMAN04 IS MY DADDY", or do we need a new contest to rename you?

Apparently he has enjoyed having redman04 as his daddy for the past year and he is fearing being an orphan.

[Mugsy]

Cool image of the week on the Wheaton College website:

http://www.wheaton.edu/studentlife/image_week.html

[muc-raider]

Cool image of the week on the Wheaton College website:

http://www.wheaton.edu/studentlife/image_week.html

Nice picture.   By the looks of that, any little snow that might fall in Alliance will not be a factor for Wheaton.