FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[matblake]

While it is fun to look at Lindy's and Sporting News etc. to see your team/conference/rivals in a "big time" magazine you have to take the DIII preseason rankings from magazines that primarily focus on the FBS and FCS with a grain of salt.  Reputation tends to govern these polls and they oftentimes don't make sense to those who are more familiar with the DIII landscape. 

[usee]

I don't think Augie will be a top 25 team this year but I also don't think IWU will either. No one in the conference lost more than the Titans. They return Brien Rooney on offense and only 3 other starters. On defense they lose 8 starters. With only 7 returning starters they will be challenged to repeat.

[oldnuthin]

I don't think Augie will be a top 25 team this year but I also don't think IWU will either. No one in the conference lost more than the Titans. They return John Rooney on offense and only 3 other starters. On defense they lose 8 starters. With only 7 returning starters they will be challenged to repeat.

your dating yourself, IWU QB is Brien Rooney . They do return two d-linemen, who I think are vey good, along with a strong line backing core even without nickolich, but i agree gonna be tought to repeat especially losing over half of the o-line.

[usee]

So noted. Thanks. Although I am pretty sure John Rooney will return as well, albeit from his perch in the stands he is a little less dangerous.

I am working on a summary of the conference teams for the fall and will post hopefully over the next few days. Should provide for some summer fodder as we approach camps in August. I do think the conference overall will be stronger this year than it was last year. I expect a high winning percentage in the non conference games in part because the schedule isn't that formiddable and also because the league should be stronger this year. As a preview I have picked North Central as the conference favorite and I think North Park will win their first conference game this year. Stay tuned....

[CardinalAlum]

I am working on a summary of the conference teams for the fall and will post hopefully over the next few days. Should provide for some summer fodder as we approach camps in August. I do think the conference overall will be stronger this year than it was last year. I expect a high winning percentage in the non conference games in part because the schedule isn't that formiddable and also because the league should be stronger this year. As a preview I have picked North Central as the conference favorite and I think North Park will win their first conference game this year. Stay tuned....

Have I ever mentioned how intelligent I believe Usee to be?   

[CardinalAlum]

I am working on a summary of the conference teams for the fall and will post hopefully over the next few days. Should provide for some summer fodder as we approach camps in August. I do think the conference overall will be stronger this year than it was last year. I expect a high winning percentage in the non conference games in part because the schedule isn't that formiddable and also because the league should be stronger this year. As a preview I have picked North Central as the conference favorite and I think North Park will win their first conference game this year. Stay tuned....

Have I ever mentioned how intelligent I believe Usee to be?   

And then....there's Mugsy.....   

[usee]

Great interview on KC website w Andy Studebaker. In front of his locker after practice he sounds like the head coach. One of the reporters at the end says "..remind me where you went to college?"

http://www.kcchiefs.com/media-center/videos/Inside-the-Locker-Room-Andy-Studebaker/c644b3e2-4d98-4bff-83d3-14ce30914a7b

[Ralph Turner]

Great interview on KC website w Andy Studebaker. In front of his locker after practice he sounds like the head coach. One of the reporters at the end says "..remind me where you went to college?"

http://www.kcchiefs.com/media-center/videos/Inside-the-Locker-Room-Andy-Studebaker/c644b3e2-4d98-4bff-83d3-14ce30914a7b

I think that she was impressed.   

Andy seems to have the mind of a football coach.

Thanks for sharing.

[Mugsy]

Other comments from KC Chiefs head coach (Haley) about Andy following the close of the mini-camp:

Andy Studebaker is someone I knew nothing about before I got here but this kid has a chance. He has put himself in a position through work to give himself an opportunity to push the guys ahead of him. I have told Andy a bunch of times, 'don't you assume that you can't be number one. You need to be pushing because who is to say that you can't do it?' That is his mindset and he has a great mentor in Mike (Vrabel) that he follows around non-stop. When you are a coach and you see those kinds of things happening, they are working and talking all the time not just out on the field. You can catch them walking through the locker room talking about something. That means teaching is going on and older guys are trying to get younger guys that may even be their replacement potentially, they could beat them out and they are still working with them. That is when you know you have a chance to be a team and a team that can continually develop.

[usee]

This is based on what I know now. This doesn't include information on injured or non-returning starters nor does it include potential 5th year returners.

CCIW Predicted order of finish:
North Central
Wheaton
Augie
Millikin
IWU
Carthage
Elmhurst
North Park

North Central
Returning starters: 16: 6 off, 10 def
Key losses: Aaron Fanthorpe, QB; Jim Janacek, DL, Dominic Sulo, RB; Josh Delancy OT, Coach Weinke
Key returners: Matt Wenger, LB; Steve Hlavac, WR; Kyle Antos, OL; Derek Sulo, DB, Robert Champion, DL
Non Conference schedule: @Cornell (Iowa), @Olivet, UWEC
Key conference games: @Augie Oct 19, @Wheaton Nov 6
Outlook: The Cardinals should be the hands down favorite again in the CCIW. Despite losing stars Aaron Fanthorpe and Dominic Sulo they have built imposing depth in the younger ranks and return promising QB Spencer Stanek as well as a dangerous and experienced group of skill players. On Defense they return All American candidate Matt Wenger, All Conference players Robert Champion and Derek Sulo from injury to join Willie Hayes, Joe Schneiderbaur, Josh Mcleod, and 7 other returning starters giving them impressive depth in what should be a nationally ranked defense. The schedule is favorable for the Cardinals as the only long conference road trip is Rock Island. They face Millikin, Carthage, and IWU in Naperville. If they stay healthy and they become a dominant defensive team, I see a deep run into the playoffs for this team.
Prediction: 10-0, conference champs
Post Patterns Regulars: CardAlum, FormerCard, CardinalDad, Hornet, Cardinalfan, AndOne, New Tradition, Shark56, robertgoulet

Wheaton College:
Returning starters: 13: 5 off, 8 def
Key losses: Sean Norris, QB/P; Freddy Ellis, WR; Nick Theobald, DT; Brian Hollet, DB; Coach Walt Whitehead
Key returners: Rocky Gingg RB; Charlie Velling, RB; Brian McMullen, DB; Tyler Langs, DB; Jordan Langs, LB
Non Conference schedule: @Albion, UW Platteville, @Olivet
Key Conference games:@Elmhurst Oct 9; @Augie Oct 30; vs NCC Nov 6
Outlook: The Thunder faded down the stretch for the 2nd time in 3 seasons last year and Coach Mike Swider is hoping for a stronger finish. On offense they return two 1st team CCIW running backs in Gingg and Velling which should take the load off the much what will be a rookie QB. Jordan Roberts and Griffin Kuhn will likely battle it out at QB. Zeller, Antal, Watkins and McLain are a talented group of WR and will provide veteran presence for the young QB. Questions remain in the offensive line where Coach Geoff Dart (Mt Union all conference OL) takes over for retired OL coach Walt Whitehead in Joe Davis' up tempo attack. On defense the thunder return 12 players who played in every game as well as All CCIW Tyler Langs at corner who sat out 2009 with an injury. With a year of the 3-4 under their belt and depth in the defensive backfield as well as at LB, the Thunder defense should be fairly stout. If the OL can come together and open holes for the running game, Wheaton  should be deep enough to challenge North Central and an opportunity to secure at least a Pool C in the post season.
Prediction: 8-2 2nd place.
Post Patterns Regulars: Mugsy, USee, matblake, CCIWfan, Wheels81

Illinois Wesleyan University
Returning starters: 7: 3 off; 4 def
Key losses: Scalcucci, WR; Messina, WR; Ladd, QB; Boothe, OT; Flood, C; Pope, TE; Ammirati, DE; Nickolich, LB; Hunter, DB; Beauchamp, DB
Key returners:Max Brooks, DT; Ryan Jenkins, DE; Dan Rogers LB; PJ Cummings, db; Brien Rooney, QB; Dayton Burnett, WR; Eli Williams, RB
Non Conference schedule: @Hope, Alma, @Aurora
Key Conference games: @Wheaton Oct 2; @NCC Oct 23, @Augie Nov 13
Outlook: The Titans had a senior laden team in 09 and will pay for it in 2010. With just 7 returning starters they will count on a number of young players to step up and contribute in a stronger CCIW. Brien Rooney has proven he is ready to be an All CCIW performer and Eli Williams is an explosive runner. Dayton Burnett is a burner and will be counted on to stretch the defense along with Joey Driver. On defense IWU was decimated by graduation but the 4 returners are all 1st team CCIW players in Brooks DL, Jenkins DL, Rogers LB and Cummings DB. Ryan Gresko also played in every game at LB (he was the 4th LB when they played a 3-4 defense) and is a veteran who will easily step into a starting role at LB. Coach Norm Eash has had some success the past few years and if he and Mike Murray have capitalized on that in recruiting they may be able to reload. This year will be telling for Titan nation. Their schedule is much tougher with games on the road @Wheaton to open the conference, @NCC and @Augie.
Prediction: 7-3; 3rd place
Post Patterns Regulars: Mr Ypsi, Titan Q, titanfan, devildog29

Augustana College
Returning starters: 11: 6 off; 5 def
Key losses: Blaine Westemeyer, OT; Jake Parke, RB/WR; Eric Meyer, LB; Aaron Setchell, LB; Jeff Daisy, DT
Key returners: David Lee, QB; Robert Wood, RB; Alex Shroeder, DB; Brandon Holl, LB
Non Conference schedule: @Greenville, Central, IA, @Adrian, Mi
Key Conference games: vs NCC Oct 9, vs Wheaton Oct 30
Outlook: Augie did not perform up to their standards in 09. They have 11 starters back but only 1 of them was an all conference performer. They will have to rely on unproven underclassmen to step up in key producing roles if they want to keep pace with the top of the conference. They return all conference running back Robert Wood and 3 starting OL. David Lee is back at the helm after averaging 211 yds per game in total offense. Alex Schroeder and John Mago return to lead a defense that lead the league in turnover margin in 09. In their 4 losses they averaged 12.5 pts a game offensively, getting shutout once. They get NCC, Wheaton and IWU at home this year and if they find a consistent offense they will be dangerous.
Prediction: 6-4 4th place
Post Patterns Regulars: Viking Mike, Augie6, DanSand

Millikin University
Returning starters: 17:10 off, 7 def
Key losses:Hector Galvan, DE; Bobby Galichio, LB; Devi Greer, DB
Key returners: Luke Hockaday, QB; Will Roth, TE; Dion Wilson, RB; Brian Blombquist OL; Chase Gruening, DT; Josh Ingold, LB; Cody Acree, DB
Non Conference schedule:@Illinois College, Hope, Greenville
Key Conference games: v Augie Oct 2 (conference opener), @NCC Oct 16, v Wheaton Nov 13
Outlook: Millikin is returning virtually their entire offense and most of the key contributors to their defense from a 6-4 team. They had 7 all CCIW players in 2009 and 6 of them return led by 1st team running back Dion Wilson. With 4 of their OL returning Wilson should have plenty of running room and Luke Hockaday was a dangerous qb who will have a year under his belt. Defensively the Big Blue have to replace Hector Galvan and Bobby Galichio in the front seven but return all conference players Chase Grueining, DE, LB Josh Ingold and DB Cody Acree. Millikin will be a better team than they were last year at 6-4. If  Wilson runs wild, Hockaday becomes a consistent playmaker and their defense can stop the run Millkin could challenge for a high finish in the CCIW.
Prediction: 7-3 5th place
Post Patterns Regulars: Oldnuthin

Carthage College
Returning starters: 5 off; 7 def
Key losses: Nick Merchut, WR; Jeff Koeneman, WR; Alex Annes, DL;
Key returners: Evan Jones, QB; Terrence Clark, OL; Mike Koeneman, WR; Tyler Funk, K; Brett Hogen, DL; TJ Jordan; DL
Non Conference schedule: Franklin, @Lakeland, @Concordia (Wisc)
Key Conference games: @NCC to open the conference; Augie Oct 16; @Wheaton Oct. 23
Outlook: The return of superstar QB Evan Jones as well as All American Kicker Tyler Funk will make the Carthage offense a scoring threat everytime they cross the 50 yd line. If Jake Smith can help add a running attack to this potent offense, the Redmen will be dangerous in 2010. Offensive line has Terrance Clark (1st Team All CCIW) but has to replace 3 other starters. In addition to 7 defensive starters the Redmen get a healthy Brett Hogen and TJ Jordan to bolster a deep and experienced LB core where they have 6 players coming back with significant experience. They are undersized on defense but that's how they roll. Expect a pressure attack as usual from this scrappy defense. Road games to open the season @NCC and then back to back v. Augie and  @Wheaton make for a tough conference slate.
Prediction: 4-6 6th place
Post Patterns Regulars: Carthage Fan, Tailgater, SonofTailgater,

Elmhurst College:
Returning starters: 14: 6 off; 8 def;
Key losses: Blake Veldhuis WR, Lex Cisler, TE; Joe Stumpfoll, DT; Matt Robbins, DT; Kurt Nitschke, DE
Key returners: Randy Wright, LB; Jon Janus, DB; Brandon Jones, LB; Scottie Williams, RB, Nick Herrera, RB
Non Conference schedule:@Loras, @Olivet, University of Chicago
Key Conference Games: Wheaton, Oct 9; @IWU Oct 16; vs. NCC, Oct 30,
Outlook: The Bluejays are a wildcard in the conference race this year. They return 14 starters including virtually their entire 2 deep at LB and DB. Holes on the defensive line and at WR will be key for them. Freshman Joe Furco will need to grow up quickly but having 4 starters back on the OL will help. Scottie Williams is an explosive RB and Randy Wright (lead conf in tackles) and Brandon Jones lead arguably the best LB group in the conference. Jon Janus, Dane Paul and Jamall Lane will allow Head Coach Tim Lester to apply steady pressure to opposing offenses. The schedule is friendly as Elmhurst gets Wheaton, NCC and Augie at home but back to back road trips to Bloomington and Decatur loom as a roadblock in the middle of the conference schedule. If their QB grows up and they can find some solid DL replacements, Elmhurst will challenge every week behind what could be one of the better defenses in the league.
Prediction:4-6; 7th place
Post Patterns Regulars: 79Jaybird


North Park University
Returning starters: 17: 8 off, 9 def
Key losses: Shelby Wood, QB; Joe Cullotta, DB; Ramon Lacey, LB
Key returners: Rakim Jones, RB; Sam Cochiaro, WR; Michael Lee, RS/RB; Nick Pantaleo, DB; Rod Ojong, LB
Non Conference schedule: Aurora, Benedictine, MacMurray
Key Conference games: v Elmhurst Oct 2, @Carthage Oct 30
Outlook: The big questions North Park faces is how many players will return and how improved are they? Their success (or lack of) will depend on how many of the 17 returning starters end up playing quality time. In addition, Scott Pehthel has to add new players to this mix, particularly on the OL and DL in order to continue to make progress. If NPU can retain their starters and add some new ones to the mix they should continue to make progress and I think they have a chance to notch their first conference victory in many seasons.
Prediction: 3-7 8th place
Post Patterns regulars: Gregory Sager, Lakeshore, Dennis Prikkel

[Mugsy]

This is based on what I know now. This doesn't include information on injured or non-returning starters nor does it include potential 5th year returners.

CCIW Predicted order of finish:
North Central
Wheaton
Augie
Millikin
IWU
Carthage
Elmhurst
North Park

North Central
Returning starters: 16: 6 off, 10 def
Key losses: Aaron Fanthorpe, QB; Jim Janacek, DL, Dominic Sulo, RB; Josh Delancy OT, Coach Weinke
Key returners: Matt Wenger, LB; Steve Hlavac, WR; Kyle Antos, OL; Derek Sulo, DB, Robert Champion, DL
Non Conference schedule: @Cornell (Iowa), @Olivet, UWEC
Key conference games: @Augie Oct 19, @Wheaton Nov 6
Outlook: The Cardinals should be the hands down favorite again in the CCIW. Despite losing stars Aaron Fanthorpe and Dominic Sulo they have built imposing depth in the younger ranks and return promising QB Spencer Stanek as well as a dangerous and experienced group of skill players. On Defense they return All American candidate Matt Wenger, All Conference players Robert Champion and Derek Sulo from injury to join Willie Hayes, Joe Schneiderbaur, Josh Mcleod, and 7 other returning starters giving them impressive depth in what should be a nationally ranked defense. The schedule is favorable for the Cardinals as the only long conference road trip is Rock Island. They face Millikin, Carthage, and IWU in Naperville. If they stay healthy and they become a dominant defensive team, I see a deep run into the playoffs for this team.
Prediction: 10-0, conference champs
Post Patterns Regulars: CardAlum, FormerCard, CardinalDad, Hornet, Cardinalfan, AndOne, New Tradition, Shark56, robertgoulet

Wheaton College:
Returning starters: 13: 5 off, 8 def
Key losses: Sean Norris, QB/P; Freddy Ellis, WR; Nick Theobald, DT; Brian Hollet, DB; Coach Walt Whitehead
Key returners: Rocky Gingg RB; Charlie Velling, RB; Brian McMullen, DB; Tyler Langs, DB; Jordan Langs, LB
Non Conference schedule: @Albion, UW Platteville, @Olivet
Key Conference games:@Elmhurst Oct 9; @Augie Oct 30; vs NCC Nov 6
Outlook: The Thunder faded down the stretch for the 2nd time in 3 seasons last year and Coach Mike Swider is hoping for a stronger finish. On offense they return two 1st team CCIW running backs in Gingg and Velling which should take the load off the much what will be a rookie QB. Jordan Roberts and Griffin Kuhn will likely battle it out at QB. Zeller, Antal, Watkins and McLain are a talented group of WR and will provide veteran presence for the young QB. Questions remain in the offensive line where Coach Geoff Dart (Mt Union all conference OL) takes over for retired OL coach Walt Whitehead in Joe Davis' up tempo attack. On defense the thunder return 12 players who played in every game as well as All CCIW Tyler Langs at corner who sat out 2009 with an injury. With a year of the 3-4 under their belt and depth in the defensive backfield as well as at LB, the Thunder defense should be fairly stout. If the OL can come together and open holes for the running game, Wheaton  should be deep enough to challenge North Central and an opportunity to secure at least a Pool C in the post season.
Prediction: 8-2 2nd place.
Post Patterns Regulars: Mugsy, USee, matblake, CCIWfan, Wheels81

Illinois Wesleyan University
Returning starters: 7: 3 off; 4 def
Key losses: Scalcucci, WR; Messina, WR; Ladd, QB; Boothe, OT; Flood, C; Pope, TE; Ammirati, DE; Nickolich, LB; Hunter, DB; Beauchamp, DB
Key returners:Max Brooks, DT; Ryan Jenkins, DE; Dan Rogers LB; PJ Cummings, db; Brien Rooney, QB; Dayton Burnett, WR; Eli Williams, RB
Non Conference schedule: @Hope, Alma, @Aurora
Key Conference games: @Wheaton Oct 2; @NCC Oct 23, @Augie Nov 13
Outlook: The Titans had a senior laden team in 09 and will pay for it in 2010. With just 7 returning starters they will count on a number of young players to step up and contribute in a stronger CCIW. Brien Rooney has proven he is ready to be an All CCIW performer and Eli Williams is an explosive runner. Dayton Burnett is a burner and will be counted on to stretch the defense along with Joey Driver. On defense IWU was decimated by graduation but the 4 returners are all 1st team CCIW players in Brooks DL, Jenkins DL, Rogers LB and Cummings DB. Ryan Gresko also played in every game at LB (he was the 4th LB when they played a 3-4 defense) and is a veteran who will easily step into a starting role at LB. Coach Norm Eash has had some success the past few years and if he and Mike Murray have capitalized on that in recruiting they may be able to reload. This year will be telling for Titan nation. Their schedule is much tougher with games on the road @Wheaton to open the conference, @NCC and @Augie.
Prediction: 7-3; 3rd place
Post Patterns Regulars: Mr Ypsi, Titan Q, titanfan, devildog29

Augustana College
Returning starters: 11: 6 off; 5 def
Key losses: Blaine Westemeyer, OT; Jake Parke, RB/WR; Eric Meyer, LB; Aaron Setchell, LB; Jeff Daisy, DT
Key returners: David Lee, QB; Robert Wood, RB; Alex Shroeder, DB; Brandon Holl, LB
Non Conference schedule: @Greenville, Central, IA, @Adrian, Mi
Key Conference games: vs NCC Oct 9, vs Wheaton Oct 30
Outlook: Augie did not perform up to their standards in 09. They have 11 starters back but only 1 of them was an all conference performer. They will have to rely on unproven underclassmen to step up in key producing roles if they want to keep pace with the top of the conference. They return all conference running back Robert Wood and 3 starting OL. David Lee is back at the helm after averaging 211 yds per game in total offense. Alex Schroeder and John Mago return to lead a defense that lead the league in turnover margin in 09. In their 4 losses they averaged 12.5 pts a game offensively, getting shutout once. They get NCC, Wheaton and IWU at home this year and if they find a consistent offense they will be dangerous.
Prediction: 6-4 4th place
Post Patterns Regulars: Viking Mike, Augie6, DanSand

Millikin University
Returning starters: 17:10 off, 7 def
Key losses:Hector Galvan, DE; Bobby Galichio, LB; Devi Greer, DB
Key returners: Luke Hockaday, QB; Will Roth, TE; Dion Wilson, RB; Brian Blombquist OL; Chase Gruening, DT; Josh Ingold, LB; Cody Acree, DB
Non Conference schedule:@Illinois College, Hope, Greenville
Key Conference games: v Augie Oct 2 (conference opener), @NCC Oct 16, v Wheaton Nov 13
Outlook: Millikin is returning virtually their entire offense and most of the key contributors to their defense from a 6-4 team. They had 7 all CCIW players in 2009 and 6 of them return led by 1st team running back Dion Wilson. With 4 of their OL returning Wilson should have plenty of running room and Luke Hockaday was a dangerous qb who will have a year under his belt. Defensively the Big Blue have to replace Hector Galvan and Bobby Galichio in the front seven but return all conference players Chase Grueining, DE, LB Josh Ingold and DB Cody Acree. Millikin will be a better team than they were last year at 6-4. If  Wilson runs wild, Hockaday becomes a consistent playmaker and their defense can stop the run Millkin could challenge for a high finish in the CCIW.
Prediction: 7-3 5th place
Post Patterns Regulars: Oldnuthin

Carthage College
Returning starters: 5 off; 7 def
Key losses: Nick Merchut, WR; Jeff Koeneman, WR; Alex Annes, DL;
Key returners: Evan Jones, QB; Terrence Clark, OL; Mike Koeneman, WR; Tyler Funk, K; Brett Hogen, DL; TJ Jordan; DL
Non Conference schedule: Franklin, @Lakeland, @Concordia (Wisc)
Key Conference games: @NCC to open the conference; Augie Oct 16; @Wheaton Oct. 23
Outlook: The return of superstar QB Evan Jones as well as All American Kicker Tyler Funk will make the Carthage offense a scoring threat everytime they cross the 50 yd line. If Jake Smith can help add a running attack to this potent offense, the Redmen will be dangerous in 2010. Offensive line has Terrance Clark (1st Team All CCIW) but has to replace 3 other starters. In addition to 7 defensive starters the Redmen get a healthy Brett Hogen and TJ Jordan to bolster a deep and experienced LB core where they have 6 players coming back with significant experience. They are undersized on defense but that's how they roll. Expect a pressure attack as usual from this scrappy defense. Road games to open the season @NCC and then back to back v. Augie and  @Wheaton make for a tough conference slate.
Prediction: 4-6 6th place
Post Patterns Regulars: Carthage Fan, Tailgater, SonofTailgater,

Elmhurst College:
Returning starters: 14: 6 off; 8 def;
Key losses: Blake Veldhuis WR, Lex Cisler, TE; Joe Stumpfoll, DT; Matt Robbins, DT; Kurt Nitschke, DE
Key returners: Randy Wright, LB; Jon Janus, DB; Brandon Jones, LB; Scottie Williams, RB, Nick Herrera, RB
Non Conference schedule:@Loras, @Olivet, University of Chicago
Key Conference Games: Wheaton, Oct 9; @IWU Oct 16; vs. NCC, Oct 30,
Outlook: The Bluejays are a wildcard in the conference race this year. They return 14 starters including virtually their entire 2 deep at LB and DB. Holes on the defensive line and at WR will be key for them. Freshman Joe Furco will need to grow up quickly but having 4 starters back on the OL will help. Scottie Williams is an explosive RB and Randy Wright (lead conf in tackles) and Brandon Jones lead arguably the best LB group in the conference. Jon Janus, Dane Paul and Jamall Lane will allow Head Coach Tim Lester to apply steady pressure to opposing offenses. The schedule is friendly as Elmhurst gets Wheaton, NCC and Augie at home but back to back road trips to Bloomington and Decatur loom as a roadblock in the middle of the conference schedule. If their QB grows up and they can find some solid DL replacements, Elmhurst will challenge every week behind what could be one of the better defenses in the league.
Prediction:4-6; 7th place
Post Patterns Regulars: 79Jaybird


North Park University
Returning starters: 17: 8 off, 9 def
Key losses: Shelby Wood, QB; Joe Cullotta, DB; Ramon Lacey, LB
Key returners: Rakim Jones, RB; Sam Cochiaro, WR; Michael Lee, RS/RB; Nick Pantaleo, DB; Rod Ojong, LB
Non Conference schedule: Aurora, Benedictine, MacMurray
Key Conference games: v Elmhurst Oct 2, @Carthage Oct 30
Outlook: The big questions North Park faces is how many players will return and how improved are they? Their success (or lack of) will depend on how many of the 17 returning starters end up playing quality time. In addition, Scott Pehthel has to add new players to this mix, particularly on the OL and DL in order to continue to make progress. If NPU can retain their starters and add some new ones to the mix they should continue to make progress and I think they have a chance to notch their first conference victory in many seasons.
Prediction: 3-7 8th place
Post Patterns regulars: Gregory Sager, Lakeshore, Dennis Prikkel

Wow!  k+.

This is awesome.  A great starting point for much of the initial 2010 season discussion.  This will allow those closer to each of these schools to make additions or corrections, along with their projections.

Pat & team won't have to do as much to pull together the CCIW portion of this KickOff publication.   

[usee]

I had a tough time with the predictions as I really believe the CCIW is a stronger conference this year. I think a non-conference record of 21-3 or better is not unrealistic. I also think Millikin is going to be very strong this year and the separation between team #2-6 is very small. I have a feeling at least 1 team from the Augie,Carthage, Elmhurst, IWU, Wheaton group will be much worse than we expect and Millikin and/or NPU will be much better. It wouldn't surprise me if Millikin made a run at a pool C and it wouldn't surprise me if one of those other teams had a losing record. I feel pretty good about my assessment of North Central and I would be surprised if Wheaton or IWU fell farther than 3rd/4th place but Augie, Carthage and Elmhurst could be a lot better or a lot worse than I suspect. There are also likely some significant personnel situations I am missing here. I made several assumptions for teams that could change their seasons dramatically if different. Hopefuly this sparks some discussion.

[FormerCard]

any CCIW teams make the Lindys or Sporting News pre season top 25?  couldn't find it online.

Cards are ranked 14th and 15th
http://northcentralcardinals.com/news/2010/6/2/MTEN_0602104918.aspx?path=football

Surprised not to see Wenger on a preseason list...Lindys and Sporting news must be REALLY keeping tabs on D3       In all seriousness though, I really enjoy reading all publications and look forward to D3football.coms preseason picks.  It is just preseason but I really enjoy it.

[FormerCard]

Great Analysis Usee,  +K   I think adding the frequent posters was a nice touch.

[lakeshore]

nice work Usee!  Agreed that NCC's defense could be one of the best in CCIW recent history.  There are a lot of players that have played a ton of ball on that D.  I also agree that Elmhurst's D with Wright and Janus could be special and they are ALWAYS a darkhorse to sneak up and steal a few games.  I think Wheaton's D with a ton of returners should be one of the top CCIW units as well. 

My sleeper players to watch in '10:
1.  Joe Furco, Elmhurst QB - played big time HS ball and if he gets the college game simplified could be good.
2.  David Lee, Augie QB - strong finish to '09 with a 400 yd passing game.
3.  Sam Cochiaro, NPU QB - thats right the WR who put 197 and 3tds on WC in '08 will be playing QB for the Vikes double wing offense.
4.  Langs brothers, Wheaton DBs - they are as physically a gifted players in all of small college football.  Expect big plays from these brothers in '10.
5.  Chris Hampton, Millikin WR - big play threat as WR/KR could emerge as top playmaker in CCIW.