FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[cardinaldad]

     This game against Carthage worries me more than any other. As I posted earlier, this will be a GREAT test for Ponx's D. They will have to put pressure on Evans, which they are very capable of.

    Tailgator, NCC uses their TE's as sleepers. Teams forget about them, then wham!, they score. I believe a TE scored against UWEC.

    We'll see........may the best team win (NCC)!  

[AndOne]

That 5'10" receiver was 2nd team All Conference in 2008 and 1st team in 2009. Don't dismiss him too quickly. You also need to account for the TEs who are 6'3" 240 and 6'7" 271.

The X-factor is Coach Ponx, who has a completely different defensive philosophy than Coach Weinke. I expect the total points to be significantly than the 2009 game.

All conference or not doesn't take away from physical match-up to a defender. When you win conference titles a couple years running you get the opportunity to nominate a lot of players for conference recognition. I'm certain he is well deserving, just saying he's not gonna out-jump too many corners and safeties for inaccurate passes. Where were the TEs against UWEC? Coaches coach. Players play. We'll soon see how the players play which is the true deciding factor in the outcome of a game.

Tailgater--

I am kind of surprised at your post. I don't think its up to your usual thoughtfulness and high standards.

1. First of all NCC's Steve Hlavac was FIRST (not 2nd) team all-conference last season. Are you suggesting he attained that honor because his coach, whose team tied for FIRST in the conference got "to nominate a lot of players for conference recognition?" 

2. As far as Hlavec's physicality, which you infer may be lacking, remember that a defensive back can't interfere with the receiver in defending the pass. Illegal strong physical play will only result in a penalty, and is no substitute for tight, tough legal coverage.
Additionally, do you think Hlavac attained 1st team all conference status by not being able to snare a few "inaccurate" passes?
Lastly, just which of the Red Men's behemoth defensive backs do you think are going to outplay Hlavec from a physical standpoint. Among the Carthage starters from last week do you think it might be either of the two 6'0" 180 pounders? Perhaps the 5'10" 175 lb gentleman? Or the 5'9" 160 lb beast?

3. Regarding your question as to "Where were the TEs against UWEC?"
a) 6'7" 271 lb Kyle Fiedorowicz caught a TD pass to open the day's scoring. Later, b) 6'3" 240 lb Jeff Grunwald got behind all of UWEC's corners and safties to haul in a 29 yard pass. THAT is where they were! For the season they both have 2 TD catches.

4. I agree with you---"Coaches coach. Players play."  Very astute.

This should be a hell of an exciting game. The Carthage QB, Jones, is great.
Pass offense--Carthage comes in #1, NCC is #2
Pass defense--NCC is #3, Carthage is last
Rushing offense--NCC is #4, Carthage is #7
Rushing defense--NCC is #1, Carthage is #3

I don't know that any of the above stats mean much. I think the keys to victory may belong to the team that wins 2 of the following 3 aspects of the game:

1. Has the lower total of penalty yards
2. Wins the TO battle
3. Excels in the kicking game.

[Titan Q]

Article on the IWU @ Wheaton game...

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/football/article_0befd0da-cdc8-11df-b6c5-001cc4c002e0.html

[Tailgater]

That 5'10" receiver was 2nd team All Conference in 2008 and 1st team in 2009. Don't dismiss him too quickly. You also need to account for the TEs who are 6'3" 240 and 6'7" 271.

The X-factor is Coach Ponx, who has a completely different defensive philosophy than Coach Weinke. I expect the total points to be significantly than the 2009 game.

All conference or not doesn't take away from physical match-up to a defender. When you win conference titles a couple years running you get the opportunity to nominate a lot of players for conference recognition. I'm certain he is well deserving, just saying he's not gonna out-jump too many corners and safeties for inaccurate passes. Where were the TEs against UWEC? Coaches coach. Players play. We'll soon see how the players play which is the true deciding factor in the outcome of a game.

Tailgater--

I am kind of surprised at your post. I don't think its up to your usual thoughtfulness and high standards.

1. First of all NCC's Steve Hlavac was FIRST (not 2nd) team all-conference last season. Are you suggesting he attained that honor because his coach, whose team tied for FIRST in the conference got "to nominate a lot of players for conference recognition?"  

2. As far as Hlavec's physicality, which you infer may be lacking, remember that a defensive back can't interfere with the receiver in defending the pass. Illegal strong physical play will only result in a penalty, and is no substitute for tight, tough legal coverage.
Additionally, do you think Hlavac attained 1st team all conference status by not being able to snare a few "inaccurate" passes?
Lastly, just which of the Red Men's behemoth defensive backs do you think are going to outplay Hlavec from a physical standpoint. Among the Carthage starters from last week do you think it might be either of the two 6'0" 180 pounders? Perhaps the 5'10" 175 lb gentleman? Or the 5'9" 160 lb beast?

3. Regarding your question as to "Where were the TEs against UWEC?"
a) 6'7" 271 lb Kyle Fiedorowicz caught a TD pass to open the day's scoring. Later, b) 6'3" 240 lb Jeff Grunwald got behind all of UWEC's corners and safties to haul in a 29 yard pass. THAT is where they were! For the season they both have 2 TD catches.

4. I agree with you---"Coaches coach. Players play."  Very astute.

This should be a hell of an exciting game. The Carthage QB, Jones, is great.
Pass offense--Carthage comes in #1, NCC is #2
Pass defense--NCC is #3, Carthage is last
Rushing offense--NCC is #4, Carthage is #7
Rushing defense--NCC is #1, Carthage is #3

I don't know that any of the above stats mean much. I think the keys to victory may belong to the team that wins 2 of the following 3 aspects of the game:

1. Has the lower total of penalty yards
2. Wins the TO battle
3. Excels in the kicking game.

1) If you read my post more carefully you'd see I said " I'm certain he is well deserving" of all conference honors. Not suggesting anything about him specifically only that the pool of potential nominees becomes deeper when you win conference... and you win conference because you have a deep pool of potential all conference honorees. If NCC had finished near the bottom of the conference last season, not all those who deserved and earned conference recognition would have had slots available for recognition.

2) Can't comment on the quality of catches Hlavic had last season. Didn't see him but for one game each of the last 2 years. Illegal physical play can be penalized both ways. I'm certain he'll be a marked receiver in tomorrow's game. You'll have to judge for yourself if Carthage has DBs that can outplay him physically as you haven't seen Carthage play yet this season. I have seen both teams play and this is merely my observation.

3) While the NCC TEs have caught a few passes and some for TDs this season, as you point out, they are far from regular targets for NCC QBs. That was my point. Stop Hlavic and force Crackel to find another target. The Carthage offensive has had 6 to 10 receivers actively catch passes in all games this year. A little harder to key on a QB's target when that many receivers are potential targets.

As I suggested in an earlier post ....if Carthage plays up to their potential a #10 National ranking for NCC isn't going to mean much on the field of play. Carthage has the talent to compete against anybody in the CCIW.  Players play and those that play the best usually win. Good luck tomorrow NCC. Let's have a great game that makes the CCIW proud!

[Tailgater]

Was at the Oswego vs Plainfield North high school football game last night and witnessed an IHSA record breaking performance by Kapri Bibbs of Plainfield North. The senior RB carried the ball 39 times gaining 520 yards and scored 7 TDs   In the 3rd Qtr alone he had TD runs of 55, 71 and 73 yards. Bibbs is the first RB to break the 500 yard rushing mark in State history. Coming into the game he had rushed for 1149 yards and scored 19 TDs in just 4 games (was ineligible for the season opener which is the only game North lost). While Oswego's offense out-gained North 616 yards to 564.....North won the game 49-43. To bad the CCIW won't see a player like Bibbs as he has already committed to Colorado State U.

[Stagg Again!!]

Clearly conference play has started!!   

I think that both AndOne and Tailgater have some good points, but I think that there may be a couple of other keys to the game: 

1) Time of Posssession -- We are all aware that NCC's offense is a bit different than it was last year with a young QB and three young RBs.  That is, while they have scored quickly a couple of times this year, they are still developing as an offensive unit and may not be able to match Carthage TD for TD if the game becomes a shoot-out (which I don't think it will given how strong and FAST NCC's defense has looked to date).  Meanwhile, Jones is back for his senior year with three of his top six receivers back from last year, including Koeneman, Smith, and Schulz.  (Remember, Koeneman was a beast in the game against NCC last year with 15 receptions.)  NCC must turn the game into a TOP game to keep Jones and his high quality WRs off the field.  Carthage must counter this by being efficient with its possessions. 

This brings me to 2) Domination at the Line of Scrimmage -- Turning my attention to the Carthage OL and NCC defense for a minute.  Clearly, NCC has had great success against the run, so assume that they will be able to stop Carthage's running game.  The pass defense is another story.  NCC's Sack and TFL numbers are way up from last year, and anyone that has seen them play know that their DL is getting penetration.  Carthage's OL has Clark (all-CCIW Left Tackle) and Bielowicz (Right Guard) back from last year's team, but the rest of the unit is new and inexperienced.  One other point here is that Jones has a very quick release that can make his OL look very good.  Whoever wins this battle will have a huge upper hand in the game.

3)  Funk Factor --  While NCC's punting game has, at times, looked a bit off, Wild was very good against UW-EC.  Addtitionally, NCC's kicking game looks better than it has in a few years.  Carthage, on the other hand, has all-region, all-everything Punter/Kicker, Tyler Funk.  If the game is close and becomes a field possession and field goal affair, look for Funk to become a factor. 

[Tailgater]

Clearly conference play has started!!   

I think that both AndOne and Tailgater have some good points, but I think that there may be a couple of other keys to the game: 

1) Time of Posssession -- We are all aware that NCC's offense is a bit different than it was last year with a young QB and three young RBs.  That is, while they have scored quickly a couple of times this year, they are still developing as an offensive unit and may not be able to match Carthage TD for TD if the game becomes a shoot-out (which I don't think it will given how strong and FAST NCC's defense has looked to date).  Meanwhile, Jones is back for his senior year with three of his top six receivers back from last year, including Koeneman, Smith, and Schulz.  (Remember, Koeneman was a beast in the game against NCC last year with 15 receptions.)  NCC must turn the game into a TOP game to keep Jones and his high quality WRs off the field.  Carthage must counter this by being efficient with its possessions. 

This brings me to 2) Domination at the Line of Scrimmage -- Turning my attention to the Carthage OL and NCC defense for a minute.  Clearly, NCC has had great success against the run, so assume that they will be able to stop Carthage's running game.  The pass defense is another story.  NCC's Sack and TFL numbers are way up from last year, and anyone that has seen them play know that their DL is getting penetration.  Carthage's OL has Clark (all-CCIW Left Tackle) and Bielowicz (Right Guard) back from last year's team, but the rest of the unit is new and inexperienced.  One other point here is that Jones has a very quick release that can make his OL look very good.  Whoever wins this battle will have a huge upper hand in the game.

3)  Funk Factor --  While NCC's punting game has, at times, looked a bit off, Wild was very good against UW-EC.  Addtitionally, NCC's kicking game looks better than it has in a few years.  Carthage, on the other hand, has all-region, all-everything Punter/Kicker, Tyler Funk.  If the game is close and becomes a field possession and field goal affair, look for Funk to become a factor. 

All good observations "Stagg or Bust". NCC handled UWEC last week because both their D and O-lines won the point of attach. The Carthage O-line is the question mark for their offense, but has improved each week. It's taken time for Carthage to get a running game going as evident from their #7 ranking in rushing, but then again running is not the focus of their attach.

Last season Mike Koenaman saw regular playing time with his older brother Jeff Koenaman who graduated this past May. Jeff was the Wisconsin Small College player-of-the-year and an All-American WR. I think you are thinking of Jeff's performance from last year. Don't fret about the mix-up. Mike is equally talented and is expected to break his brother's season completion record this season

[usee]

I believe the closest game today may well be Augie at Millikin. I am very interested to see the status of these two programs. Ironically Millikin will try to run the ball and Augie will rely on David Lee's arm. Both defenses will have an opportunity to show if they are ready for CCIW play against strong offenses.

[Stagg Again!!]

All good observations "Stagg or Bust". NCC handled UWEC last week because both their D and O-lines won the point of attach. The Carthage O-line is the question mark for their offense, but has improved each week. It's taken time for Carthage to get a running game going as evident from their #7 ranking in rushing, but then again running is not the focus of their attach.

Last season Mike Koenaman saw regular playing time with his older brother Jeff Koenaman who graduated this past May. Jeff was the Wisconsin Small College player-of-the-year and an All-American WR. I think you are thinking of Jeff's performance from last year. Don't fret about the mix-up. Mike is equally talented and is expected to break his brother's season completion record this season

Nice "catch" on the WR mix-up.  Jeff Koeneman and Nick Merchut were certainly very good last year.  It will be fun to watch Mike's progression this year to see if he can match his brother's level of productivity.  BTW, is Merchut still playing anywhere?  I had heard that he had a tryout with the Bears.  Funny you mentioned the point of attack as that was going to be my fourth key to the game (particularly relating to the NCC DBs and CC WRs) but I ran out of time before I had to make breakfast for the kids!

[Tailgater]

All good observations "Stagg or Bust". NCC handled UWEC last week because both their D and O-lines won the point of attach. The Carthage O-line is the question mark for their offense, but has improved each week. It's taken time for Carthage to get a running game going as evident from their #7 ranking in rushing, but then again running is not the focus of their attach.

Last season Mike Koenaman saw regular playing time with his older brother Jeff Koenaman who graduated this past May. Jeff was the Wisconsin Small College player-of-the-year and an All-American WR. I think you are thinking of Jeff's performance from last year. Don't fret about the mix-up. Mike is equally talented and is expected to break his brother's season completion record this season

Nice "catch" on the WR mix-up.  Jeff Koeneman and Nick Merchut were certainly very good last year.  It will be fun to watch Mike's progression this year to see if he can match his brother's level of productivity.  BTW, is Merchut still playing anywhere?  I had heard that he had a tryout with the Bears.  Funny you mentioned the point of attack as that was going to be my fourth key to the game (particularly relating to the NCC DBs and CC WRs) but I ran out of time before I had to make breakfast for the kids!

Nick did get a call to attend a Bears mini-camp, but that did not pan out for him. He is currently being handled by Kaufmann Sports Management Group. I'd have to differ further info to Son of Tailgater as I'm not aware if Nick is playing in another league at this time such as Arena football. Nick was SOT's recruit. Former outstanding Carthage kicker, Matt Denny, is playing Arena Football for the Cleveland Gladiators.

[Fofo]

19 to 0  Wheaton leads midway in the 2nd Qtr

[hyrooster]

29 - 7 Wheaton  Start of 4th quarter.

[hyrooster]

29 - 7 Wheaton  Start of 4th quarter.

Make that 26 - 7 end of 3rd and WC just kicked a FG with 12:43 left in 4th qtr to make it 29 - 7.

[Fofo]

29 - 7 Wheaton  Start of 4th quarter.

Make that 26 - 7 end of 3rd and WC just kicked a FG with 12:43 left in 4th qtr to make it 29 - 7.

What happened to make it 20 to 13.  I was only gone for a couple of minutes?

[Fofo]

29 - 7 Wheaton  Start of 4th quarter.

Make that 26 - 7 end of 3rd and WC just kicked a FG with 12:43 left in 4th qtr to make it 29 - 7.

What happened to make it 20 to 13.  I was only gone for a couple of minutes?

I meant 29 - 13.