FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[usee]

It is Tuesday...and the hype is starting to pick up.   I am extending my congratulations to the Thunder and Cardinals for taking care of business up until this point to set up the biggest CCIW conference matchup in a long time.  This is a debate for all to take part in.  What was the biggest CCIW matchup in the last 10 years?

8-0 #5 North Central  vs 8-0 #15 Wheaton

North Region Rankings...  #1 Wheaton vs #2 North Central

It doesn't get much better than this...It is going to be a great game..Weather looks to be sunny with a high of 53 degrees and low of 33.

My prediction is NC  31   Wheaton 17

With the expansion of the playoffs and the success of the CCIW it's hard to imagine a bigger game than this one. In one sense its not as big since it's likely the loser still goes to the playoffs. But playing for the Bell, the conference title, top seed in the region, it doesn't get any bigger than this. 2008 was similar in that it featured 2 undefeated teams for the title. In the conference race, Wheaton v IWU last year was probably bigger for the Thunder since both were fighting for their playoff lives and knew a loss meant the end of the season.

[usee]

I also remember a playoff game in 1988 between Augie and Millkin. That was a big CCIW game since it occurred in the NCAA playoffs.

[HScoach]

As an Mount guy, I'm very curious to see how this game plays out.  We've seen Wheaton numerous times and very much respect the teams that Mike Swider has brought to Alliance.  They haven't always been able to handle the best Mount teams, few can, but they've always played hard and smart.  Obviously NCC is the favorite since my pick-em's says so , but rivalry games in conference can be tricky.   Knowing how good Wheaton can be makes me very interested in seeing if NCC is that much better.

Add in the regional rankings and the winner could be HOSTING the Purple Raiders in the Regional Final or Semi's if everything holds true to form in the early rounds.  After going 0-6 in Alliance, how pumped would Wheaton be to finally get Mount at their own place?  That would be a fun one.

I also wonder how low the loser will fall in the rankings?  Probably to #3 ahead of Ohio Northern.  Or #4 behind ONU at worst.  Which if MTU stays in the North Region (if Wesley holds down the east) would make for an interesting Round 2 with either a pair of OAC/CCIW games or a pair of conference re-matches.  If I had to pick, I'd prefer the following in Round 2:

Ohio Northern at CCIW winner
CCIW runner-up at Mount Union

That would make a nice inter-conference test.

Regardless of who wins, I hope both teams come out of it healthy and ready for the playoffs.

[dansand]

I also remember a playoff game in 1988 between Augie and Millkin. That was a big CCIW game since it occurred in the NCAA playoffs.

That was actually 1989. Millikin hammered Augie in Rock Island during the regular season (33-8). The playoff game was much closer, but Millikin won 21-12 in Decatur.

[Stagg Again!!]

As an Mount guy, I'm very curious to see how this game plays out.  We've seen Wheaton numerous times and very much respect the teams that Mike Swider has brought to Alliance.  They haven't always been able to handle the best Mount teams, few can, but they've always played hard and smart.  Obviously NCC is the favorite since my pick-em's says so , but rivalry games in conference can be tricky.   Knowing how good Wheaton can be makes me very interested in seeing if NCC is that much better.

Add in the regional rankings and the winner could be HOSTING the Purple Raiders in the Regional Final or Semi's if everything holds true to form in the early rounds.  After going 0-6 in Alliance, how pumped would Wheaton be to finally get Mount at their own place?  That would be a fun one.

I also wonder how low the loser will fall in the rankings?  Probably to #3 ahead of Ohio Northern.  Or #4 behind ONU at worst.  Which if MTU stays in the North Region (if Wesley holds down the east) would make for an interesting Round 2 with either a pair of OAC/CCIW games or a pair of conference re-matches.  If I had to pick, I'd prefer the following in Round 2:

Ohio Northern at CCIW winner
CCIW runner-up at Mount Union

That would make a nice inter-conference test.

Regardless of who wins, I hope both teams come out of it healthy and ready for the playoffs.

While I agree that it would certainly be exciting for the Thunder/Crusaders to host MTU at McCully, I am also quite certain that NCC wouldn't mind having the opportunity to host ONU in early December with a nice cool breeze blowing in from the north!  The Polar Bears would surely find that a motivated and fully staffed Cardinal team (with Wenger and company on the field for four quarters) would prove to be a bit more of a test than the team that they faced on 9/5/09 in Ada.  But, that is a bridge that we can cross after what is looking to be a fantastic game in Wheaton this weekend. 

[Naperick]

How many "at large" berths are there for the D3 playoffs?  How many bids go to conference champions?

[Mr. Ypsi]

As an Mount guy, I'm very curious to see how this game plays out.  We've seen Wheaton numerous times and very much respect the teams that Mike Swider has brought to Alliance.  They haven't always been able to handle the best Mount teams, few can, but they've always played hard and smart.  Obviously NCC is the favorite since my pick-em's says so , but rivalry games in conference can be tricky.   Knowing how good Wheaton can be makes me very interested in seeing if NCC is that much better.

Add in the regional rankings and the winner could be HOSTING the Purple Raiders in the Regional Final or Semi's if everything holds true to form in the early rounds.  After going 0-6 in Alliance, how pumped would Wheaton be to finally get Mount at their own place?  That would be a fun one.

I also wonder how low the loser will fall in the rankings?  Probably to #3 ahead of Ohio Northern.  Or #4 behind ONU at worst.  Which if MTU stays in the North Region (if Wesley holds down the east) would make for an interesting Round 2 with either a pair of OAC/CCIW games or a pair of conference re-matches.  If I had to pick, I'd prefer the following in Round 2:

Ohio Northern at CCIW winner
CCIW runner-up at Mount Union

That would make a nice inter-conference test.

Regardless of who wins, I hope both teams come out of it healthy and ready for the playoffs.

While I agree that it would certainly be exciting for the Thunder/Crusaders to host MTU at McCully, I am also quite certain that NCC wouldn't mind having the opportunity to host ONU in early December with a nice cool breeze blowing in from the north!  The Polar Bears would surely find that a motivated and fully staffed Cardinal team (with Wenger and company on the field for four quarters) would prove to be a bit more of a test than the team that they faced on 9/5/09 in Ada.  But, that is a bridge that we can cross after what is looking to be a fantastic game in Wheaton this weekend. 

While I agree with the sentiment (and revenge for NCC would be sweet), you might not want to bring December weather into a post about a team called the Polar Bears!

[Mr. Ypsi]

How many "at large" berths are there for the D3 playoffs?  How many bids go to conference champions?

23 pool A, 3 pool B, 6 pool C.

[FormerCard]

It is Tuesday...and the hype is starting to pick up.   I am extending my congratulations to the Thunder and Cardinals for taking care of business up until this point to set up the biggest CCIW conference matchup in a long time.  This is a debate for all to take part in.  What was the biggest CCIW matchup in the last 10 years?

8-0 #5 North Central  vs 8-0 #15 Wheaton

North Region Rankings...  #1 Wheaton vs #2 North Central

It doesn't get much better than this...It is going to be a great game..Weather looks to be sunny with a high of 53 degrees and low of 33.

My prediction is NC  31   Wheaton 17

With the expansion of the playoffs and the success of the CCIW it's hard to imagine a bigger game than this one. In one sense its not as big since it's likely the loser still goes to the playoffs. But playing for the Bell, the conference title, top seed in the region, it doesn't get any bigger than this. 2008 was similar in that it featured 2 undefeated teams for the title. In the conference race, Wheaton v IWU last year was probably bigger for the Thunder since both were fighting for their playoff lives and knew a loss meant the end of the season.

I have been either playing or following for the last 10 years and this CCIW matchup is the biggest that I can remember.     There are only 2 games left in the regular season and there has not been much talk about the OPOY and DPOY yet....Is it possible that an NC QB doesnt win it for the first time in 6 years??  DPOY seems pretty obvious to me because of the focus an offense has to make on controlling Wenger (and the fact that he has still put up good stats)....and I think this weekends game will have alot to do with  which coach gets Coach of the Year in the CCIW ....ALOT is riding on this weekend..

[Titan Q]

An article on IWU senior offensive lineman Ray Krishock, who will be starting his 41st consecutive game Saturday (every game of his career)...  

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/football/article_8d016580-e7bd-11df-93d7-001cc4c03286.html

Krishock has been part of 2 CCIW title teams.

[Mugsy]

It is Tuesday...and the hype is starting to pick up.   I am extending my congratulations to the Thunder and Cardinals for taking care of business up until this point to set up the biggest CCIW conference matchup in a long time.  This is a debate for all to take part in.  What was the biggest CCIW matchup in the last 10 years?

8-0 #5 North Central  vs 8-0 #15 Wheaton

North Region Rankings...  #1 Wheaton vs #2 North Central

It doesn't get much better than this...It is going to be a great game..Weather looks to be sunny with a high of 53 degrees and low of 33.

My prediction is NC  31   Wheaton 17

With the expansion of the playoffs and the success of the CCIW it's hard to imagine a bigger game than this one. In one sense its not as big since it's likely the loser still goes to the playoffs. But playing for the Bell, the conference title, top seed in the region, it doesn't get any bigger than this. 2008 was similar in that it featured 2 undefeated teams for the title. In the conference race, Wheaton v IWU last year was probably bigger for the Thunder since both were fighting for their playoff lives and knew a loss meant the end of the season.

I have been either playing or following for the last 10 years and this CCIW matchup is the biggest that I can remember.     There are only 2 games left in the regular season and there has not been much talk about the OPOY and DPOY yet....Is it possible that an NC QB doesnt win it for the first time in 6 years??  DPOY seems pretty obvious to me because of the focus an offense has to make on controlling Wenger (and the fact that he has still put up good stats)....and I think this weekends game will have alot to do with  which coach gets Coach of the Year in the CCIW ....ALOT is riding on this weekend..

I agree Wenger is probably the frontrunner, but you can't ignore the year Tyler Langs has had either.

INTERCEPTIONS         No.  Yds   Avg TD Long
----------------------------------------------------------
Langs, Tyler                6    175     29.2  0   47

                                            |--------Tackles--------|    |-Sacks-| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd
DEFENSIVE LEADERS        GP Solo  Ast Total   TFL/Yds   No-Yds  Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds  FF Kick Saf
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29 Langs, Tyler                 8   27   11    38        3.0-4       .              6-175    9   .   1-0     .    .   .

[Stagg Again!!]

As an Mount guy, I'm very curious to see how this game plays out.  We've seen Wheaton numerous times and very much respect the teams that Mike Swider has brought to Alliance.  They haven't always been able to handle the best Mount teams, few can, but they've always played hard and smart.  Obviously NCC is the favorite since my pick-em's says so , but rivalry games in conference can be tricky.   Knowing how good Wheaton can be makes me very interested in seeing if NCC is that much better.

Add in the regional rankings and the winner could be HOSTING the Purple Raiders in the Regional Final or Semi's if everything holds true to form in the early rounds.  After going 0-6 in Alliance, how pumped would Wheaton be to finally get Mount at their own place?  That would be a fun one.

I also wonder how low the loser will fall in the rankings?  Probably to #3 ahead of Ohio Northern.  Or #4 behind ONU at worst.  Which if MTU stays in the North Region (if Wesley holds down the east) would make for an interesting Round 2 with either a pair of OAC/CCIW games or a pair of conference re-matches.  If I had to pick, I'd prefer the following in Round 2:

Ohio Northern at CCIW winner
CCIW runner-up at Mount Union

That would make a nice inter-conference test.

Regardless of who wins, I hope both teams come out of it healthy and ready for the playoffs.

While I agree that it would certainly be exciting for the Thunder/Crusaders to host MTU at McCully, I am also quite certain that NCC wouldn't mind having the opportunity to host ONU in early December with a nice cool breeze blowing in from the north!  The Polar Bears would surely find that a motivated and fully staffed Cardinal team (with Wenger and company on the field for four quarters) would prove to be a bit more of a test than the team that they faced on 9/5/09 in Ada.  But, that is a bridge that we can cross after what is looking to be a fantastic game in Wheaton this weekend.  

While I agree with the sentiment (and revenge for NCC would be sweet), you might not want to bring December weather into a post about a team called the Polar Bears!

Done so intentionally Mr. Ypsi.  During last year's game in Ada, it  was 80+ degrees, and while the NCC players stood in the sun for the duration where it was clearly quite a bit warmer (and NCC players were dropping left and right from injury and dehydration), the Polar Bears stood in their shady "den" with cooling fans running on high to keep from overheating.  As such, I bet the Cardinals would like to play the Polar Bears on a nice "balanced" and chilly playing field.  

[Stagg Again!!]

It is Tuesday...and the hype is starting to pick up.   I am extending my congratulations to the Thunder and Cardinals for taking care of business up until this point to set up the biggest CCIW conference matchup in a long time.  This is a debate for all to take part in.  What was the biggest CCIW matchup in the last 10 years?

8-0 #5 North Central  vs 8-0 #15 Wheaton

North Region Rankings...  #1 Wheaton vs #2 North Central

It doesn't get much better than this...It is going to be a great game..Weather looks to be sunny with a high of 53 degrees and low of 33.

My prediction is NC  31   Wheaton 17

With the expansion of the playoffs and the success of the CCIW it's hard to imagine a bigger game than this one. In one sense its not as big since it's likely the loser still goes to the playoffs. But playing for the Bell, the conference title, top seed in the region, it doesn't get any bigger than this. 2008 was similar in that it featured 2 undefeated teams for the title. In the conference race, Wheaton v IWU last year was probably bigger for the Thunder since both were fighting for their playoff lives and knew a loss meant the end of the season.

I have been either playing or following for the last 10 years and this CCIW matchup is the biggest that I can remember.     There are only 2 games left in the regular season and there has not been much talk about the OPOY and DPOY yet....Is it possible that an NC QB doesnt win it for the first time in 6 years??  DPOY seems pretty obvious to me because of the focus an offense has to make on controlling Wenger (and the fact that he has still put up good stats)....and I think this weekends game will have alot to do with  which coach gets Coach of the Year in the CCIW ....ALOT is riding on this weekend..

Straight out of the CCIW website: 

2010 CCIW Football Players of the Week

Offensive Player of the Week
Brien Rooney - Illinois Wesleyan (11/1/10)
Joe Furco - Elmhurst (10/25/10)
David Lee - Augustana (10/18/10)
Jordan Roberts - Wheaton (10/11/10)
Scottie Williams - Elmhurst (10/4/10)
Dion Wilson - Millikin (9/27/10)
Steve Hlavac - North Central (9/20/10)
Scottie Williams - Elmhurst (9/13/10)
Dion Wilson - Millikin (9/7/10)

Defensive Player of the Week
Tyler Langs - Wheaton (11/1/10)
Matt Wenger - North Central (10/25/10)
Ryan Gresko - Illinois Wesleyan (10/18/10)
Brian Hipchen - Carthage (10/11/10)
Jordan Langs - Wheaton (10/4/10)
Matt Wenger - North Central (9/27/10)
Curt Perschnick - Augustana (9/20/10)
Nick Pantaleo - North Park (9/13/10)
Aaron Moody - Illinois Wesleyan (9/7/10)

Special Teams Player of the Week
Scott Roche - Wheaton (11/1/10)
Joe Antonacci - North Central (10/25/10)
Micah Markley - Wheaton (10/18/10)
No selection (10/11/10)
Nick Dace - North Central (10/4/10)
Shaun Wild - North Central (9/27/10)
Tyler Langs - Wheaton (9/20/10)
Scott Roche - Wheaton (9/13/10)
Kody Smith - Millikin (9/7/10)

I included the special teams list only because a couple of key position players for CCIW teams (Langs - WC & Antonacci - NCC) have also been named Special Teams POW.  Scottie Williams (EC) and Dion Wilson (MU) are the only two-time Offensive POWs, while Matt Wenger (NCC) and Tyler Langs (WC) are the only two time POWs that are defensive regulars.  If I were a betting man, I'd lay my money down on Williams or Wilson for OPOY and Wenger or Langs for DPOY.

[Mugsy]

It is Tuesday...and the hype is starting to pick up.   I am extending my congratulations to the Thunder and Cardinals for taking care of business up until this point to set up the biggest CCIW conference matchup in a long time.  This is a debate for all to take part in.  What was the biggest CCIW matchup in the last 10 years?

8-0 #5 North Central  vs 8-0 #15 Wheaton

North Region Rankings...  #1 Wheaton vs #2 North Central

It doesn't get much better than this...It is going to be a great game..Weather looks to be sunny with a high of 53 degrees and low of 33.

My prediction is NC  31   Wheaton 17

With the expansion of the playoffs and the success of the CCIW it's hard to imagine a bigger game than this one. In one sense its not as big since it's likely the loser still goes to the playoffs. But playing for the Bell, the conference title, top seed in the region, it doesn't get any bigger than this. 2008 was similar in that it featured 2 undefeated teams for the title. In the conference race, Wheaton v IWU last year was probably bigger for the Thunder since both were fighting for their playoff lives and knew a loss meant the end of the season.

I have been either playing or following for the last 10 years and this CCIW matchup is the biggest that I can remember.     There are only 2 games left in the regular season and there has not been much talk about the OPOY and DPOY yet....Is it possible that an NC QB doesnt win it for the first time in 6 years??  DPOY seems pretty obvious to me because of the focus an offense has to make on controlling Wenger (and the fact that he has still put up good stats)....and I think this weekends game will have alot to do with  which coach gets Coach of the Year in the CCIW ....ALOT is riding on this weekend..

Straight out of the CCIW website: 

2010 CCIW Football Players of the Week

Offensive Player of the Week
Brien Rooney - Illinois Wesleyan (11/1/10)
Joe Furco - Elmhurst (10/25/10)
David Lee - Augustana (10/18/10)
Jordan Roberts - Wheaton (10/11/10)
Scottie Williams - Elmhurst (10/4/10)
Dion Wilson - Millikin (9/27/10)
Steve Hlavac - North Central (9/20/10)
Scottie Williams - Elmhurst (9/13/10)
Dion Wilson - Millikin (9/7/10)

Defensive Player of the Week
Tyler Langs - Wheaton (11/1/10)
Matt Wenger - North Central (10/25/10)
Ryan Gresko - Illinois Wesleyan (10/18/10)
Brian Hipchen - Carthage (10/11/10)
Jordan Langs - Wheaton (10/4/10)
Matt Wenger - North Central (9/27/10)
Curt Perschnick - Augustana (9/20/10)
Nick Pantaleo - North Park (9/13/10)
Aaron Moody - Illinois Wesleyan (9/7/10)

Special Teams Player of the Week
Scott Roche - Wheaton (11/1/10)
Joe Antonacci - North Central (10/25/10)
Micah Markley - Wheaton (10/18/10)
No selection (10/11/10)
Nick Dace - North Central (10/4/10)
Shaun Wild - North Central (9/27/10)
Tyler Langs - Wheaton (9/20/10)
Scott Roche - Wheaton (9/13/10)
Kody Smith - Millikin (9/7/10)

I included the special teams list only because a couple of key position players for CCIW teams (Langs - WC & Antonacci - NCC) have also been named Special Teams POW.  Scottie Williams (EC) and Dion Wilson (MU) are the only two-time Offensive POWs, while Matt Wenger (NCC) and Tyler Langs (WC) are the only two time POWs that are defensive regulars.  If I were a betting man, I'd lay my money down on Williams or Wilson for OPOY and Wenger or Langs for DPOY.

Just for clarification, Tyler was name POW only once on defense and another time for special teams.  Tyler's brother, Jordan, was also named defensive player of the week once.

[FormerCard]

It is Tuesday...and the hype is starting to pick up.   I am extending my congratulations to the Thunder and Cardinals for taking care of business up until this point to set up the biggest CCIW conference matchup in a long time.  This is a debate for all to take part in.  What was the biggest CCIW matchup in the last 10 years?

8-0 #5 North Central  vs 8-0 #15 Wheaton

North Region Rankings...  #1 Wheaton vs #2 North Central

It doesn't get much better than this...It is going to be a great game..Weather looks to be sunny with a high of 53 degrees and low of 33.

My prediction is NC  31   Wheaton 17

With the expansion of the playoffs and the success of the CCIW it's hard to imagine a bigger game than this one. In one sense its not as big since it's likely the loser still goes to the playoffs. But playing for the Bell, the conference title, top seed in the region, it doesn't get any bigger than this. 2008 was similar in that it featured 2 undefeated teams for the title. In the conference race, Wheaton v IWU last year was probably bigger for the Thunder since both were fighting for their playoff lives and knew a loss meant the end of the season.

I have been either playing or following for the last 10 years and this CCIW matchup is the biggest that I can remember.     There are only 2 games left in the regular season and there has not been much talk about the OPOY and DPOY yet....Is it possible that an NC QB doesnt win it for the first time in 6 years??  DPOY seems pretty obvious to me because of the focus an offense has to make on controlling Wenger (and the fact that he has still put up good stats)....and I think this weekends game will have alot to do with  which coach gets Coach of the Year in the CCIW ....ALOT is riding on this weekend..

Straight out of the CCIW website: 

2010 CCIW Football Players of the Week

Offensive Player of the Week
Brien Rooney - Illinois Wesleyan (11/1/10)
Joe Furco - Elmhurst (10/25/10)
David Lee - Augustana (10/18/10)
Jordan Roberts - Wheaton (10/11/10)
Scottie Williams - Elmhurst (10/4/10)
Dion Wilson - Millikin (9/27/10)
Steve Hlavac - North Central (9/20/10)
Scottie Williams - Elmhurst (9/13/10)
Dion Wilson - Millikin (9/7/10)

Defensive Player of the Week
Tyler Langs - Wheaton (11/1/10)
Matt Wenger - North Central (10/25/10)
Ryan Gresko - Illinois Wesleyan (10/18/10)
Brian Hipchen - Carthage (10/11/10)
Jordan Langs - Wheaton (10/4/10)
Matt Wenger - North Central (9/27/10)
Curt Perschnick - Augustana (9/20/10)
Nick Pantaleo - North Park (9/13/10)
Aaron Moody - Illinois Wesleyan (9/7/10)

Special Teams Player of the Week
Scott Roche - Wheaton (11/1/10)
Joe Antonacci - North Central (10/25/10)
Micah Markley - Wheaton (10/18/10)
No selection (10/11/10)
Nick Dace - North Central (10/4/10)
Shaun Wild - North Central (9/27/10)
Tyler Langs - Wheaton (9/20/10)
Scott Roche - Wheaton (9/13/10)
Kody Smith - Millikin (9/7/10)

I included the special teams list only because a couple of key position players for CCIW teams (Langs - WC & Antonacci - NCC) have also been named Special Teams POW.  Scottie Williams (EC) and Dion Wilson (MU) are the only two-time Offensive POWs, while Matt Wenger (NCC) and Tyler Langs (WC) are the only two time POWs that are defensive regulars.  If I were a betting man, I'd lay my money down on Williams or Wilson for OPOY and Wenger or Langs for DPOY.

Do you really want to give the OPOY to a player on a team in the bottom 3 of the conference? 

Conference Stats so far...


RUSHING            Team Cl  G  Att  Yds   Avg TD Long Yds/G
-----------------------------------------------------------
1. Wilson, Dion... MILL SR  4   92  441   4.8  2   69 110.2
2. Williams, Scott ELMH SO  5  104  480   4.6  4   46  96.0
3. Wood, Robert... AUGI SR  5   98  434   4.4  6   33  86.8
4. Tassio, Jordan. NCC  SO  5   74  431   5.8  7   61  86.2


Wouldnt it make sense to look at Tassio who has more TDS, and a higher per average rush than the two guys you mentioned.  Unfortunately, NCC offensive starters have rarely played much of the 4th quarter of games this year which has affected Tassios stats considerably.    I know there is no player that really sticks out as having a monster year in the CCIW play like in the past 5 years.

That being said, Wilsons overall numbers are VERY impressive and that could land him the OPOY.