FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Always.A.Titan]

No, I really doubt NCC has the depth that UW-W does, and I would expect to see more rotations on the defensive side of the ball than offensively. As the article points out, NCC does a lot of rotating with the defensive line. They do a little bit with their linebackers and DBs (although not very much). On the offensive side of the ball, they have at least 3 capable running backs in the game at any point, but Tassio and Kukuc get most of the time.

I have really noticed how much the rotation has helped NCC this year, especially on the DL. Hayes and Garza seem so fresh and quick in the 4th quarter that the bigger OL, just can't keep up with them any more. It's really good to see.

Most of the rotations will be with the D-line, the LB's and DB's not so much, but it will depend on how the game plays out. There will still be certain packages on D that will stay the same so you will see players rotate in when UWW gets into the Red Zone.

I think this leads to UWW biggest advantage. There are very, very, very few teams that can play with them for 4 quarters if they play their game. Their offense continually keeps coming downhill at the defense with the rushing game and their passing game is no slouch either, especially if their #1 qb is back in action. They have the abililty to break big plays on every snap and they build off of every positive play.  This game may very well come down to the trenches and UWW has that edge over nearly, if not all D3.

On the flip side, NCC's offense may need to help out the defense. Its been noted that the offense can score fast, but will they be able to put up a long, sustained drive against UWW?

[NCF]

No, I really doubt NCC has the depth that UW-W does, and I would expect to see more rotations on the defensive side of the ball than offensively. As the article points out, NCC does a lot of rotating with the defensive line. They do a little bit with their linebackers and DBs (although not very much). On the offensive side of the ball, they have at least 3 capable running backs in the game at any point, but Tassio and Kukuc get most of the time.

I have really noticed how much the rotation has helped NCC this year, especially on the DL. Hayes and Garza seem so fresh and quick in the 4th quarter that the bigger OL, just can't keep up with them any more. It's really good to see.

Most of the rotations will be with the D-line, the LB's and DB's not so much, but it will depend on how the game plays out. There will still be certain packages on D that will stay the same so you will see players rotate in when UWW gets into the Red Zone.

I think this leads to UWW biggest advantage. There are very, very, very few teams that can play with them for 4 quarters if they play their game. Their offense continually keeps coming downhill at the defense with the rushing game and their passing game is no slouch either, especially if their #1 qb is back in action. They have the abililty to break big plays on every snap and they build off of every positive play.  This game may very well come down to the trenches and UWW has that edge over nearly, if not all D3.

On the flip side, NCC's offense may need to help out the defense. Its been noted that the offense can score fast, but will they be able to put up a long, sustained drive against UWW?

If that's the case look for more defensive substitutions. The depth is there if needed.

[emma17]

Cardinal Alum,
You're good guys and all, but the closest I'll come to your side is the visitors bleachers on Saturday.  51 hours and 49 minutes

[footballfan413]

Planning for tailgating, bringing along some ex-Warhawks but even a die hard like myself has a few concerns. If we were at the Perk, I would have it all wired for survival but dealing with the unknown now.  How exposed is the, "upper lot," to the elements, any chance of having a small fire pit (highly unlikely but gotta ask,) and what are the chances that the enemy can move undercover with the Card fans to survive the morning? 

[ncc58]

As you would expect in the playoffs, the rotations were a little tighter. The rotations on the DL were about the same. However, there were fewer among the LBs and DBs. The same was true offensively. It may have been the game plan, but Denzel Thompson, for example, didn't appear until late in the game.

I saw UWW play once, and they don't rotate players in the same way NCC does. However, Pat discussed in this week's ATN how Coppage's rushing attempts have gone up significantly in the last 4 games.

No, I really doubt NCC has the depth that UW-W does, and I would expect to see more rotations on the defensive side of the ball than offensively. As the article points out, NCC does a lot of rotating with the defensive line. They do a little bit with their linebackers and DBs (although not very much). On the offensive side of the ball, they have at least 3 capable running backs in the game at any point, but Tassio and Kukuc get most of the time.

I have really noticed how much the rotation has helped NCC this year, especially on the DL. Hayes and Garza seem so fresh and quick in the 4th quarter that the bigger OL, just can't keep up with them any more. It's really good to see.

[emma17]

Now that NCC is vying for "elite" status, the substitutions aren't just for keeping guys fresh, it's for "re-loading".    

I noticed that against Wheaton and ONU, which I think were NCC's 2 strongest opponents (other than Eau Claire  ), NCC gave them both a heavy dose of the run game and did very well.  I wonder how that will translate to UWW.  

It would be interesting to hear comments as to the run/pass ratio for Saturday.  

[cardfan86]

FF413, the upper lot is completely exposed to the elements. The only cover anyone would have is in the lower lot of the parking deck but I don't think they allow any tailgating down there (or firepits in general but I am not sure).  

I also doubt you would be able to be "undercover" as the NCC tailgaters know who shows up a on week by week basis. Although you might be able to try what Bobby Valentine did when he was managing the Mets!  

[footballfan413]

Now that NCC is vying for "elite" status, the substitutions aren't just for keeping guys fresh, it's for "re-loading".    

I noticed that against Wheaton and ONU, which I think were NCC's 2 strongest opponents (other than Eau Claire  ), NCC gave them both a heavy dose of the run game and did very well.  I wonder how that will translate to UWW.  

It would be interesting to hear comments as to the run/pass ratio for Saturday.  

I asked on one of the boards, maybe it was the OAC which makes no sense in hindsight, a few days ago about the fact that the 07 Cards brought a primarily spread offense to the Perk but got no answer.  Where did that go?  Now they appear to be primarily a running team.  Is that just because they haven't needed to pass to move on this year or has there been a conscious change in offensive strategy made since 07?

[footballfan413]

FF413, the upper lot is completely exposed to the elements. The only cover anyone would have is in the lower lot of the parking deck but I don't think they allow any tailgating down there (or firepits in general but I am not sure).  

I also doubt you would be able to be "undercover" as the NCC tailgaters know who shows up a on week by week basis. Although you might be able to try what Bobby Valentine did when he was managing the Mets!  

LOL Thanks 86, we have a tent but wondering about wind.  Will we still be at ground level or up, "in the air?"  Can't move down below, huh?  City ordinance or something?    

[usee]

I was looking at the UWW defense and their DLine is big. DE on Baldwin is 263, DT Hicks 278, DT Hibner 260 and DE Keeser 240. I am quite sure this is the biggest DLine NCC will have faced all year. Most D3 Dlines are smaller. You don't see many 263 lb DE's. And the DT's are 6-3 and 6-1. Those are some big guys. It will be interesting to see how NCC handles that up front as their OLine won't have faced anyone with that size up to now.

NCC's defense is undersized but very fast. Garza and Hayes go 232lbs and 225lbs. Bulandr is 265 and Robinson is 295 at DT. But Staton at 200 and Clendenning at 234 aren't the biggest guys either. Lots of speed on this defense so I suspect UWW will play a lot of their 2 back, TE look and come right at the NCC defense. With their 275 lbs TE Novak and 3 1st team All WIAC OL (UStruck, Weber, Gawronski) they average close to 290 lbs across the front. Add 226 lb fullback Tamsett and you can see why they like to "Pound the Rock". This game will be physical. NCC wants to run the ball and they do a great job of scheming vs a defense to try and get an extra man at the point of attack. Whether its through the wildcat to Tassio (they will often have 3 RB's in the game) or the jet sweep look w Hicks and Llavac, they try to get you a man down through their scheme (several diffferent kinds of option also). They want to run the ball and hit you play action off their looks.

I see a very physical game and as Coach Leipold said on his podcast "We hope we can keep it close until the 4th quarter and come out with the upset".  I am starting to think UWW has a chance in this one. 

[cardfan86]

413, The upper lot is kind of at ground level and in the air as the parking deck is in a hill. It might be hard to picture right now but it will make more sense when you get there. There are several buildings around so they might break the wind.

[footballfan413]

413, The upper lot is kind of at ground level and in the air as the parking deck is in a hill. It might be hard to picture right now but it will make more sense when you get there. There are several buildings around so they might break the wind.

Thanks again, 86.  Looks like we will just have to brave the elements unless I contact the NCAA about the unfair and unequal assess to tailgating facilities.  J/King  
But that fact that we are relegated to the lot without a cover should give us a leg up on the tailgating contest, don't you think?  

[Mr. Flynn]

Spencer Staneck's stats for last 5 games: 44-59-691, 9 td, 1 int., 110 yds rushing 3 td.

[emma17]

Posted by: footballfan413  Posted on: Today at 10:22:01 am 
Insert Quote 
Quote from: cardfan86 on Today at 10:14:55 am
413, The upper lot is kind of at ground level and in the air as the parking deck is in a hill. It might be hard to picture right now but it will make more sense when you get there. There are several buildings around so they might break the wind.

Thanks again, 86.  Looks like we will just have to brave the elements unless I contact the NCAA about the unfair and unequal assess to tailgating facilities.  J/King     
But that fact that we are relegated to the outside lot should give us a leg up on the tailgating contest, don't you think?   

413- Starting to talk some smack now- I like it!

[emma17]

USee- Trine did have some success with the Jet Sweep.  In fact, I imagine the Trine offense and NCC offense to be somewhat similar.  Trine realized early that their best chance of success was through the air. 

Mr. Flynn's stats may foretell the way NCC's offensive game plan ultimately unfolds.  I know most of the readers know this, but it's not just UWW's size on the D Line that makes them tough against the run, but they are also a pretty fast team.  Maybe not NCC fast (especially at D Line), but the backers move very well side to side.

I for one will be surprised if NCC doesn't end up with at least as many passes as runs.