FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[RFMichigan]

Irish---

The fact is that Benedictine is a good football team, BUT only in a bad conference. Overall, as Greg Sager indicated, they are NOT a very good team. Since becoming a member of the NATHC in 2008, their record from 2008-2011 within the conference is 22-6. However, in non-conference games within that same time frame, they are only 3-11. The Benedictine-NPU game was an exercise matching perhaps the best team in a weaker conference with the worst team in a very strong conference. And the "good" team beat the "bad" team by only 8 points. Not exactly a strong statement by an (overall) good team.

Thank you, Mark. Yes, that is precisely my point. Whether it's because he's a BU fan or because he's been watching a steady diet of NAthCon football -- or both -- Irish is apparently deluded in his view of what constitutes a good football team. Is BU good by NAthCon standards? Probably; we'll see as the season wears on. Was BU good the last two years by NAthCon standards? Sure was; the Eagles won the league title both times. Were they good by overall D3 football standards? Well, you tell me, Irish. Your Eagles lost both years to an NPU program that hasn't won a CCIW game in over a decade. And the Eagles lost their playoff games by scores of 57-10 and 47-7. And, as Mark indicates, last year's Eagles seniors only went 3-11 in non-conference play for their careers.

So, no, Benedictine is not a good football team by overall D3 standards, which are the only standards that really interest anyone who reads the CCIW football room. The Eagles are the prettiest woman in the nursing home, the tastiest chocolate in a box of Ex-Lax, and the best downhill skier in Libya.

I'm currently cleaning coffee off my screen after reading that one.

Honestly GS, did you make those up or did you borrow them? (I'm going to tuck the "tastiest chocolate in a box of Ex-Lax" away for personal use at a later date.)

[kiko]

"CCIW absent deeper runs in the playoffs..."  I guess the entire 80's with 4 Nat'l Championships in Rock Island was forgotten about

Yes, in the 90's and 00's there have been only a few deep playoff runs,  but c'mon the CCIW is one of the best conferences to have history and stamina in the playoffs.

Not forgotten, but that was over a quarter-century ago and there's a lot of dust on those walnut-and-bronzes at this point.  I would argue they are a sign of how good the conference (or Augustana) was during that era.  But the statute of limitations applies here.

We don't have the overt success of some other conferences because the CCIW's path to Salem of late has typically been blocked by The Color Purple.  (Said differently, these two will beat up everyone else on the playground, and others may be getting deeper into the playoffs simply because they catch Mount and Whitewater later in the bracket.)  But that's not who is sending us home for the winter every year.  So upper-middle-class, yes.  But elite, no.

[New Tradition]

"CCIW absent deeper runs in the playoffs..."  I guess the entire 80's with 4 Nat'l Championships in Rock Island was forgotten about

Yes, in the 90's and 00's there have been only a few deep playoff runs,  but c'mon the CCIW is one of the best conferences to have history and stamina in the playoffs.

Not forgotten, but that was over a quarter-century ago and there's a lot of dust on those walnut-and-bronzes at this point.  I would argue they are a sign of how good the conference (or Augustana) was during that era.  But the statute of limitations applies here.

We don't have the overt success of some other conferences because the CCIW's path to Salem of late has typically been blocked by The Color Purple.  (Said differently, these two will beat up everyone else on the playground, and others may be getting deeper into the playoffs simply because they catch Mount and Whitewater later in the bracket.)  But that's not who is sending us home for the winter every year.  So upper-middle-class, yes.  But elite, no.

Couldn't agree more with everything said here.

[79jaybird]

Taken off the Augie website game recap vs. Central

The Viking running game, which had some success at Dubuque last week, produced just 49 yards on 31 carries against Central.

Those Augie followers or who might have seen the game, is Central's D that good, or is Augie struggling to move the ball with their O-Line or Backs?  49 rush yards?  What has happened to the Augie fb program? 

[AndOne]

Benedictine is a great school academically and many of their facilities are high class,  however their fb team is not very good at the moment.  There is a reason teams like EC & NC are no longer playing them.  Reasons from both schools.  A dominant NATHC team would be middle to lower end of the pack in the CCIW.

Specifically, if the CCIW was a 9 team conference, and included BU, I believe the Eagles would be the 8th, or possibly 7th team best team at the highest.
The same placement would apply to the basketball team.

As far as academics, yes, BU is a good school, but still ranks somewhat behind at least the majority of CCIW institutions.

The BU athletic facilities are superlative, and the athletic administration and leadership, headed by Mark McHorney, is personable, knowledgeable, very accommodating.     

[shepherd]

I was very impressed by North Centrals offensive line play.  Both the run and pass blocking were superb.  If you want to see some of it go to North Centrals site or see it on D3 videos and blow it up full screen paying attention to the offensive line play. Most teams can run an offense with line play like that.  I just mention it as I can really appreciate good offensive and defensive line play.

[NCF]

I was very impressed by North Centrals offensive line play.  Both the run and pass blocking were superb.  If you want to see some of it go to North Centrals site or see it on D3 videos and blow it up full screen paying attention to the offensive line play. Most teams can run an offense with line play like that.  I just mention it as I can really appreciate good offensive and defensive line play.

I would agree with you. The O line got it together last week-end and it showed in the offensive production. Much improved over week 1.

[AndOne]

I was very impressed by North Centrals offensive line play.  Both the run and pass blocking were superb.  If you want to see some of it go to North Centrals site or see it on D3 videos and blow it up full screen paying attention to the offensive line play. Most teams can run an offense with line play like that.  I just mention it as I can really appreciate good offensive and defensive line play.

Thunder---

1. I definitely agree with your analysis. Improvement for sure over their performance in the UWL game.

2. At least a slight hint of caution must be exercised in analyzing the O line accomplishments against Redlands. I say this due to the fact that RU seemed, at least to me, to be a somewhat "smaller" team. One who relies more on both straight ahead and lateral speed and quickness as opposed to being a power team. This was probably the primary factor in NCC winning the battle in the trenches in which the Cardinals eventually wore down and subsequently overpowered their opponents.

3. As far as your Thunder---Taking nothing away from Albion who seems to have thoroughly deserved the win, I believe your loss to Albion was more of an injury from which a quick recovery can be made as opposed to one requiring a lengthy term of rehabilitation. This will especially be true if Meador and Hiben are able to quickly recover from their injuries. Anyone counting Wheaton down and/or out at this point, is asking for trouble.

[bluejay4ever]

Bluejay4ever/L-Ghost-

As others have chimed in with me,  it's nice Elmhurst picked up a home win yes, agreed.  However, to think Elmhurst is suddenly playoff caliber, or 1 of the top 3 teams in the CCIW (presently), is premature because they have yet to prove themselves against A) A currently playoff positioned team and B) the incumbent 1, 2, 3, etc. of the CCIW.  Namely NC/IWU/Wheaton (in any particular order). 

IMO- Right now it's still too early to really gauge where the CCIW is going to pan out, but an arbitrary view would be
1) NC
2) IWU
3) WHEATON (injuries and health is going to make WC a 3 or 4)
4) Carthage/EC
5) rest of the conference

Again, this is just going by the 1 game I have seen thus far, and some stats in the paper/net.

As much as I am a super fan of the Blue Jays and drink more than my share of the blue punch I do realize that they have to beat a Wheaton, NC, or IWU to be considered into that level. I believe this year they have a legitimate shot at being in the top 3. Although some people are down playing the Trine game I was really impressed with some of their athletes and size. They reminded me of that second tier CCIW type of team that would be in a fight in each game. But for EC to become a member of that top tier they have to beat those teams which is exactly what they did. It is going to be a fun season to see how things play out. One of the most encouraging things is starting with this group of seniors is the discipline they show on the field. That is something that as each recruiting class that Coach Lester has had becomes seniors will only improve over time. I think that is a step that has been lacking over the years with the limited amount of seniors they have had. That is changing and each year the number of upper classmen are improving. There is a huge difference mentally and physically when you are putting 21 year olds out there instead of 18 year olds.

[AndOne]

He lost me here:

I am not saying BU is a CCIW calliber team becasue there not Wheaton showed that, but they are a good football team that is getting better and I believe could beat out a couple of teams in the CCIW.

If I am making an honest assessment, I would classify the CCIW as an upper-middle-class conference in football.  Better than most, but absent deeper playoff runs on a more consistent basis, certainly not in the league of the elites.  If being a good team means you're beating just a couple of CCIW teams, you are clearly defining 'good' much differently than I am...

Kiko---

You're certainly right about CCIW accomplishments back in the 80s having little relevance to placement in today's world.
However, before you berate the current state of CCIW football too drastically, and underestimate its standing on a national basis, consider that CCIW teams occupy the 13th, 16th, and 19th place in this week's D3Football Top 25, and 2 other conference members are also receiving votes. Thats not too shabby and I believe is emblematic of a conference that actually ranks pretty highly on today's national scene.   

[bleedpurple]

I was very impressed by North Centrals offensive line play.  Both the run and pass blocking were superb.  If you want to see some of it go to North Centrals site or see it on D3 videos and blow it up full screen paying attention to the offensive line play. Most teams can run an offense with line play like that.  I just mention it as I can really appreciate good offensive and defensive line play.

IMO, line play (both offensive and defensive) is the biggest factor in determining the haves and have-nots at the D3 level. Obviously, playmakers are important too, but at the end of the day, I'll take the most physical and best lines every time.  In terms of physicality, I would think Redlands was a step down from UW-L. From what I can see, how the NCC O-Line handles the portion of the schedule October 20 and beyond will likely determine the CCIW champion.  Many of the games that are seemingly decided on turnovers, are really decided in the trenches, with the turnovers the direct result of pressure created by a d-line (or front 7) winning that battle.

[markerickson]

I agree to a significant degree with the comments of the BU/NPU game.  I will add .02.  I sat in the BU section (at the 40 yd line), showing no emotion for either team.  BU had two parents (husband/wife perhaps?) whose shouts embarrassed BU.  The woman mocked BU players and play selection, and the male was constantly calling for the insertion of a backup QB who I presume was the son.  Since BU occupied the east sideline, I have to believe the Eagle players and coaches heard these idiots.  How utterly stupid.  Who openly mocks their own players?  I sat in front of several former BU players who agreed with me 100%. I was impressed by the number of BU fans who attended the game.

[bleedpurple]

Bluejay4ever/L-Ghost-

As others have chimed in with me,  it's nice Elmhurst picked up a home win yes, agreed.  However, to think Elmhurst is suddenly playoff caliber, or 1 of the top 3 teams in the CCIW (presently), is premature because they have yet to prove themselves against A) A currently playoff positioned team and B) the incumbent 1, 2, 3, etc. of the CCIW.  Namely NC/IWU/Wheaton (in any particular order). 

IMO- Right now it's still too early to really gauge where the CCIW is going to pan out, but an arbitrary view would be
1) NC
2) IWU
3) WHEATON (injuries and health is going to make WC a 3 or 4)
4) Carthage/EC
5) rest of the conference

Again, this is just going by the 1 game I have seen thus far, and some stats in the paper/net.

As much as I am a super fan of the Blue Jays and drink more than my share of the blue punch I do realize that they have to beat a Wheaton, NC, or IWU to be considered into that level. I believe this year they have a legitimate shot at being in the top 3. Although some people are down playing the Trine game I was really impressed with some of their athletes and size. They reminded me of that second tier CCIW type of team that would be in a fight in each game. But for EC to become a member of that top tier they have to beat those teams which is exactly what they did. It is going to be a fun season to see how things play out. One of the most encouraging things is starting with this group of seniors is the discipline they show on the field. That is something that as each recruiting class that Coach Lester has had becomes seniors will only improve over time. I think that is a step that has been lacking over the years with the limited amount of seniors they have had. That is changing and each year the number of upper classmen are improving. There is a huge difference mentally and physically when you are putting 21 year olds out there instead of 18 year olds.

I agree with almost all of this post. I think the start of this season should be encouraging to EC and their fans.  Personally, I wouldn't read too much into beating Trine if the aspirations are to break into the top 3 of the CCIW.  Losing to them would have been a bad sign (still can't get over what happened to the Thunder!), but the Jays got the job done. I have my doubts whether the Jays preseason schedule will adequately prepare them for NCC. It would certainly be nice to play someone (ANYONE) else for their conference opener, but it is what it is.  For Jays' fans, there's no reason not to be optimistic at this point.

[AndOne]

Congrats to NCC's Nick Kukuc, the CCIW offensive player of the week:

http://northcentralcardinals.com/news/2012/9/10/FB_0910123806.aspx

With a little help from his friends on the O line.   

[Pat Coleman]

He lost me here:

I am not saying BU is a CCIW calliber team becasue there not Wheaton showed that, but they are a good football team that is getting better and I believe could beat out a couple of teams in the CCIW.

If I am making an honest assessment, I would classify the CCIW as an upper-middle-class conference in football.  Better than most, but absent deeper playoff runs on a more consistent basis, certainly not in the league of the elites.  If being a good team means you're beating just a couple of CCIW teams, you are clearly defining 'good' much differently than I am...

Kiko---

You're certainly right about CCIW accomplishments back in the 80s having little relevance to placement in today's world.
However, before you berate the current state of CCIW football too drastically, and underestimate its standing on a national basis, consider that CCIW teams occupy the 13th, 16th, and 19th place in this week's D3Football Top 25, and 2 other conference members are also receiving votes. Thats not too shabby and I believe is emblematic of a conference that actually ranks pretty highly on today's national scene.   

Kickoff subscribers know where we ranked the CCIW and why. I don't see that ranking as having significantly changed with the pre-conference results to date.