FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[iwu70]

Haven't been able to post these past 24 hours as the game, devastating injuries for the Titans were just too upsetting, dis-heartening.  I give WC all their due and kudos for taking advantage of their opportunities and coming up with the big TOs and plays at crucial times in the last 7 minutes of the game.  But, to be frank, IWU really gave them way too many opportunities with the pass interference calls, the other key penalties, the fumble, the INT, etc.  And to see Stinde and Gallik go down like that, it is just so dis-heartening.  I feel for the Titans as they played an excellent game for 54-55 or so minutes.  Yes, Hiben and Roberts are excellent, but the Titans secondary coverage was just uncharacteristically bad.  As Norm said post-game, you just gotta move on, get to prep for NCC and redefine your goals.  Still lots of football to be played.  But, if Stinde and Gallik are out next week, that's about 85-90% of the Titan offense in terms of skill players . . . yes, more other talent still there, but one has to be realistic in a high-stakes game with the talented NCC team.  Seems Norm has three options to replace Gallik = Tyrell Boldon, Alex Starr or Tyler Hook.  Could be a rough introduction into a starting QB assignment for any of them.  Let's hope the injuries to Stinde, Gallik and the linebackers mentioned aren't too too serious, though doesn't sound (or didn't look) at all good.   Again, congrats to Wheaton on their big win.  Let's hope Norm and the Titan squad can bounce back after what has to be one of the most discouraging and devastating games in terms of injuries and unfortunate turn-arounds in a long long time.  Yes, you win or you lose, everyone knew the game would be very competitive and close, but to have such devastating injuries is just something altogether different.   Very bitter, sad feeling today.  Do wish all the injured players well, hoping that the injuries aren't so serious and that the recovery and rehab will be fast and full. 

I, too, gotta feel for MU and their excellent play, tough break in losing in the last seconds, really the last play in OT, to EC.  Yet, still 0-4 in CCIW play.  Bitter.   

IWU70

[Mugsy]

Its really a shame about Wesleyan QB Gallik. He had an absolutely fabulous game throwing for 3 TDs, and running for 2 more. If it is an ACL, with the combination of his young age, and the recent advancements in surgical and rehabilitative treatment, he should be able to come back strong.

Jordan Roberts tore his ACL last year and look at the year he is having this year.  Incredible what they can do nowadays.

[bluejay4ever]

Interesting Wheaton is getting more votes then EC in the top 25 even though EC already won that one. I know EC did not earn any style points vs MU but still another milestone for the program I would like to see obtained. Tough braks for IWU, I never want kids to get injured. Speedy recovery to those who are wounded.

[thunder38]

 

Quick question for the Thunder fans or anybody else who wants to chime in....during the broadcast the commentary in a couple of places mentioned the offense being out of sync (there was one instance of a weird looking attempt at a screen play) and that it has been that way most of the season.  How much of that do you think is because Wheaton is playing two quarterbacks?  I know both players are very good...basically equally good.  Do you think it hinders the offense to be switching back and forth constantly?
[/quote]

It seems as thought the timing of the screen game just hasn't been there with the exception of the 35-yd screen for a touchdown to Velling at Augie.  I don't know if its because teams are expecting it more or what it is but the Thunder have struggled in the screen game.  The line has not been as good at doing to enough to slow the rush and its lead to a lot of bad throws, drops, lost yards and the whole works. Screens are supposed to be quick hitting but there's been too many instances of a quarterback not even having time to let a screen effectively develop.

[Mugsy]

Interesting Wheaton is getting more votes then EC in the top 25 even though EC already won that one. I know EC did not earn any style points vs MU but still another milestone for the program I would like to see obtained. Tough braks for IWU, I never want kids to get injured. Speedy recovery to those who are wounded.

That is in part based on the fact Wheaton has more name recognition than Elmhurst at this point, not to mention Wheaton just beat the #12 team in the country.  When Elmhurst beat Wheaton, Wheaton was ranked #20.  While not necessarily just, it is not uncommon.  In polls for any division, just because team X beats team Y, that does not guarantee team X will be ranked higher.

I would not be concerned that Wheaton has "X" more votes that Elmhurst.  If Elmhurst wins out it won't matter what Wheaton's relative rank is, unless Wheaton wins out (which is a tall order with NCC at Naperville). In addition the regional ranking will be more important towards Pool C consideration.

[Mugsy]

Impressive picture of Hiben going up for one of his TD receptions.  Not much you can do to defend that.

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2012/10/20/FB_IWU.aspx?path=football

[USee]

As far as injuries, obviously they are part of the game and every team has to deal with them. Some are more crippling than others.  For Wheaton, they played last night without their starting running back, Peter Jarrett and without their starting tight end, Hunter Thorson.  in fact, Wheaton has only had every offensive starter play together in one game this year, vs Augie.  They have been fortunate that their backups are high quality. If the same injuries happened at some other positions, they would be in trouble.   

To be effective at screens you need offensive lineman that are mobile and can block perimeter players in space. I don't think that is a strong suit for the Thunder OLine.

[lakeshore]

Quick question for the Thunder fans or anybody else who wants to chime in....during the broadcast the commentary in a couple of places mentioned the offense being out of sync (there was one instance of a weird looking attempt at a screen play) and that it has been that way most of the season.  How much of that do you think is because Wheaton is playing two quarterbacks?  I know both players are very good...basically equally good.  Do you think it hinders the offense to be switching back and forth constantly?

Wheaton is #1 in the CCIW in total offense, scoring offense, passing offense, pass efficiency, first downs, 3rd down conversions and for the 2nd year in a row will probably produce the conference's top QB.  In addition, the Wheaties just torched what was the nation's #10 defense for almost 500 yards and 38 points.  Most teams (including mine) would kill to be able to find things to complain about with those numbers.

[AndOne]

From Pantagraph article..........

Gallik was replaced by freshman Tyler Hook. Hook tried to find Alex Garvey downfield, but it was intercepted by Garrett Cook with 22 seconds left.

By Hook or by C(r)ook? 

[Langhorst_Ghost]

Ok.  I'm not sure if I should be excited for the Bluejays or not.  I like the 6-1 record but they could easily be 3-4. 
I think they could beat North Park and Carthage but I just don't think they can beat IWU.
8-2 won't get them a D3 playoff berth.  9-1 might do it.

Naperick - be excited.  Why not?  It has been DECADES since the Bluejays played themselves into a position to control their own fate this late in the season.  This opportunity hasn't come around every season.  Could be 3-4?  Yeah, sure they could...but they are not, they are 6-1 for the first time in forever.  Forget the guarded optimism that tends to swirl around chat rooms - just simply let it hang loose and enjoy the excitement in the moment, that's what being a fan is all about.

Usee's insight is right on point...

Say what you want but Elmhurst controls their own destiny for the post season. They have figured out how to win football games this year. I don't think they will last very long in the post-season but they now have a very real shot at a pool C bid.

But Bluejay fans have their best path in 2 decades to the post season right now. We will see what they do.

A 9-1 Elmhurst team is a lock for the post season in my opinion. 

It's all speculation now but the reality is Elmhurst is sitting in the drivers seat despite the quality of their wins, they are still 6-1.

As for the "rain on the Bluejay parade" posts...

Elmhurst's defense is just not very good.  They've given up ~540 yards to Millikin today.  In 4 CCIW games, Elmhurst has given up 2107 yards, an average of ~525 yards per game.  Any talk of them taking the next step is thoroughly mis-guided based on their defensive play.

You and I are on the same page. 

The only thing Elmhurst fans will point out is that they are still finding ways to win and "who cares about stats, we only care about wins."   I'd point out that against true playoff caliber teams, giving up 550+ yards will result in a lopsided loss, not squeaking out a win (case in point NCC).

We'll see how they do against IWU.

You know what, we will see "how they do" vs. IWU, just like we had the opportunity to see how they would do against nationally-ranked Wheaton.  But that's exactly what you ask for as a coach, as a player, as a program - to have the opportunity to decide your own fate on the field - and that's exactly where the 'Jays have positioned themselves. 

To the point of wins over stats...pretty sure that Swider, Etherton, and Cushman would trade all their yardage for a W if given the option.  But since we are tossing out numbers, let's keep the conversation fair and well-rounded...

Does the defense need to improve?  Absolutely, without doubt.  Every player in the program and every coach on the staff understands that.  But there are good things going on at Langhorst:

How about a +14 turnover margin (5th in the Nation), and zero turnovers in their 6 wins.

How about 240+ ypg on the ground (24th in the Nation), not to mention the Nation's active career rushing leader.

What doesn't show up in the box score is the heart of a team.  Coach Lester and his staff arrived in 2008 with a goal to take this program to the next level.  Are they where they want to be?  Not yet, but they are making progress - like all developing programs do.  A big part of that transformation is changing the culture around the program.  EC teams of recent past, although talented, would find ways to lose the games that these 'Jays are winning.  It's not a tangible statistic, but the manifestation of the mantra "learning how to win" is the driving force behind the 2012 Bluejays.

[79jaybird]

Elmhurst must have a hidden horseshoe (somewhere) because they have been riding the lady luck for a while now.  Wow! Well, it is not pretty and certain some of the stats are mind boggling, but somehow Elmhurst is in good position to get a Pool C look if they can win out.   I'll filter some of the excitement.  Yes, it is excited to see that Elmhurst is going to have one of their best seasons since the 80's.  However, in all honesty they have had (3) lucky finishes that shows they have a lot of work to do to put themselves at the level of an NC, or Franklin, or Monmouth, (looking at some of the local conferences recent playoff teams).  Agreed a UW school or the mighty Mount would pick apart this EC defense and would be lopsided.

I had a feeling the Millikin game was a "trap" and talk about dodging a bullet. 

[79jaybird]

When do the Regional Rankings get posted?  I am curious to see where Elmhurst sits.  Come playoff time, I could see them possibly getting overlooked because A) opponents are REAL weak and B) notoriety- Other than VB (congrats ladies on the CCIW champ) and Baseball, Elmhurst just doesn't have the "name" and playoff success/experience like an Augie/Wheaton and now NC has.

[Langhorst_Ghost]

When do the Regional Rankings get posted?  I am curious to see where Elmhurst sits.  Come playoff time, I could see them possibly getting overlooked because A) opponents are REAL weak and B) notoriety- Other than VB (congrats ladies on the CCIW champ) and Baseball, Elmhurst just doesn't have the "name" and playoff success/experience like an Augie/Wheaton and now NC has.

Actually, according to d3.com's SOS rankings, EC is 29th nationally through 7 games.  Conversely, the mighty Titans from B-Town are 133rd.

As far as opponents being weak...must we examine who exactly IWU has beaten?  A 3-4 Aurora squad, a 1-7 Alma squad (who's only win came vs. winless Olivet), a 4-4 Hope team who got rolled by the Big Blue.

And let's not forget conference play...3-0 against three teams with ONE win combined in the CCIW (including a one-point squeaker vs. Millikin) and a loss to the only team on their schedule with a WINNING record.  NCC and EC still down the road.

And while EC's schedule certainly hasn't been murderer's row (it has been similar, if not, at least by the numbers - better), they have the same record as IWU and beat a highly regarded Wheaton team that the Fighting Norms could not.

[shepherd]

just finished watching the Wheaton come back win against IWU.  Great and entertaining game.  Excellent job by the Wheaton station and the announcers, high quality video and fair and balanced announcers calling the game.  You could tell they were for Wheaton but did a nice job filling in the information.  Really enjoyable game in all aspects.

For some of us, that excludes the final score.

I don't know how other Wheaton posters feel but I'm glad they one but Wheaton has been sloppy all season long from the top down.  Starting out very slow in the first half just looking out of sorts. Then finally playing the way they should have in the second half.  It just seems very odd.  Not like a normal Wheaton team.  I hope they can play four quarters next week.  I have really been impressed with the way Milikin has been playing and Wheaton cannot keep playing one half and get away with it as they can not afford another loss.  Looking forward to Mugsy and Usse thoughts on the game.

Well Im going to have take back part of this post after watching the game taped from tv.  I was at the game the first half with my service dog I use for pain and she has been in a false pregnancy so she was not doing the job she normally does.  Also I forgot to take part of my pain medicine so I was in a bad state at the game projecting my pain on the game.  I didn't see what I thought I saw.  I now say that Wheaton played a pretty good whole game with a few mistakes.  Il Wesleyan was also playing great its just to bad I was out of my mind in pain while dealing with a dog who was not listening.  I hate it when a teams players especially key players get hurt.  Galiks injury was a freak injury.  You see him running then you see the ankle go limp.  The Wheaton offensive line looked pretty good pass blocking but didn't pick up a couple of delayed blitzes.  It seems like the coaches are having the defense create a huge pileup at the point were the hand off to the Rb is going to occur.  Which is good in one aspect but they again got backs sided on a delayed hand off were the running back changed directions and went around the pileup.  One time the LB who wasn't blocked stepped behind the pile while the RB went through his area.  From what Ive seen this defense has the potential to be really good with a few changes like having one of the offside LB's stay home until they are sure the RB is not going to break the other direction.

I think everybody has covered Hiben so I would like to mention Brandon Dykstra at the nose who is getting double and triple teamed every play.  He has definitely improved from last year and has LB vertical speed sideline to sideline.  He is often one of the first players to make a tackle at the sideline  He is one of the most powerful linemen that I have seen in D3 more powerful than Studebaker yet slower.  The comparison I think of is a UWW defensive linemen around 4 years ago who was up for the Gagliardi Trophy.  Playing nose guard is a hard place to get recognition when your triple teamed and a very hard place to pass rush from so I thought I would give him a mention.  If he was a tackle or end I think his numbers would be even better than they are now.

O by the way I retain the right to go out of my mind vs North Central game.  If anyone sees me drooling red in the face if Wheaton is losing "again" its OK to call the guys in the White suits as I have changed my retirement plan from my 401k due to the economy to being the bull goose loon in the loony bin.

[ncc58]

When do the Regional Rankings get posted?  I am curious to see where Elmhurst sits.  Come playoff time, I could see them possibly getting overlooked because A) opponents are REAL weak and B) notoriety- Other than VB (congrats ladies on the CCIW champ) and Baseball, Elmhurst just doesn't have the "name" and playoff success/experience like an Augie/Wheaton and now NC has.

The NCAA decided to only issue Regional Rankings twice instead of four times, as we've seen in the past. So, the first Regional Rankings will come out on Halloween.