FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[GRIZ_BACKER]

A Hanover win presumably knocks out Franklin.  But a Franklin win gives them the A, and Hanover is not a viable C candidate.  So, while the game is pretty irrelevant to CCIW C chances, a Franklin win is the even safer rooting bet.

If a low-seeded CCIW team gets to go to CUC, they have won the bracket lottery!   Arguably the worst #2 seed in d3 history.  (But they won the criteria, fair and square.)

Franklin's only loss is to Mount.  You are likely correct that a second in-region loss sticks a fork in their chances, but there is a bizarro-world chance that they could stay in the mix.  I'm surprised they are as low as they are given the MUU loss is the only blemish from a Regional Ranking standpoint.

I was just noting that a Franklin win definitely knocks them out of C (they'd be the A) - since Hanover is no threat, why risk a Franklin C?

You're right... I was over-thinking it.  The only reason to root for a Franklin C would be if (1) you were sure they would fall below the CCIW candidates, and (2) you thought having a higher seed would be better.  But since seeding is based on criteria that don't necessarily equate to actual acumen, there's little reason to opt for this option.

Nice to see the GRIZ getting late season love!!

[RFMichigan]

I agree NCC is seeded ahead of kenyon. Matchups I used were based on geography. I think its more than 500miles from kenyon to UWO so I flipped the pairings. NCC will NOT be ranked ahead of CUC, Elmhurst or Adrian. That's a fact. If they get in it will be as a 7 or 8. If they play CUC they will beat them by 60pts most likely.

CUC will have to break out the "highway patrol" defense - "Keep it under 55, son." 

[79jaybird]

Looking at the (3) potential CCIW champs my take-

North Central- Continues to be the top dog IMO until dethroned. Thorne & Co. have established consistency we have not seen since the Reade Era.  Year in and year out, you gave to give Thorne his props that he gets his guys ready to play.  Furthermore, gets them even hungrier for the upcoming game, if/when they get upset.

Wheaton- Indeed, nobody thought Wheaton was going to be able to recover, that is an attest to Coach Swider & the Wheaton depth. 

Elmhurst- Certainly will go down as one of the top 3 seasons ever combining it with the '78 & '80 teams.  Nobody other than a select few thought Elmhurst would be in the discussion at this time.  I didn't think they had the defense.  Their defense has been just barely "good enough" get keep their ship afloat.  I hope they can clean it up a bit on defense if they are lucky enough to make the playoffs.  That could be an achilles heel for them.

[NCF]

Looking at the (3) potential CCIW champs my take-

North Central- Continues to be the top dog IMO until dethroned. Thorne & Co. have established consistency we have not seen since the Reade Era.  Year in and year out, you gave to give Thorne his props that he gets his guys ready to play.  Furthermore, gets them even hungrier for the upcoming game, if/when they get upset.

Wheaton- Indeed, nobody thought Wheaton was going to be able to recover, that is an attest to Coach Swider & the Wheaton depth. 

Elmhurst- Certainly will go down as one of the top 3 seasons ever combining it with the '78 & '80 teams.  Nobody other than a select few thought Elmhurst would be in the discussion at this time.  I didn't think they had the defense.  Their defense has been just barely "good enough" get keep their ship afloat.  I hope they can clean it up a bit on defense if they are lucky enough to make the playoffs.  That could be an achilles heel for them.

I honestly think it is good for the conference to have this type of battle every year. Next year, with a healthy IWU it could be another great season, with even more teams in the mix for the top spot. Good luck Elmhurst-get that win!!

[HScoach]

A Hanover win presumably knocks out Franklin.  But a Franklin win gives them the A, and Hanover is not a viable C candidate.  So, while the game is pretty irrelevant to CCIW C chances, a Franklin win is the even safer rooting bet.

If a low-seeded CCIW team gets to go to CUC, they have won the bracket lottery!   Arguably the worst #2 seed in d3 history.  (But they won the criteria, fair and square.)

And conversely, whichever high seed gets NCC lost the lottery.  I have no illusions of NCC being a juggernaut like they were a couple years ago, but that's still a good team from a historically strong conference with a ton of playoff experience.  I'd love to see NCC the #8 seed just to welcome UWO to the playoffs in Round 1.  And wouldn't be surprised to see NCC upset them simply because of experience.    UWO has senior leadership to offset some of that, but that first playoff game is a different beast.

If they get Heidelberg, I would make NCC a 7.5 favorite for the same reason.  H'Berg is talented, but they're crazy young and this is will be their first EVER playoff trip and they're only a few years removed from a 36 game losing streak.  If there ever was a recipe for "just happy to be here", it's Heidelberg do to their youth.   They are mostly sophomores (including QB and RB) and start 10 underclassmen on offense.   Defense is about 50/50 on seniors versus underclassmen.  Making the playoffs and getting that experience is going to set them up very nicely for '13 and '14, but I seriously doubt H'Berg wins Round 1 against someone with the experience and talent of NCC.

I think whoever gets NC (again, they still need help from Elmhurst) just might not take them seriously enough. I don't really care where they go, but it would be nice to be a 7 and get a game or two in before taking on the #1. At this point, I'm sure NC would be happy to get in and make a run.

I can't speak for the mentality or health of your team, but from my experience I think your best opportunity to beat UWO is in Round 1.   So many times the first playoff game is the hardest to win unless you're significantly better than the competition.  Their heads are going to be swimming and it will be impossible for UWO's kids to not spend some of their time thinking about the bigger prize and opportunity they have.  Which would aid NCC.

While a round 1 exit might look bad when looking back in a couple years, but if I'm the more experienced team I'd rather get the toughest game as early as possible.  Whether in the regular season or playoffs.  Let me play the physically more gifted, but less experienced team as early as possible.  Later in the season/playoffs just makes the other team more experienced, more confident and makes them respect me even more.  Best chance for an upset is early.

[emma17]

A Hanover win presumably knocks out Franklin.  But a Franklin win gives them the A, and Hanover is not a viable C candidate.  So, while the game is pretty irrelevant to CCIW C chances, a Franklin win is the even safer rooting bet.

If a low-seeded CCIW team gets to go to CUC, they have won the bracket lottery!   Arguably the worst #2 seed in d3 history.  (But they won the criteria, fair and square.)

And conversely, whichever high seed gets NCC lost the lottery.  I have no illusions of NCC being a juggernaut like they were a couple years ago, but that's still a good team from a historically strong conference with a ton of playoff experience.  I'd love to see NCC the #8 seed just to welcome UWO to the playoffs in Round 1.  And wouldn't be surprised to see NCC upset them simply because of experience.    UWO has senior leadership to offset some of that, but that first playoff game is a different beast.

If they get Heidelberg, I would make NCC a 7.5 favorite for the same reason.  H'Berg is talented, but they're crazy young and this is will be their first EVER playoff trip and they're only a few years removed from a 36 game losing streak.  If there ever was a recipe for "just happy to be here", it's Heidelberg do to their youth.   They are mostly sophomores (including QB and RB) and start 10 underclassmen on offense.   Defense is about 50/50 on seniors versus underclassmen.  Making the playoffs and getting that experience is going to set them up very nicely for '13 and '14, but I seriously doubt H'Berg wins Round 1 against someone with the experience and talent of NCC.

I think whoever gets NC (again, they still need help from Elmhurst) just might not take them seriously enough. I don't really care where they go, but it would be nice to be a 7 and get a game or two in before taking on the #1. At this point, I'm sure NC would be happy to get in and make a run.

I can't speak for the mentality or health of your team, but from my experience I think your best opportunity to beat UWO is in Round 1.   So many times the first playoff game is the hardest to win unless you're significantly better than the competition.  Their heads are going to be swimming and it will be impossible for UWO's kids to not spend some of their time thinking about the bigger prize and opportunity they have.  Which would aid NCC.

While a round 1 exit might look bad when looking back in a couple years, but if I'm the more experienced team I'd rather get the toughest game as early as possible.  Whether in the regular season or playoffs.  Let me play the physically more gifted, but less experienced team as early as possible.  Later in the season/playoffs just makes the other team more experienced, more confident and makes them respect me even more.  Best chance for an upset is early.

That's an interesting observation and I agree. 
In NCC's case, I think they have the advantage against most any team they could be paired with.  Because I believe NCC is still one of the top talented teams in the country, I hope for a late round matchup with UWO. 

I'm confident that UWO will be the exception to the rule with the experience issue.  They have prepared for this moment for three seasons (opening vs Mt last two years) and I'd be surprised if they lost to an equal or less talented team. 

[79jaybird]

" In NCC's case, I think they have the advantage against most any team they could be paired with.  Because I believe NCC is still one of the top talented teams in the country, I hope for a late round matchup with UWO. "

Emma17- I agree with you that when NC is "on" they can compete and go eye to eye with anybody.  This is also an example of why in Elmhurst and Wheaton's case, I don't think they can go eye to eye with everybody. After watching Elmhurst this year there are certain offenses that can really pick apart the weaker EC defensive links, thus making Williams & Co. have to work harder to be sucessful.

[Langhorst_Ghost]

Hard to believe we are already here...week 11...and what a wild ride this CCIW season has been.  All the ups, all the downs, and everything in between has brought us to November 10th - still with much to be settled.  No matter what Saturday afternoon brings, this season has been a lot of fun.

Senior Day is always an emotional afternoon for everyone - players, families, coaches - all my best wishes go out to all the young men strapping up the shoulder pads and lacing up the cleats for the last time around the conference.  Having lived the experience of that last afternoon as a player and four times as a coach, i definitely understand what tomorrow means to so many.  All the practices, all the lifting sessions, all the film work, all the bus trips, all the friendships.  It's a special day in a lot of ways - hope everyone enjoys the moment.

That being said, here's hoping that this Saturday is just another step forward in this historic season for my Jays.  Regardless of the outcome at Langhorst, i am so proud of my program and how far we've come.  Having played through the dark days and coached through the growing pains, this season has meant the world to me...and generations of Bluejays.

I am sure the EC/IWU game will draw quite a bit of national interest with AQs and Pool Cs still to be determined - you can follow all the action live here: http://bluejaytv.com/

Best of luck to everyone around the conference, and hopefully we are talking about a big Bluejay victory on Selection Sunday!

[79jaybird]

That being said, here's hoping that this Saturday is just another step forward in this historic season for my Jays.  Regardless of the outcome at Langhorst, i am so proud of my program and how far we've come.  Having played through the dark days and coached through the growing pains, this season has meant the world to me...and generations of Bluejays.

Likewise L-Ghost. When we played, we just wanted an initial goal of 500 or better to build up the program. What Journell and now Lester have done is commendable and easier said than done.  My HS coach used to say, "Winning is not easy."  and how true is that.

Hopefully I can be writing a 2012 on my marquis CCIW Champs 1978 1980  & _____ let's hope. 

[Naperick]

Hopefully I can be writing a 2012 on my marquis CCIW Champs 1978 1980  & _____ let's hope. 

That would be great!

[79jaybird]

Naperrick, the only thing that would be greater is if NPU could get a (1) on that slot. Here's hoping someday in the future that can happen for the urban Blue & Gold.

[Naperick]

I have followed the Bluejays since my freshman year at EC in 1987.  I think I only attended two football games in my 4 years at Elmhurst.  I ran Cross Country and we were usually somewhere in Wisconsin running at invitational meets on Saturday's.  Elmhurst won 7 games in my 4 years.  5 of them were my freshmen year.  It was rough.  The basketball was bad but improved in my time at EC as Jim Whitesell did a fantastic job of building that program.  Scott Trost and Mark Scherer have kept the program competitive in the very tough CCIW.  They have made the D3 tournament 3 times.  That's not outstanding but respectable as each CCIW school has made the D3 playoffs at least 1 time since 1989.  Every CCIW team except North Park & Elmhurst has made it to the playoffs in football.  It would be great if Elmhurst could qualify with a win tomorrow.  If they fall short, it has still been a great season.  8 win seasons do not happen very often at Elmhurst.  I estimate the overall winning % for the program is around 40% all time.  It's probably around 30% all time in CCIW games.  This season does not guarantee anything in the future but would still be something to build on.  I know the Bluejays will play hard as will the Titans.  It should be a great game. 

I will do everything I can to make it tomorrow.  I think the last game I attended was homecoming in 1997 against North Park.  It's sad that it has been 15 years.  It's great that this team has excited so many students and alumni. 

Good luck to both teams tomorrow!  I hope neither side has any injuries.

[Naperick]

Naperick, the only thing that would be greater is if NPU could get a (1) on that slot. Here's hoping someday in the future that can happen for the urban Blue & Gold.

I hope North Park can break through soon.  I have a feeling it will happen in the near future.

I think Millikin will get some wins this year in basketball, too.

[Naperick]

Anybody think Elmhurst has a shot for the D3 playoffs if they lose tomorrow and finish 8-2?  I don't know the criteria very well but my best guess is they would only have about a 25% chance of being selected if they finish 8-2.

[CardinalAlum]

Anybody think Elmhurst has a shot for the D3 playoffs if they lose tomorrow and finish 8-2?  I don't know the criteria very well but my best guess is they would only have about a 25% chance of being selected if they finish 8-2.

I would say zero chance.