FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[kiko]

So, North Central gets treated like a #3 Seed in the latest d3football.com projection just released as it gets to host #6 Franklin (again)!!!  This would be a surprising outcome for a team that went undefeated in both the CCIW and WIAC.

They get treated like a two-seed in a bracket where there is a slight adjustment to avoid a flight for Marysville.  As NCC Fan suggests, moving from facing a #7 to a #6 is pretty much below-the-fold stuff, particularly compared to teams that would receive far less favorable pairings solely due to geographic considerations.

[AndOne]

FINAL SCORE:

NCC----53
AUGIE-14

Pretty much total domination by the Cardinals today as expected with the game really over by halftime with NCC up 40-7.

* NCC clinches the outright CCIW championship.
* Third 10-0 regular season record in program history.
* Presumptive CCIW POY Spencer Stanek completes a typical 75% of his passes today (15 of 20) for 4 TDs, including setting an all-time single season record for TD passes with 32. Equally as impressive as the 32 TDs is his total of ONE INT. 
* Nick Dace with 4 FGs-also a NCC single game record
* Peter Sorenson with his 12th TD catch of the season and Chad O'Kane with his 6th and 7th.
* Backup RB Denzel Thompson with 5 carries for a game high 82 yards---a 16.5 average!
* NCC defense led by LB Nick Slezak with 8 tackles. A good case for defensive POY can be made for either Slezak or Cardinal DB Shane Dierking.
* Series of the day---Augie with a TD with only 24 seconds left in the half. NCC's Jordan Dean returns the KO 84 yards to the Augie 4. On the 2nd play with NO time left on the clock, Ryan Szudarski hauls in a 4 yard TD pass from Spencer Stanek.
* Impressive game by AC RB Eric Chandler with 24 rushes for 116b yards. Also caught a 14 yd pass.
* For fiture improvement Augie definitely needs to upgrade, among other things, its passing game and receiving corps. They are too one-sided and thus easily defensible.
* Of all the visiting teams this year at BW Stadium, the Augie contingent was probably the most impressive. It was a crumby day--very windy and damp and a little rain, its a 3 hour drive from Rock Island, and a loss was anticipate by most people other than Augie fans. Yet, probably the most visiting fans of the season turned out, and they were very enthusiastic and vocal in their support of the western Vikings.

1. You forgot Nick Slezak's TD on the fumble recovery.

2. You easily could have said that the game was over in 4 1/2 minutes when it was already 20-0.

3. Now, one thing I don't understand. North Central has come out fast in every game, scoring most of their points in the first and second quarters. You really need to slow them down. Augie wins the coin toss and DEFERs. That, I don't get. NCC never defers, loves to start the game on offense. Augie ran 4 plays and was down 3 scores.

1. You are entirely correct Gator. I did forget. I hope you and Mr. Slezak will forgive me.

2. Yes, I could have said the game was over in 4 1/2 minutes. I was trying to be nice. Forgive me again?

3. You'll have to take this one up with the opposing coaches. 

[Gregory Sager]

I lost all respect for Mike Swider yesterday. With thirty seconds left in a ballgame in which his team enjoyed a 51-0 lead, his quarterback threw the ball thirty yards downfield for a final touchdown rather than take a knee or hand the ball off up the middle. Bad enough to display such an egregious lack of sportsmanship. But Swider compounded matters in his postgame conversation with a livid Mike Conway in the handshake line (I could see Mike Conway's rage during that final conversation from all the way up in the press box across the field), as he had the gall to alibi to the NPU coach, "I didn't make the call," rather than simply apologize for it. He pawned it all off on an assistant coach.

Wrong answer, Swider. You're the head coach. The buck stops with you. Whatever your assistants do or don't do, you answer for it. Heck, you're on the sidelines and you have a headset. You're really going to try to convince your counterpart on the opposite sideline that you bear no responsibility for that play? His words to Mike Conway made a poor decision much, much worse.

People get on Norm Eash on this page for supposedly running up scores, but I can guarantee that Norm Eash never did anything that classless.

The only light-hearted moment in the whole imbroglio was when Mike Conway stormed into the press box for his postgame interview with me with steam coming out of his ears. The look of stark fear on the faces of the WETN broadcasters as Mike stomped through the press box was palpable. I really think they thought that he was going to physically take it out on them. That's the last thing in the world he would've done, of course, but it was still pretty funny.

Nothing funny about what Mike Swider did at all, though. Just a completely classless play call, and subsequent abdication of responsibility for it, on his part.

Embarrassed to be a Wheaton alum today for the first time in a long time.  Though one play does not a classless program make, Wheaton was flat out wrong for what happened at end of the game at NPU.  Apologies from this poster to NPU fans.

End of the game, under a minute, with 51-0 lead, and backup QB called a play which was to be a run, but instead passed and TD was scored. QB felt bad after, but by that time, it was too late. Should have just kneed it. Not a good way to close out the Senior careers on both teams. I too, apologize to NPU.

As a Wheaton fan that is not something I support.  The description of coach Swider after the play was that he was not happy with the play and walked over to talk  with the offensive coordinator. 
As a Wheaton fan for whatever its worth I would like to say I'm sorry and its not an action I support.

Thank you, gentlemen. I appreciate that.

[matblake]

Didn't see the Wheaton/NPU game but doesn't sound like a good situation at all.  Unfortunate decision both pre and post-call.

[Stagg Again!!]

So, North Central gets treated like a #3 Seed in the latest d3football.com projection just released as it gets to host #6 Franklin (again)!!!  This would be a surprising outcome for a team that went undefeated in both the CCIW and WIAC.

I personally think NCC is worthy of a two seed. But I have seen before this whole "undefeated in the WIAC" thing. It's a true statement, but a little misleading considering the three teams NCC beat were all sub-500 WIAC teams. I know the WIAC has a great reputation, but c'mon, if NCC is at a point to be considered for a #1 or #2 seed, those aren't the kind of wins to trumpet in making your case. It's a good non-conference schedule that undoubtedly prepared NCC well for the conference slate, but not a schedule that is a "difference-maker" for a 1 or 2 seed.

Bleed, I don't disagree that NCC is worthy of a #1 or #2 seed, and am content with the thought that North Central will have to defeat UWW at the Perk to get out of the region. 

I do not agree with your comment about the schedule.  The WIAC is always a mixed bag below UWW.  As recently as 2010, UWSP and UWS were second and third in the WIAC, and UWSP is a top shelf opponent... If they weren't, I would have expected UWW to defeat them by more than 10 points (after having only a TD lead going into the 4Q).  Ask the folks at UWP if UWSP was a tough competitor.  They defeated the Pointers by ONE point on a 32 yard TD pass with 56 seconds left in the game.  As for UWL a UWS, I firmly believe that either of those two teams could be conference champions in a number of North or East region conferences (no comment on South and West regions due to my lack of familiarity).  Both had their moments and opportunities during the year (such as UWS' 28-26 loss to UWO and UWL's 20-10 loss to UWP), but neither were consistent enough to break into the top three in the WIAC.  I think it was best said in another post that not all SOS numbers are created equally!!

As for getting treated like a #3 in the d3football.com projection... NCC gets home field in the first round (just like a #3); gets to play the #6 team in the first round (just like a #3); and, if they were to win in round one, would get to play the winner of John Carroll and IWU (just like a #3).  The only difference is the second round game would be at B-W, a saving grace.  IMO, if the NCAA wants to put Maryville in the UWW bracket as the #7, they can buy the plane tickets and send the Scots to Naperville... Just like they sent the Cardinals to Cal Lutheran in the first round last year.

[ncc58]

So, North Central gets treated like a #3 Seed in the latest d3football.com projection just released as it gets to host #6 Franklin (again)!!!  This would be a surprising outcome for a team that went undefeated in both the CCIW and WIAC.

I personally think NCC is worthy of a two seed. But I have seen before this whole "undefeated in the WIAC" thing. It's a true statement, but a little misleading considering the three teams NCC beat were all sub-500 WIAC teams. I know the WIAC has a great reputation, but c'mon, if NCC is at a point to be considered for a #1 or #2 seed, those aren't the kind of wins to trumpet in making your case. It's a good non-conference schedule that undoubtedly prepared NCC well for the conference slate, but not a schedule that is a "difference-maker" for a 1 or 2 seed.

UWW played NAIA 1-10 Waldorff, which gets excluded from your SOS. UWW did play Wash U, but your other two non-conference games are not exactly difference makers.

[Stagg Again!!]

So, North Central gets treated like a #3 Seed in the latest d3football.com projection just released as it gets to host #6 Franklin (again)!!!  This would be a surprising outcome for a team that went undefeated in both the CCIW and WIAC.

I personally think NCC is worthy of a two seed. But I have seen before this whole "undefeated in the WIAC" thing. It's a true statement, but a little misleading considering the three teams NCC beat were all sub-500 WIAC teams. I know the WIAC has a great reputation, but c'mon, if NCC is at a point to be considered for a #1 or #2 seed, those aren't the kind of wins to trumpet in making your case. It's a good non-conference schedule that undoubtedly prepared NCC well for the conference slate, but not a schedule that is a "difference-maker" for a 1 or 2 seed.

UWW played NAIA 1-10 Waldorff, which gets excluded from your SOS. UWW did play Wash U, but your other two non-conference games are not exactly difference makers.

Is that the same Waldorf College that lost 80-20 to Saint Ambrose; 70-14 to Grand View University; 65-0 to William Penn University and 30-0 to Siena Heights University?

[USee]

People get on Norm Eash on this page for supposedly running up scores, but I can guarantee that Norm Eash never did anything that classless.

No you cannot Greg. I don't want to divert attention here from what I agree is Swider's responsibility, regardless of the explanation, but you cannot guarantee something to which you have not personally seen. I would be careful to compare Eash to Swider in a blanket statement. They are two completely different people and there is a LOT of history that you are not involved with to make an emotional comparison between two very different  coaches.

[Gregory Sager]

People get on Norm Eash on this page for supposedly running up scores, but I can guarantee that Norm Eash never did anything that classless.

No you cannot Greg. I don't want to divert attention here from what I agree is Swider's responsibility, regardless of the explanation, but you cannot guarantee something to which you have not personally seen. I would be careful to compare Eash to Swider in a blanket statement. They are two completely different people and there is a LOT of history that you are not involved with to make an emotional comparison between two very different  coaches.

You're right, and I retract that statement. Nevertheless, I highly doubt that Norm Eash ever did anything on the football field in his capacity as head coach that compares to what Mike Swider did yesterday.

[USee]

Theatrics aside yesterday, the Thunder played a dominating version of football at Hedstrand field in Chicago yesterday. NPU is getting better, make no mistake. Mike Conway is the right guy for that job as long as they can keep him. THe athletes on the sidelines are better looking than I have seen and the structure of the play calling and coaching represents a level of sophistication I have never seen on a NPU sideline. Put Mike Conway at the helm of one of the top 3 programs in the CCIW and he is a winner in my book. TD Conway, same analysis. The kid isa player. He didn't have his best day yesterday as he was sacked 4x and had to deal with 20 mph gusting winds and savage defenders trying to ruin him, but he is a very good quarterback. He makes good decisions and throws the ball on time with a lot of "spin" as they say in the NFL. There aren't many D3 qbs with his potential. Not at all mobile but he is a great decision maker.

The Thunder showed me yesterday that the cupboard is not bare. Missing 5 starters on defense they put together a great performance against a talented qb. Jordan Roberts went out with one of his better performances 11-12 for 183 yds and 4 TDs (1 INT). He also ran for 36 yds and became just the 6th qb in Wheaton history to pass for over 6,000 yds. The Thunder put up over 400 yds including over 200 on the ground. Furnari, Puknaitis, and Geary are  all back next year along with 3 starting offensive linemen. The ground game is going to be a staple for Wheaton next year.

Congrats to the 28 seniors, the largest senior class in the school's history, for adding to the Wheaton tradition with their character, work ethic and success, even through adversity.

[USee]

People get on Norm Eash on this page for supposedly running up scores, but I can guarantee that Norm Eash never did anything that classless.

No you cannot Greg. I don't want to divert attention here from what I agree is Swider's responsibility, regardless of the explanation, but you cannot guarantee something to which you have not personally seen. I would be careful to compare Eash to Swider in a blanket statement. They are two completely different people and there is a LOT of history that you are not involved with to make an emotional comparison between two very different  coaches.

You're right, and I retract that statement. Nevertheless, I highly doubt that Norm Eash ever did anything on the football field in his capacity as head coach that compares to what Mike Swider did yesterday.

That's a more fair opinion to state. Again, I don't want to bring up history to divert attention from the events yesterday, but I strongly disagree with your opinion.

[Gregory Sager]

Congrats to Coach Thorne who tied J.R Bishop for 7th on the CCIW all time wins list at 70.  Having played against Coach Bishop this is extra special for me, as it illustrates the greatness of Coach Thorne.  When I played it was against Larsen (IWU), Bishop (Wheaton), Keller (Carthage), Reade (Augie), and Beck (Elmhurst).  All really well coached teams---not many easy wins.  But, I'm going out on a limb to say with Thorne, Swider, Eash (and maybe Conway---the jury has yet to reach a verdict) the coaching in the league may be better than the 80s.

You're wrong about Mike Conway, Kovo. The jury reached its verdict a long time ago. He took over a moribund Olivet Nazarene program as head coach and within four years had it playing in the NAIA national championship game. As a D-coordinator he went to two Stagg Bowls at Washington & Jefferson and had the best defense in D3 for three years in the early '90s at W&J. He duplicated that effort on the D2 level at California (PA), where the Vulcans had the #1 defense in D2 in 2007 and made five straight trips to the D2 playoffs during his tenure as assistant head coach and D-coordinator.

And anyone who still doubts whether or not the man can coach need only look at what NPU accomplished this season. In spite of yesterday's pounding at the hands of Wheaton, NPU had a 2013 season that was nothing short of remarkable, given the roster with which he had to work.

[MasterJedi]

So, North Central gets treated like a #3 Seed in the latest d3football.com projection just released as it gets to host #6 Franklin (again)!!!  This would be a surprising outcome for a team that went undefeated in both the CCIW and WIAC.

I personally think NCC is worthy of a two seed. But I have seen before this whole "undefeated in the WIAC" thing. It's a true statement, but a little misleading considering the three teams NCC beat were all sub-500 WIAC teams. I know the WIAC has a great reputation, but c'mon, if NCC is at a point to be considered for a #1 or #2 seed, those aren't the kind of wins to trumpet in making your case. It's a good non-conference schedule that undoubtedly prepared NCC well for the conference slate, but not a schedule that is a "difference-maker" for a 1 or 2 seed.

UWW played NAIA 1-10 Waldorff, which gets excluded from your SOS. UWW did play Wash U, but your other two non-conference games are not exactly difference makers.

Is that the same Waldorf College that lost 80-20 to Saint Ambrose; 70-14 to Grand View University; 65-0 to William Penn University and 30-0 to Siena Heights University?

It is, UWW beat them 65-0, they were pretty bad. I don't think anyone that supports UWW wanted to play them over a D3 opponent but when nobody else will pick up the phone what can you do? For the record a Waldorf coach said the same thing.

[kiko]

Congrats to Coach Thorne who tied J.R Bishop for 7th on the CCIW all time wins list at 70.  Having played against Coach Bishop this is extra special for me, as it illustrates the greatness of Coach Thorne.  When I played it was against Larsen (IWU), Bishop (Wheaton), Keller (Carthage), Reade (Augie), and Beck (Elmhurst).  All really well coached teams---not many easy wins.  But, I'm going out on a limb to say with Thorne, Swider, Eash (and maybe Conway---the jury has yet to reach a verdict) the coaching in the league may be better than the 80s.

You're wrong about Mike Conway, Kovo. The jury reached its verdict a long time ago. He took over a moribund Olivet Nazarene program as head coach and within four years had it playing in the NAIA national championship game. As a D-coordinator he went to two Stagg Bowl teams at Washington & Jefferson and had the best defense in D3 for three years in the early '90s at W&J. He duplicated that effort on the D2 level at California (PA), where the Vulcans had the #1 defense in D2 in 2007 and made five straight trips to the D2 playoffs during his tenure as assistant head coach and D-coordinator.

And anyone who still doubts whether or not the man can coach need only look at what NPU accomplished this season. In spite of yesterday's pounding at the hands of Wheaton, NPU had a 2013 season that was nothing short of remarkable, given the roster with which he had to work.

This year's NPU season is absolutely a proof point that demonstrates Coach Conway's acumen.  He took a team that had not won a conference game in over twelve years, and led it to the school's third-most conference victories in the 50-plus year history of CCIW football.  And that was after he inherited a roster that was built to run a completely different offense.

[Gregory Sager]

TD Conway, same analysis. The kid isa player. He didn't have his best day yesterday as he was sacked 4x and had to deal with 20 mph gusting winds and savage defenders trying to ruin him, but he is a very good quarterback. He makes good decisions and throws the ball on time with a lot of "spin" as they say in the NFL. There aren't many D3 qbs with his potential. Not at all mobile but he is a great decision maker.

He set a new North Park season passing yardage record yesterday, the third significant NPU passing record that he's broken this year. Not bad for a freshman QB!