FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[HScoach]

Interesting bracket.   Round 1 is cupcakes (as they should be), but Round 2 has quality matchups.   NCC vs Platteville and Bethel vs Ill Wesleyan could be some good games.

By contrast the Whitewater bracket has only 2 good teams.   UWW and Linfield.   The rest of their bracket is horrid.

A UMU guy says Franklin is horrid?

Franklin has a very good QB, one good WR and little else.   O-line is average.   Defense is average.   RB's are less than average.   Legit threats to the top playoff contenders don't lose to 4-6 Bluffton.

[formerd3db]

Mr. Ypsi:

Good luck to your IWU in the playoffs this week.  I'm still shocked and in a stupor over our game yesterday.

BTW, have you heard any rumors yet as to who might be on the list of candidates for Eastern Michigan's next football coach?

[iwu70]

First, sorry to be off the board for a day or two -- bigtime storms here in B/N Sunday and a major power outage around town and the entire IWU campus.  The football Titans went out on the east side of town to watch the selection process in a hotel with power, . . . and see that they'd be hosting Wartburg @Tucci Stadium at Wilder Field Saturday, at high noon.  Gee, I thought IWU "had no chance" to host a game.  What happened???  Seems SOS and playing other regionally ranked teams was worth something this time of year. 

Anyway, first and foremost, congratulations to NCC for winning the CCIW crown and having a 10-0 season.  A truly excellent achievement in our league.  I wish them well in the playoffs, sans playing my Titans, and congratulate them on the many achievements and records set.  Surely, Stanek is the MOP on offence, hands down. 

The WC-NPU situation sounds pretty grim, pretty tawdry all right.  Surprising from WC etc. with all their talk of sportsmanship and Christianity and all.  Seems a further, more complete apology from the WC coach might be in order -- then, very soon, Greg's moving "dead horse" cartoon should likely appear in these pages.

Look forward to Wartburg at IWU, noon Saturday -- and wish to congratulate Coach Eash and all the Titans on a great season so far.  Keep it rolling guys.  Let's get into the second round and see what we can do vs. Bethel.  One never knows this time of year, esp. if a team gets on a good roll.

Except for this upcoming game Saturday, I'm pretty much on to basketball now -- see you in the basketball pages.  IWU went 4-0 on the weekend -- men and women -- and have two very strong contenders for the CCIW crown this year.  Should be a great roundball season.  Very high expectations, esp. for the men's team -- who looked just awesome in two wins @The Shirk this weekend.  More details on the roundball pages. 

(Did any see that some guy from Heidelberg ran for over 450 yards in a single game?)  Amazing. 

IWU70

[robertgoulet]

First, sorry to be off the board for a day or two -- bigtime storms here in B/N Sunday and a major power outage around town and the entire IWU campus.  The football Titans went out on the east side of town to watch the selection process in a hotel with power, . . . and see that they'd be hosting Wartburg @Tucci Stadium at Wilder Field Saturday, at high noon.  Gee, I thought IWU "had no chance" to host a game.  What happened???  Seems SOS and playing other regionally ranked teams was worth something this time of year. 

Anyway, first and foremost, congratulations to NCC for winning the CCIW crown and having a 10-0 season.  A truly excellent achievement in our league.  I wish them well in the playoffs, sans playing my Titans, and congratulate them on the many achievements and records set.  Surely, Stanek is the MOP on offence, hands down. 

The WC-NPU situation sounds pretty grim, pretty tawdry all right.  Surprising from WC etc. with all their talk of sportsmanship and Christianity and all.  Seems a further, more complete apology from the WC coach might be in order -- then, very soon, Greg's moving "dead horse" cartoon should likely appear in these pages.

Look forward to Wartburg at IWU, noon Saturday -- and wish to congratulation Coach Eash and all the Titans on a great season so far.  Keep it rolling guys.  Let's get into the second round and see what we can do vs. Bethel.  One never knows this time of year, esp. if a team gets on a good roll.

Except for this upcoming game Saturday, I'm pretty much on to basketball now -- see you in the basketball pages.  IWU went 4-0 on the weekend -- men and women -- and have two very strong contenders for the CCIW crown this year.  Should be a great roundball season.  Very high expectations, esp. for the men's team -- who looked just awesome in two wins @The Shirk this weekend.  More details on the roundball pages. 

(Did any see that some guy from Heidelberg ran for over 450 yards in a single game?)  Amazing. 

IWU70

No excuses, IWU70. 

Interesting draw for NCC and IWU. The 2nd round match-up vs Platteville would be a toughie for the Cardinals. Platteville has a very good passing attack, which we've seen NCC struggle with in the past (Franklin and Wheaton come to mind).

I'm also getting a feeling that IWU may be able to get past Bethel. Defense travels. It would be neat to see an all-CCIW quarterfinal in this pod.

450 yds is insane.

[USee]

Bethel a defense is better than IWUs. IMO. That won't be an easy ge and bethel will be favored by at least 10. 

[robertgoulet]

Bethel a defense is better than IWUs. IMO. That won't be an easy ge and bethel will be favored by at least 10.

That's fine...I never said that IWU is going to dominate or that Bethel wasn't going to be favored. I just think IWU has a shot. A better shot against them than they would have had against any of the other #1's.

[iwu70]

I, too, think IWU would have a decent shot vs. Bethel.  Gotta beat Wartburg first, at home.  Not a bad draw.

Glad the power is back on all around campus now.

Give to the Red Cross or others -- folks in / around Washington are going to need a lot of help and support to rebuild. 

B/N got lucky -- just tree damage and a few roofs blown off.  IWU campus pretty much undamaged. 

IWU70

[GRIZ_BACKER]

Interesting bracket.   Round 1 is cupcakes (as they should be), but Round 2 has quality matchups.   NCC vs Platteville and Bethel vs Ill Wesleyan could be some good games.

By contrast the Whitewater bracket has only 2 good teams.   UWW and Linfield.   The rest of their bracket is horrid.

A UMU guy says Franklin is horrid?

Franklin has a very good QB, one good WR and little else.   O-line is average.   Defense is average.   RB's are less than average.   Legit threats to the top playoff contenders don't lose to 4-6 Bluffton.

I am sure Washington U is relieved now that you have let the cat out of the bag regarding Franklin.  Who knew the GRIZ were frauds? 

[USee]

I, too, think IWU would have a decent shot vs. Bethel.  Gotta beat Wartburg first, at home.  Not a bad draw.

Glad the power is back on all around campus now.

Give to the Red Cross or others -- folks in / around Washington are going to need a lot of help and support to rebuild. 

B/N got lucky -- just tree damage and a few roofs blown off.  IWU campus pretty much undamaged. 

IWU70

Have you ever, in your apparently long life, even seen Bethel play? You have the unique ability of stating the obvious and calling it analysis. It's mind boggling.

By definition IWU wouldn't have much of a shot vs any number one seed. Having seen both Bethel and IWU play this year I have a pretty good feeling they wouldn't be much easier than any of the one seeds.

[NCF]

First, sorry to be off the board for a day or two -- bigtime storms here in B/N Sunday and a major power outage around town and the entire IWU campus.  The football Titans went out on the east side of town to watch the selection process in a hotel with power, . . . and see that they'd be hosting Wartburg @Tucci Stadium at Wilder Field Saturday, at high noon.  Gee, I thought IWU "had no chance" to host a game.  What happened???  Seems SOS and playing other regionally ranked teams was worth something this time of year. 

Anyway, first and foremost, congratulations to NCC for winning the CCIW crown and having a 10-0 season.  A truly excellent achievement in our league.  I wish them well in the playoffs, sans playing my Titans, and congratulate them on the many achievements and records set.  Surely, Stanek is the MOP on offence, hands down. 

The WC-NPU situation sounds pretty grim, pretty tawdry all right.  Surprising from WC etc. with all their talk of sportsmanship and Christianity and all.  Seems a further, more complete apology from the WC coach might be in order -- then, very soon, Greg's moving "dead horse" cartoon should likely appear in these pages.

Look forward to Wartburg at IWU, noon Saturday -- and wish to congratulation Coach Eash and all the Titans on a great season so far.  Keep it rolling guys.  Let's get into the second round and see what we can do vs. Bethel.  One never knows this time of year, esp. if a team gets on a good roll.

Except for this upcoming game Saturday, I'm pretty much on to basketball now -- see you in the basketball pages.  IWU went 4-0 on the weekend -- men and women -- and have two very strong contenders for the CCIW crown this year.  Should be a great roundball season.  Very high expectations, esp. for the men's team -- who looked just awesome in two wins @The Shirk this weekend.  More details on the roundball pages. 

(Did any see that some guy from Heidelberg ran for over 450 yards in a single game?)  Amazing. 

IWU70

No excuses, IWU70. 

Interesting draw for NCC and IWU. The 2nd round match-up vs Platteville would be a toughie for the Cardinals. Platteville has a very good passing attack, which we've seen NCC struggle with in the past (Franklin and Wheaton come to mind).

I'm also getting a feeling that IWU may be able to get past Bethel. Defense travels. It would be neat to see an all-CCIW quarterfinal in this pod.

450 yds is insane.

That is not happening-not this year anyway.

[iwu70]

USee, thanks for your kind words.  As a matter of fact, I have seen Bethel and a number of the other one seeds play, in previous years as well.  I know how good, how excellent some of these top programs are.  And, I can assure you that nothing I write here would be called "analysis," -- at least not by me.  I state my views, my opinions, my perspectives -- that's it.  I'll leave all the self-righteous and pompous "analysis" to all your experts.  Seems your mind is boggled pretty easily.   But, I'll still be stating my views.  It's called free speech, and the last time I checked, that's what these "chat" rooms are for -- until Pat tells me otherwise, or that I'm somehow out of line.  Hasn't happened yet.  No one is forcing you to read what I have to say.  In the meantime, I respect your views and your "analysis," which I haven't seen much of lately. 

Should IWU beat Wartburg -- and that will not be easy either, even at home -- a game at Bethel would obviously be a tough match-up -- vs. any #1 seed at home, I'm sure it would be.  But, to say they have no chance at all if they play well, just don't see it that way.  IWU played NCC pretty well into the 4Q and NCC are a #2 seed, then the game got away from IWU, after penalties, TOs. . . . and NCC clearly put a good pasting on my Titans.  Those are the facts.  I congratulated, do congratulate NCC on their CCIW championship and undefeated season.   So, if the Titans play well, cut down on TOs, use their very good defence, even on the road vs. Bethel, I think they have a chance.  If they lose big, well, that wouldn't be shocking or a first either -- as many strong programs have done over the years vs. Mount, Whitewater, and other strong #1 seeds.  I wasn't born yesterday -- as you were kind to point out.

Glad my Titans made the play offs -- Wheaties are turning in their gear -- and hope IWU will make the most of it, to win 1, 2 or 3 games.  10 games is the most ever won by a Titan team in a season, historically speaking, so winning 2 would set a new record for season wins.  We'll see.  NCC has a good chance to advance quite far, IMHO, but they will run into a #1 seed pretty quickly too -- do they not have a chance at all against a #1 seed?   I wish both CCIW teams well -- they may meet again.

Those are my views and I'm sticking to them.  I await more "analysis" -- which I always enjoy and read, even when I disagree.

IWU70

[kiko]

USee, thanks for your kind words.  As a matter of fact, I have seen Bethel and a number of the other one seeds play, in previous years as well.  I know how good, how excellent some of these top programs are.  And, I can assure you that nothing I write here would be called "analysis," -- at least not by me.  I state my views, my opinions, my perspectives -- that's it.  I'll leave all the self-righteous and pompous "analysis" to all your experts.  Seems your mind is boggled pretty easily.   But, I'll still be stating my views.  It's called free speech, and the last time I checked, that's what these "chat" rooms are for -- until Pat tells me otherwise, or that I'm somehow out of line.  Hasn't happened yet.  No one is forcing you to read what I have to say.  In the meantime, I respect your views and your "analysis," which I haven't seen much of lately. 

Should IWU beat Wartburg -- and that will not be easy either, even at home -- a game at Bethel would obviously be a tough match-up -- vs. any #1 seed at home, I'm sure it would be.  But, to say they have no chance at all if they play well, just don't see it that way.  IWU played NCC pretty well into the 4Q and NCC are a #2 seed, then the game got away from IWU, after penalties, TOs. . . . and NCC clearly put a good pasting on my Titans.  Those are the facts.  I congratulated, do congratulate NCC on their CCIW championship and undefeated season.   So, if the Titans play well, cut down on TOs, use their very good defence, even on the road vs. Bethel, I think they have a chance.  If they lose big, well, that wouldn't be shocking or a first either -- as many strong programs have done over the years vs. Mount, Whitewater, and other strong #1 seeds.  I wasn't born yesterday -- as you were kind to point out.

Glad my Titans made the play offs -- Wheaties are turning in their gear -- and hope IWU will make the most of it, to win 1, 2 or 3 games.  10 games is the most ever won by a Titan team in a season, historically speaking, so winning 2 would set a new record for season wins.  We'll see.  NCC has a good chance to advance quite far, IMHO, but they will run into a #1 seed pretty quickly too -- do they not have a chance at all against a #1 seed?   I wish both CCIW teams well -- they may meet again.

Those are my views and I'm sticking to them.  I await more "analysis" -- which I always enjoy and read, even when I disagree.

IWU70

+k for the British Empire spelling of "defence". 

[GoldandBlueBU]

Looking ahead a bit (becuase I'm a fan and I'm allowed to do so), wondering what the take on this board is in the IWU - Wartburg matchup?

Where would you guys put the spread (assuming that IWU is favored?) Would Wartburg actually be the favorite?

[Mr. Ypsi]

Looking ahead a bit (becuase I'm a fan and I'm allowed to do so), wondering what the take on this board is in the IWU - Wartburg matchup?

Where would you guys put the spread (assuming that IWU is favored?) Would Wartburg actually be the favorite?

I'd put it at 7-10 pt win for IWU (but be aware that I bleed green ).

Alas, assuming it comes to that, I'd give about the same spread for Bethel over IWU.

(On the other hand, it form holds, I'm picking NCC over Bethel in the Bracket Challenge.)

[GoldandBlueBU]

Looking ahead a bit (becuase I'm a fan and I'm allowed to do so), wondering what the take on this board is in the IWU - Wartburg matchup?

Where would you guys put the spread (assuming that IWU is favored?) Would Wartburg actually be the favorite?

I'd put it at 7-10 pt win for IWU (but be aware that I bleed green ).

Alas, assuming it comes to that, I'd give about the same spread for Bethel over IWU.

(On the other hand, it form holds, I'm picking NCC over Bethel in the Bracket Challenge.)

Thanks for the input!

In watching the selection show, the NCC matchup definitely stood out to me as a very tough one, if the should each take care of business in rounds 1 and 2.  FWIW though, this is the best team that I've seen BU put together.  Far more balanced than their 2007 and 2010 semifinal squads that were as near to being 100% committed to running the ball as you can get.

Excited for things to get rolling on Saturday, yet sad that this is the beginning of the end, and it won't be long until we're all pining for August and football season.