FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[ncc58]

1. Look at NCC's results/stats and tell me they will be a double digit underdog to any team. Especially to a team whose starting QB probably won't be available. Sorry, but this is simply not realistic and ain't happenin'

2. With regard to game location, NCC's own football web site shows the game will be played in MN.   

http://northcentralcardinals.com/schedule.aspx?path=football

3. Curious about the status of Bethel QB Erik Peterson, I did some checking and located an article from the St. Paul Pioneer press in which Royals Coach Steve Johnson said "It is a separated shoulder at best." He will have an MRI tomorrow. Again, refer back to #1. Playing with a separated shoulder?
The article also indicates the Bethel was the #1 seed.

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_24630440/bethel-advances-division-iii-playoffs-but-loses-its?source=rss

I know NCC's results and stats as well as anyone.  Clearly, you are missing my point.  Oh well.  Looking forward to the game on Saturday.  It's gonna be cold... better pack the long underwear.  Go Cards!

You were busting NCC's play against Albion, while Coach Thorne said it was their best effort all year. I'm not sure what your aim is. Most NCC fans are optimistic about this week's game. I'm not sure what the reason of your negativity is.

NCC has seen backup QBs in the playoffs before. In 2010, UWW played this day-to-day nonsense about Matt Blanchard when he was out for the remainder of the season (replaced by Lee Brekke). In 2011, we saw a backup QB when we went to Wabash. Nothing new for NCC and it doesn't really change the preparations.

Bethel's offense is balanced. Their backup QB is a senior, so he's been there. He threw two TDs last weekend, so I wouldn't expect much change in their offensive style. Perhaps the only negative is that NCC will see less than a game of him on film.

[AO]

On this link, click on the NCC - Bethel quarterfinal and it shows the game being played at Bethel.

http://www.ncaa.com/interactive-bracket/football/d3

Thanks DBQ.  Bethel better have parking lined up and room for tailgating.  Merely busing football fans in from a remote location is not good enough.  I know they have a sold out Christmas concert at the same time.

If you really want to get there early and tailgate in sub-zero temps, I'm sure you'll find a close spot.  The concert is not til 2 and even if you added the crowds together you wouldn't come close to setting any attendance records.  I'd opt for the bus.  Last time Bethel had 10,000 in the stands in 2007 I parked across the highway and took the railroad bridge over to the stadium.

[NCCAlum48]

1. Look at NCC's results/stats and tell me they will be a double digit underdog to any team. Especially to a team whose starting QB probably won't be available. Sorry, but this is simply not realistic and ain't happenin'

2. With regard to game location, NCC's own football web site shows the game will be played in MN.   

http://northcentralcardinals.com/schedule.aspx?path=football

3. Curious about the status of Bethel QB Erik Peterson, I did some checking and located an article from the St. Paul Pioneer press in which Royals Coach Steve Johnson said "It is a separated shoulder at best." He will have an MRI tomorrow. Again, refer back to #1. Playing with a separated shoulder?
The article also indicates the Bethel was the #1 seed.

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_24630440/bethel-advances-division-iii-playoffs-but-loses-its?source=rss

I know NCC's results and stats as well as anyone.  Clearly, you are missing my point.  Oh well.  Looking forward to the game on Saturday.  It's gonna be cold... better pack the long underwear.  Go Cards!

You were busting NCC's play against Albion, while Coach Thorne said it was their best effort all year. I'm not sure what your aim is. Most NCC fans are optimistic about this week's game. I'm not sure what the reason of your negativity is.

NCC has seen backup QBs in the playoffs before. In 2010, UWW played this day-to-day nonsense about Matt Blanchard when he was out for the remainder of the season (replaced by Lee Brekke). In 2011, we saw a backup QB when we went to Wabash. Nothing new for NCC and it doesn't really change the preparations.

Bethel's offense is balanced. Their backup QB is a senior, so he's been there. He threw two TDs last weekend, so I wouldn't expect much change in their offensive style. Perhaps the only negative is that NCC will see less than a game of him on film.

Hey Gator... my commentary wasn't meant to be negative but rather my observations of how I thought the team played.  I'm sure there have been a number of games where I thought the team played incredibly well while Coach Thorne and his staff felt differently.     

As far as this week's game... I've watched the video of a handful of Bethel's games this year.  I think they are clearly the best opponent we have faced so far this season.  They are big, physical, fundamentally sound and have some very good playmakers.  My gut reaction is, based on a number of factors, that we are the underdog going into this game.  Is that a bad thing for a fan to feel?  I don't think so.  Do I think we can win?  Absolutely... no question.  And I certainly hope we do.  My "aim" is to simply offer my opinion on the team, their performance and their future prospects.  Nothing more.  If you're expecting blind adulation and optimism... I'm not your guy.   

[USee]

NCCAlum48:

A couple of questions for you.

1. You say "I'm sure there have been a number of games where I thought the team played incredibly well while Coach Thorne and his staff felt differently". What games are those if not Albion?

Your observation of Bethel being the best opponent so far is a reality. When you are one of the last 8 teams standing, by definition, every team you play is the best of the year.

2. Exactly how many points is NCC getting in your underdog scenario? I am not a betting man but I will take NCC and whatever points you give. I am also sure you could find a lot of people, including Bethel fans, willing to take NCC and points in this game. A pickem game would get a lot of action from both sides I would guess and my NCC -5.5 line is likely to draw some serious consideration from the Bethel faithful.

[NCCAlum48]

NCCAlum48:

A couple of questions for you.

1. You say "I'm sure there have been a number of games where I thought the team played incredibly well while Coach Thorne and his staff felt differently". What games are those if not Albion?

Your observation of Bethel being the best opponent so far is a reality. When you are one of the last 8 teams standing, by definition, every team you play is the best of the year.

2. Exactly how many points is NCC getting in your underdog scenario? I am not a betting man but I will take NCC and whatever points you give. I am also sure you could find a lot of people, including Bethel fans, willing to take NCC and points in this game. A pickem game would get a lot of action from both sides I would guess and my NCC -5.5 line is likely to draw some serious consideration from the Bethel faithful.

After the Albion game I posted that I thought the team would need a better pass rush, ball security, etc. to beat UWP.  You can look up what I wrote.  I guess that was construed as me being negative about the team.  Oh well.  Obviously I'm not privy to what Coach Thorne and his staff say behind close doors about the teams performance each week... my apologies if my last post seemed to imply otherwise.  I just know that there were times as a player I thought we played well in a winning effort and the coaches felt differently. 

I stated my opinion on next weeks game already.  I'll let my previous posts speak for themselves.  Like I said, I hoping/praying/cheering for a Cardinal victory next week.  I just think it is a tough matchup in a tough environment.  I always like to be the underdog... but I guess that's just me.  I know I played better as a player when I went into a game with an underdog mentality, too.  Anyways, this is getting exhausting so I'm just going to step aside and let you guys banter about the game.

Go Cards!!

[USee]

So what games exactly did you feel good about? And that's NCC +14 right? If I could get away with it I would mortgage my house to take NCC and 2 TDS. Any takers?

[Stagg Again!!]

There is a debate going on in the MIAC board about a potential block in the back call.  That got me thinking.  The Cardinals had a great officiating crew in the Albion game and an ok officiating crew in the UWP game (but for the line judge who blew at least two impactful calls).  Thus far, this is the best playoff officiating I have seen in 10 years.  I hope luck holds and NCC get a solid crew in Arden hills this coming weekend.

[Pat Coleman]

There is a debate going on in the MIAC board about a potential block in the back call.  That got me thinking.  The Cardinals had a great officiating crew in the Albion game and an ok officiating crew in the UWP game (but for the line judge who blew at least two impactful calls).  Thus far, this is the best playoff officiating I have seen in 10 years.  I hope luck holds and NCC get a solid crew in Arden hills this coming weekend.

Hopefully one that knows the rules about how many points a defensive conversion is worth.

[wally_wabash]

There is a debate going on in the MIAC board about a potential block in the back call.  That got me thinking.  The Cardinals had a great officiating crew in the Albion game and an ok officiating crew in the UWP game (but for the line judge who blew at least two impactful calls).  Thus far, this is the best playoff officiating I have seen in 10 years.  I hope luck holds and NCC get a solid crew in Arden hills this coming weekend.

Hopefully one that knows the rules about how many points a defensive conversion is worth.

THAT was crazy.  I was watching that online and I couldn't believe that that crew got together, talked about it, and all agreed to award Bethel one point for that PAT block return.  You'll see a lot of stuff at D3 games, but I've never seen a crew that forgot how to count the points.  I honestly thought there was some kind of rule change that I hadn't heard about. 

[markerickson]

I don't know what happened with the PAT return, but do recall last year seeing something I had never seen in my life.

Team A blocked the extra point attempt.  Player A from Team A caught the ball at about the three yard line and started his return.  He swooped into the endzone to try to get to the edge; however, he got tackled in the endzone.  It is not a safety; rather, Team B was awarded one point because the "safety" occurred during an extra point attempt.

I still have yet to see a center fielder catch a fould ball - my former supervisor who is the son of a former White Sox scout claims to have witnessed such a feat.

[GoldandBlueBU]

So what games exactly did you feel good about? And that's NCC +14 right? If I could get away with it I would mortgage my house to take NCC and 2 TDS. Any takers?

I'm with you...if anything, I feel that BU is the underdog given the loss of their QB....however, that is why they play the games...anything can happen!

He wasn't just an average QB, but rather, the MIAC MVP this season, so he is a huge loss...very solid player, and played with a ton of poise, regardless of how the game was going.

That being said, they are very fortunate to have a senior QB as the backup, and a group of solid senior receivers.

Excited to see how things turn out!  Wondering what the field will be like given that we are supposed to snow here this week, and then enter a deep freeze thursday - saturday (current fcst. high of 4 degrees on saturday!)  I wouldn't be shocked if the venue changes, in order to avoid playing on a torn up and frozen grass field.

[GoldandBlueBU]

THAT was crazy.  I was watching that online and I couldn't believe that that crew got together, talked about it, and all agreed to award Bethel one point for that PAT block return.  You'll see a lot of stuff at D3 games, but I've never seen a crew that forgot how to count the points.   I honestly thought there was some kind of rule change that I hadn't heard about.

I thought the same thing...I've seen that happen multiple times and it has always been 2 points, so I came to the same conclusion.

[wally_wabash]

So what games exactly did you feel good about? And that's NCC +14 right? If I could get away with it I would mortgage my house to take NCC and 2 TDS. Any takers?

I'm with you...if anything, I feel that BU is the underdog given the loss of their QB....however, that is why they play the games...anything can happen!

He wasn't just an average QB, but rather, the MIAC MVP this season, so he is a huge loss...very solid player, and played with a ton of poise, regardless of how the game was going.

That being said, they are very fortunate to have a senior QB as the backup, and a group of solid senior receivers.

Excited to see how things turn out!  Wondering what the field will be like given that we are supposed to snow here this week, and then enter a deep freeze thursday - saturday (current fcst. high of 4 degrees on saturday!)  I wouldn't be shocked if the venue changes, in order to avoid playing on a torn up and frozen grass field.

Keep your head up.  North Central on the road against a backup senior QB and a solid set of senior WRs...we've seen that one before.   

[Pat Coleman]

I don't know what happened with the PAT return, but do recall last year seeing something I had never seen in my life.

Team A blocked the extra point attempt.  Player A from Team A caught the ball at about the three yard line and started his return.  He swooped into the endzone to try to get to the edge; however, he got tackled in the endzone.  It is not a safety; rather, Team B was awarded one point because the "safety" occurred during an extra point attempt.

That indeed is the proper definition of the one-point safety. Very rare.

[New Tradition]

So what games exactly did you feel good about? And that's NCC +14 right? If I could get away with it I would mortgage my house to take NCC and 2 TDS. Any takers?

I'm with you...if anything, I feel that BU is the underdog given the loss of their QB....however, that is why they play the games...anything can happen!

He wasn't just an average QB, but rather, the MIAC MVP this season, so he is a huge loss...very solid player, and played with a ton of poise, regardless of how the game was going.

That being said, they are very fortunate to have a senior QB as the backup, and a group of solid senior receivers.

Excited to see how things turn out!  Wondering what the field will be like given that we are supposed to snow here this week, and then enter a deep freeze thursday - saturday (current fcst. high of 4 degrees on saturday!)  I wouldn't be shocked if the venue changes, in order to avoid playing on a torn up and frozen grass field.

Keep your head up.  North Central on the road against a backup senior QB and a solid set of senior WRs...we've seen that one before.   

That wasn't a backup quarterback.  That was a Super-Saiyan Terminator with beach ball sized cojones.