FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[NCF]

The Yankees can afford to pay Ellsbury that absurd amount of money. They mint money, for all practical purposes. They can take any number of wild gambles like that with contracts that would bankrupt a small-market team.

True.  The Dodgers now have the TV contract to be the Yankees-West.  The Tigers are definitely NOT a large market team, but are blessed to have an owner with deep pockets who is obsessed with winning a WS before he dies (he's in his late 80s) - they will compete with anyone.  The Tigers will win it all in 2014 - you heard it first here!

I'll take that bet It will ensure a Tiger victory 

[New Tradition]

I can't figure out how to include the pics in the post like hazzben so beautifully did, but here's the link to a pic of the Giants in sneakers:
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/245/209/sneaker_display_image.jpg?1275503337

I got your back 

Much obliged!

[hazzben]

I don't know about UM/PennSt. in 1950 (I don't think they played), but THE Snow Bowl was UM/OSU that year (November 25th).  UM won 9-3, with all 12 points essentially by the defenses.  (OSU got their 3 by a FG, but it was set up by a blocked punt.  UM scored on a blocked punt out of the end zone for a safety, and a blocked punt recovered in the end zone for a TD.)  UM had ZERO first downs that day.  There were FORTY-FIVE punts, often on first down, as coaches quickly figured out that being on offense was a loser's game!  Attendance was virtually nil as no one could get to the game.

Arguably the weirdest game ever played!

Good catch, where on earth did I get PSU from  Serious brain fart there!

[NCCAlum48]

Nice preview on this weekend's game.... Peterson is listed on the 2-deep and mentioned as a game time decision.  However, its my understanding that teams can change their 58 player "dressed" list up to 10 minutes before kickoff so I'm not sure that means anything at this point.

http://northcentralcardinals.com/news/2013/12/4/FB_1204133516.aspx

[mr_mom]

Good catch, where on earth did I get PSU from  Serious brain fart there!

Next to each other on the keyboard ... just say you "fat-fingered" it!   

[markerickson]

North Park (31) had a much higher strength of schedule than North Central (112).

http://www.d3football.com/seasons/2013/schedule?tmpl=sos-template

[iwu70]

It is going to be brutally cold, with frozen field, at Bethel this weekend.  An ice bowl, it would appear. Shades of games with the Packers at Lambeau.

IWU70

[Stagg Again!!]

North Park (31) had a much higher strength of schedule than North Central (112).

http://www.d3football.com/seasons/2013/schedule?tmpl=sos-template

... Because Hope, Benedictine, and Olivet are better than UW-Stevens Point, UW-Lacrosse, and UW-Stout? 

[Mr. Ypsi]

North Park (31) had a much higher strength of schedule than North Central (112).

http://www.d3football.com/seasons/2013/schedule?tmpl=sos-template

... Because Hope, Benedictine, and Olivet are better than UW-Stevens Point, UW-Lacrosse, and UW-Stout? 

In terms of final record, yes.   (The UW teams went 12-21; NPU's opponents went 20-10.)  Also because NPU played NCC, while NCC played NPU.

[HScoach]

Which again proves why the SoS numbers are flawed.

[Stagg Again!!]

Which again proves why the SoS numbers are flawed.

My point exactly.  And to get back to Kovo's point, if NCC had played NPU's schedule, they would be playing in Naperville this weekend.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Agreed.  Based on the numbers I gave, I'm kinda surprised NPU wasn't even farther ahead of NCC.

(Though, since games against the team being rated don't count, NCC would be 12-18; NPU would be 17-10.)

[hazzben]

Which again proves why the SoS numbers are flawed.

My point exactly.  And to get back to Kovo's point, if NCC had played NPU's schedule, they would be playing in Naperville this weekend.

Bethel would still have had a higher SOS and wins against 2 and possibly 3 RRO.

[markerickson]

So the NCC AD scheduled nonconference games against lower tier WIAC schools, thus the Cardinals travel in the playoffs?

[Stagg Again!!]

So the NCC AD scheduled nonconference games against lower tier WIAC schools, thus the Cardinals travel in the playoffs?

While MIAC schools played and barely defeated the bottom two teams in the WIAC and the sixth place team in the IIAC and are now praised for their strength of schedule!!!

At this point I feel like I am beating a dead horse (Go Thunder, that is your cue for your man beating a dead horse).  Bethel and North Central will meet on the frozen tundra on Saturday and the best team will (hopefully) win and all of this SOS conversation will die ... Until next week.