FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[New Tradition]

First, congrats to North Central. Very good team, great QB, excellent WR, very solid RB, very good offensive play calling. Good luck next week in Alliance!

North Central looks way way faster and played way way faster than Bethel has been playing. There was no question that North Central is the better team. I was expecting a more competitive game. I guess this game was switch with the Wesley vs. Mount Union game.

I'm gonna disagree with this. Our backup QB accounted for 4 of 5 TO's and some were inexplicable. Statistically, this game is very even. I'm sorry, but let's flip the script. We get to take away Stanzek and get a healthy Peterson, and then we win by a wide margin because the NCC backup turns it over 4 times in some very critical spots (several times in scoring position). I don't think you can draw the conclusion Bethel is without question better.

Case in point, early in the game, Bethel was running at will while NCC felt they still had to respect the pass. Once they realized Keefe wasn't going to beat them through the air they adjusted. Which is exactly what a good coaching staff does. If Peterson is back there, they have to respect the pass in a way they simply didn't need to today. Bottom line, North Central may be the better team, but I'm not sure today is the definitive answer to that question.

All that said, North Central won the only stat that matters today and they won another stat that is really important (turnovers). They took care of the ball, made plays and limited mistakes. You need to do all 3 to win in December. Kudos to you! As much as I wish we could have seen the Peterson v. Stanzek matchup, you play with who you've got.

Again, congrats to North Central and good luck next week.

Disagree. NCC's backup, Dicken, has a full season starting under his belt when Stanek was not with the team for a year, and let them to a 9-1 regular season finish and that heartbreaking 2nd round exit vs. Wabash as a true freshman. I think they'd have been ok.

[hazzben]

HB,

Your backup QB didn't give up 41 pts. Your defense did. Your offense got 162 of their yds after the score was 35-10. You can't look at the stats. Bethel couldn't stop NCC offense and wouldn't have if they kept the pedal on the gas. Peterson would have made a difference but there was a bigger difference than 1 guy out there (even an MVP guy) in my opinion.

Great year for Bethel, but NCC was better. I didn't like saying it when they beat Wheaton by a similar score 35-16 (and Wheaton held NCC to less yards than Bethel did).

I would add that on 5 of the NCC TD's they went an average of 61 yds to get the score. On the 6th, they went 8 yds after an 80+ yd kick return. Your QB wouldn't have changed any of that.

I'll push back a bit. If Peterson is in there, Bethel is able to move the ball more effectively. They have a RB fall down in the open field going in for a TD on the opening drive. Settle for a FG after the backup QB blows the pitch on the option where the RB had grass in front of him. 3-0 Bethel instead of 7-0.

No question Keefe isn't to blame for 41 points. But the D is on the field because we are 1-11 on 3rd down. No way that's our line with Peterson. A healthy Peterson and this game isn't 21-3 at the half. And the D isn't on the field as much. Do we still need to stop North Central, absolutely! And it would have been a challenge. But you'd have had to stop a much more potent Bethel offense. To say a different QB doesn't change any of that is overly simplistic. He's not making any tackles on D. Totally agree. But he's also picking up first downs, completing passes and forcing North Central to defend the pass. All of which do affect how much North Central has the ball and what the tone of the game is like.

I'm not trying to imply we win with Peterson. That we are better than NCC with Peterson. Etc. I'm just saying there's definitely an effect on the game. Shoot, 2 of Keefe's TO's were on drives where Bethel is moving the ball and looking like it'll put points on the board. Another TO is the 2nd possession of the game in Bethel territory . Giving North Central the ball on the BU 39 matters. Looking at the play by play, Keefe had a fumble on the first 2 possessions, we lost one, and two more interceptions before the half, one coming on the NCC 4 yd line. Those affect the score, the momentum, the amount the D is on the field and the entire tone of the game.

Again, no guarantee we win. But you're nuts if you don't think this game is much more competitive. North Central had a hard time stopping the run today, with a QB they didn't respect throwing the ball. With Peterson back there, I think the NCC D has a lot more trouble stopping the Bethel offense as well.

I'm really not trying to have sour grapes here. Again, congrats and hats off to NCC. You played the game you needed to, took care of the ball, made plays and you won. And you're advancing! Congrats and hats off.

[ncc_fan]

Found it odd on the NCC radio feed that Pat Coleman said that game times for next week have yet to be decided, as ESPN is the one setting the times. Possible the games are on ESPNU or ESPN3?

ESPN web site lists DIII games at 12:00 and 3:30 ET, both on ESPN3.
http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index/_/type/upcoming/

[hazzben]

ESPN web site lists DIII games at 12:00 and 3:30 ET, both on ESPN3.
http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index/_/type/upcoming/

I'll be tuning in for these! Two great match ups.

Stanek & NCC v. Burke & the Machine. Yes please! (Seriously, could we be looking at 800 yds passing in this game?!?)

UWW v. UMHB. Yes please!

[Kovo]

First, congrats to North Central. Very good team, great QB, excellent WR, very solid RB, very good offensive play calling. Good luck next week in Alliance!

North Central looks way way faster and played way way faster than Bethel has been playing. There was no question that North Central is the better team. I was expecting a more competitive game. I guess this game was switch with the Wesley vs. Mount Union game.

I'm gonna disagree with this. Our backup QB accounted for 4 of 5 TO's and some were inexplicable. Statistically, this game is very even. I'm sorry, but let's flip the script. We get to take away Stanzek and get a healthy Peterson, and then we win by a wide margin because the NCC backup turns it over 4 times in some very critical spots (several times in scoring position). I don't think you can draw the conclusion Bethel is without question better.

Case in point, early in the game, Bethel was running at will while NCC felt they still had to respect the pass. Once they realized Keefe wasn't going to beat them through the air they adjusted. Which is exactly what a good coaching staff does. If Peterson is back there, they have to respect the pass in a way they simply didn't need to today. Bottom line, North Central may be the better team, but I'm not sure today is the definitive answer to that question.

All that said, North Central won the only stat that matters today and they won another stat that is really important (turnovers). They took care of the ball, made plays and limited mistakes. You need to do all 3 to win in December. Kudos to you! As much as I wish we could have seen the Peterson v. Stanzek matchup, you play with who you've got.

Again, congrats to North Central and good luck next week.

Hazzben---I'm with you on this one.  The QB is so important to any offense, that if you lose him it is going to be real tough to defeat a good opponent in the playoffs.   If Stanek goes down----we are in trouble (and I like our backup QBs, including a former starter--but it changes everything).  I would have loved to have seen a Stanek vs. Peterson duel, but it wasn't to be.  With that said, I hope Peterson is healthy soon.

But, we have had so much bad fortunate in the playoffs, I have often commented that someone must have broken a mirror that relates to the playoffs.  Could it be the seven years have expired?  We will find out in Ohio.

[Pat Coleman]

Re-post from MIAC board:

NCC The Red Zone 12.5.13 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POigDIoGMDY

Some interesting quotes from NCC Head Coach John Thorne:

"This Bethel team is certainly the best team we have played this year and maybe the best team we have played in our 12 years here"

"They (Bethel) are very similar to Wheaton particularly on defense. The size of their players has similarities, the speed of their players has similarties and the structure of their defense has similarities to Wheaton"

on Erik Peterson playing:
"We totally expect (Peterson) to be the starter on Saturday. If the other quarterback is the guy, he knows this offense extremely well and we expect them to be ready"

"They have an All American LB who is just like Matt Wenger except he is taller and weighs 240 lbs. That's not a good thing for us to have to deal with"

"Bethel has done a wonderful job to help create a good environment for both teams to deal with the cold. They will have heating units on both sidelines and they even borrowed heated benches for both sides from the University of Minnesota."

He still think that?

I am not sure a Whitewater fan should be picking at another coach's coachspeak.

[Pat Coleman]

Probably ESPN3 but I would LOVE to see NCC on TV for the national title game. Wow that would be a thrill but got to take down Goliath first.

Yes. This is the third year in a row, in fact, that semifinal games will be on ESPN3.

[HScoach]

I reccommend all NCC fans try and make the trip to Alliance. It's a really cool place to see a game live. I went 6 times and besides the final score, enjoyed the venue and the UMU fans (except High School Coach) immensely. Pro football HOF is only a 30 minute car ride away in Canton. Hopefully you guys all saved up knowing this was coming. 

One more statement like that and you're off my Christmas card list.

Early, unbiased line.   NCC is 4.5 point favorite.   Mount defense has channeled their inner-Wilmington and has become a liability.

[kiko]

I reccommend all NCC fans try and make the trip to Alliance. It's a really cool place to see a game live. I went 6 times and besides the final score, enjoyed the venue and the UMU fans (except High School Coach) immensely. Pro football HOF is only a 30 minute car ride away in Canton. Hopefully you guys all saved up knowing this was coming. 

One more statement like that and you're off my Christmas card list.

Early, unbiased line.   NCC is 4.5 point favorite.   Mount defense has channeled their inner-Wilmington and has become a liability.

In Alliance?  Sorry, not buying it.

North Central's defense has given up a lot of yards the past couple of weeks.  Against Mount, that would likely equate to a lot more points than it has to date.

[Kovo]

I reccommend all NCC fans try and make the trip to Alliance. It's a really cool place to see a game live. I went 6 times and besides the final score, enjoyed the venue and the UMU fans (except High School Coach) immensely. Pro football HOF is only a 30 minute car ride away in Canton. Hopefully you guys all saved up knowing this was coming. 

One more statement like that and you're off my Christmas card list.

Early, unbiased line.   NCC is 4.5 point favorite.   Mount defense has channeled their inner-Wilmington and has become a liability.

In Alliance?  Sorry, not buying it.

North Central's defense has given up a lot of yards the past couple of weeks.  Against Mount, that would likely equate to a lot more points than it has to date.

Favorite?!  How many games has MU lost at home this century?  One?  How many games has MU lost at home in the past 20 years?  Favorite-----sure, ok, um hmm 

[Pat Coleman]

Two -- vs. UMHB in the 2004 semis and Ohio Northern in the 2005 regular season.

[emma17]

Congratulations NCC for making it to the Final Four.  I'm as happy as a UWW fan can be for you. 
Well done. 

[USee]

HB,

Your backup QB didn't give up 41 pts. Your defense did. Your offense got 162 of their yds after the score was 35-10. You can't look at the stats. Bethel couldn't stop NCC offense and wouldn't have if they kept the pedal on the gas. Peterson would have made a difference but there was a bigger difference than 1 guy out there (even an MVP guy) in my opinion.

Great year for Bethel, but NCC was better. I didn't like saying it when they beat Wheaton by a similar score 35-16 (and Wheaton held NCC to less yards than Bethel did).

I would add that on 5 of the NCC TD's they went an average of 61 yds to get the score. On the 6th, they went 8 yds after an 80+ yd kick return. Your QB wouldn't have changed any of that.

I'll push back a bit. If Peterson is in there, Bethel is able to move the ball more effectively. They have a RB fall down in the open field going in for a TD on the opening drive. Settle for a FG after the backup QB blows the pitch on the option where the RB had grass in front of him. 3-0 Bethel instead of 7-0.

No question Keefe isn't to blame for 41 points. But the D is on the field because we are 1-11 on 3rd down. No way that's our line with Peterson. A healthy Peterson and this game isn't 21-3 at the half. And the D isn't on the field as much. Do we still need to stop North Central, absolutely! And it would have been a challenge. But you'd have had to stop a much more potent Bethel offense. To say a different QB doesn't change any of that is overly simplistic. He's not making any tackles on D. Totally agree. But he's also picking up first downs, completing passes and forcing North Central to defend the pass. All of which do affect how much North Central has the ball and what the tone of the game is like.

I'm not trying to imply we win with Peterson. That we are better than NCC with Peterson. Etc. I'm just saying there's definitely an effect on the game. Shoot, 2 of Keefe's TO's were on drives where Bethel is moving the ball and looking like it'll put points on the board. Another TO is the 2nd possession of the game in Bethel territory . Giving North Central the ball on the BU 39 matters. Looking at the play by play, Keefe had a fumble on the first 2 possessions, we lost one, and two more interceptions before the half, one coming on the NCC 4 yd line. Those affect the score, the momentum, the amount the D is on the field and the entire tone of the game.

Again, no guarantee we win. But you're nuts if you don't think this game is much more competitive. North Central had a hard time stopping the run today, with a QB they didn't respect throwing the ball. With Peterson back there, I think the NCC D has a lot more trouble stopping the Bethel offense as well.

I'm really not trying to have sour grapes here. Again, congrats and hats off to NCC. You played the game you needed to, took care of the ball, made plays and you won. And you're advancing! Congrats and hats off.

A running back falling down in the open field is the field conditions. 2 players fell or slipped on every play. that was going to happen. The pitch on the option was aggressive defense. The NCC player hit the qb as he pitched it. Wasn't a bad pitch, just a good defensive effort.

Time of possession was 31 min for Bethel, 29 min for NCC. Bethel had 14 possessions to NCC's 15 possessions. Your defense was tired playing less than 30 minutes? Don't think so. I agree Peterson produces more points. I just don't think he makes Bethel 4 TD's better and I think NCC could have kept the gas pedal down and scored 2-3 more time if they had to.

We can't prove a negative and Peterson wasn't there but the players who played, NCC was better. Just like Wartburg was better than IWU and NCC was better than Wheaton. By the way, Wheaton played a home game, had an all american QB playing for them, a top15 defense that held NCC to less yards than Bethel and rushed for over 200 yds vs NCC and lost 35-16 because they weren't as good.

[hazzben]

@USee: first, I appreciate the back and forth. Here's a quick response to what I'd regard as a very selective rebuttal.

A running back falling down in the open field is the field conditions. 2 players fell or slipped on every play. that was going to happen. The pitch on the option was aggressive defense. The NCC player hit the qb as he pitched it. Wasn't a bad pitch, just a good defensive effort.

True on the RB, they all played on the same field. As for Keefe's fumble. The D was there. But he made the pitch just before the hit. It was a horrendous pitch...like 4 yds behind a back who had no defenders around him. Still, you only addressed the one fumble by Keefe that Bethel didn't lose. How about those other 4 TO's. To recap. Fumble that NCC recovers on the BU 38. Fumble that NCC recovers on their own 33. Keefe INT at the BU 41. Keefe INT at the BU 4.

Time of possession was 31 min for Bethel, 29 min for NCC. Bethel had 14 possessions to NCC's 15 possessions. Your defense was tired playing less than 30 minutes? Don't think so. I agree Peterson produces more points. I just don't think he makes Bethel 4 TD's better and I think NCC could have kept the gas pedal down and scored 2-3 more time if they had to.

I didn't say they were tired. My point is that 1-11 on 3rd down is brutal. It's a stat Peterson never puts up, IMO. He didn't against UST, who has a better D IMO. There are points left on the field. And I think he maybe does make Bethel 4 TD's better. Shoot, 2 of Keefe's most inexplicable TO's came with the offense driving deep into NCC territory. That's 2 TD's right there. My bigger point, is that with Peterson playing NCC is stressed on D in a way they weren't with Keefe. They gave up 6.3 ypc to a team with very little passing threat, especially downfield. I'm not sure how much TOP changes, but the issue isn't how much longer Bethel has the ball, it's what they are doing with it and how their drives are finishing with Peterson.

We can't prove a negative and Peterson wasn't there but the players who played, NCC was better. Just like Wartburg was better than IWU and NCC was better than Wheaton. By the way, Wheaton played a home game, had an all american QB playing for them, a top15 defense that held NCC to less yards than Bethel and rushed for over 200 yds vs NCC and lost 35-16 because they weren't as good.

As I've said before, NCC was better today with the players on the field. I agree. I just think the statements that NCC is clearly the better team, period, finally, hasn't been substantiated. Bethel's best player, the MVP of one of the best conferences, didn't step on the field. The passing game is drastically better with him, the running game opens up as well. As to Wheaton, apples to oranges...you had your 'all american' QB playing for you. That's been my whole point, Bethel didn't. 

Back to the present. I'm getting intrigued by the NCC v. Mount matchup. As much as I obviously wanted to see Bethel in this spot, this could be a very interesting game. Mount seems vulnerable in the exact area where NCC is very strong. Stanzek could have a day in Alliance. Good luck, I'd love to see some new blood in the Stagg. But if I'm honest, even just Mount not there would be a nice change of pace.

[Titan Q]

Early, unbiased line.   NCC is 4.5 point favorite.   

C'mon man!