FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

I'm looking forward to seeing who will host next week NCC or The Mount.  NCC did have a stronger SOS!   

Based on Bracket placement it will be in Alliance.  😳

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

From my failing memory.   Recent Mount home losses.

2005 regualr season to Ohio Northern
2004 semi-finals to MHB
1999 semi-finals to Rowan in OT
1994 ?   Can't remember if regular season or not.  Too long ago.  Playoff loss I remember at Albion 34-33.

Lost 23-10 to BW at home in 1994 regular season.

[kiko]

Augsburg?  Moving on...

[kiko]

I think any declarations around how either of the teams in yesterday's game compared to other opponents should be taken with a grain of salt.

One, the weather and awful field conditions really impacted things for both teams, and IMO it is difficult compare how good/bad a team looked in those conditions against other games against different teams played in more optimal conditions.

Two, too many variables are interrelated.  Were Bethel at full strength and the weather conditions more optimal -- and had the field have been worthy of a playoff quarterfinal rather than playing like a vacant lot that BU officials drew a bunch of lines on -- this would undoubtedly have been a different game.  Would Bethel have won?  Maybe, but it's also possible that North Central would have attacked things differently and still won by several touchdowns.  We'll never know, and we shouldn't have to know -- you play the hand that is dealt you and take the consequences, good or bad.

The weather, the field, and the two teams' relative injury situations were all variables that were unique to this game.  And they affected Bethel's play calling, they affected how the Cards defended Bethel, they affected special teams decisions, they affected the two teams' ability to hold onto the ball (or not), they affected field position, they affected how the Cards managed the clock in the second half, etc. etc. etc.

There are no style points this time of year -- there are wins and there are seasons that end.  Here's hoping North Central can keep things moving again next week in Alliance.

[Stagg Again!!]

I'm looking forward to seeing who will host next week NCC or The Mount.  NCC did have a stronger SOS!   

Based on Bracket placement it will be in Alliance.  😳

K&JD, this was meant to be a bit cheeky based on last week's dialogue about why Bethel was selected to host NCC... The answer was based solely on SOS and number of regionally ranked opponents. 

[AndOne]

Daily Herald article on yesterday's NCC/Bethel game

www.dailyherald.com/article/20131207/sports/712079750/

NCC RB Ryan Kent:
"It was like playing on cement. I don't think we were too limited in our ability to make cuts. I was just when you hit the ground, there were elbows and knees getting cut open."

[Kovo]

Early, unbiased line.   NCC is 4.5 point favorite.   

C'mon man!

Hmmm, interesting responses from the NCC guys and others.    A season long touting of how Stanek is the best NCC QB ever, going against a Mount defense that just gave up 628 yards and 8 TD passes in 3 quarters to an young, inexperienced QB with an average overall season and now you want to down play NCC?     Nice try.   Lou Holtz just called and wants his notebook back.

Stanek is having the best season for an NC QB ever.  And, yes MU gave up lots of points yesterday.  But seriously. MU loses at home about once a decade, and has crushed many dreams in Alliance.  So while I believe that NC has a chance---if we play real well, I can't imagine a team making it's 1st trip ever to the semi-finals giving the Machine points at home.  So, if thinking our #2 seed, 4th ranked Cardinals who won our 1st Regional Championship yesterday (some believe purely as a result of our opponent being short handed) being an underdog to the #1 seed, #1 ranked 11 time and defending National Champions is Holtzish------give me the thick glasses and a lisp, because not many people expect NC to win.

For that matter, some on this board question if we could beat Augsburg (and are certain NC wouldn't even be in the playoffs if we had to play in the MIAC), much less take down the Champ.

[AndOne]

I'm looking forward to seeing who will host next week NCC or The Mount.  NCC did have a stronger SOS!   

Based on Bracket placement it will be in Alliance.  😳

K&JD, this was meant to be a bit cheeky based on last week's dialogue about why Bethel was selected to host NCC... The answer was based solely on SOS and number of regionally ranked opponents.

Bethel came into yesterday's game allowing an average of 15.5 points per game, but North Central put up 41 under far less than ideal conditions. So much for SOS, regionally ranked opponents, or whatever. 

[hazzben]

Guys,

I think some dude just came on here to compare Augsburg to North Central. Not even worthy of a response.

C'mon man.

Yeah...not gonna touch that either that's a crazy comparison.

[Pat Coleman]

Guys,

I think some dude just came on here to compare Augsburg to North Central. Not even worthy of a response.

C'mon man.

Yeah...not gonna touch that either that's a crazy comparison.

I saw Bethel play twice this year: vs. Augsburg and North Central. I concur with the above.

[hazzben]

I think any declarations around how either of the teams in yesterday's game compared to other opponents should be taken with a grain of salt.

One, the weather and awful field conditions really impacted things for both teams, and IMO it is difficult compare how good/bad a team looked in those conditions against other games against different teams played in more optimal conditions.

Two, too many variables are interrelated.  Were Bethel at full strength and the weather conditions more optimal -- and had the field have been worthy of a playoff quarterfinal rather than playing like a vacant lot that BU officials drew a bunch of lines on -- this would undoubtedly have been a different game.  Would Bethel have won?  Maybe, but it's also possible that North Central would have attacked things differently and still won by several touchdowns.  We'll never know, and we shouldn't have to know -- you play the hand that is dealt you and take the consequences, good or bad.

The weather, the field, and the two teams' relative injury situations were all variables that were unique to this game.  And they affected Bethel's play calling, they affected how the Cards defended Bethel, they affected special teams decisions, they affected the two teams' ability to hold onto the ball (or not), they affected field position, they affected how the Cards managed the clock in the second half, etc. etc. etc.

There are no style points this time of year -- there are wins and there are seasons that end.  Here's hoping North Central can keep things moving again next week in Alliance.

I'd agree with this. Especially the last paragraph. At the end of the day, survive and advance.

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

I'm looking forward to seeing who will host next week NCC or The Mount.  NCC did have a stronger SOS!   

Based on Bracket placement it will be in Alliance.  😳

K&JD, this was meant to be a bit cheeky based on last week's dialogue about why Bethel was selected to host NCC... The answer was based solely on SOS and number of regionally ranked opponents.

Sorry, didn't see last weeks conversation. Looking forward to an excellent game.  MTU Pass Defense scares the crap out of me!

[wesleydad]

Hey NCC fans, you should have all the confidence in your team this week.  If you can keep your QB clean and he can make the throws you have a chance to score plenty of points.  I have seen Mount 2 times this year, John Carroll and Wesley, and the secondary is not good.  They end up chasing the receivers all over the field, not really knowing where the ball is.  Wesley had too many turnovers yesterday, plain and simple.  The yardage that was gained was inexcusable for a top level team who knew that Wesley was going to throw the ball, it did not matter, Qb avoided the sack and receiver outran the D back deep.  You have to be able to stop Mount, as you can see 62 is a lot of points, but did include a punt return and an int return for TD's.  Your team has been close before, they have a chance to make it to the Stagg, good luck this week.  I will be interested in seeing this game.

[Gregory Sager]

I believe that UWSP, Wheaton, UWP and, on a good day, IWU would have beaten Bethel ... Regardless of whether BU had their starting QB.  BU's defense was very slow and had no answers whenever NCC passed the ball.  The only incompletions Stanek had yesterday were drops due to the cold weather and sails.  Receivers were wide open all over the field.  I also believe that UWS, UWSP, Elmhurst, North Park, IWU, and Wheaton all had better defenses than I saw yesterday.

Holy cow! The NPU football team got a favorable comparison to a national quarterfinalist!? We are living in a different age now!

I don't know if SOB was sincere or was merely flinging back hyperbole for hyperbole at that seriously confused gentleman who compared North Central to Augsburg. Either way, it doesn't matter to me. Thank you, SOB, for an offhand remark that made my head swim ... in a good way!

I think any declarations around how either of the teams in yesterday's game compared to other opponents should be taken with a grain of salt.

Hey! The NPU football program was just paid the best compliment that anyone's ever paid it before, and I'm gonna bask in it. I prefer said compliment to remain unsalted, thankyouverymuch.

Ouch. The Augsburg comparison was a little ugly, even for a guy with 3 posts. I'll just say that St. Thomas and Gustavus weren't on that field trying to get to the Semifinals.

Injuries happen. There have been years where NCC has had injuries that have affected their offense or defense substantially. Would like do overs, but that's how the game is played. Part of the challenge in getting to the UMU, UWW, and UMHB level is developing depth so that you can withstand injuries to your starting players.

In 2010, UWW QB Matt Blanchard was injured at the end of the season. Lee Brekke came in at QB and led the Warhawks through the playoffs to a Stagg Bowl title. That's what you need to to happen to be the champion. And that's the last nice thing I'll say about UWW this season.

Best post I've seen in ages. ILGator totally nailed it. The vast majority of football fans whine about their team's injuries and use them to make excuses or to play the what-if game. That's human nature. But what's the point in dwelling upon counterfactuals? Football is a violent sport, and, because of that, it's a sport of attrition. The very nature of football dictates that injuries will play a prominent role in the outcome of a season, especially as that season grows longer.

It stands to reason, then, that the best football teams are the teams that have the best depth. (Giving players some rest in the midst of a game is an important aspect of depth, too.) There's an old football expression: "Next man up." It means, roughly, "We will not make any excuses because of this player's injury. We expect the guy behind him on the depth chart to step into his place and do his job." Does that mean that the reserve will perform as well as had the injured starter? Probably not. There's a reason why one began the season as a starter and the other as the reserve. But it means that you won't allow yourself the consolation of falling back upon the injury to that starter as an excuse if you lose. In a way, it's a corollary to the macho code that dominates the game of football, sort of a "real men don't seek an alibi for failure" ethos.

I'm not singling out Bethel's fans for blame here. I've seen all-too-many instances in which CCIW fans have moaned and groaned about the injuries to their respective teams and have attempted to pin their teams' losses upon them. As I said, it's a commonplace reaction for football fans.

But ILGator is right. The best programs in the country produce the best teams in the country precisely because they have created the best depth in the country. When Brekke came in for Blanchard in 2010 for UWW, it was the perfect example of how a powerhouse program prepares for injury by establishing strong backups and by using the "next man up" mentality. While you can argue that the loss of a QB is different, because he's the key player on the field, UWW in 2010 proved that that position is no different when it comes to doing what a national power is supposed to do -- avoid excuses, say "next man up", and win the next football game.

[Kovo]

I believe that UWSP, Wheaton, UWP and, on a good day, IWU would have beaten Bethel ... Regardless of whether BU had their starting QB.  BU's defense was very slow and had no answers whenever NCC passed the ball.  The only incompletions Stanek had yesterday were drops due to the cold weather and sails.  Receivers were wide open all over the field.  I also believe that UWS, UWSP, Elmhurst, North Park, IWU, and Wheaton all had better defenses than I saw yesterday.

Holy cow! The NPU football team got a favorable comparison to a national quarterfinalist!? We are living in a different age now!

I don't know if SOB was sincere or was merely flinging back hyperbole for hyperbole at that seriously confused gentleman who compared North Central to Augsburg. Either way, it doesn't matter to me. Thank you, SOB, for an offhand remark that made my head swim ... in a good way!

I think any declarations around how either of the teams in yesterday's game compared to other opponents should be taken with a grain of salt.

Hey! The NPU football program was just paid the best compliment that anyone's ever paid it before, and I'm gonna bask in it. I prefer said compliment to remain unsalted, thankyouverymuch.

Ouch. The Augsburg comparison was a little ugly, even for a guy with 3 posts. I'll just say that St. Thomas and Gustavus weren't on that field trying to get to the Semifinals.

Injuries happen. There have been years where NCC has had injuries that have affected their offense or defense substantially. Would like do overs, but that's how the game is played. Part of the challenge in getting to the UMU, UWW, and UMHB level is developing depth so that you can withstand injuries to your starting players.

In 2010, UWW QB Matt Blanchard was injured at the end of the season. Lee Brekke came in at QB and led the Warhawks through the playoffs to a Stagg Bowl title. That's what you need to to happen to be the champion. And that's the last nice thing I'll say about UWW this season.

Best post I've seen in ages. ILGator totally nailed it. The vast majority of football fans whine about their team's injuries and use them to make excuses or to play the what-if game. That's human nature. But what's the point in dwelling upon counterfactuals? Football is a violent sport, and, because of that, it's a sport of attrition. The very nature of football dictates that injuries will play a prominent role in the outcome of a season, especially as that season grows longer.

It stands to reason, then, that the best football teams are the teams that have the best depth. (Giving players some rest in the midst of a game is an important aspect of depth, too.) There's an old football expression: "Next man up." It means, roughly, "We will not make any excuses because of this player's injury. We expect the guy behind him on the depth chart to step into his place and do his job." Does that mean that the reserve will perform as well as had the injured starter? Probably not. There's a reason why one began the season as a starter and the other as the reserve. But it means that you won't allow yourself the consolation of falling back upon the injury to that starter as an excuse if you lose. In a way, it's a corollary to the macho code that dominates the game of football, sort of a "real men don't seek an alibi for failure" ethos.

I'm not singling out Bethel's fans for blame here. I've seen all-too-many instances in which CCIW fans have moaned and groaned about the injuries to their respective teams and have attempted to pin their teams' losses upon them. As I said, it's a commonplace reaction for football fans.

But ILGator is right. The best programs in the country produce the best teams in the country precisely because they have created the best depth in the country. When Brekke came in for Blanchard in 2010 for UWW, it was the perfect example of how a powerhouse program prepares for injury by establishing strong backups and by using the "next man up" mentality. While you can argue that the loss of a QB is different, because he's the key player on the field, UWW in 2010 proved that that position is no different when it comes to doing what a national power is supposed to do -- avoid excuses, say "next man up", and win the next football game.

Gregory,

I have known Stagg for 30 years, and if he is one thing it is sincere.  So bask in the compliment.  Here is the reality.  We dropped 42 on NPU.  It seems like a lot, but in the playoffs we have dropped 63, 54 and 41 bombs on some pretty good teams-----including #7 and #6. (and I sleep better knowing that we dropped a 46 on Norm in Bloomington, who is ranked #13).  So how do the Chicago Vikings stack up?  The numbers are what they are.

So perhaps NPU's future is bright (which will of course help NC's SOS ).