FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[USee]

I think Wheaton's struggles on offense are well documented so I won't belabor the points. What hasn't been mentioned much is the dominance of their defense. They are playing at a ridiculous level for a group that I thought would be the weakness of this team. The defensive front, which includes more than just 7, are better than last year as a group which is hard to do when you are missing the likes of Adam Dansdill and Mikey Swider. They are in the top 15 in the country in scoring defense, rushing defense, and sacks. Noah Spielman, Whit Wiggins, Chase Greenlee, Caleb Ashby, Eric Stevenson, Luke Sahly, and Michael Stanley have been outstanding. The other place Wheaton is really dominating is on special teams (Kick scoring excepting). Their return and coverage units have really change field position in every game.

I think the coaches will figure out the offense, which has been a head scratcher, but if you can stop the run and change field position you are going to be in most games. That's the reason Wheaton is a top 10 team in my view. Wheaton has dominated the LOS on the defensive side of the ball and won on special teams.

[USee]

Speaking about the offense, they clearly have the talent, returning 9 starters from last year's team. I think they are adjusting to new coordinators as Josiah Sears was really good at putting players in position to do what they are good at. Bowers is a very mobile QB but they have not been running him on designed plays at all (QB read option is virutally non existant) and he is not as good a pocket passer as Johnny Peltz. The lack of Olateju has resulted in many more buck sweep type running plays and the OL is better at straight ahead blocking where they can use their physicality. The second half against Elmhurst the Thunder ran many more downhill running plays w Olateju and we saw the success we are used to. I hope we see more of that. Finally, we don't have a lot of speed at WR and we are pretty inexperienced there as well. As a result I don't see many defensive backs in a backpedal on the snap of the ball. Elmhurst had 8-9 guys defending the run and the short passing zones and Wheaton wasn't able to take advantage. If that doesn't change it will be very tough to win the CCIW despite having the #1 defense and special teams.

[AndOne]

As I sat watching the game online each series I kept waiting for Peltz to head out there.  And he remained on the sideline.  I just didn't understand.  I just wonder if he is injured in some way. It's disappointing to me, but sometimes as a fan you just have to trust what's going on at practice and behind closed doors. That doesn't mean it's not frustrating as a fan though.

That said, Wheaton's offensive line looks so slow.  Not being able to get to or maintain the reach blocks killed them all day.  Kudos to Elmhurst for using their motors on defense.  They seemed to keep coming and coming.  It almost appeared that the Wheaton offense expected them to quit on their own instead of executing consistently which generally forces the defense to quit.

We'll see what happens against IWU.  NCC is looking more formidable each week.

Expect Wheaton to fall in the polls.  I'm thinking they'll be in the 12-15 range.

WOW!  Wheaton must be the most miserable 4-0 Top 10 team in the country. 

I got news for you guys---the Crusaders are good, real good and 10-0 or 9-1 is a real possibility.  BUT, you can't always smash and humiliate your opponent.  Sometimes you just have t enjoy the win. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm ecstatic they are 4-0, I just believe they are better than they have shown. Like Coach Swider always says, a win is a win. I don't think Wheaton should humiliate every opponent, but I do think they need to play better to compete with North Central. Wheaton is an outstanding team and would compete for a conference title in nearly every other conference in the country. I just want them to be the best they can be. I'm sure the staff and the players are doing all they can on the field and off to make that happen. Also, the last few years we have been spoiled. I'm confident this will get worked out.

Mat,

If you asked the North Central coaches, players, and any fans who know the difference between a football and a hockey puck, I think they will all tell you that they fully expect the Thundering Crusaders to compete for the CCIW conference title. They are just too talented not to. Did Wheaton really have that stinky of a game or did Elmhurst play above and beyond their usual capabilities?
NCC fully expects their game with WC to be a dogfight no matter who the Orange team QB might be. While the game is in Naperville, its only 8 miles from the Wheaton campus. There will probably be almost as many Wheaton fans there as NCC fans. So, yes, the NCC side is certainly expecting that Wheaton will be competing fiercely for the conference title.
The distinction being that, while they expect the Orange to compete for the title, they expect the Cardinals to be winning it.  🏈

[Mr. Ypsi]

As I sat watching the game online each series I kept waiting for Peltz to head out there.  And he remained on the sideline.  I just didn't understand.  I just wonder if he is injured in some way. It's disappointing to me, but sometimes as a fan you just have to trust what's going on at practice and behind closed doors. That doesn't mean it's not frustrating as a fan though.

That said, Wheaton's offensive line looks so slow.  Not being able to get to or maintain the reach blocks killed them all day.  Kudos to Elmhurst for using their motors on defense.  They seemed to keep coming and coming.  It almost appeared that the Wheaton offense expected them to quit on their own instead of executing consistently which generally forces the defense to quit.

We'll see what happens against IWU.  NCC is looking more formidable each week.

Expect Wheaton to fall in the polls.  I'm thinking they'll be in the 12-15 range.

WOW!  Wheaton must be the most miserable 4-0 Top 10 team in the country. 

I got news for you guys---the Crusaders are good, real good and 10-0 or 9-1 is a real possibility.  BUT, you can't always smash and humiliate your opponent.  Sometimes you just have t enjoy the win. 

Well, matblake was slightly too pessimistic, but Kovo was too optimistic - Wheaton is no longer a Top 10 team, but only fell to eleventh.

[USee]

As I sat watching the game online each series I kept waiting for Peltz to head out there.  And he remained on the sideline.  I just didn't understand.  I just wonder if he is injured in some way. It's disappointing to me, but sometimes as a fan you just have to trust what's going on at practice and behind closed doors. That doesn't mean it's not frustrating as a fan though.

That said, Wheaton's offensive line looks so slow.  Not being able to get to or maintain the reach blocks killed them all day.  Kudos to Elmhurst for using their motors on defense.  They seemed to keep coming and coming.  It almost appeared that the Wheaton offense expected them to quit on their own instead of executing consistently which generally forces the defense to quit.

We'll see what happens against IWU.  NCC is looking more formidable each week.

Expect Wheaton to fall in the polls.  I'm thinking they'll be in the 12-15 range.

WOW!  Wheaton must be the most miserable 4-0 Top 10 team in the country. 

I got news for you guys---the Crusaders are good, real good and 10-0 or 9-1 is a real possibility.  BUT, you can't always smash and humiliate your opponent.  Sometimes you just have t enjoy the win. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm ecstatic they are 4-0, I just believe they are better than they have shown. Like Coach Swider always says, a win is a win. I don't think Wheaton should humiliate every opponent, but I do think they need to play better to compete with North Central. Wheaton is an outstanding team and would compete for a conference title in nearly every other conference in the country. I just want them to be the best they can be. I'm sure the staff and the players are doing all they can on the field and off to make that happen. Also, the last few years we have been spoiled. I'm confident this will get worked out.

Mat,

If you asked the North Central coaches, players, and any fans who know the difference between a football and a hockey puck, I think they will all tell you that they fully expect the Thundering Crusaders to compete for the CCIW conference title. They are just too talented not to. Did Wheaton really have that stinky of a game or did Elmhurst play above and beyond their usual capabilities?
NCC fully expects their game with WC to be a dogfight no matter who the Orange team QB might be. While the game is in Naperville, its only 8 miles from the Wheaton campus. There will probably be almost as many Wheaton fans there as NCC fans. So, yes, the NCC side is certainly expecting that Wheaton will be competing fiercely for the conference title.
The distinction being that, while they expect the Orange to compete for the title, they expect the Cardinals to be winning it.  🏈

Elmhurst has mostly seniors on defense which is by far their best group. They are also well coached. Carthage gave a blueprint on how to defend the Thunder and Elmhurst followed it. Lots of man coverage and/or 8-9 man boxes with aggressive coverage by the corners. The matchups the last two weeks were the Carthage and Elmhurst strengths on defense. IWU also has its strength on defense so the Thunder better get to work solving that problem.

I wouldn't feel too sorry for Wheaton, the last time they lost a regular season game was November 9th 2013 and have been written off every year for "bad wins". They have finished in the top ten each of the last two years.

[matblake]

Wheaton is an outstanding team and would compete for a conference title in nearly every other conference in the country. .

Mat,

If you asked the North Central coaches, players, and any fans who know the difference between a football and a hockey puck, I think they will all tell you that they fully expect the Thundering Crusaders to compete for the CCIW conference title. They are just too talented not to. Did Wheaton really have that stinky of a game or did Elmhurst play above and beyond their usual capabilities?
NCC fully expects their game with WC to be a dogfight no matter who the Orange team QB might be. While the game is in Naperville, its only 8 miles from the Wheaton campus. There will probably be almost as many Wheaton fans there as NCC fans. So, yes, the NCC side is certainly expecting that Wheaton will be competing fiercely for the conference title.
The distinction being that, while they expect the Orange to compete for the title, they expect the Cardinals to be winning it.  🏈

In my effort to avoid some random OAC or WIAC poster from coming over and dropping a "try winning our conference with the Purple Power" post I didn't make myself clear, should have included the CCIW since we are the reigning champs you know.  Thanks for pointing out the error of my ways, AndOne!

Like I said, I'm confident they'll get this straightened out.

[AndOne]

I agree with Coach Swider. A win is a win, "bad" or not.
A coach who "only" posts "bad" win after "bad" win year after year is going to be looked at as one VERY good and successful coach. 

[markerickson]

It was amateur hour at Hedstrand Field yesterday as the Titans breezed to a road victory against North Park.  I sat with a high school friend whose son plays football for Bethel and younger daughter attends NP. My friend compared NP to Hamline and Macalester.  NP, repeating history, has far too many underclassmen on the squad, and only eight seniors.  NP once again has more freshmen (57) than returning lettermen (47), according to the official media guide.  The young receiving corps dropped so many balls and seemed to cut short their routes.  Conway significantly misses Childress, no doubt.

I have an issue with IWU Coach Ish.  The best player on both teams, RB Maurice Shoemaker-Gilmore, ran the ball in the 4th qtr with IWU up 35-10.  Why is he in the game?  Your best player could get hurt against lower tier NP during a blowout.  Then Coach Ish decides to pass the pigskin when up 45-10 with 2 1/2 minutes left.  Low-class maneuvers.

[izzy stradlin]

After watching Wheaton's offense struggle for the 2nd consecutive week, I feel it necessary to expand on a few of your comments Mugsy. I'm completely baffled by the QB situation right now. Given that AB2 has now started the last 2 in a row, with only a brief cameo from JP11 in the Carthage game, it seems as if AB2 has been designated the starter. As I've stated before, I'm not a fan of any kind of rotation, be it intra-game or inter-game, so part of me is glad to see that a decision has seemingly been made...

...that said, I feel strongly that the wrong decision has been made.

Here are JP11's cumulative career stats:
Passing:  221 of 337    65.6%    2,864 yards    26 TD    9 INT    Yards/Attempt = 8.50    TD/Attempt = .077    INT/Attempt = .027
Rushing:  188 carries    892 yards    12 TD     Yards/carry = 4.75     TD/carry = .064

Here are AB2's cumulative career stats:
Passing:  170 of 292     58.2%    2,538 yards    22 TD    8 INT    Yards/Attempt = 8.69    TD/Attempt = .075    INT/Attempt = .027
Rushing:  157 carries    709 yards     8 TD      Yards/carry = 4.51     TD/carry = .051

Statistically, almost identical outside of the completion %. However, we all know there are many intangibles that go into leading an offense that go beyond the stats. This is where, IMO, Johnny Peltz separates himself. The offense just has a different feel when he's leading it. ..................It's time to go back to your SENIOR CAPTAIN.

I agree with what you are getting at about the intangibles and the play of a QBs teammates--there'a a reason they are not both captains--but that's hard to quantify.  In terms of numbers I think that completion percentage difference is huge.  That's 2-3 more in-completions that often happen on third down and end possessions.  In fact, I would venture that a difference in passing accuracy is more pronounced on third down.   In a game where Wheaton might have to come from behind (ie UWW last year with 50 pass attempts) that's 3-4 more in-completions from Bowers possibly with a similar number of possessions ended that wouldn't with Peltz. 

I try to give the Wheaton coaches the benefit of the doubt, and I think they believe Bowers speed ends up extending more possessions to make up for that difference?    While Bowers is faster, the numbers don't support their conclusion.

The pessimist in me says Swider is keeping Peltz and the real Wheaton offense under wraps until the Bell game.     

In 2014 Wheaton had a 5 or so "bad" wins with the offense looking below average with Reece Butler and Andrew Bowers playing quarterback to start the season.  Right before Bell week, Peltz took over at QB put up >30 pts against NCC and the offense didn't look back.   The pessimist in me says Swider keeps Peltz on the bench (some kind of reverse nepotism).  The optimist says Peltz gets the ball this week, Bowers speed gets on the field in the slot, and Wheaton doesn't look back.

[badgerwarhawk]

Wheaton is an outstanding team and would compete for a conference title in nearly every other conference in the country. .

Mat,

If you asked the North Central coaches, players, and any fans who know the difference between a football and a hockey puck, I think they will all tell you that they fully expect the Thundering Crusaders to compete for the CCIW conference title. They are just too talented not to. Did Wheaton really have that stinky of a game or did Elmhurst play above and beyond their usual capabilities?
NCC fully expects their game with WC to be a dogfight no matter who the Orange team QB might be. While the game is in Naperville, its only 8 miles from the Wheaton campus. There will probably be almost as many Wheaton fans there as NCC fans. So, yes, the NCC side is certainly expecting that Wheaton will be competing fiercely for the conference title.
The distinction being that, while they expect the Orange to compete for the title, they expect the Cardinals to be winning it.  🏈

In my effort to avoid some random OAC or WIAC poster from coming over and dropping a "try winning our conference with the Purple Power" post I didn't make myself clear, should have included the CCIW since we are the reigning champs you know.  Thanks for pointing out the error of my ways, AndOne!

Like I said, I'm confident they'll get this straightened out.

Random WIAC poster here.  FWIW when I read your comment my thought was that Wheaton would probably be very competitive and in the thick of things in the WIAC. 

[Neverwas]

After watching Wheaton's offense struggle for the 2nd consecutive week, I feel it necessary to expand on a few of your comments Mugsy. I'm completely baffled by the QB situation right now. Given that AB2 has now started the last 2 in a row, with only a brief cameo from JP11 in the Carthage game, it seems as if AB2 has been designated the starter. As I've stated before, I'm not a fan of any kind of rotation, be it intra-game or inter-game, so part of me is glad to see that a decision has seemingly been made...

...that said, I feel strongly that the wrong decision has been made.

Here are JP11's cumulative career stats:
Passing:  221 of 337    65.6%    2,864 yards    26 TD    9 INT    Yards/Attempt = 8.50    TD/Attempt = .077    INT/Attempt = .027
Rushing:  188 carries    892 yards    12 TD     Yards/carry = 4.75     TD/carry = .064

Here are AB2's cumulative career stats:
Passing:  170 of 292     58.2%    2,538 yards    22 TD    8 INT    Yards/Attempt = 8.69    TD/Attempt = .075    INT/Attempt = .027
Rushing:  157 carries    709 yards     8 TD      Yards/carry = 4.51     TD/carry = .051

Statistically, almost identical outside of the completion %. However, we all know there are many intangibles that go into leading an offense that go beyond the stats. This is where, IMO, Johnny Peltz separates himself. The offense just has a different feel when he's leading it. ..................It's time to go back to your SENIOR CAPTAIN.

I agree with what you are getting at about the intangibles and the play of a QBs teammates--there'a a reason they are not both captains--but that's hard to quantify.  In terms of numbers I think that completion percentage difference is huge.  That's 2-3 more in-completions that often happen on third down and end possessions.  In fact, I would venture that a difference in passing accuracy is more pronounced on third down.   In a game where Wheaton might have to come from behind (ie UWW last year with 50 pass attempts) that's 3-4 more in-completions from Bowers possibly with a similar number of possessions ended that wouldn't with Peltz. 

I try to give the Wheaton coaches the benefit of the doubt, and I think they believe Bowers speed ends up extending more possessions to make up for that difference?    While Bowers is faster, the numbers don't support their conclusion.

The pessimist in me says Swider is keeping Peltz and the real Wheaton offense under wraps until the Bell game.     

In 2014 Wheaton had a 5 or so "bad" wins with the offense looking below average with Reece Butler and Andrew Bowers playing quarterback to start the season.  Right before Bell week, Peltz took over at QB put up >30 pts against NCC and the offense didn't look back.   The pessimist in me says Swider keeps Peltz on the bench (some kind of reverse nepotism).  The optimist says Peltz gets the ball this week, Bowers speed gets on the field in the slot, and Wheaton doesn't look back.

I agree with giving the coaches the benefit of the doubt.  After all, they know the calls, correct reads and watch practice every day.  They see how both QBs interact with the team and lead.  We can only watch on Saturdays.  However, it is pretty remarkable that (what seems like) every Wheaton supporter believes the coaching staff is making the wrong pick... I find that very interesting.

I do not believe we will see Johnny on the field, under center, unless there is an injury of some sort to Bowers.  If this would have been posted in August I would never have believed you. 

[Neverwas]

As for next Saturday.  Not the best time to make a road trip to B-Town.  Wheaton finally got over the hump down there last year.  Here is to hoping they make it two in a row.  I wish they were going to Decatur instead...

USee hinted at it previously but I think the key for this offense is to line up and pound the ball.  Obviously, I am biased, but rankings and the past two years show Wheaton is bigger, stronger and flat out better than the competition.  I would love for them to play with that swagger on offense.  Lineup and come at a defense for four quarters with a power running game and some play action passing.  Bowers seems much better equipped to make plays happen with his feet outside the pocket in the mid to intermediate passing game.  Which would seem to play towards their strengths from a personnel standpoint.  A great TE and WR that might benefit from some misdirection. 

Defensively there is not much to say.  A better offense means fewer plays to defend.  That would be great.

Lastly, the Thunder need Gray back.  Kicking is going to cost them.  Missed PATs, FGs, a kick out of bounds... It is almost like were are reliving the JCU game from two years ago.  Not sure how much longer Swider can keep trotting out the PAT/FG unit before we get some one quoting the definition of insanity.

[matblake]

Wheaton is an outstanding team and would compete for a conference title in nearly every other conference in the country. .

Mat,

If you asked the North Central coaches, players, and any fans who know the difference between a football and a hockey puck, I think they will all tell you that they fully expect the Thundering Crusaders to compete for the CCIW conference title. They are just too talented not to. Did Wheaton really have that stinky of a game or did Elmhurst play above and beyond their usual capabilities?
NCC fully expects their game with WC to be a dogfight no matter who the Orange team QB might be. While the game is in Naperville, its only 8 miles from the Wheaton campus. There will probably be almost as many Wheaton fans there as NCC fans. So, yes, the NCC side is certainly expecting that Wheaton will be competing fiercely for the conference title.
The distinction being that, while they expect the Orange to compete for the title, they expect the Cardinals to be winning it.  🏈

In my effort to avoid some random OAC or WIAC poster from coming over and dropping a "try winning our conference with the Purple Power" post I didn't make myself clear, should have included the CCIW since we are the reigning champs you know.  Thanks for pointing out the error of my ways, AndOne!

Like I said, I'm confident they'll get this straightened out.

Random WIAC poster here.  FWIW when I read your comment my thought was that Wheaton would probably be very competitive and in the thick of things in the WIAC.

+k badger.  I'm going with, "I over thought it." 

[79jaybird]

While Wheaton certainly did not look pretty against Elmhurst, good teams find ways to win these tight games, vs. the spirited underdog.  When push came to shove, Wheaton didn't panic, stuck with their guns, and were able to make it happen.  Elmhurst played well defensively, and so did Wheaton.  But...  some of the "gaps" offensively for Elmhurst showed which we kind of expected going into the season.  Could the offense sustain enough to win the close battles against upper level teams.    But as a Jays fan, I like the fact EC didn't look intimidated knowing the Thunder were highly ranked and the history of McCully. 

[CardinalAlum]

Really looking forward to the Wheaton/IWU matchup this weekend.   Schedule definitely gives NCC a break with two weeks to prepare for Wheaton.   Not sure that has happened before.   Wheaton guys think this is a big deal?