FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[robertgoulet]

I'm not sure about the past with NCC and Wheaton, but it seemed that this game had a little bit more bite to it than just losing a round,  which is bad enough, The NCC announcers, who were pretty good at the call, seemed deflated...is there something more to this loss than ending their playoff run?

I'm sure USee can do a much better job of breaking it down than I can, but the short of it is that they are long-time conference and geographic (7 miles apart) rivals. Since 2005 I think there has only been 1 year where they weren't both in the Top 3 (on a technicality, Wheaton was tied with 3 other teams for 3rd) of the CCIW and in 10 of those 12 years one of them has won the conference.

[lmitzel]

I'm not sure about the past with NCC and Wheaton, but it seemed that this game had a little bit more bite to it than just losing a round,  which is bad enough, The NCC announcers, who were pretty good at the call, seemed deflated...is there something more to this loss than ending their playoff run?

I'm sure USee can do a much better job of breaking it down than I can, but the short of it is that they are long-time conference and geographic (7 miles apart) rivals. Since 2005 I think there has only been 1 year where they weren't both in the Top 3 (on a technicality, Wheaton was tied with 3 other teams for 3rd) of the CCIW and in 10 of those 12 years one of them has won the conference.

I'd add in the fact that NCC won the regular season matchup by pretty much controlling that whole game. The role reversal, combined with the hollowness of hanging onto the Little Brass Bell while Wheaton won the game that matters, probably accounts for some of it too.

[CardinalAlum]

I'm not sure about the past with NCC and Wheaton, but it seemed that this game had a little bit more bite to it than just losing a round,  which is bad enough, The NCC announcers, who were pretty good at the call, seemed deflated...is there something more to this loss than ending their playoff run?

I'm sure USee can do a much better job of breaking it down than I can, but the short of it is that they are long-time conference and geographic (7 miles apart) rivals. Since 2005 I think there has only been 1 year where they weren't both in the Top 3 (on a technicality, Wheaton was tied with 3 other teams for 3rd) of the CCIW and in 10 of those 12 years one of them has won the conference.

I'd add in the fact that NCC won the regular season matchup by pretty much controlling that whole game. The role reversal, combined with the hollowness of hanging onto the Little Brass Bell while Wheaton won the game that matters, probably accounts for some of it too.

"Pretty much controlling that whole game"?  Did you see the 2nd half? 

[USee]

A big factor in this rivlary is the the reality that John Thorne took this program from literally nowhere to national prominence. In doing so over his 13 years at the helm they basically dominated every team in the CCIW and John Thorne had a CCIW record of 70-15. Wheaton is the only team he had a losing record to in his NCC career and 7 of his only 15 conference losses to the Thunder. Even more pointed is Thorne's record from 2005, when they really had a stretch of dominance, where he was 64-6 in conference and 5 of those losses were to Wheaton. Jeff Thorne has only lost to Wheaton in his 2 years (1-2 now) in conference.

The seniors graduating this year, prior to last week's game, were 2-2 against Wheaton so Saturday's playoff match was the rubber match for these seniors.

I think it's fair to say, from what I have heard, that Wheaton's players let out a noticeable yell when the bracket was revealed that showed they would get another shot at NCC.

So, yes, there was a little more edge to the game last Saturday as a lot of tradition and legacy was at stake for many of the players on both sides.

[robertgoulet]

A big factor in this rivlary is the the reality that John Thorne took this program from literally nowhere to national prominence. In doing so over his 13 years at the helm they basically dominated every team in the CCIW and John Thorne had a CCIW record of 70-15. Wheaton is the only team he had a losing record to in his NCC career and 7 of his only 15 conference losses to the Thunder. Even more pointed is Thorne's record from 2005, when they really had a stretch of dominance, where he was 64-6 in conference and 5 of those losses were to Wheaton. Jeff Thorne has only lost to Wheaton in his 2 years (1-2 now) in conference.

The seniors graduating this year, prior to last week's game, were 2-2 against Wheaton so Saturday's playoff match was the rubber match for these seniors.

I think it's fair to say, from what I have heard, that Wheaton's players let out a noticeable yell when the bracket was revealed that showed they would get another shot at NCC.

So, yes, there was a little more edge to the game last Saturday as a lot of tradition and legacy was at stake for many of the players on both sides.

See, I KNEW it!

[DFWCrufan]

Thanks for the backstory...two CCIW teams facing in a playoff second round.. Nice...

[Mugsy]

A big factor in this rivlary is the the reality that John Thorne took this program from literally nowhere to national prominence. In doing so over his 13 years at the helm they basically dominated every team in the CCIW and John Thorne had a CCIW record of 70-15. Wheaton is the only team he had a losing record to in his NCC career and 7 of his only 15 conference losses to the Thunder. Even more pointed is Thorne's record from 2005, when they really had a stretch of dominance, where he was 64-6 in conference and 5 of those losses were to Wheaton. Jeff Thorne has only lost to Wheaton in his 2 years (1-2 now) in conference.

The seniors graduating this year, prior to last week's game, were 2-2 against Wheaton so Saturday's playoff match was the rubber match for these seniors.

I think it's fair to say, from what I have heard, that Wheaton's players let out a noticeable yell when the bracket was revealed that showed they would get another shot at NCC.

So, yes, there was a little more edge to the game last Saturday as a lot of tradition and legacy was at stake for many of the players on both sides.

Watch the first 30 seconds of the highlights from last week with the volume turned up.  It shows the entire team watching the playoff bracket announcements. 

When it is announced that Wheaton is in the playoffs and will play Huntingdon in the 1st round there is a smattering of applause.  You just made the playoffs!  Most people would expect the team to go crazy?!!??!   5 seconds later they announce the next pairing of the bracket representing possible next round match-ups.  As soon as North Central College goes up the team just went bananas.  Shows how much the opportunity to show they are a better team than how they played during the Bell game meant to Wheaton.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOgkyIQ44oc

[robertgoulet]

A big factor in this rivlary is the the reality that John Thorne took this program from literally nowhere to national prominence. In doing so over his 13 years at the helm they basically dominated every team in the CCIW and John Thorne had a CCIW record of 70-15. Wheaton is the only team he had a losing record to in his NCC career and 7 of his only 15 conference losses to the Thunder. Even more pointed is Thorne's record from 2005, when they really had a stretch of dominance, where he was 64-6 in conference and 5 of those losses were to Wheaton. Jeff Thorne has only lost to Wheaton in his 2 years (1-2 now) in conference.

The seniors graduating this year, prior to last week's game, were 2-2 against Wheaton so Saturday's playoff match was the rubber match for these seniors.

I think it's fair to say, from what I have heard, that Wheaton's players let out a noticeable yell when the bracket was revealed that showed they would get another shot at NCC.

So, yes, there was a little more edge to the game last Saturday as a lot of tradition and legacy was at stake for many of the players on both sides.

Watch the first 30 seconds of the highlights from last week with the volume turned up.  It shows the entire team watching the playoff bracket announcements. 

When it is announced that Wheaton is in the playoffs and will play Huntingdon in the 1st round there is a smattering of applause.  You just made the playoffs!  Most people would expect the team to go crazy?!!??!   5 seconds later they announce the next pairing of the bracket representing possible next round match-ups.  As soon as North Central College goes up the team just went bananas.  Shows how much the opportunity to show they are a better team than how they played during the Bell game meant to Wheaton.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOgkyIQ44oc

The exact opposite of how I felt when I saw that Wheaton was probably looming in Rd 2.

[USee]

What a great video Mugsy. Well, at least for Wheaton fans....

[New Tradition]

Does anyone know if the Wheaton game from Saturday has archived video anywhere?

Video from home games would be available via Wheaton website, however this game was in Naperville.  Game streaming for North Central games is through local cable station (http://www.nctv17.com/).  It may be available there.  I'll check later, unless someone else finds it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1YSf7GZNr8

Ah.  Beat me to it.  Apologies for the color commentary. 

[New Tradition]

I'm not sure about the past with NCC and Wheaton, but it seemed that this game had a little bit more bite to it than just losing a round,  which is bad enough, The NCC announcers, who were pretty good at the call, seemed deflated...is there something more to this loss than ending their playoff run?

Thanks for the compliment!  Deflated at the end?  Just had high hopes that were dashed by a fantastic performance from the Thunder. 

[DFWCrufan]

Not deflated in a sore loser kinda of way, not knowing the backstory between the two, it was as though something bigger just took place. I Didn't have a clue about the bell..or the previous matchup... It wasn't a knock or a shot at ya, I could just tell there was more to the game than a loss.

By they way, the guys did a great job on the commentary, ya'll put on a first class broadcast, I've watched it twice now.

[USee]

The game this week in Belton is a big deal for Wheaton from a recruiting standpoint. Wheaton has pretty consistently been recruiting in Texas for the last 15+ years. Mike Swider has gone down there at least a couple times a year for as long as I can remember. He has made some great relationships in TX and Wheaton usually has 5-10 players from TX on their roster (6 this year I believe). Having a game there is a big recruiting bonus for the Thunder. I am sure they will have a much bigger crowd than would be usual for a round 3 opponent flying in from out of town. Regardless of the outcome, this is a big deal for the Wheaton program.

[crufootball]

The game this week in Belton is a big deal for Wheaton from a recruiting standpoint. Wheaton has pretty consistently been recruiting in Texas for the last 15+ years. Mike Swider has gone down there at least a couple times a year for as long as I can remember. He has made some great relationships in TX and Wheaton usually has 5-10 players from TX on their roster (6 this year I believe). Having a game there is a big recruiting bonus for the Thunder. I am sure they will have a much bigger crowd than would be usual for a round 3 opponent flying in from out of town. Regardless of the outcome, this is a big deal for the Wheaton program.

Happy to hear that we can expect a good crowd of Wheaton supporters. I will echo that sentiment in that I am in Belton and have come across a couple of people already who are coming to the game because of some Wheaton connection.

Safe travels to everyone coming down and see you on Saturday.

[DFWCrufan]

Or USee it could be a showcase for UMHB to recruit good ol' Texas boys to take a look at Mary Hardin-Baylor..  Either way, if Wheaton uses this to their recruiting then that is smart thinking, Your in town, Your in a Quarterfinal, your playing a top tier program and can look really good. Interesting note, UMHB only recruits in Texas, we have had only two players on varsity who came outside the state, one from Washington D.C. (Duane Thompson) and Ajay Fenaynay from Riverside CA. Otherwise they are all central Texas boys, not even North Texas, which surprises me since North Texas produces the great great football programs at the HS level. But if you consider, no travel home in another state for thanksgiving and other holidays, just a hour or so away, As seniors they can see how their prospective school is doing and even go to games on your own, local coaches know the program and they play the Texas Smash mouth style of play Coach Fred likes.
This game has a TON of interest from other programs as well, Southwestern University (Who is joining the ASC next season) many of their juniors are going to attend.. I also imagine HSU and maybe even ETBU could have coaches or players attend, just to see this matchup. You'll see that other school, you know our baby brother (Baylor University) there will be baylor green being worn there too...Cru fans sort of treat them like our crazy cat lady aunt... oh look who's here...As we get closer this is shaping up to be a great matchup, Wheaton is quick, gonna have to work to keep that quickness in check or they can put the hurt on us...So good on the Wheaton coaching and recruiting staff..