FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[RRocker]

After outmaneuvering Hurricane Dorian to slip into Newport News, VA, the NCC Cardinals also outmaneuvered the home town Christopher Newport Captains to post a 43-13 season opening win. In rolling to the victory, the Cardinals racked up 508 total yards while allowing CNU just 212. They also forced 3 turnovers, and registered 4 quarterback sacks.

NCC All-America QB Broc Rutter completed 27 of 36 passes for 369 yards. Included in those 27 completions were 3 that went for touchdowns. The 3TDs were the 90th, 91st, and 92nd of Rutter's career, and set a new all-time career record for TD passes, surpassing the previous record which had stood since 2007.

One area definitely needing improvement is the kicking game as the Cardinals missed a relatively easy FG, and 2 PATs. That performance won't fly vs. superior opposition, and could easily cost a game.

Kudos to CNU for always trying to fill the schedule with top notch opponents. It's the only way to measure where you are. Unfortunately, the first game of the year is always tough, and especially against teams like NCC. They weer big and fast. Even the crazy travel didn't deter them.

CNU has a ways to go to return to the top 25 and higher. But we are making strides. Our coach is just starting his 3rd year after taking over for a CNU legend. I think the program overall is on the right track. 

I did meet with the President of NCC and chatted a bit. Very down to earth guy. Was good chatting with him for a bit. I just may make the return trip next year.

NCC President Troy Hammond attended the women's volleyball tournament which lasted until about 9:00 last Friday night. On Saturday morning he and Rick Spencer, NCC VP of Institutional Advancement, got up at 4:30 AM to catch a flight to Newport News, VA in order to attend the NCC @ CNU football game.
Very nice to have a President who naturally promotes the academic advancement of the College first, but who is also strongly supportive of its athletic endeavors as well. 

Indeed. For any program to be successful it must have administrative support from the top. This definitely shows he's "all in".  I know our President, a former US Senator, attends many games at home and on the road. He's been to ST Louis to watch the women's Volleyball team in the National Finals. This past basketball season I drove to the final four in Ft Wayne to cheer on the Captains. There he was. And I think he was probably at the women's soccer final four last year too,  but I don't know for sure. Since he took over at CNU in 1996 he has completely changed the culture and campus. There have been approx $1.5 Billion (with a B) in infrastructure additions and improvements. CNU is consistently ranked near the top by all he rankings. Princeton review, poet and quants, US News, etc.

After I met with your President and was at home, I looked him up. When I saw his background I was thinking, "no way that's the same guy I just met in jeans". So I found a picture of him (there's not one in his bio at NCC. Yep, that was him. If I make the trip to NCC next year, I will reach out to him as his last words to me were, "we would love to host you".

I may just do that. I'd love to see the famous at NCC and see what his vision is for NCC. Hint.....he took pictures of the CNU marching band and said he was showing your Provost!! 

From my 5 minute exposure my 8moression is they NCC is on the move and in good hands.

Little late replying but, was able to get to the CNU-NCC game.  Wanted to give a big kudos to the CNU community.  Everyone was there was great.  Very good showing by the NCC crowd.  I was there in the parking lot when Rick and Troy pulled up.  Great commitment by our administration to support athletics.  They basically headed right back to the airport after the game. Look forward to hosting CNU next year.

[wheels81]

You changed the question. I said they won't contend if they turn it over and I was challenged with that idea. I don't think it's likely they turn it over 7x a game though they did lead the league in turnovers last year at 2.3 per game I believe. It's clear they are trying to run an uptempo offense to try and run more plays. That's a good strategy with the makeup of their offense as they run a ton of RPO and can control the Time of possession, limit their defenses exposure, and get more plays for their playmakers.

They ran 102 plays on Saturday. Typical is usually around 70 plays. So if they run 50% more plays than a year ago, is it a stretch to think their turnovers go up by 50%?

The original statement I made is still pretty safe....IWU won't contend if they turn it over 5+ a game.

I like comparing apples to oranges so here goes.    IWU is to football as Grinnell is to Basketball?

[devildog29]

You changed the question. I said they won't contend if they turn it over and I was challenged with that idea. I don't think it's likely they turn it over 7x a game though they did lead the league in turnovers last year at 2.3 per game I believe. It's clear they are trying to run an uptempo offense to try and run more plays. That's a good strategy with the makeup of their offense as they run a ton of RPO and can control the Time of possession, limit their defenses exposure, and get more plays for their playmakers.

They ran 102 plays on Saturday. Typical is usually around 70 plays. So if they run 50% more plays than a year ago, is it a stretch to think their turnovers go up by 50%?

The original statement I made is still pretty safe....IWU won't contend if they turn it over 5+ a game.

I like comparing apples to oranges so here goes.    IWU is to football as Grinnell is to Basketball?

With 50 rushing attempts for 179 yards?  Not exactly Air-Raid offense. 

[Titan Q]

Pantagraph article about the IWU/Wheaton game...

https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-wesleyan/iwu-out-to-make-amends-again-with-wheaton-in-cciw/article_a691012e-f395-5836-871b-37341105390c.html

Despite the crazy awful turnovers, I came away from the IWU/UW-La Crosse game feeling like the Titans are a really good team that can play with anyone.  Before the opener I knew the offense would be good, but the RB spot was a big question -- and then sophomore transfer Hamid Bullie (D2 Virginia State/Loyola Academy) rushed for 177 yards.  Bullie looked to me like a future CCIW star.  In all of my years watching the Titans, I can't think of an IWU squad with more offensive talent top to bottom than this one. 

I was pleasantly surprised last week with IWU's defense.  The Titans lost several key players from last year, and their defensive coordinator, but they looked great vs the Eagles.  IWU has all-conference talent across each level of the defense and the Titans looked big, physical, and athletic to me on the stream last week.

IWU's kicker situation is something to key an eye on.  Senior K Patrick Tata is injured and freshman Jonathan Rukujzo bailed the Titans out last week - 3 for 3 PAT, 2 for 2 FG. 

I don't know anything about Wheaton's 2019 team, but I'll assume the Thunder are the Thunder.  I have to believe the game tonight will be extremely close.  If IWU doesn't do a bunch of things to hurt themselves I think the Titans will be hard to beat.

IWU has both Wheaton and NCC on the road (Wash U at home).  Realistically, the Titans have to win tonight to contend for a third consecutive CCIW title.

I had an emergency appendectomy Thursday so I am locked and loaded on my excuse for having to be home tonight, "resting" with CCIW football. Go Titans!

[Gregory Sager]

I don't know about the rest of the league, but today's Millikin @ NPU game is being threatened by the weather. We've got predictions of thunderstorms all throughout the afternoon here on the North Side.

I'm bringing a good book along just in case I get stuck in the press box during a lengthy lightning delay.

[USee]

I watched IWU last week and came away impressed. They are really good at all the skill positions.  Wheatons hopes will depend on controlling the Line of Scrimmage, something they didn't do a year ago in Bloomington.  Wheatons DLine has 2 AA type players and their offense will feature TJ Williams who I have been told has a chance to be the best Wheaton has ever had at RB.  If that's true, that's strong praise and will require a Herculean effort up front to open holes against an IWU front that did a pretty good job stopping the run last week.

If the Thunder can control the LOS and run the ball with the PGOAT that's the formula for tonight. I actually expect a low turnover game from both teams.

Greg, what's the Good Book? 

[Titan Q]

I watched IWU last week and came away impressed. They are really good at all the skill positions.  Wheatons hopes will depend on controlling the Line of Scrimmage, something they didn't do a year ago in Bloomington.  Wheatons DLine has 2 AA type players and their offense will feature TJ Williams who I have been told has a chance to be the best Wheaton has ever had at RB.  If that's true, that's strong praise and will require a Herculean effort up front to open holes against an IWU front that did a pretty good job stopping the run last week.

If the Thunder can control the LOS and run the ball with the PGOAT that's the formula for tonight. I actually expect a low turnover game from both teams.

Greg, what's the Good Book? 

I predict the Titans will not win if they turn it over 7 times.

[matblake]

Pantagraph article about the IWU/Wheaton game...

I had an emergency appendectomy Thursday so I am locked and loaded on my excuse for having to be home tonight, "resting" with CCIW football. Go Titans!

Hope you're ok Q. If you're on any lifting restrictions how long will they last?

As far as Wheaton v IWU, I can never figure this game out and I suppose that's how it is between two good programs. IMO Wheaton defensively  needs to keep any broken plays from occurring. Solid tackling and keeping contain on the edge will be essential. I also hope Wheaton finds its offensive identity. Will they try to be the sweep team they tried against IWU last year or the power team that brought them success later on? Should be a good one.

[CardinalAlum]

Halftime in St Louis:

NCC——27
WashU-13

NCC mostly dominating but a blocked FG returned for a TD, a deflected interception and some stupid penalties have kept this closer than it should be.

Rutter:
26-31-1    293 yards and 4 TD's at halftime

[Titan Q]

Final:

Wheaton 24
IWU 10

IWU is a really good team, but the better team won tonight -- Wheaton has a chance to have a big season.

TJ Williams is really a special player.  The Titans just couldn't handle him in the 1st half, and that sort of set the tone for the rest of the game.  The adjustments IWU had to make defensively to contain him created a lot of other opportunities for the Thunder.

And Wheaton has a strong defense.  IWU's offense is pretty elite and the Titans could not move the ball tonight.

This looks like the great Wheaton teams of a few years back w/ a lot of difference makers on both sides of the ball.  I think overall NCC is a little better, but it's close...and the NCC/WC game is at Wheaton.  I consider it a toss-up between NCC and Wheaton. 

I do not think IWU or Wash U can contend with NCC and Wheaton...but I think both are Top 25 teams.  The top of the CCIW is great this year.

[gryfalia]

And Wheaton has a strong defense.  IWU's offense is pretty elite and the Titans could not move the ball tonight.

Now if we could just cough up the ball carelessly a bit less.  I was kinda scared in the first half, but with the rain somehow Wheaton got better at holding onto it.

[Dr. Acula]

I was very impressed with the Wheaton defense tonight.  They were flying around.  And #54 is a beast on the D line.  He was the best player on the field tonight IMO.  And that's saying something because #32 looked great toting the rock.  That kid makes his cut and gets to full speed in a blink.  Wheaton looks like Wheaton of old. 

[Titan Q]

I was very impressed with the Wheaton defense tonight.  They were flying around.  And #54 is a beast on the D line.  He was the best player on the field tonight IMO.  And that's saying something because #32 looked great toting the rock.  That kid makes his cut and gets to full speed in a blink.  Wheaton looks like Wheaton of old.

#32 is a special player.

[Dr. Acula]

One other thing...if I'm an IWU fan and I watch my team burn not one but two timeouts on 4th and a half yard only to put Bauer in the shotgun and get stuffed on a QB run?  Well, I would have poured the stiffest drink I could find immediately.  That was so demoralizing.

[Titan Q]

One other thing...if I'm an IWU fan and I watch my team burn not one but two timeouts on 4th and a half yard only to put Bauer in the shotgun and get stuffed on a QB run?  Well, I would have poured the stiffest drink I could find immediately.  That was so demoralizing.

It wasn't good, but for the most part the game felt over before that anyway.

And I didn't mind the play call.  It probably works for a yard most of the time.  Wheaton had a couple guys make big-time plays to completely blow that up.

That whole sequence highlighted the fact Wheaton beat IWU badly on the lines all game long.  IWU obviously didn't feel like they could go under center and hand the ball off for one yard.