FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[USee]

Wheaton's defense, one of the top 3 in the country in 2019, returns 7 of 8 up front including the reigining DPOY Dallas McRae. They also got a D2 transfer at the vacated DE spot, so if he pans out, the front 7 will be as strong as ever. The back end is where I have concerns. Losing Sigler(not returning), Kennedy (graduated), and Rowland (Mich State walkon) leaves some serious question marks back there.

Offensively they have 3 starting OL returning along with their RB, TE's, QB and 1 WR with some good young talent in the ranks. It will be a work in progress but a solid group to start with.

Overall my question marks are in the defensive secondary, OL and to a lesser extent WR. I think there is talent there for all those spots and every other spot has national talent returning.

Though not as strong as they could have been had 2020 happened, I think this could be a top 4 team with a shot to win it all or they could slip a little depending on the question marks.

[USee]

Millikin just posted their 2021 roster (sans freshmen) and it has just 39 players. They had almost 60 eligible to return this fall from their 2020 roster and closer to 70 from their 2019 roster. Hope it's not a sign of the times.

Millikin's Roster (before freshmen are added) has 3 WR, 2 RB's and 1 QB.

[Thunderdome21]

Wheaton's defense, one of the top 3 in the country in 2019, returns 7 of 8 up front including the reigining DPOY Dallas McRae. They also got a D2 transfer at the vacated DE spot, so if he pans out, the front 7 will be as strong as ever. The back end is where I have concerns. Losing Sigler(not returning), Kennedy (graduated), and Rowland (Mich State walkon) leaves some serious question marks back there.

Offensively they have 3 starting OL returning along with their RB, TE's, QB and 1 WR with some good young talent in the ranks. It will be a work in progress but a solid group to start with.

Overall my question marks are in the defensive secondary, OL and to a lesser extent WR. I think there is talent there for all those spots and every other spot has national talent returning.

Though not as strong as they could have been had 2020 happened, I think this could be a top 4 team with a shot to win it all or they could slip a little depending on the question marks.

Just found out that 1st team all-conference (2019) WR Adam Terrini is coming back!  With Terrini's speed to stretch the field, that makes Wheaton's offense even more dangerous.

You are right that the big question mark for the Thunder is their secondary.  From what I hear, Caleb Egbert has one of the corner spots locked down.   At the other corner will probably be Josh Shafley (he looked really good in spring practices) although Ryan Lavanchy could beat him out. 

The safety positions are the big mystery to me.  I'm guessing Caleb Grotelueschen will be one of them (he had 2 interceptions in 2019 as a backup)
Luke Gammichia will probably be the other one (moving back to safety) especially since Daniel Herber is coming back at the SAM.  Gammichia is too talented not to be starting   

[Titan Q]

The Titans do not have their 60+ incoming FR on the roster yet.  There are 93 returning players listed.

https://www.iwusports.com/sports/football/roster/2021


It's possible some of the 153 guys have to play JV.

[Gregory Sager]

[BIG BLUE BEN]

Millikin just posted their 2021 roster (sans freshmen) and it has just 39 players. They had almost 60 eligible to return this fall from their 2020 roster and closer to 70 from their 2019 roster. Hope it's not a sign of the times.

Millikin's Roster (before freshmen are added) has 3 WR, 2 RB's and 1 QB.

Millikin Update: USEE got me nervous but I have confirmed that Millikin is returning all 22 starters from last year's team (Very close group of Seniors and they all made it work so they could make a run at a CCIW title). Would not pay to much attention to the roster bc Millikins is never correct even when the season starts lol. With that sais, this team is well aware that this is going to be Millikin's best team since 2017.
On top of that they also get back RB #6 Severado. Who missed all of the 2020 season for eligibility. He is only 5'6 but rushed for an impressive 4.7YPC (143carries|678 yards|5TDS and has apparently been in the gym over the last 2 years preparing for this moment.

Team Preview
Can you all hear it? If you listen closely, down in Decatur you can hear the winds of change beginning to pick up rapidly! As I am sure we all are, I couldn't be happier for CCIW football filled Saturdays and just everything that comes with a new season no matter who we root for. Although the last 2 years have been strange to say the least, I do not expect the talent/play to drop off whatsoever because of the lack of games in recent months. With that said, I actually expect many of the teams to be deeper and more experienced due to the large # of 5th year seniors.  In what came as a pleasant surprise to me, Millikin is returning all seniors from last years team. Returning 22 starters from a team that got to see dozens of pratics along with 3 CCIW games. Millikin showed they can run the ball and rumor is they have added several freshman/transfer OL that have day 1 talent. A 5th year starting QB who returns ALL American Coltoon Lockwood along with 2 other WR's that are poised for potential ALL conference seasons (#7 nutel/#4 ). Iv said it before and Ill say it again, NOBODY has blocked more punts (and its not even close) than Coach Dan Gritti of Millikin in the CCIW since his arrival in 2016 adding 3 more blocked punts (and 2 TDs) this spring.I dont want to open a fresh wound but ill just reference the Wesleyan game in Decatur this past spring. The Millikin Srs are a very tight class and they will create a special belief almost the underclassman that will win them close games next year. I'll say this, I don't think there is another coach in the conference that wants to be in a tight game against Millikin since  Gritti's arrival in 2016. COACH GRITTI IS 12-2 in one possession games (includes upset Wheaton, Wesleyan, Augy, Wash U) (Losses Wash U 49-42; Carthage 53-50).
- Coach Gritti 24-19 (4 seasons) Achievements (beaten everyone except NC) (UPSET #13 Wheaton/Ended 10yr losing streak to IWU, Beat Augy & IWU in same season for first time since 2001/Is 2-1 vs Wash U)

Offense Returning starters 11 (Expect a top 3 QB statically in CCIW)
QB- Cal Porhte
- Started 13 games and has improved each step of the way. Expect the see the best version of himself this fall. Great decision maker, will stand in the pocket and takes hit to deliver good ball but also possesses a slightly above average ability to escape/move the pocket. Inaccuracy, was a big area for improvement for Porthe but this is a kid who is totally invested in leading.preparing this team to compete at a championship level. Expect to see an even more confident and accurate Cal this year entering the second season in the new Offensive scheme bolstered by his entire receiving core and O-line. (Not mentioning freshman/transfers that I am sure will be in the mix.
RB- Return on Severado/solid freshman that got quality experience in Spring.


WR- Expect to see a top 3 WR unit in CCIW
ALL- American Colton Lockwood- no introduction needed
#7 Nutal
#4 ROEDL
#82 Cooper (5th year 30+ starts)

Oline- expect an experienced above CCIW average unit. I think it will be a top 4 OLines in the CCIW. All 5 starters returning and at least 2 transfers that will make an impact right away.




Defense
Starters returning 11

Top 3 Dline
Gritti's best Dline he's ever had, they will lead CCIW in sacks AND tackles for a loss.

- [ ] They will have their most size ever up front along with having the most speed at the same time. Gritti's D lines are most effective when they are 7-8 man deep. Barring any unforeseen injuriees, this will be the deepest most talented Dline in a long long time in Decatur. There is confirmation on a transfer DT 6'3 280LB stud who will start day 1... who could prove to be a huge problem for anyone planning on running inside zone. Inside and outside zone as a hole has proven to be ineffective against Gritti's constantly stunting Dline. Now that Gritti finally gets to field an experienced talented D sense I expect them to be a top 3 overall Defense who gives up a lot of yards but not a lot of points bc they force a lot of TO and create tackles for loss. I also expect the passing defense to be much improved but still the weakness of the Defense if we had to chose a unit.
- [ ] The LB core will be an All conference 5th year along with 2 other backer who combine for 30 career starts. Depth at LB is something to focus on but if they can stay healthy they will be fringe second team ALL conference guys.



Kicking- It appears Gritti finally signed a true kicker/punter. A kid who kicked in HS at a good program, great leg and is only playing football (kicking and punting) great news. Hopefully he can kick lol.


Prediction: Millikin 8-2 3rd place gets a bid to Bowl Game!


The biggest difference this year, opposed to 2017 will be that the Defense will highlight this group. 

[WUPHF]

Coach Gritti 24-19 (4 seasons) Achievements (beaten everyone except NC) (UPSET #13 Wheaton/Ended 10yr losing streak to IWU, Beat Augy & IWU in same season for first time since 2001/Is 2-1 vs Wash U)

Washington University has only completed two seasons in the CCIW.

That 2019 loss on Senior Day was a heartbreaker.

[Gregory Sager]

North Park has released its list of 2021 newbies. It consists of 58 freshmen and four transfers, which is the biggest haul of incoming players that I can remember the Vikings program ever having. (I'd have to look at past posts to be sure, but I think that NPU hit the high 50s a couple of times early in the Pethtel era.) Kyle Rooker and his staff are to be congratulated.

The presser makes a fuss out of the geographical diversity of these 62 players, which is good, since geographical diversity is absolutely vital for NPU football. But I'm a lot less interested in the two players from Ireland and the player from Germany than I am in the seven players from Texas and the three from Florida. Past experience tells me that the players that NPU recruits from the Lone Star State and the Sunshine State tend to be among the best that they have on the roster.

Of course, it's all tempered by the fact that it's very rare for freshmen to be outstanding college football players. This is a sport in which physical development is of maximum importance, and there's typically a world of difference in terms of physique and athletic ability between an 18-year-old football player and a 21-year-old football player. In other words, this huge class: a) isn't likely to have much of an impact upon North Park's performance in 2021; and b) will, as always, be a truly good class on the field only if it has a good retention rate in subsequent years.

[CardinalAlum]

Millikin just posted their 2021 roster (sans freshmen) and it has just 39 players. They had almost 60 eligible to return this fall from their 2020 roster and closer to 70 from their 2019 roster. Hope it's not a sign of the times.

Millikin's Roster (before freshmen are added) has 3 WR, 2 RB's and 1 QB.

Millikin Update: USEE got me nervous but I have confirmed that Millikin is returning all 22 starters from last year's team (Very close group of Seniors and they all made it work so they could make a run at a CCIW title). Would not pay to much attention to the roster bc Millikins is never correct even when the season starts lol. With that sais, this team is well aware that this is going to be Millikin's best team since 2017.
On top of that they also get back RB #6 Severado. Who missed all of the 2020 season for eligibility. He is only 5'6 but rushed for an impressive 4.7YPC (143carries|678 yards|5TDS and has apparently been in the gym over the last 2 years preparing for this moment.


Defense
Starters returning 11

Top 3 Dline
Gritti's best Dline he's ever had, they will lead CCIW in sacks AND tackles for a loss.

- [ ] They will have their most size ever up front along with having the most speed at the same time. Gritti's D lines are most effective when they are 7-8 man deep. Barring any unforeseen injuriees, this will be the deepest most talented Dline in a long long time in Decatur. There is confirmation on a transfer DT 6'3 280LB stud who will start day 1... who could prove to be a huge problem for anyone planning on running inside zone. Inside and outside zone as a hole has proven to be ineffective against Gritti's constantly stunting Dline. Now that Gritti finally gets to field an experienced talented D sense I expect them to be a top 3 overall Defense who gives up a lot of yards but not a lot of points bc they force a lot of TO and create tackles for loss. I also expect the passing defense to be much improved but still the weakness of the Defense if we had to chose a unit.
- [ ] The LB core will be an All conference 5th year along with 2 other backer who combine for 30 career starts. Depth at LB is something to focus on but if they can stay healthy they will be fringe second team ALL conference guys.

I will take the Wheaton D Line....

[USee]

I applaud the Millikin enthusiasm and I would like nothing better than for the Big Blue to take a step up into the top of the conference. It would be a great thing for our conference. I do think Millikin is going to be good on defense, especially if all the folks you say are returning actually come back.

In 2019 Millikin averaged 9.6 TFL in 10 games (96 total), the best in the conference I believe. Wheaton averaged 8.6 TFL (112 total). Millikin averaged 2.7 sacks per game (27 total) and Wheaton average 3.05 (40 total). Millikin is more of a stunting defense so TFL against runs are more common. Wheaton plays a read and react (except McRae who just goes) so it makes sense.

In terms of the top guys returning:

Millikin:
Jaqan Harrell 13.5 TFL/4 sacks
Jordan Telez 11 TFL/7 sacks
Ryan Wimmer 9 TFL/3 sacks
Total:   33.5 TFL/14 sacks (10 games)

Wheaton:
Dallas McRae 18.5 TFL/8.5 sacks
Jake Holiday 15 TFL/5.5 sacks
River Shindledecker 12 TFL/7 sacks
Total:  45.5 TFl/ 21 sacks (10 games)

[HAMBO]

I am a true fan of the CCIW and the "posters" on this board show their team spirit in classy manner. It was good to see some more input from the Millikin side of things.  Obviously Big Blue Ben (hereafter referred to as B3 for short) and USee have some inside Big Blue info to share.  Please keep it coming.
     Incidentally, I recently took a group of friends to "Amishland" in Arthur and went through Decatur on the way.  As we passed the Millikin campus they wanted a quick campus tour and were amazed at what they saw.  Words like Awesome and Gorgeous were expressed.  The campus is for real with the color and architecture for the new buildings similar to the other buildings.  The whole campus is so well landscaped and maintained.  The new baseball and softball fields are unique to a Division 3 school ... all with artificial turf and excellent accommodations.  Being adjacent to a beautiful and large park is also helpful to the atmosphere.
     Now back to football -- the comments by B3 and USee about talent are encouraging to Big Blue fans.  However, I am still concerned about depth especially at the "skill positions".  For example, it is dangerous to have only one returning QB and to be dependent upon a freshman as backup.  It will be interesting to see the whole roster when it includes freshmen and transfers.  However, as indicated, Millikin is slow to release roster information so please share your knowledge.
     Thank you B3 nd USee for keeping us informed and, hopefully, encouraging others to do the same.

[CardinalAlum]

I am a true fan of the CCIW and the "posters" on this board show their team spirit in classy manner. It was good to see some more input from the Millikin side of things.  Obviously Big Blue Ben (hereafter referred to as B3 for short) and USee have some inside Big Blue info to share.  Please keep it coming.
     Incidentally, I recently took a group of friends to "Amishland" in Arthur and went through Decatur on the way.  As we passed the Millikin campus they wanted a quick campus tour and were amazed at what they saw.  Words like Awesome and Gorgeous were expressed.  The campus is for real with the color and architecture for the new buildings similar to the other buildings.  The whole campus is so well landscaped and maintained.  The new baseball and softball fields are unique to a Division 3 school ... all with artificial turf and excellent accommodations.  Being adjacent to a beautiful and large park is also helpful to the atmosphere.
     Now back to football -- the comments by B3 and USee about talent are encouraging to Big Blue fans.  However, I am still concerned about depth especially at the "skill positions".  For example, it is dangerous to have only one returning QB and to be dependent upon a freshman as backup.  It will be interesting to see the whole roster when it includes freshmen and transfers.  However, as indicated, Millikin is slow to release roster information so please share your knowledge.
     Thank you B3 nd USee for keeping us informed and, hopefully, encouraging others to do the same.

Good post!  It is great to have some Blue representation!  Hoping we get more representation of all schools in the conference!  I'm sure there are many lurking.  Take that first step.  This is one of the more easy going rooms.  There is some good natured banter that goes on during the season for sure. 

[New Tradition]

I am a true fan of the CCIW and the "posters" on this board show their team spirit in classy manner. It was good to see some more input from the Millikin side of things.  Obviously Big Blue Ben (hereafter referred to as B3 for short) and USee have some inside Big Blue info to share.  Please keep it coming.
     Incidentally, I recently took a group of friends to "Amishland" in Arthur and went through Decatur on the way.  As we passed the Millikin campus they wanted a quick campus tour and were amazed at what they saw.  Words like Awesome and Gorgeous were expressed.  The campus is for real with the color and architecture for the new buildings similar to the other buildings.  The whole campus is so well landscaped and maintained.  The new baseball and softball fields are unique to a Division 3 school ... all with artificial turf and excellent accommodations.  Being adjacent to a beautiful and large park is also helpful to the atmosphere.
     Now back to football -- the comments by B3 and USee about talent are encouraging to Big Blue fans.  However, I am still concerned about depth especially at the "skill positions".  For example, it is dangerous to have only one returning QB and to be dependent upon a freshman as backup.  It will be interesting to see the whole roster when it includes freshmen and transfers.  However, as indicated, Millikin is slow to release roster information so please share your knowledge.
     Thank you B3 nd USee for keeping us informed and, hopefully, encouraging others to do the same.

Good post!  It is great to have some Blue representation!  Hoping we get more representation of all schools in the conference!  I'm sure there are many lurking.  Take that first step.  This is one of the more easy going rooms.  There is some good natured banter that goes on during the season for sure.

It HAS been a minute since we've had someone seriously shake things up on this board.  Someone should turn heel this season to keep things spicy!   

[USee]

Elmhurst has posted their 2021 roster. 65 players (sans freshmen) including 7 graduate students and 25 seniors.

[USee]

WashU has posted their 2021 roster: 123 including freshmen. 1 GR, 2 Srs, 31 Jrs, 37 So, 37 Fr