FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[CardinalAlum]

Not to burst anyone's bubble but NCC is likely going to win this easily. Aurora has no answer for Ethan Greenfield and a running QB and that keeps Zimbleman and Co. off the field. When he is in, the experienced NCC secondary will limit his damage.

NCC 54
AU 21

I've learned over the years never to doubt him!  Cards by a bunch!

[cciwman]

Not to burst anyone's bubble but NCC is likely going to win this easily. Aurora has no answer for Ethan Greenfield and a running QB and that keeps Zimbleman and Co. off the field. When he is in, the experienced NCC secondary will limit his damage.

NCC 54
AU 21

Agreed.  I return to St. John's ability to score on Aurora despite not really being very sound on offense.  Yes NCC has a new QB, but they are lethal around him and the new dude can fly.  I believe Terrance Hill is a stud and as someone said earlier this week, would start at all other schools.  He showed big upon surprise return last year in the Mount Union second half after Greenfield went out. 

[robertgoulet]

28-0 NCC early in 2nd quarter. Different level.

[RFMichigan]

28-0 NCC early in 2nd quarter. Different level.

It's hard to describe how easy NCC is making this look.

[robertgoulet]

NCC 64
Aurora 7


That was something.

[USee]

Not to burst anyone's bubble but NCC is likely going to win this easily. Aurora has no answer for Ethan Greenfield and a running QB and that keeps Zimbleman and Co. off the field. When he is in, the experienced NCC secondary will limit his damage.

NCC 54
AU 21

I've learned over the years never to doubt him!  Cards by a bunch!

Sorry I was a little off! Yikes.

[lmitzel]

I was prepared to see a fairly easy win at B-W tonight... but I did not expect that level of dominance.

That semi-important game next week ought to be fun.

[USee]

Aurora has skill guys but they simply don't have the horses up front to compete with the top tier right now. St Johns as better but is young in the trenches on both sides, which is why (IMO) it was closer. Next week's Bell game is much more equal in the trenches. I expect a war.

[Gregory Sager]

Carroll dispatched Benedictine down in the southwest suburbs this evening, 35-24.

[Stagg Again!!]

NCC 64
Aurora 7


That was something.

https://www.d3football.com/awards/all-americans/2021-preseason

NCC Defense looked good tonight against the D3 Pre-Season 1st Team All American QB who threw for 341 yds, 5 TDS, and 0 INTs last week against St. John's (tonight 136/0/2).  Looking forward to seeing how the D holds up against the Crusaders next week.

[hazzben]

Ok NCC, we see you 😳🤯

[Next Man Up]

NCC 64
Aurora 7


That was something.

28-0 NCC early in 2nd quarter. Different level.

It's hard to describe how easy NCC is making this look.

North Central just toyed with the team ranked #21 in the country.
The Cardinals freshman quarterback vastly outplayed the Aurora Senior pre season 1st team All-American QB.
Three different backup NCC RBs scored TDs in the fourth quarter.
The Cardinals missed facing former teammate Cam Moore who transferred to Aurora to be a difference making WR, but appeared to be used only to return kickoffs.
NCC will need at least an equally impressive performance next week vs the mighty Thunder Makers in Wheaton.

[Next Man Up]

Not to burst anyone's bubble but NCC is likely going to win this easily. Aurora has no answer for Ethan Greenfield and a running QB and that keeps Zimbleman and Co. off the field. When he is in, the experienced NCC secondary will limit his damage.

NCC 54
AU 21

I've learned over the years never to doubt him!  Cards by a bunch!

Sorry I was a little off! Yikes.

You're slipping USee.   

[WashedUpCard]

A couple of observations of tonight's game:

1. Luke Lehnen.  Wow.  I don't care how many practices he has had with the team to date.  It was his first collegiate game in front of 4,700 people - he had to be nervous.  He forced some throws (especially to Kamienski in the end zone - but that's understandable) but also dropped some dimes.  I think he will only get better from here.  I'm sooo happy he is a Cardinal.  13 of 24 for 264 yards and 3 TDs... that's pretty impressive for the first time out.

2. The Cardinals have an embarrassment of riches at the skilled positions.

3. I know it is only one game but I think this defense is better than the 2019 version.

4. I'm really impressed by the play of many of the freshman.  Definitely a sign of good recruiting but also a sign of outstanding coaching.  The future of the NCC program looks extremely bright.

5. I can't help but wonder how good St. John's is this year based upon what I saw tonight.   

Aurora has skill guys but they simply don't have the horses up front to compete with the top tier right now. St Johns as better but is young in the trenches on both sides, which is why (IMO) it was closer. Next week's Bell game is much more equal in the trenches. I expect a war.

I would expect that every player in the NCC locker room understands that the competition next week is MASSIVELY better than what they faced tonight.  At first blush, I think the game next week will be a defensive slugfest.  And NCC's chances will hinge on Lehnen's ability to make some big time throws when the game is on the line.  That's a lot to shoulder as a freshman but welcome to Bell Week.

[WashedUpCard]

Just for fun, I looked up Rutter's first game in a Cardinal uniform (9/3/2016 vs. Robert Morris)...  16 of 26 for 288 and 4 TD's with 1 INT.