FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[CardinalAlum]

North Park's A.J. Harris and Matt Eck had to be in the conversation for player of the week as well.  Huge numbers for them both.

Per Gregory Sager:

"A.J. Harris had 11 catches for 245 yards, the third-highest total in Vikings history, and Matt Eck -- who didn't even get into the game until the last three minutes of the second quarter -- went 26-51 through the air for 426 yards, 3 TDs, and no INTs."

[Gregory Sager]

Yep, but we all know the rules: If you don't win your game or games, good luck winning POW.

I'm not complaining; I'm just recognizing that that's the way it is in the CCIW.

[Next Man Up]

North Park's A.J. Harris and Matt Eck had to be in the conversation for player of the week as well.  Huge numbers for them both.

Per Gregory Sager:

"A.J. Harris had 11 catches for 245 yards, the third-highest total in Vikings history, and Matt Eck -- who didn't even get into the game until the last three minutes of the second quarter -- went 26-51 through the air for 426 yards, 3 TDs, and no INTs."

Yep, but we all know the rules: If you don't win your game or games, good luck winning POW.

I'm not complaining; I'm just recognizing that that's the way it is in the CCIW.

As a "consolation," it is noteworthy that while neither Mr. Harris nor Mr. Eck won the CCIW POW, Mr. Harris was named as one of the WRs on the D3 National Team of the Week.

The student-athlete named as the QB on the National TOW Completed 29 of 46 passes for 378 yards and 5 TDs. Mr. Eck completed 26 of 51 for 426 yards and 3 TDs while only playing very slightly more than ONE HALF of his game—-only 3 less completions, 48 more yards, and 3/5s as many TDs in a couple of minutes more than just half the time.

[New Tradition]

Did John Thorne hit retirement before taking the NCC job?

Yes, he did.

[TrueGreen]

North Park's A.J. Harris and Matt Eck had to be in the conversation for player of the week as well.  Huge numbers for them both.

Per Gregory Sager:

As a "consolation," it is noteworthy that while neither Mr. Harris nor Mr. Eck won the CCIW POW, Mr. Harris was named as one of the WRs on the D3 National Team of the Week.

The student-athlete named as the QB on the National TOW Completed 29 of 46 passes for 378 yards and 5 TDs. Mr. Eck completed 26 of 51 for 426 yards and 3 TDs while only playing very slightly more than ONE HALF of his game—-only 3 less completions, 48 more yards, and 3/5s as many TDs in a couple of minutes more than just half the time.

As for the TOW QB...You can't leave out his rushing TD (making it 6 TDS on the day) and like you said "winning" is an unwritten rule for these awards and should be IMO.

(modified by GS for formatting)

[Pat Coleman]

North Park's A.J. Harris and Matt Eck had to be in the conversation for player of the week as well.  Huge numbers for them both.

Per Gregory Sager:

"A.J. Harris had 11 catches for 245 yards, the third-highest total in Vikings history, and Matt Eck -- who didn't even get into the game until the last three minutes of the second quarter -- went 26-51 through the air for 426 yards, 3 TDs, and no INTs."

Yep, but we all know the rules: If you don't win your game or games, good luck winning POW.

I'm not complaining; I'm just recognizing that that's the way it is in the CCIW.

As a "consolation," it is noteworthy that while neither Mr. Harris nor Mr. Eck won the CCIW POW, Mr. Harris was named as one of the WRs on the D3 National Team of the Week.

The student-athlete named as the QB on the National TOW Completed 29 of 46 passes for 378 yards and 5 TDs. Mr. Eck completed 26 of 51 for 426 yards and 3 TDs while only playing very slightly more than ONE HALF of his game—-only 3 less completions, 48 more yards, and 3/5s as many TDs in a couple of minutes more than just half the time.

It is generally of little consequence to us whether a team wins its game -- that doesn't affect their Team of the Week candidacy. Things that do:

• I find it very difficult to name defensive players when a team gives up a ton of points, especially in losses.
• I'm very big on completion percentage these days, so 29-for-46 at 63% is even low for us. 26-for-51 at 51% is really low.
• I also make sure to look at fumbles for ballcarriers.
• It has to be a really special performance for me to name more than one person from the same offense or defense to the team.

[TrueGreen]

It is generally of little consequence to us whether a team wins its game -- that doesn't affect their Team of the Week candidacy. Things that do:

• I find it very difficult to name defensive players when a team gives up a ton of points, especially in losses.
• I'm very big on completion percentage these days, so 29-for-46 at 63% is even low for us. 26-for-51 at 51% is really low.
• I also make sure to look at fumbles for ballcarriers.
• It has to be a really special performance for me to name more than one person from the same offense or defense to the team.

Awesome. That is great info. Thanks for the insiders view.

Question: If a couple players are close, does the "size/significance" of the game matter?  If you have 2 teams playing for a conference championship over 2 teams not at the top of their league, does that factor into the TOW selection?

[Pat Coleman]

Good question. I'm far more concerned about the level of the opponent than the level of the team a player who is up for consideration is on.

[markerickson]

After watching a thrilling second half comeback by Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry, I headed to North Park.  Bumped into an old friend and we chatted as it was halftime with NPU down 28-0.  The home team scored its first points late in the third quarter.  Coach Rooker decided to go for two!  WTF?  How does this make any sense? 

Three TDs and 3 successful 2 point conversions still require another TD as a FG would give you 27 points.

Please enlighten me, anyone, to understand the flawed "strategy."  Thanks in advance.

[Gregory Sager]

After watching a thrilling second half comeback by Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry, I headed to North Park.  Bumped into an old friend and we chatted as it was halftime with NPU down 28-0.  The home team scored its first points late in the third quarter.  Coach Rooker decided to go for two!  WTF?  How does this make any sense? 

Three TDs and 3 successful 2 point conversions still require another TD as a FG would give you 27 points.

Please enlighten me, anyone, to understand the flawed "strategy."  Thanks in advance.

It was 27-0, not 28-0. Carroll K Jacob Laurent kicked the PAT attempt wide right after the fourth Pioneers touchdown with 1:15 remaining in the second quarter.

(Also, NPU didn't score until the fourth quarter; the Eck-to-Oray TD pass occurred with 13:36 to go in the game.)

The strategy wasn't flawed; it was completely by-the-book. The fewer touchdowns required to get the score level, the better. Instead of pinning his team's distant hopes of forging a tie or a lead while down 27 points with less than a quarter left by playing for four touchdowns, Kyle Rooker played for a scenario that would involve three NPU touchdowns and a field goal, the catch being that the Vikings would also have to achieve success with three two-point conversions. In other words, 8 + 8 + 8 + 3 = 27.

[matblake]

After watching a thrilling second half comeback by Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry, I headed to North Park.  Bumped into an old friend and we chatted as it was halftime with NPU down 28-0.  The home team scored its first points late in the third quarter.  Coach Rooker decided to go for two!  WTF?  How does this make any sense? 

Three TDs and 3 successful 2 point conversions still require another TD as a FG would give you 27 points.

Please enlighten me, anyone, to understand the flawed "strategy."  Thanks in advance.

It was 27-0, not 28-0. Carroll K Jacob Laurent kicked the PAT attempt wide right after the fourth Pioneers touchdown with 1:15 remaining in the second quarter.

(Also, NPU didn't score until the fourth quarter; the Eck-to-Oray TD pass occurred with 13:36 to go in the game.)

The strategy wasn't flawed; it was completely by-the-book. The fewer touchdowns required to get the score level, the better. Instead of pinning his team's distant hopes of forging a tie or a lead while down 27 points with less than a quarter left by playing for four touchdowns, Kyle Rooker played for a scenario that would involve three NPU touchdowns and a field goal, the catch being that the Vikings would also have to achieve success with three two-point conversions. In other words, 8 + 8 + 8 + 3 = 27.

It's probably not a kicking problem, as the team is currently 9 of 11 on PAT attempts.  Interestingly enough (at least according to the online statistics) NPU has not attempted a field goal this year.

You're also trying to build confidence too.  Although North Park fans have been through repeated "rebuilds" this is still the start of Kyle Rooker's stint at the home of the Eastern Vikings in light of Covid and not necessarily having a complete team this past spring when they played.  You've finally just broken through on the scoreboard. While still iffy as far as the final outcome, you're trying to instill the belief in your players that you have confidence in them.

[USee]

Dear Opposing Offensive Coordinators,

Please stop trying to reach block Jake Holladay and Dallas McCrae. I have seen every team try this over the past 3 years with zero success. Was there a coaches convention where you all agreed this was a good idea or do you not watch tape? I am not sure I understand the strategy. Double team or block down and pull around are your best options. You can continue to try reach blocks at your own peril.

Sincerely,

A Concerned Observer

[TrueGreen]

Any excitement for anyone this week with the schedule?

NCC vs ELM
WHE @ CARR
WASH U @ AUGIE
CARTH VS NP
MIL @ IWU

The last one is the only one that is a toss up?!? Unless Carroll puts in the USee's Double Team blocks?!?

Great call by way. I haven't seen any film of them, but it is interesting to know how many coaches want to "run their stuff" vs the guys that will adapt each week to an opponent's strength.

[Gregory Sager]

After watching a thrilling second half comeback by Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry, I headed to North Park.  Bumped into an old friend and we chatted as it was halftime with NPU down 28-0.  The home team scored its first points late in the third quarter.  Coach Rooker decided to go for two!  WTF?  How does this make any sense? 

Three TDs and 3 successful 2 point conversions still require another TD as a FG would give you 27 points.

Please enlighten me, anyone, to understand the flawed "strategy."  Thanks in advance.

It was 27-0, not 28-0. Carroll K Jacob Laurent kicked the PAT attempt wide right after the fourth Pioneers touchdown with 1:15 remaining in the second quarter.

(Also, NPU didn't score until the fourth quarter; the Eck-to-Oray TD pass occurred with 13:36 to go in the game.)

The strategy wasn't flawed; it was completely by-the-book. The fewer touchdowns required to get the score level, the better. Instead of pinning his team's distant hopes of forging a tie or a lead while down 27 points with less than a quarter left by playing for four touchdowns, Kyle Rooker played for a scenario that would involve three NPU touchdowns and a field goal, the catch being that the Vikings would also have to achieve success with three two-point conversions. In other words, 8 + 8 + 8 + 3 = 27.

It's probably not a kicking problem, as the team is currently 9 of 11 on PAT attempts.  Interestingly enough (at least according to the online statistics) NPU has not attempted a field goal this year.

That's true, but the reason why is pretty mundane: Prior to last Saturday, the Vikings were never in a position in which a FG attempt would've been the best available choice on a fourth down. The closest FG attempt that NPU could've tried in the first four games on a drive that either featured a successful fourth-down play or ended due to a loss of possession on downs would've been a 55-yard attempt against Bethel -- and a 55-yard FG attempt ain't happening anytime soon for North Park. (The longest FG in North Park history was Art Anderson's 50-yarder all the way back in 1967.)

You're also trying to build confidence too.  Although North Park fans have been through repeated "rebuilds" this is still the start of Kyle Rooker's stint at the home of the Eastern Vikings in light of Covid and not necessarily having a complete team this past spring when they played.  You've finally just broken through on the scoreboard. While still iffy as far as the final outcome, you're trying to instill the belief in your players that you have confidence in them.

Yep, very true ... although the primary reason to go for two following the Oray TD catch is that, if you're Kyle Rooker, you've seen your offense move the ball well against Carroll for an entire quarter at that point with Eck at the helm, so you figure that your chances of scoring three eight-point TDs and a FG over the remaining 13:36, while farfetched, is still within the realm of possibility.

Getting back to the "best available choice" thing as it pertained to the entire game, NPU finally did have some opportunities in which a FG attempt would've been a viable decision. In the third quarter of Saturday's game, when facing a 4th-and-5 from the CU 7 with a little over eleven minutes remaining in the quarter, Kyle Rooker could've elected to attempt a 24-yarder, and when facing a 4th-and-5 from the CU 29 he could've elected to attempt a 46-yarder with a little over two minutes left in the quarter. In both of those cases, you could argue that the team was down 27-0 and could've used the morale boost of putting points, any points, on the scoreboard. I don't know what the ranges are for either Michael Messersmith or Carson Blatchford, but I'm guessing that 46 yards might be pushing it for either one of them. But in the earlier situation, in which the Vikings coughed up the football on downs at the Carroll 7, you can make a good case that a FG attempt would've been a better choice than what ensued instead, an incomplete pass. But here we go back to your point about a coach instilling the belief in his players that he has confidence in them. The Vikings started that drive on their own 26, and in 11 plays they'd gone 67 yards, making it one of the longest sustained drives they'd manufactured all season. That seems to me to be the perfect time as a head coach for you to let your young offense know that you believe in them.

[Gregory Sager]

Any excitement for anyone this week with the schedule?

NCC vs ELM
WHE @ CARR
WASH U @ AUGIE
CARTH VS NP
MIL @ IWU

NPU @ Carthage is interesting in that Carthage is Kyle Rooker's former school. There are Firebirds on the current roster that Kyle recruited and coached as Carthage's OC. While I think that NPU is a decided underdog -- Massey has the Firebirds an 82/18 favorite, with the final score predicted as Carthage 41, North Park 24 -- it wouldn't be the upset of the century, or anything like that.

Incidentally, as long as I'm at it, here's the full Massey forecast:

Wash U 69%, @ Augustana 31%	(Wash U 27, Augustana 20)
Wheaton 87%, @ Carroll 13%	(Wheaton 38, Carroll 19)
@ Carthage 82%, NPU 18%	(Carthage 41, NPU 24)
@ NCC 100%, Elmhurst 0%	(NCC 45, Elmhurst 6)
@ IWU 63%, Millikin 37%	(IWU 34, Millikin 28)