FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Mugsy]

I don't think we should overlook Mount Union's special teams.  They seem to excel in that area every year.  Seems like every year they are blocking punts, returning punts & kickoffs, etc...  Special teams, along with Mount's ability to generate key turnovers, leads to a shorter field, which they often translate into points in a hurry.

[usee]

on next year, i haven't had a chance to look over who has what returning but here are a couple observations:

-ncc are at a point where they let us know if they are for real (as in contenders each year) or not. they lose their best players (kniss and poss spencer excepted). if their program is to stay elite they will need to show they can reload and not rebuild. keep in mind, they still haven't won a conference title.

-carthage had a fall off. we will know for sure next fall if they are rebuild/reload as well

-wheaton will come back strong and should contend for the title if chupp can overcome whatever it was ailing him this year

-augie-i have no idea what augie returns

-elmhurst has an opportunity to make a run this coming year in my view. they have a good coach and many returning players (10 starters back on defense). I think they could pull a carthage and contend for the title. it is good to see them have some continuity with young players returning. journall has them moving in the right direction.

-millikin, iwu i have no idea

-np is in trouble, still/again.

[Mugsy]

-ncc are at a point where they let us know if they are for real (as in contenders each year) or not. they lose their best players (kniss and poss spencer excepted). if their program is to stay elite they will need to show they can reload and not rebuild. keep in mind, they still haven't won a conference title.

I thought Kniss was only a junior this year.

[ncc58]

It is not likely that any school would be against a medical redshirt for any scholar-athlete. That would be seemingly be against the ideals of Div-III.

NCC should be ok on offense with Kniss and spencer returning. They will lack leadership on the defensive side of the ball. NCC will still be competitive but may have trouble returning to the top 25.

[FormerCard]

-ncc are at a point where they let us know if they are for real (as in contenders each year) or not. they lose their best players (kniss and poss spencer excepted). if their program is to stay elite they will need to show they can reload and not rebuild. keep in mind, they still haven't won a conference title.

I thought Kniss was only a junior this year.

mugsy, he was saying that Kniss and possibly spencer WOULD be back next year.

[Mugsy]

mugsy, he was saying that Kniss and possibly spencer WOULD be back next year.

Ah, yes... in my haste I missed a single word - "except"

[usee]

formercard-see, we do understand each other's unspoken language! 

[washdupcard]

Midwest FB,

Don't you think your making a pretty bold statement about NCC not returning to the top 4 next year.  You act like they are losing their whole team and starting from scratch.  NCC retains a significant portion of their talent and have young talented players who have to step it up.  This is what occurs in successful programs.

NCC will be fine next year.  I have full confidence in Thorne and his staff.  Some of the defensive loses are going to hurt, but they will definitely compete for the conference title again next year. 

I'm curious who saw the Augie/Mt Union game, and if anyone thinks NCC may have faired better against the Raiders.

[FormerCard]

formercard-see, we do understand each other's unspoken language! 

Maybe you could boost my Karma for that one...thanks buddy

MidwestFB-  NC returns the OPOY, conference leader in receptions per game(and that isnt even spencer who might get another year), 4 of 5 O-Line, and 6 on defense, including an all-conference safety and the conference leader in sacks (total season stats).   Plus with the momentum of this past year and the way it has helped recruiting, NC is going to be in the top 4 next year competing for the CCIW championship.

I even heard Reggie Bush is thinking about passing on the NFL,  and transferring to NC because he is sick of winning NCAA titles @ the D1 level and wants to win one at the D3 level........just what i heard

[augiedogie]

Formercard:

I think Reggie Bush already started to play D3 ball this past weekend at MUC.


As for if NCC had a chance against MUC this past weekend:

I've only seen NCC play once this year when it rained and NCC wasn't able to hit on all cylinders because of it,  but I honestly don't think NCC would have done much better against MUC.  It is hard to tell because MUC didn't throw the ball much, (only passing 10 times while completing 8), but they didn't have to because they were able to run all over Augie's D. The way their line manhandled Augie's, it would have been tough for anybody to stop MUC's run.  MUC's secondary wasn't tested at all by Augie, so again it is difficult for to say how NCC would have done.  It would have been a road game for NCC where they wern't as dominant as they were at home (falling behind to Elmhurst 21-14 and to Augie 17-0 ).  Overall, I don't know many of teams that could have beat MUC on Saturday.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Formercard:

I think Reggie Bush already started to play D3 ball this past weekend at MUC.

I KNEW I'd seen that Kmic kid somewhere before!

[Redmen96]

Hey Guys

  I sent this rough draft of a new helmet design to Coach Rucks and the AD Bonn.  It is hard to tell on this page but the C has trailing flames.  Don't wan't to change but I guess we have to.  Remember it is just a rough draft let me know what you think of the Idea.

[augiedogie]

i'd vote for the new helmet

[Redmen96]

If anyone wants I can e-mail a larger picture so there is less distortion and you can get a better look.  (Joe Bear, Johnny, Billy, ect.)  or any one else of course.

[b4uknewit]

Redman96-- It's awesome! should have purple flames though