FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

washdupcard · September 10, 2006, 10:14:24 AM

I'm curious to hear from a Cardinal fan who was at the game. What was the tone like? Was NCC truely getting blown off the ball both ways or were they just not executing?

CardinalAlum · September 10, 2006, 10:25:42 AM

Wash'd,

The Cardinals came out very tentative. They didn't seem ready to play. Kniss didn't seem to have his normal poise early. These things tend to happen playing your first game of the year against a team that has already played. The defensive line didn't seem to have much of a push. It seemed like they never practiced against the old wing-T counter. CUW ran that with huge success. Special teams were lousy. If that's what Thorne is in charge of, he better reevaluate quick. I'm not ready to throw the towel in, but I am looking for improvements in week 2 from the defense and special teams. Also, a second receiver has to step up. Hopefully the boys down the road(Benedictine) catch a whipping next week.

washdupcard · September 10, 2006, 10:29:23 AM

How can you play a wing-T team and not prepare for the counter? Its the entire offense!

CardinalAlum · September 10, 2006, 11:52:21 AM

Quote from: BluPhi35 on September 08, 2006, 02:48:44 PM
they throw the ball just as much they run, believe that!

You were saying Bob Marley? 9 passes hardly qualifies as a balanced team!

CardinalAlum · September 10, 2006, 12:15:13 PM

Quote from: falcsfb on September 10, 2006, 11:59:27 AM
The cardinals were flat-out out matched. CUW ran right over them. Even with all the help from the Refing crew. The phantom catch for NC on the sideline on 3rd and 20. The bogus holding calls on CUW's touchdown and big gaines, the "incedental" facemask that pulled a CUW player almost to the ground. You know were going to run and you have to stop us so I'm not sure how you can be underprepared. NC is a great team CUW is just better. That was one of the best games I have ever seen. Good luck on the rest of the season to NCC.

Whoa, easy there big fella! The Cardinals were not "out matched". Losing in double overtime hardly qualifies as being outmatched! CUW is a very good team from a VERY weak conference. Having one game under their belt was a huge advantage for them. They ran the ball very well. My hat is off to them for coming in to Naperville and leaving with a victory.

CardinalAlum · September 10, 2006, 12:20:57 PM

Quote from: falcsfb on September 10, 2006, 11:59:27 AM
That was one of the best games I have ever seen.

I guess you haven't seen that many good games!

FalconsFootball · September 10, 2006, 12:27:04 PM

My hats off to NCC they are a very good team. I just felt they got too much help from the guys in stripes that helped keep them in the game at some very crucail moments. I felt they were outmatched because CUW rushed for 350 yards but NCC hung in and thats what good teams do. I agree having a game under your belt is a big advantage; but so is having an extra week to prepare for a team and scout them in person. I take nothing away from NCC i think they will win the CCIW. Sorry if I came off like a jerk. Just excited about a big win.

FalconsFootball · September 10, 2006, 12:28:01 PM

I mean in person. Have you seen a lot of double OT games in person?

CardinalAlum · September 10, 2006, 12:30:38 PM

Quote from: falcsfb on September 10, 2006, 12:28:01 PM
I mean in person. Have you seen a lot of double OT games in person?

I have seen my fair share, but good point!

FalconsFootball · September 10, 2006, 12:35:52 PM

Who do you guys have next?

CardinalAlum · September 10, 2006, 12:48:19 PM

Benedictine. Hopefully we can get on the right track. Good luck to your team! They were tough!

FalconsFootball · September 10, 2006, 12:50:08 PM

Same to you. Benedictine will be a good game te get back on track They are pretty weak.

washdupcard · September 10, 2006, 01:05:14 PM

Falcs,

Please don't blame the closeness of the game on the officiating. That is beneath the tough game that was played last night and beneath the effort and strife exhibited by both teams. There are horrible calls in every D-III game. CUW played better and thus won the game. NCC tried to turn it around and failed. The officiating did not have anything to do with it.

FalconsFootball · September 10, 2006, 02:10:01 PM

I'm not trying to take anything away from the hardfought game. It was awesome to see two very good teams play a great game. However, there were some pretty darn questionable calls. I'll shut up now. good luck to the cards this season it should be a good one for you.

Uncledudley · September 10, 2006, 02:43:44 PM

I sat there last night watching the game between the birds and had to chuckle about NCC's head coaches comments that this years line is the best he has had in the years that he has been there. I didn't see it last night. I think NCC is in for a long season. They sort of remind me of my beloved Packers. A heck of a QB and not alot of help.