FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[79jaybird]

I feel strong that Elmhurst is 1 of the top 3-4 teams in the CCIW, I am not saying it is "their" year, because I don't think it is "anybody's year.  I think all 8 teams have a shot.
I have felt strong about EC because their defense is very good.  Last week, Elmhurst's defense gave their offense a chance against Augie.  With Augie's offense, each and every team is going to give up yardage on offense.  The " I like our chances" is true, because the only game I feel is going to be a huge hill to climb is Wheaton later on in the year.
"After your loss to Augie at home I now disagree...."
I look at the EC/Augie game as execution and as I stated before, Augie executed, Elmhurst didn't which cost them 14 points in the red zone, hence the difference in the game.  Even good teams fail to execute some times.
Last thing-- before the season I looked at this year's team and thought they could be anywhere from 8-2--- 5-5.  Currently at 4-1 anything/everything could still happen, as could be said for Wheaton/Augie/NC/Carthage etc.

[79jaybird]

Wheaton/Augie,  here are some of my thoughts
Augie seems to be a strong 2nd half team, coming alive nicely vs. IWU and EC in the second half.  Similar to Elmhurst last week, I think the Augie offense will neutralize Studebaker's rushing ability and keep the Thunder's D honest.  I think Augie finds some gaps this way. 
I think another key is Kwasigroch.  Just when you think (yawn) it's another run, Kwasigroch seems to find an opening and make a big play.  This happened twice in our game last week, and both times it bit the Jays, because they were expecting a run.
I think Black is going to be the best runner on the field.  I think he is a major key for Wheaton. 
All in all, this one is a toughy to gauge.  Until Wheaton loses a game, I think you have to go with the Thunder.

[Da_Show]

I think alot of people mistake aguies losses for the sign of an average team.  They were growing pain losses.  New QB new identity.  Last year you knew every time you lined up they were gonna punch you in the mouth and say stop us.  THis year is different.  And I know Johnson doesn't call the plays on offense so i don't know where you got that info.  i would however question his judgement on starters. I mean this kid starting at tackle as a freshmen must really be something.  Also i think its great to see them open the offense up a little.  All in all like every year for the last well almost since the CCIW was started the road to the championship runs through Augustana.  They have been in a fight for it or won it since i can't remember when.  And i think with Wheaton coming to town for augies homecoming you;ll see something special out of this young group.  I have to pick Augie in a thriller.

[cardinaldad]

I believe NCC/Elmhurst will be a great game. Throw all the stats, etc., out. If my memory serves me correctly, 4 out of the last 5 years, the game was determined by the last possesion or even by the last play of the game. Elmhurst has improved each year. This should be a good one, with NCC winning, of course! I don't see them losing to Elmhurst at home.

[matblake]

All in all like every year for the last well almost since the CCIW was started the road to the championship runs through Augustana.  They have been in a fight for it or won it since i can't remember when.  And i think with Wheaton coming to town for augies homecoming you;ll see something special out of this young group.  I have to pick Augie in a thriller.

Augustana won a few CCIW titles from 1946 to 1979, but the arrival of Bob Reade really kicked off the domination the Vikings have experienced from that time.  

I think most of us were surprised, especially when dansand remarked on the early season tales of woe.  However, it appears as if the Vikings have progressively gotten better and better at what they do every year.  That also tells me that MacMurray was really that bad.  I really do think this really is a make a break game vs Augie for the Thunder.  The Vikings have something to prove, Wheaton cannot afford a let down.  

[matblake]

The following article is about Thor, the god of Thunder whom the Vikings worshipped.   

http://www.pantheon.org/articles/t/thor.html

[Comet 14]

Matblake- Sorry it took so long to reply. Having computer problems at home and I can only post during the day when I am suposed to be working. I have no problem with the segment Pretenderor or Contender. I actually gave it some more thought and Since I don't think Wheaton will lose more than one game ( if they even lose one ) I would name it Make or Break because the loser of this game is in my opinion near elimination from conference contention. As far as strength of wins I have no idea if the formula used is any good. I have only been posting in this board for a short time. I am going assume that like everthing else on this web site it is as good as possible.

[Comet 14]

My take on the Elmhurst/ North Central game is that Elmhurst will have to play it's best game so far this year to win this game on the road. They also need to throw the ball down field. I was not at the Augie game but from what I have read and heard they did not do this enough. That being said I have to be a homer here and say that they will play there best game and win this game 28-24.

[matblake]

Matblake- Sorry it took so long to reply. Having computer problems at home and I can only post during the day when I am suposed to be working. I have no problem with the segment Pretenderor or Contender. I actually gave it some more thought and Since I don't think Wheaton will lose more than one game ( if they even lose one ) I would name it Make or Break because the loser of this game is in my opinion near elimination from conference contention. As far as strength of wins I have no idea if the formula used is any good. I have only been posting in this board for a short time. I am going assume that like everthing else on this web site it is as good as possible.

Comet, no problem with you having a problem with the name.  From now on, Pretender/Contender (still in its infancy) will be known as Make or Break.  That is a fairer way of putting it.

The QOW is a measuring tool that becomes more effective as time goes on.  In fact, it is one of the criteria in the whole formula of who makes the playoffs.  Some see this area of the criteria as flawed, particularly because of the emphasis placed on regional games. 

Hope the computer issue clears itself up.  That stuff can be extremely frustrating.

[matblake]

Comet, just thought you might enjoy this as a newcomer to D3.  Qualifying for the playoffs can be a tricky thing to understand (it took me a while, the basketball ones can be even crazier).  Here are the FAQ's from the main page regarding the playoffs http://www.d3football.com/faq.php?question&category=Playoffs

[matblake]

Since I just noticed we went over 400 pages, +k for those on page 400

[Mugsy]

Since I just noticed we went over 400 pages, +k for those on page 400

Not only have we passed the NCAC board, we've left them in the dust.  Close to 40 pages behind now...  Of course that is in part due to my long, endless streams of drivel.     I like to hear myself type.

[ncc_cardinal_fan]

To this point Wheaton has been very successful at stuffing the run.  If Wheaton is able to continue this trend and reduce NCC's offense to one dimension (ie. the pass), then Wheaton can unleash their very strong, quick defensive line to pressure Kniss.  If Studebaker & Co. are in Kniss' face all day, the bell returns to Wheaton.

If Wheaton is able to rush for 130-150+ yards against NCC, they will continue their balanced offensive attack.

It was mentioned earlier, but in my book the key match up is NCC O-Line vs. Wheaton D-Line. 

I really feel that the game is going to come down to the NCC O-Line being able to handle what seems to be a very dominant Wheaton D-Line.

jaybird,
These are a few of the quotes from last week regarding the keys to the NCC game -  very similar to yours.  Turns out the NCC o-line did very well, with exception to Studebaker whom no one has stopped yet this year.

Mugsy, once again all over his best friend studebaker!!!

[CardinalAlum]

To this point Wheaton has been very successful at stuffing the run.  If Wheaton is able to continue this trend and reduce NCC's offense to one dimension (ie. the pass), then Wheaton can unleash their very strong, quick defensive line to pressure Kniss.  If Studebaker & Co. are in Kniss' face all day, the bell returns to Wheaton.

If Wheaton is able to rush for 130-150+ yards against NCC, they will continue their balanced offensive attack.

It was mentioned earlier, but in my book the key match up is NCC O-Line vs. Wheaton D-Line. 

I really feel that the game is going to come down to the NCC O-Line being able to handle what seems to be a very dominant Wheaton D-Line.

jaybird,
These are a few of the quotes from last week regarding the keys to the NCC game -  very similar to yours.  Turns out the NCC o-line did very well, with exception to Studebaker whom no one has stopped yet this year.

Mugsy, once again all over his best friend studebaker!!!

Hey, I'm Mugsy's best friend!

[Mugsy]

Hey, I'm Mugsy's best friend!

With friends like these, who needs enemies?