FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Mugsy]

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

I know, I know... everyone is sick of my expounding on how awesome Studebaker is.  But if he were on NCC's team, I'd bet he'd be your best friend too.

[matblake]

Not only have we passed the NCAC board, we've left them in the dust.  Close to 40 pages behind now... 

Fortunately for us, they will probably start a new topic for the Monon Bell Game, otherwise I am pretty sure they would be competing with the MIAC board, then again probably not.  You have to check that page every hour or so to keep up, otherwise you are wading through 10 pages of posts just to catch up.

[zorbadagreek]

I hope that the Carthage/NP game is better than last weeks results versus Millikin. My buddies son plays for the Vikings and they dont look good at all. The offense was atrocious and their defense wasnt very far behind. To their credit, it was a close one at half. They may have their hands full this weekend versus Carthage. 

[Gregory Sager]

Zorba, as I said at the beginning of the season NPU is going to have to measure its success in incremental steps forward from game to game. Two weekends ago the Vikings were in the North Central game for a quarter and change. Last weekend they were in the Millikin game for a half. I suppose that it makes sense for the next incremental improvement for NPU to be either: a) staying in the game a ways into the third quarter against Carthage this coming weekend; or b) staying in the game for a half against Carthage if the Red Men turn out to be a better team than Millikin.

[ncc58]

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

I know, I know... everyone is sick of my expounding on how awesome Studebaker is.  But if he were on NCC's team, I'd bet he'd be your best friend too.

Last year, I was down at the field before the game and noticed Mugsy's best friend. He looked to be quite the physical specimen, so I figured that he must be a stiff (otherwise why would he be playing Div III). But he showed very good mobility. Then, I learned he was just a sophomore. Oh drat. Good thing he only plays NCC once a year. I figured then he would be terorrizing CCIW teams for three more years. So far, he's been underperforming. No reason he shouldn't have 5-6 sacks per game. Right Mugsy?

[Mugsy]

Last year, I was down at the field before the game and noticed Mugsy's best friend. He looked to be quite the physical specimen, so I figured that he must be a stiff (otherwise why would he be playing Div III). But he showed very good mobility. Then, I learned he was just a sophomore. Oh drat. Good thing he only plays NCC once a year. I figured then he would be terorrizing CCIW teams for three more years. So far, he's been underperforming. No reason he shouldn't have 5-6 sacks per game. Right Mugsy?

Well he very nearly did against NCC last week.  3 sacks and 5 hurries (meaning Kniss had to throw it or take a sack).   

[usee]

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!

actually studebaker is now only mugsy's second best friend. His (and mine) best friend now is the offensive tackle from NCC. In fact, Studebaker likes that guy too.

[79jaybird]

"For Elmhurst to win in Naperville, they have to play their BEST game ever." 
I disagree.  Elmhurst walked into Kenosha first week of the CCIW and was able to knock off previously undefeated Carthage.  They are also 2-0 on the road this year. 
I think as long as Elmhurst plays fundamentals and doesn't turn the ball over (very important!) the Bluejays have a great shot to win the game.  IMO, North Central is about the same level as Carthage.
I do agree that Elmhurst has to open up the playbook and throw the ball to their receivers more often.  This is what kills me from last week. Their quick slants to Young or Cooley Jr. were working, and they shyed away from it     
I am looking forward to Saturday's game.  Somebody mentioned it earlier and it is true, that 4 of the last 5 years have boiled down to execution in the 4th quarter.

Carthage/NPU--  Talked to Coach Rucks today and we discussed this matchup.  While we both agreed that Carthage should not have too much trouble, Coach Rucks told me about NPU always playing the Redmen tough.
I still think this one is a runaway.

[TitanBacker]

Hmmm, Wheaton vs. Augie...I like that matchup but I really think that Wheaton runs away with it.  I know Augie is starting to fire on all cylinders but from what I've heard about Wheaton so far, i fear that the boys from Rock Island will end up on the losing end by at least 2 TDs.

I haven't heard much from the Titan camp this week.  I hope doubt hasn't crept into their minds and they are already writing off the season as a loss.  It's still tough for me to say anything about that team because they play very well against a ranked Coe team and tough Carthage team but just can't finish games.  Are these boys missing the killer instinct?

As far as Millikin and IWU battling it out in the "Route 51 shootout" or the "Corn Bowl" i think it all depends on if IWU can finish the game.  I'd love to see them get their first win in conference and I believe taht if they play for 4 quarters like they did for 3 against Carthage, that IWU brings a W home against Millikin.  Just my thoughts though.  Anyone else?

[wheels81]

What a shock to play Augie when its not the middle of Nov., snow covering the "cow pasture" and hovering at freezing or below. 
Kind a anti climatic to play augie so early but should be the final "test" for Wheaton unless Elmhurst can keep it up.
I think studebaker should also be credited with a tipped/blocked/defended pass as well. 
Good to see that my "whining" hasn't hurt TOW selections for Black and Studebaker.

[matblake]

IMO, North Central is about the same level as Carthage.

I have to disagree with you on this one jaybird.  If I compare Carthage and North Central I get the Cardinals being the better team.  NC lost in double overtime to Concordia/Wis., a team that has scored 244 points and only given up 60 with 24 of those being to North Central.  The Cards and the Redmen both beat up on weak teams (Benedictine and Whittier). Carthage defeated Lakeland which is undefeated in IBC play, but Lakeland has given up more points than it has scored (125 PF /146  PA) in addition Carthage squeaked by Carroll which is currently in the bottom half of the MWC.  Carthage also does not have as much offensive fire power as evidenced by its 106 points scored.  Granted, North Central has surrendered 20 more points, but they have scored 67 more points  (173 PF/90 PA).    

[FormerCard]

i am not a friend of studebaker, but must say he is a heck of a player.  Does the SID or coach from the school have to nominate the player for Team of the week, or does d3football.com management (aka pat coleman) go and search.  The reason I ask is because as an NC fan, I dont think we have had many players on the TOW even after turning in stellar performances.

 Now it is time for the attack from someone who doesnt like Shakira.....

[Comet 14]

Jaybird- I think you need to read my post again. I said they had to play there best game this year not ever. I still feel that they have to play a little bit better than they played against Carthage because I feel that North Central is better than Carthage. Just my opinion. That being said I do think they can win but not if they don't force turnovers.

[ncc58]

i am not a friend of studebaker, but must say he is a heck of a player.  Does the SID or coach from the school have to nominate the player for Team of the week, or does d3football.com management (aka pat coleman) go and search.  The reason I ask is because as an NC fan, I dont think we have had many players on the TOW even after turning in stellar performances.

  Now it is time for the attack from someone who doesnt like Shakira.....

The only NCC players worthy of consideration this season have been Kniss and Stuedemann. Last season, many NCC players were recognized, as you had Kniss, Spencer, Holden, Stuedemann, and Radtke. Some players, such as the Sulos, are building up name recognition, and you could see both of them recognized in the next three years.

[Mr. Ypsi]

i am not a friend of studebaker, but must say he is a heck of a player.  Does the SID or coach from the school have to nominate the player for Team of the week, or does d3football.com management (aka pat coleman) go and search.  The reason I ask is because as an NC fan, I dont think we have had many players on the TOW even after turning in stellar performances.

 Now it is time for the attack from someone who doesnt like Shakira.....

My understanding is that a player has to be nominated.  I seem to recall someone wondering why Mt Union players were rarely if ever on the team, and someone responding that Larry Kehres refuses to single out individual players 'since it's a TEAM game'.