FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Jim Matson]

Here are some stats to help us see the differences between Mt. St. Joe and Wheaton.  By the way, these are not too different than the stats were in 2004 (comparatively).

Points per game:

Wheaton 38, opp 12...MSJ 24, opp 8

Wheaton scores 14 points more per game than does MSJ while allowing opponents to score 4 more points per game.

Rushing yards per game:

Wheaton 183, opp 64...MSJ 199, opp 89

MSJ is a rushing team, putting up 16 more ypg than Wheaton.  Both teams defend well agains the run, but Wheaton shows an advantage here of 25 ypg - that is a big margin!

Passing yards per game:

Wheaton 240, opp 180...MSJ 90, opp 127

Wheaton is clearly a better passing team than is MSJ - by 150 ypg.  MSJ has the ability to stop the pass as 127 ypg is respectable, but it will be a load to keep Wheaton under 200 yards in their home stadium.

Total offense/defense:

Wheaton 439, opp 268...MSJ 273, opp 191

How many of those 268 yeards that Wheaton gave up per game came at the hands of the 2nd and 3rd string players in blow-out games?  One can't ignore MSJ's run defense either.  Again, in 2004, these stats were very similar...

Sacks by:

Wheaton 28 sacks/194 yards, allowed 8/30 yards...MSJ 29 sacks/188 yards, allowed 5/37 yards

Straight up even here.

Field Goals:

Wheaton 5/9...MSJ 27/31

Either way one looks at this, Wheaton has lost a great FG kicker in Day.  But Wheaton doesn't attempt many FGs - not many close games that required FGs.  Clearly MSJ has a great FG kicker this year - probably keeps them dangerous inside the 30.

There are other stats to look at but many of the catagories are showing a virtual tie.  This will be a game won or lost on Wheaton's ability to run their offense.  MSJ doesn't score that many touchdowns and depends on the run, so assuming MSJ also causes problems for Black, it comes down to Chupp/Ulrich and their working their plan.

Simple, right?

[WahooThunder]

Sounds pretty accurate, although I would still be surprised to see Black held much under 100 yards if it is a close game.  The key here is whether Wheaton turns the ball over on offense.  As long as MSJ doesn't score points on defense and/or special teams this shouldn't be too tough of a game for Wheaton.  The stats against Illinois Wesleyan (common opponent) are pretty telling.

[RedmenFB44]

Why is it that Concordia (Wisc.) gets to play somewhat close to home when they don't have a proper press box to host a playoff game?

This was the same problem that Carthage had in 2004, so we had to travel to Alma, Michigan. Any insights Pat?

[Tailgater]

I was looking for the game time for the Wheaton vs MSJ game next Saturday in Wheaton. I assume it will kick off at 1:00 p.m.? I went to the Wheaton College web page clicked on athletics and found absolutely no reference to football anywhere. Seems a little odd? Mugsy or usee can you help me out with game info. as I certainly wish to be in attendance to support Wheaton. I also didn't see times referenced in the brackets on the D3football sight.

[Tailgater]

Why is it that Concordia (Wisc.) gets to play somewhat close to home when they don't have a proper press box to host a playoff game?

This was the same problem that Carthage had in 2004, so we had to travel to Alma, Michigan. Any insights Pat?

Great question. I was wondering the same thing. If circumstances were similar as 2004, Carthage should have played at Wis. Luthern or somewhere close by or CUM should have to travel to NCC?

[Jim Matson]

Tailgater, go to the athletics site and click on either "Football" or "Recent News."  Gametime is noon CST.

[red99]

Why is it that Concordia (Wisc.) gets to play somewhat close to home when they don't have a proper press box to host a playoff game?

This was the same problem that Carthage had in 2004, so we had to travel to Alma, Michigan. Any insights Pat?

Great question. I was wondering the same thing. If circumstances were similar as 2004, Carthage should have played at Wis. Luthern or somewhere close by or CUM should have to travel to NCC?

[red99]

Sorry.

In 2004, Wisc. Luth did not have their own field. They shared a field with a high school.

[WahooThunder]

I was looking for the game time for the Wheaton vs MSJ game next Saturday in Wheaton. I assume it will kick off at 1:00 p.m.? I went to the Wheaton College web page clicked on athletics and found absolutely no reference to football anywhere. Seems a little odd? Mugsy or usee can you help me out with game info. as I certainly wish to be in attendance to support Wheaton. I also didn't see times referenced in the brackets on the D3football sight.

I believe all playoff games are required to start at noon local time.

[usee]

Why is it that Concordia (Wisc.) gets to play somewhat close to home when they don't have a proper press box to host a playoff game?

This was the same problem that Carthage had in 2004, so we had to travel to Alma, Michigan. Any insights Pat?

Great question. I was wondering the same thing. If circumstances were similar as 2004, Carthage should have played at Wis. Luthern or somewhere close by or CUM should have to travel to NCC?

I don't know but I heard CUW petitioned the NCAA for this  a while ago. Did Carthage petition them early to host elsewhere? This is a mystery to me.

[79jaybird]

Ah so Wheaton will host Mt. Saint Joseph. I was at the W/MSJ game a few years ago sitting with Kelly Stewart's Mother.  That was a brutally cold, seasonal day and the Thunder just ripped them up.  I hope Pat sends me to call the Wheaton game.  That would be strange. 3 trips to Wheaton's Pressbox in 1 year as a non-Wheaton commentator! 
Glad to see the CCIW get 2 teams in.  For NC's sake, I think the advantage goes to the loser of the initial game (in this case NC) because they will have "revenge" as their guiding light.
So if Carthage had to "give up" a home game because of pressbox issues and travel to the opposition's confines, why doesn't Concordia-WI have to suffer the same fate    That seems like an even bigger slap in the face to Carthage (especially their Seniors) that they are denied an opportunity, yet they are making accomodations for CUW just 1 year later?  Interesting.
All in all, you are in the playoffs and it boils down to executing for 60 painstaking minutes.  Some of the most exciting times of the season right here.

[washdupcard]

Time for some revenge on CUW.

I'll take NCC by 10.  Totally different football team then when they first played each other.

[washdupcard]

Anyone know where in Milwaukee Wisc. Lutheran is located?  I'm too lazy to look it up.

[washdupcard]

Oh I almost forgot.

BEARSSSSS!

[79jaybird]

Wi Lutheran is located Milwaukee.  I believe it is on the west side of town.  Take I 94 North into Milwaukee.