FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Tailgater]

Congratulations to Wheaton and NCC for representing the CCIW well  in the first round of the playoffs. Now it's time to start making some statements as to the strength of our conference against the OAC powers!

I was at the Wheaton game yesterday and must say I was somewhat dissapointed with the atmosphere at the game being it's the playoffs. If you didn't know better you would have thought this was a meaningless early season non-conference game or scrimmage. It was so quite most of the time you could clearly hear the officials making calls and talking on the field un-mic'd. I would have expected more fan support for a very good team. Wheaton was in control of this contest from the beginning and the result was never in doubt. Thanks Thunder for all the TD's which resulted in free ice cream bars being tossed out to the crowd after each one! I had my fill as there were plenty to go around the modest crowd in attendence. I heard Dennis Hastert was in the house, but never a got a chance to see or meet him. The Thunder will need to check themselves on turnovers (4 fumbles lost 3, 1 INT). This many turnovers against Mount Union will certainly spell doom.

[rscl70]

Congratulations, Wheaton, and welcome to another wonderful Thanksgiving weekend in tropical Alliance, Ohio.  It's always nice to have you visit for turkey day dessert.

[Augie6]

Congrats to NCC and Wheaton for their wins yesterday.  Sounds like both teams played well.  However, this is the week that we really see if the CCIW has gotten stronger or weaker as a conference. 

New Tradition,

I don't think the conference "turned anyone's heads" by the results posted yesterday.  Wheaton and NCC beat teams from conferences (HCAC and IBC) that haven't won a playoff game in forever.  I would have been very concerned if Wheaton and NCC didn't do what they did yesterday.  I know NCC lost the first game of the season to Concordia, but they are a different team than they were at the start of the year and, based on watching them beat up on Augie, I wasn't surprised how they handled the rematch. 

As for the games this weekend, if either Wheaton or NCC can get a win vs two of the best teams in DIII, it will go a long way in changing opinions of the CCIW around the country.  I have stated all year that I thought the CCIW was down and I will be the first to recant if this happens.  I truly hope that it does.  How nice would it be to have an all CCIW North region final?  I know its not very likely, but that's why they play the games.  Good luck to both schools this weekend.  GO CCIW.

[wheels81]

Tailgater,
I think that it being the $8 admission charge, students already leaving for thankgiving break,  also the swim team was absent which is a major part of getting the crowd going.   Also the game was pretty much decided early and not much to cheer about late except to hope msj doesn't keep the scoring up. I think the NC game at homecoming was probably the largest crowd and noisiest thanks to a large Alumni attendance.

[CardinalAlum]

Tailgater,
I think that it being the $8 admission charge, students already leaving for thankgiving break,  also the swim team was absent which is a major part of getting the crowd going.   Also the game was pretty much decided early and not much to cheer about late except to hope msj doesn't keep the scoring up. I think the NC game at homecoming was probably the largest crowd and noisiest thanks to a large Alumni attendance.

I really hope that you are wrong on those reasons.  Like Tailgater said: This is the PLAYOFFS!!
NCC had an unbelievable crowd AT Concordia's alternate location in Wisconsin.  It also cost $8 to get into this game.  We had two, maybe three times the fans that Concordia had.  This game wasn't close either, but it was loud from beginning to end!!

[79jaybird]

RobertGoulet-  Glad you were able to listen to the game on WONC.  If I was in your shoes and had a choice to listen to home bias radio or a "neutral party" radio I would have done the same thing.  That's like me muting the TV and turning up the home bias radio for Bears Games!  The Fox/CBS Crews are "supposedly" neutral but I always get the feeling that they don't like Chicago.

I agree with USee that nothing will "surprise" Mt. Union.  This is a team that would compete very well in Division II and could possibly hold their own in I-AA.  They have a stud player(s) at every position and Larry Kehres knows how to win ball games.  They haven't won 8 NCAA Championships without learning/seeing a few things along the way.

We (CCIW) should have won and took care of business on Saturday.  Let's face it, the IBFC has NEVER won a playoff game and the HCAC has struggled in the NCAA Playoffs also, so I would have been discouraged had NC or Wheaton lost yesterday.  I think both CCIW Teams will give a good fight Saturday and have a shot at advancing.

Pete Ittersagen is not what I would consider "built", however his heart, speed, and football intelligence is unbeatable.  I remember even in week 1 vs. Albion we called his name and I knew he was going to be something special this year.

[79jaybird]

North Central @ Capital-- This is going to be a good ol' fashioned slugfest.  You have arguably the best QB in D-3 History and a shed full of talented receivers, combined with the explosive (FR) Sulo in the backfield,  versus the Capital defense which I would place in top 5 in D-3.  Whoa Nelly!  This is going to be special.
Couple early keys- A) This one's obvious, but Kam  has to have a good day and be given ample time to throw the ball downfield.  B) More importantly,  North Central took control of the game yesterday when Sulo started finding big holes running straight forward (A gap) betwen the C and Guards.  I know Capital's defense is much stronger than CUW's but Sulo has to establish a ground game to help NC's passing attack.  C) The defense has to play sharp. 

Wheaton @ Mt. Union  Well, we all know what MUC brings to the table and what they have done in the past.  I say this is 2006 and so far they are 0-0 against the CCIW this year.  IMO,  Wheaton has a great running back and their defense has been very stingy.  Both of these are keys to Saturday.  Black has to have one of his best games ever and Studebaker/Ittersagen/etc.  have to be noisy on defense.

[New Tradition]

Congrats to NCC and Wheaton for their wins yesterday.  Sounds like both teams played well.  However, this is the week that we really see if the CCIW has gotten stronger or weaker as a conference. 

New Tradition,

I don't think the conference "turned anyone's heads" by the results posted yesterday.  Wheaton and NCC beat teams from conferences (HCAC and IBC) that haven't won a playoff game in forever.  I would have been very concerned if Wheaton and NCC didn't do what they did yesterday.  I know NCC lost the first game of the season to Concordia, but they are a different team than they were at the start of the year and, based on watching them beat up on Augie, I wasn't surprised how they handled the rematch. 

As for the games this weekend, if either Wheaton or NCC can get a win vs two of the best teams in DIII, it will go a long way in changing opinions of the CCIW around the country.  I have stated all year that I thought the CCIW was down and I will be the first to recant if this happens.  I truly hope that it does.  How nice would it be to have an all CCIW North region final?  I know its not very likely, but that's why they play the games.  Good luck to both schools this weekend.  GO CCIW.

Augie6,

Point taken, I do agree that both CCIW teams should have handled their opponents; however, regardless of that fact, both CCIW teams put up big scores against playoff teams.  While there are obviously some conferences that do not fare well in the playoffs, these teams are not slouches and they fight hard, as they are fighting for their lives.  Any time you can blow out a playoff team, it will turn heads.  In NCC's case, I believe this to be especially true because the Cardinals lost to Concordia earlier in the season.

[irish21]

Congrats to the Cardinals and Thunder! Great to see two CCIW heading to the second round! It has to be especially exciting for the NCC fans! Good luck in the state of OH. Hopefully the good karma was used up in Columbus and Cincinnati yesterday!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

[usee]

North Central @ Capital-- This is going to be a good ol' fashioned slugfest.  You have arguably the best QB in D-3 History and a shed full of talented receivers, combined with the explosive (RB) in the backfield,  versus the Capital defense which I would place in top 5 in D-3.  Whoa Nelly!  This is going to be special.

careful there JB, some reading this might just think you were describing Capital.

[usee]

Here are some stats for comparison:

this season:

Kniss           211 completions  331 attempts (63.7%) for 2,612 yds 29 tds and 7 INTs
Pentello       218 completions  334 attempts (65.3%) for 2971   yds 29 tds and 4 INTS

pretty close you say???

check out the career numbers:

Kniss          720-1212 (59.4%) for 9,957yds     90 td's
Pentello      967-1493 (64.7%) for 11,915yds  104 td's

be careful with the "best ever" statements. I would say those stats in the OAC are not too shabby.  bottom line is 2 of the best will play each other this weekend in columbus and it will be a treat for all to see.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Here are some stats for comparison:

this season:

Kniss           211 attempts  331 completions (57.8%) for 2,612 yds 29 tds and 7 INTs
Pentello       218 attempts  334 completions (65.3%) for 2971   yds 29 tds and 4 INTS

pretty close you say???

check out the career numbers:

Kniss          720-1212 (59.4%) for 9,957yds     90 td's
Pentello      967-1493 (64.7%) for 11,915yds  104 td's

be careful with the "best ever" statements. I would say those stats in the OAC are not too shabby.  bottom line is 2 of the best will play each other this weekend in columbus and it will be a treat for all to see.

I'd say both of them must be 'best ever' - they each had far more completions than attempts!

[Redmen96]

I just read the book "The Blind Side" by Michael Lewis.  Very good book with football as main subject, with a very current true story.  Two thumbs up.     

[usee]

Here are some stats for comparison:

this season:

Kniss           211 attempts  331 completions (57.8%) for 2,612 yds 29 tds and 7 INTs
Pentello       218 attempts  334 completions (65.3%) for 2971   yds 29 tds and 4 INTS

pretty close you say???

check out the career numbers:

Kniss          720-1212 (59.4%) for 9,957yds     90 td's
Pentello      967-1493 (64.7%) for 11,915yds  104 td's

be careful with the "best ever" statements. I would say those stats in the OAC are not too shabby.  bottom line is 2 of the best will play each other this weekend in columbus and it will be a treat for all to see.

I'd say both of them must be 'best ever' - they each had far more completions than attempts!

I never did get on well with professors.

[New Tradition]

Here are some stats for comparison:

this season:

Kniss           211 attempts  331 completions (57.8%) for 2,612 yds 29 tds and 7 INTs
Pentello       218 attempts  334 completions (65.3%) for 2971   yds 29 tds and 4 INTS

pretty close you say???

check out the career numbers:

Kniss          720-1212 (59.4%) for 9,957yds     90 td's
Pentello      967-1493 (64.7%) for 11,915yds  104 td's

be careful with the "best ever" statements. I would say those stats in the OAC are not too shabby.  bottom line is 2 of the best will play each other this weekend in columbus and it will be a treat for all to see.

I'd say both of them must be 'best ever' - they each had far more completions than attempts!

I never did get on well with professors.

Not to mention the fact that if Kniss is 211/331, that computes to a 63.7% completion percentage...