FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Ric]

Wheaton is beyond worrying about the first 5-10 minutes ....... that is overated. The game is not a sprint.  Teams wanting to keep it close for 5-10 minutes leave Alliance big losers.  Wheaton is too good and too experienced to think that way.

[Superfoot Wallace]

  I still watch those reruns and think Lori Loughlin was a doll.

She was gorgeous as Ric Crus squeeze in Rad as well

[Mugsy]

Thunder Fans - Have a safe trip this weekend and welcome to the thriving metropolis that is Alliance! 

Now to football...Can anyone tell me how you can match up with Mount, which in turn, will lead to a "W" for Wheaton?

Well, if it were that easy... we'd all be in the NCAA hall of fame.

It has been said over and over again that Wheaton can not turn the ball over like they have done in the past.  You can not give MUC a short field, even then they can strike for a quick, long TD.  Wheaton can not get down in the redzone only to turn the ball over like they have done at least twice on 2 of the 4 meetings against MUC.

Furthermore, Wheaton must neutralize or limit the special teams advantage that MUC so often has.  It has cost at least 4 TD's in the 4 previous games.  Wheaton's special teams have been solid with exception to the kickoff coverage, which doesn't bode well.

Wheaton's defense is probably the best they have had in awhile.  They have both size and speed (although I'm not sure how much speed in comparison to  MUC). 

DLine goes:
DE Andy Studebaker: 6'5" 249lbs (Jr.) - 17.5 sacks, real quick, can beat you with both speed and bullrush.  1st Team All-CCIW, should be 1st Team All-American
DT Dan Studebaker: 6'2" 300lbs (Sr.) - solid against the run, anchors the line
DE Dan Hahn: 6'2" 255lbs (Sr.) - 2nd Team All-CCIW
DE Ben Kuenzle: 6'2" 243lbs (So.) - good complement to Andy Studebaker
DT Javier Almanza: 6'3" 273lbs (Jr.)
DE Trey Andrew: 6'4" 245lbs - 5th year senior (co-captain in 2005, missed most of 2005)

Linebackers are solid.  Not the best we've ever had, but certainly good.

OLB Jesse Laizure 6'1" 215lbs (Jr.) - not a starter but sees significant time
OLB Mike McKinney 5'9" 200lbs (Jr.) - shorter, but really lays the lumber, 1st Team All-CCIW
OLB Jonathan Toal 6'2" 228lbs (Sr.) - captain, solid leader, 2nd Team All-CCIW
MLB Steve Pagh 6'3" 224lbs (So.) - tons of potential

The secondary follows a bend but don't break mode.  A few games they have given up some yardage, but not horribly so.  Physical and solid run support, which is one reason why Wheaton gives up less than 90 yards rushing a game.

CB Pete Ittersagen 5'11" 189lbs (So.) - will be one of the best ever at Wheaton, 2 time 1st Team All-CCIW and only a sophomore.  Lock down corner with deceptive speed.  Recently took over punt return duties and had 3 30+ yard returns last week (including a 79 yard TD). One of the best tacklers on the team in the open field.
S Mark Steinbrueck 6'0" 205lbs (Sr.)
S Kirk McKenney 6-0 200lbs (Jr.) - 2nd Team All-CCIW
CB David Tokar 6'3" 205lbs (Jr.) - good size of corner, sees some snaps
S Shane Woodward 6'0" 200lbs (So.) - sees decent time
CB Tim March 5'11" 186lbs (Sr.) - captain and solid corner, 2nd Team All-CCIW

It goes without saying and is a very tough task, but no big plays from MUC.  MUC will get their yards, but if Wheaton can limit MUC's running game and attempt to make them somewhat 1 dimensional, that will be huge.  Again, much easier said than done.

As for offense, I need another post.

[Jim Matson]

79, as Ric just said, Wheaton is beyond that.  When these two teams played in the quarterfinals, Wheaton kept the first quarter close (6-3, I think) but then due to just a few mistakes, Mount exploded for about 24 points in the 2nd quarter and went on to win

There isn't any "way" to beat Mount Union except for just playing your game and making no mistakes.  The best example is St. John's a few years back - play tough, make no mistakes, and hit Mount Union straight up, playing of course with lots of talent.

I think Wheaton played the Raiders very well in 95, but had some illness with which to contend.  It was also Wheaton's first trip to the playoffs in years and so they were truly an inexperienced team.  Wheaton's game against Mount Union in 2002 was I think their best.  They gave Mount Union their best game of the play-offs and really did well through the first 3 quarters of the game due to tough defense and hard hitting in all areas of the game.

Wheaton has all the experience they need against Mount Union.

[Mugsy]

Thunder Fans - Have a safe trip this weekend and welcome to the thriving metropolis that is Alliance! 

Now to football...Can anyone tell me how you can match up with Mount, which in turn, will lead to a "W" for Wheaton?

Continuing with keys for Wheaton's offense...

On offense, Wheaton continues to use a very balanced attack between run and pass.  Wheaton averages 198 yards rushing and 235 yards passing.  Sure would be nice to have that balance against MUC.  A huge challenge given MUC's year after year defensive dominance.

2 of the previous playoff games against MUC, Wheaton has been able to rush the ball relatively well.  Wheaton needs some level of success running the ball to have a chance on Saturday.  I suspect MUC will have significant advantage in speed as a defensive unit, so I would think Wheaton needs to attack inside the tackles - I don't see alot of yards on the edge against MUC.  Black has been effective at pounding the ball between the tackles.

TB Chaz Black 6'1" 216lbs (Sr.) missed 2 games due to injury and still rushed for over a 1000 yards.  He is a north/south runner, not flashy, but really fights for the extra yards.  He was a 1st Team All-CCIW RB.  He will be a key to Wheaton's offensive effectiveness.
FB Brad Thornton 6'1" 231lbs. (Sr.) - captain, great blocker, tough, threat to catch the ball out of the backfield

The offensive line has decent size and has played very well as a unit.  Key players include:
G Geof Rowson 6'2" 300lbs (Jr.) - 1st Team All-CCIW
OT Thomas Christner 6'3" 273lbs (Sr.) - 2nd Team All-CCIW
G Paul Manda 6'0" 274lbs. (Sr.)

Wheaton has been a bit unique (although MUC has done it successfully in the past) in that 2 QB's see significant time.  It isn't a 50-50 split, as Jeremy Chupp probably gets about 70% of the snaps and Zach Ullrich gets the other 30%.
QB Jeremy Chupp 6'2" 202lbs (Sr.) - 3 year starter, 2nd Team All-CCIW, struggled last year, but otherwise has been a good QB.  Typically has 2-3 risky passes a game and has had interceptions at key times in big games.  Not afraid to pull the ball down and run with it.

QB Zach Ullrich 6'2" 190lbs (Jr.) - transfer from Northern Illinois University and was 2nd string QB for part of 2005 season at NIU (top 25 DI team).  Better arm than Chupp, better scrambler and throwing on the run.  It's difficult to unseat a 2 year starter and learn a new offense... could be really good next year when he gets all the snaps.

Receivers have very good size and have been much better than I expected this year.
WR Chris Fossum  6-5 207lbs. (Sr.) - provides headaches for shorter DBs, 1st Team All-CCIW
WR Joe Chupp 6'3" 185lbs (Sr.) - twin brother of Jeremy, obviously good combination as they know each other so well, 2nd Team All-CCIW
WR Noah Dreyer 6'1" 215lbs (Jr.)
WR Brett Jackson 5'10" 185 (Jr.) - one of the faster WR on the team

Wheaton has a new wrinkle this year with the retirement of long time head coach and offensive coordinator (Coach Bishop).  Coach Hardy has brought in some slightly different offensive sets, specifically the use of a TE.  For years Wheaton never really used a TE, not so this year.
TE Kirk Sundberg  6'2" 240 (Jr.) among others...

To beat MUC, Wheaton can not be limited to a one dimensional attack.  They can not turn the ball over like they have in the big games.  You have little chance at beating MUC, if you lose the turnover battle.  I wouldn't be surprise if Wheaton includes a trick play or two on Saturday or takes a significant risk in a key situation.  Coach Swider is willing to take calculated risks from time to time - for example going for 2pt conversion to win game against Augustana a few years ago.

Wheaton has seen MUC 4 times now... they know what to expect.  They won't be intimidated. They have playoff experience.  More than anything they need to play mistake free football.  Coach Swider is a highly motivational person.  He will have the team ready to play.

[79jaybird]

Hiker Jim  how are you?  Well, I remember talking to you in the booth during the Wheaton/Albion game in week 1 and I remember saying, "This team(Wheaton) has the makings of a fine tuned machine and has the capability to do some damage in the playoffs"  Looks like I was right for a change.    Too bad my "other" predictions can't always be this accurate.  Hey hey, glad to see both Wheaton Soccer Teams (I know that's your main sport) are in the Final 4.

[New Tradition]

New Tradition,

Are You Afraid of the Dark!? and Salute Your Shorts, Guts, Wild and Crazy Kids, Hey Dude..............That was sure back in the day....

All those were great shows!  I was also a fan of Doug and Rocko's Modern Life.

[Gregory Sager]

"I think CUW should enter the CCIW"  FalcsFB
I was talking to some of the folks after the CUW/NC game about this very topic.    Mequon, WI is just a short drive up I94 and would make for a great rivalry with Carthage/Elmhurst/NC/NPU/Wheaton.  In 2008 Wheaton begins playing CUW in non-conference play.
In the past Lake Forest and Carroll have been in the CCIW.  As Midwest FB put it, I too would like to see more Wisconsin teams enter.  Let's face it, that Northern Athletics Conference is going to be pretty weak for the sport of football.  I think CUW would benefit from playing in the CCIW that is a much stronger league.  CUW, Lakeland, and Carroll would be the 3 W schools I would like to see enter/re-enter the league.

The CCIW doesn't need any more members. Eight is the perfect number in terms of both scheduling and administration. It especially doesn't need any new members from north of the Lombardi/Halas Line. Some of you are probably too young to remember when Carroll was in the CCIW, but having the Pioneers in the league made travel a major headache for the downstate schools. In both men's and women's basketball (and probably some of the other team sports as well) Millikin and Illinois Wesleyan were forced to do Friday/Saturday overnights in Waukesha and Kenosha, and in turn Carroll and Carthage were forced to do Friday/Saturday overnights when they visited Decatur and Bloomington. Nobody affiliated with Carthage, Millikin, and Illinois Wesleyan wants to go back to that nonsense.

Gentlemen, remember the old adage: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[crusader26]

A few things that will be interesting to see how it plays out for the MUC/Wheaton game:

MUC's D against Wheatons rush - MUC has given up a total of 236 yards on the ground, which breaks down to 0.8/attempt & 21.5/game

Wheaton O-Line against MUC's D-Line - Wheaton has gained a total of 2,184 yards rushing the ball, which breaks down to 4.9/attempt & 198.5/game

It looks like we have a great defense against a great offense going head to head.  The thing that Cap couldn't do, is what every other team could not do against MUC, run the football effectively!!!

[usee]

A few things that will be interesting to see how it plays out for the MUC/Wheaton game:

MUC's D against Wheatons rush - MUC has given up a total of 236 yards on the ground, which breaks down to 0.8/attempt & 21.5/game

Wheaton O-Line against MUC's D-Line - Wheaton has gained a total of 2,184 yards rushing the ball, which breaks down to 4.9/attempt & 198.5/game

It looks like we have a great defense against a great offense going head to head.  The thing that Cap couldn't do, is what every other team could not do against MUC, run the football effectively!!!

anybody line up in an I formation w a tight end and run right at them? I though cap runs the ball out of the shotgun spread formation?

[crusader26]

A few things that will be interesting to see how it plays out for the MUC/Wheaton game:

MUC's D against Wheatons rush - MUC has given up a total of 236 yards on the ground, which breaks down to 0.8/attempt & 21.5/game

Wheaton O-Line against MUC's D-Line - Wheaton has gained a total of 2,184 yards rushing the ball, which breaks down to 4.9/attempt & 198.5/game

It looks like we have a great defense against a great offense going head to head.  The thing that Cap couldn't do, is what every other team could not do against MUC, run the football effectively!!!

anybody line up in an I formation w a tight end and run right at them? I though cap runs the ball out of the shotgun spread formation?

Cap runs the ball out of the spread 99% of the time...unless it is a short yardage situation which they will bring in a Frosh FB to block.  As far as other teams in the OAC, I cannot answer that, as I was attending Cap games.  From what I saw against Cap, OH Northern & BW would be the only other teams with the capabilities of running the fball effectively.  Against MUC, OH Northern had a total of 121 yards (with 15 coming on the ground) and BW had a total of 133 yards (with 10 coming on the ground).  In comparison, Cap had a total of 185 yards (with -31 coming on the ground).....The RB's from OH Northern & BW were selected 1st team All-OAC, and Cap's RB was selected 2nd Team All-OAC (which he now shares carries).

[TitanBacker]

  I still watch those reruns and think Lori Loughlin was a doll.

She was gorgeous as Ric Crus squeeze in Rad as well

Fantastic movie!!  One of my all time faves but you can't rent it anywhere anymore.  And she did look good on a bike.


Good luck and safe travels to both CCIW teams this weekend.  I'll be very anxious to hear how the games turn out and I'd say we have very good chances in both games.  The way Mugsy has outlined Wheaton's win plan for the weekend, I feel like if they execute, they could knock off the #1 team.  I sure hope so!!

To everyone else. if you're traveling in the next few days, be safe and have fun!!   

[ncc58]

Usee,

Belazzini is a preseason 2nd team by Don Hanson,  (Ok, it isnt d3football.com but what is??) leads the conf. in Ints, averages 5 tackles a game and he doesnt get a look? 
I think he has to get some votes from D3football for sure and will probably be 1st team on Hansons team. 

Stuedemann could be an all-american tight end right? isnt that where he lines up ? 

For what it's worth, Kniss and Bellazini were named to the CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America) Academic All-District team.

[redman04]

"I think CUW should enter the CCIW"  FalcsFB
I was talking to some of the folks after the CUW/NC game about this very topic.    Mequon, WI is just a short drive up I94 and would make for a great rivalry with Carthage/Elmhurst/NC/NPU/Wheaton.  In 2008 Wheaton begins playing CUW in non-conference play.
In the past Lake Forest and Carroll have been in the CCIW.  As Midwest FB put it, I too would like to see more Wisconsin teams enter.  Let's face it, that Northern Athletics Conference is going to be pretty weak for the sport of football.  I think CUW would benefit from playing in the CCIW that is a much stronger league.  CUW, Lakeland, and Carroll would be the 3 W schools I would like to see enter/re-enter the league.

The CCIW doesn't need any more members. Eight is the perfect number in terms of both scheduling and administration. It especially doesn't need any new members from north of the Lombardi/Halas Line. Some of you are probably too young to remember when Carroll was in the CCIW, but having the Pioneers in the league made travel a major headache for the downstate schools. In both men's and women's basketball (and probably some of the other team sports as well) Millikin and Illinois Wesleyan were forced to do Friday/Saturday overnights in Waukesha and Kenosha, and in turn Carroll and Carthage were forced to do Friday/Saturday overnights when they visited Decatur and Bloomington. Nobody affiliated with Carthage, Millikin, and Illinois Wesleyan wants to go back to that nonsense.

Gentlemen, remember the old adage: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

You are correct. 
Eight is Enough (Get it??? tying in the TV conversation with the Topic!)   

http://www.becoming.net/eie/cast.html

[Redmen96]

When I was a kid we had "Different Strokes" and "Silver Spoons."