FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[burly]

By the way, for those of you who can't make it to McCully Stadium on Saturday night, the Wheaton Athletics website will have live stats for the game (kind of like ESPN's Gametracker).  You can access it here:

http://livestats.internetconsult.com/wheaton/football/

You will also be able to watch game live through Windows Media Player on WETN, correct?

[burly]

I'm well aware that statistics are far from the whole story (I taught the course for 32 years and wrote a textbook ), and I haven't seen them play, but this just does not strike me as a vintage Viking running attack.  I never take Augie lightly in any year, but I still feel Wheaton should win fairly easily.

I thought the same thing about the NCC vs. Wheaton match-up - Wheaton should win fairly easily.  With the NCC loss to Wash U. and NPU putting up 30+ points on NCC, I thought the Thunder would run away with this one.  But, the last couple of years, these games have all be fairly close with the leading team at halftime losing in the end.  Plus, throw in a bell and you have a little something extra to play for!

Easy wins are difficult to come by in the CCIW.  In addition, the competitiveness of the conference can be seen in the relatively small number undisputed conference champions.  Since 1999, there have only been three teams to win conference outright with a 7-0 record:

2002 Wheaton
2003 Wheaton
2005 Augustana

Well what do you know, wise words from Billy on this one.  5 out of the last 7 years ('02 and '05 being the exceptions) this game has gone down to the wire and I expect this one to be a defensive struggle that will be decided in the fourth quarter as well.... but then again in college football this year (at any level).... who knows?  We found out last week that this wounded Wheaton team is not, in fact, invincible, and Augie's performance against Elmhurst scares me.  I expect the Thunder to pull this one out in front of the home crowd, but I am anticipating another nailbiter.

Umm... a little confused here buddy.

My post would indicate that I agree with you.  I think Mr. Ypsi would too, I just wanted to note that it's becoming increasingly difficult to find an easy win in the CCIW.  As many have noted this year, the mid-level  programs in the CCIW are improving and giving the top teams in the conference good runs.

[burly]

By the way, for those of you who can't make it to McCully Stadium on Saturday night, the Wheaton Athletics website will have live stats for the game (kind of like ESPN's Gametracker).  You can access it here:

http://livestats.internetconsult.com/wheaton/football/

You will also be able to watch game live through Windows Media Player on WETN, correct?

To answer my own question - yes, the game is on live at 6pm on Saturday.  Here is the link to watch the game if anybody is interested http://www.wheaton.edu/wetn/tvprogram.htm#sat

[burly]

I noticed that the Current Poll on the D3football home page asks, "Which Top 25 team is most likely to get upset?"

I chose Wabash vs. Wittenberg, but leading with 20.4%, polled voters think it will be Wheaton.  Interesting, because I get the feeling that most of this board thinks Wheaton wins on Saturday. 

Does anybody think Augie will leave Wheaton Saturday night with a W?  If so, I'd be interested in hearing why.

[matblake]

I noticed that the Current Poll on the D3football home page asks, "Which Top 25 team is most likely to get upset?"

I chose Wabash vs. Wittenberg, but leading with 20.4%, polled voters think it will be Wheaton.  Interesting, because I get the feeling that most of this board thinks Wheaton wins on Saturday. 

Does anybody think Augie will leave Wheaton Saturday night with a W?  If so, I'd be interested in hearing why.

Interestingly enough on our own pick ems there seems to be a disparity.  Some peop;e have picked Wheaton as high as 3.  However, most are picking Wheaton in the 1 range or Augie in the 1 range.  Although I might consider it an upset simply because Wheaton is #5 (I picked Wheaton with 1 confidence) I don't think anyone in the room would be surprised with a loss.  Wheaton hasn't done enough to beat Augie in the last 2 years.  In addition, Wheaton has had a lot of injuries.  Also, Wheaton seemingly played a very poor half of football last week.  If you do that against Augie, you will lose.  Consistency is how you beat Augie.  So far this year 4 out of 5 games Wheaton has played a poor half or quarter. I'm just hoping the Thunder bring their A-game.

[Titan Q]

Live Stats and radio links for Millikin @ IWU...

http://www.iwu.edu/~iwunews/sports/live/football/xlive.htm

http://www.wjbc2.com/


And the Pantagraph's article on the game...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/10/13/sports/doc47102182a8130235248864.txt


Millikin has always been IWU's biggest rival in the league and games between the two are always pretty intense.  If the Titans can win at home today, I think they become a legitimate CCIW championship contender.

[byitisee]

By the way, for those of you who can't make it to McCully Stadium on Saturday night, the Wheaton Athletics website will have live stats for the game (kind of like ESPN's Gametracker).  You can access it here:

http://livestats.internetconsult.com/wheaton/football/

You will also be able to watch game live through Windows Media Player on WETN, correct?

Correct, as always WETN will provide video and audio from the game on Windows Media Player and Real Audio Player.  Just go to WETN.org, and click on Watch Live.

[burly]

Wheaties, I have not seen Wheaton play this year, but from what I hear their Defense is something special. True?? What is the strong point of it?  Is it their pass rush or is their Dline superior in all aspects?  Also we hear a lot about the front, but how is the secondary?  How do you think they match up against Augie?

7) I think the jury is still out as to where this defensive unit ranks all time for Wheaton, but they have a chance to be considered one of the best - injuries have left the door open on that topic.

Very good synopsis.

A couple questions:
1. What are the top 3 Thunder defenses since you were a player/coach?
2. For anybody - In the last decade (or so) what are some of the leagues best defenses?

[burly]

Live Stats and radio links for Millikin @ IWU...

http://www.iwu.edu/~iwunews/sports/live/football/xlive.htm

http://www.wjbc2.com/


And the Pantagraph's article on the game...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/10/13/sports/doc47102182a8130235248864.txt


Millikin has always been IWU's biggest rival in the league and games between the two are always pretty intense.  If the Titans can win at home today, I think they become a legitimate CCIW championship contender.

Thanks - this is helpful.  Just so I'm not missing anything - no other team in the CCIW but Wheaton offers webcasting - live viewing.  Correct?

[Titan Q]

Live Stats and radio links for Millikin @ IWU...

http://www.iwu.edu/~iwunews/sports/live/football/xlive.htm

http://www.wjbc2.com/


And the Pantagraph's article on the game...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/10/13/sports/doc47102182a8130235248864.txt


Millikin has always been IWU's biggest rival in the league and games between the two are always pretty intense.  If the Titans can win at home today, I think they become a legitimate CCIW championship contender.

Thanks - this is helpful.  Just so I'm not missing anything - no other team in the CCIW but Wheaton offers webcasting - live viewing.  Correct?

IWU experimented with live webcasting in basketball last year, but does not yet offer it for football.

WETN does a great job with it -- what a nice thing for alums and fans.

[burly]

Live Stats and radio links for Millikin @ IWU...

http://www.iwu.edu/~iwunews/sports/live/football/xlive.htm

http://www.wjbc2.com/


And the Pantagraph's article on the game...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/10/13/sports/doc47102182a8130235248864.txt


Millikin has always been IWU's biggest rival in the league and games between the two are always pretty intense.  If the Titans can win at home today, I think they become a legitimate CCIW championship contender.

Thanks - this is helpful.  Just so I'm not missing anything - no other team in the CCIW but Wheaton offers webcasting - live viewing.  Correct?

IWU experimented with live webcasting in basketball last year, but does not yet offer it for football.

WETN does a great job with it -- what a nice thing for alums and fans.

Yeah, it is rather impressive.  I've only watched a few Wheaton games on webcast, but the quality is pretty good and realtime. 

[WahooThunder]

I'm well aware that statistics are far from the whole story (I taught the course for 32 years and wrote a textbook ), and I haven't seen them play, but this just does not strike me as a vintage Viking running attack.  I never take Augie lightly in any year, but I still feel Wheaton should win fairly easily.

I thought the same thing about the NCC vs. Wheaton match-up - Wheaton should win fairly easily.  With the NCC loss to Wash U. and NPU putting up 30+ points on NCC, I thought the Thunder would run away with this one.  But, the last couple of years, these games have all be fairly close with the leading team at halftime losing in the end.  Plus, throw in a bell and you have a little something extra to play for!

Easy wins are difficult to come by in the CCIW.  In addition, the competitiveness of the conference can be seen in the relatively small number undisputed conference champions.  Since 1999, there have only been three teams to win conference outright with a 7-0 record:

2002 Wheaton
2003 Wheaton
2005 Augustana

Well what do you know, wise words from Billy on this one.  5 out of the last 7 years ('02 and '05 being the exceptions) this game has gone down to the wire and I expect this one to be a defensive struggle that will be decided in the fourth quarter as well.... but then again in college football this year (at any level).... who knows?  We found out last week that this wounded Wheaton team is not, in fact, invincible, and Augie's performance against Elmhurst scares me.  I expect the Thunder to pull this one out in front of the home crowd, but I am anticipating another nailbiter.

Umm... a little confused here buddy.

My post would indicate that I agree with you.  I think Mr. Ypsi would too, I just wanted to note that it's becoming increasingly difficult to find an easy win in the CCIW.  As many have noted this year, the mid-level  programs in the CCIW are improving and giving the top teams in the conference good runs.

I know, I was agreeing with you.  I thought you made a very good point.

[WahooThunder]

If you're going to the Wheaton-Augie game the new videoboard should be utilized more this week.  I saw some sweet video highlights running the other day when I passed the stadium.  Also, I believe they are experimenting with a second camera for replays, instead of just using the one from the WETN video broadcast.

[usee]

Wheaties, I have not seen Wheaton play this year, but from what I hear their Defense is something special. True?? What is the strong point of it?  Is it their pass rush or is their Dline superior in all aspects?  Also we hear a lot about the front, but how is the secondary?  How do you think they match up against Augie?

7) I think the jury is still out as to where this defensive unit ranks all time for Wheaton, but they have a chance to be considered one of the best - injuries have left the door open on that topic.

Very good synopsis.

A couple questions:
1. What are the top 3 Thunder defenses since you were a player/coach?
2. For anybody - In the last decade (or so) what are some of the leagues best defenses?

The CCIW has not been a great defensive league in the past 10 years. There were a couple of exceptions, however. The 2004 Carthage defense was one of the best and their turnover stats support that. I also think the 2000 IWU defense was phenomonal and featured Chris Heinzl, a DOPY lineman.

[fightintitan]

IWU 7
Millikin 0
11:18 1st Q

Titans get out of the gates fast, blocking a Big Blue punt on the opening drive, recovered for a TD.  IWU intercepted Millikin on the ensuing drive, but was unable to turn it into points.