FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Mr. Ypsi]

Somethig about those NCC-Augie stats finally penetrated my thick skull:

Augie: net yards rushing, 108   net yards passing, 128

Forget how many years since Augie began 1-4 - how many decades is it since Augie had more yards passing than rushing?!

[usee]

Congrats to the Thunder for a dominant performance and taking care of business at Elmhurst. They came after them early and put the pressure on elmhurst to make plays. Wheaton saved its most complete performance to date for the home stretch, which a championship team must do on the road.

I was most impressed with NCC's win in Rock Island. That has to be Augie's worst home loss since before the 80's championship run. the only other game that was a double digit deficit in Rock Island would have been the 1999 game vs. Millikin, a 20-7 setback. Dominating Augie at their place, no matter how down they may be, siimply hasn't happened. NCC is playing really well right now.

[usee]

For those NPU fans you absolutely should take heart in your team's heart against the Titans. Making the requisite plays to put yourself in position to win in the 4th quarter is a huge step for this program and Greg's analysis is right on. Kudos to the Vikings for playing hard when down and giving themsleves a chance to compete.

For those of you trying to speculate on the impact this has on the Titans down the stretch look no further than Carthage of 2004. Carthage beat NPU in Chicago 13-0 that day scoring NO offensive touchdowns and coming from behind in the second half to defeat a 1-9 NPU team. That Carthage team beat Wheaton in Kenosha the next week 39-21, secured the AQ and took Mt Union into the 4th quarter in Alliance before succumbing to the purple people eaters.

This game for IWU means NOTHING other than they are 5-0 in conference.

[usee]

Now for the good news/bad news for you IWU/NCC fans. IWU seems to think they will compete for a playoff bid Nov 10 in Bloomington no matter the result in Naperville this week. While that is true from a win/loss perspective consider this: If the scenario plays out that NCC beats IWU and IWU needs to beat wheaton to force a 3 way tie, the tie will be settled by point differential. Currently the only number in that formula that we know for certain is that Wheaton is +4 and NCC is -4 by virtue of their contest against each other. The next piece to this puzzle will take place this Saturday in Naperville and the final tally will occur in Bloomington Nov 10. If you consider what each team must do to position themselves for the 3 way tie then: NCC absolutely has to beat IWU by 8 points. That score differential puts NCC at +4,  and IWU at -8 with Wheaton sitting at +4 going into the final week. That would mean IWU HAS to beat wheaton by 13 points to win the AQ!(NCC only would need a 1pt win by IWU over wheaton for them to win the AQ) Now suppose the worst case for NCC fans: If they beat IWU by 1 point (or anything less than 8 ) that puts the differential at -3 for NCC, -1 by IWU, and + 4 by Wheaton. That means IWU HAS to beat wheaton by 6 to guarantee the AQ and NCC has NO chance.

Basically IWU CANNOT lose this weekend if they want a chance at the playoffs. Its true they will compete for a share of the conference title no matter what, but if they go into the final week needing at least a 6pt victory the presssure is squarely on them and their inconsistent offense. In addition, while I would NOT want to be playing in Naperville this weekend with the Cardinal playing this well, NCC has to go up against the best defense in the conference and beat them by more than a TD to have a chance.

That is some confusing stuff and Mr. Ypsi, the numbers guy, can check my math and confirm these scenarios. What is certain: The picture is clearer and the pressure is mounting. It will be an interesting finish to the CCIW.

[usee]

Of course if IWU beats NCC and Wheaton beats Carthage this weekend, then they will play for the outright conference title and the AQ nov 10 and wheaton is likely guaranteed a playoff spot win or lose.

[Titan Q]

Now for the good news/bad news for you IWU/NCC fans. IWU seems to think they will compete for a playoff bid Nov 10 in Bloomington no matter the result in Naperville this week.

Who said that?  All I have said, and I believe all any other IWU fan has said, is that the Titans will get "a chance to play for a championship" Nov. 10 vs Wheaton.  I have heard no mention of the AQ.

Winning a piece of the CCIW title is always huge, and it would be especially significant for this IWU team.  Getting a piece of the title is 100% of my focus as a fan.  I could care less about getting in the playoffs only to go march towards the annual CCIW Mount Union beating.

[usee]

Now for the good news/bad news for you IWU/NCC fans. IWU seems to think they will compete for a playoff bid Nov 10 in Bloomington no matter the result in Naperville this week.

Who said that?  All I have said, and I believe all any other IWU fan has said, is that the Titans will get "a chance to play for a championship" Nov. 10 vs Wheaton.  I have heard no mention of the AQ.

Winning a piece of the CCIW title is always huge, and it would be especially significant for this IWU team.  Getting a piece of the title is 100% of my focus as a fan.  I could care less about getting in the playoffs only to go march towards the annual CCIW Mount Union beating.

Did I mention you? You may not care about the playoffs but I would guess you are the exception so feel free to NOT comment since you don't care. The biggest difference between Wheaton and IWU is that the Thunder expect to win the conference title and is focused on how to compete in Alliance and IWU hopes to win at least a share of a conference title. nothing wrong with that just different focus.

[Titan Q]

Now for the good news/bad news for you IWU/NCC fans. IWU seems to think they will compete for a playoff bid Nov 10 in Bloomington no matter the result in Naperville this week.

Who said that?  All I have said, and I believe all any other IWU fan has said, is that the Titans will get "a chance to play for a championship" Nov. 10 vs Wheaton.  I have heard no mention of the AQ.

Winning a piece of the CCIW title is always huge, and it would be especially significant for this IWU team.  Getting a piece of the title is 100% of my focus as a fan.  I could care less about getting in the playoffs only to go march towards the annual CCIW Mount Union beating.

Did I mention you? You may not care about the playoffs but I would guess you are the exception so feel free to NOT comment since you don't care. The biggest difference between Wheaton and IWU is that the Thunder expect to win the conference title and is focused on how to compete in Alliance and IWU hopes to win at least a share of a conference title. nothing wrong with that just different focus.

OK usee, then who were you referring to when you said, "IWU seems to think they will compete for a playoff bid Nov 10 in Bloomington no matter the result in Naperville this week."

Who said that?

[usee]

I said IWU seem to "think". the implication is no one has to say it, they think it. If you want to be so innane to criticize me for using that then so be it. I don't know that they "think" they might make the playoffs but I would venture to say its a pretty good possibility that someone from Titan nation is thinking about the postseason. The point of the post is the analysis of the playoff picture. if you don't care about that then don't read it.

You can be certain that NCC will be focused on making the playoffs as a share of another conference title probably is of little comfort. So NCC will be trying very hard to beat IWU by at least 8 pts saturday. Be certain of that.

[Titan Q]

I said IWU seem to "think". the implication is no one has to say it, they think it. If you want to be so innane to criticize me for using that then so be it. I don't know that they "think" they might make the playoffs but I would venture to say its a pretty good possibility that someone from Titan nation is thinking about the postseason. The point of the post is the analysis of the playoff picture. if you don't care about that then don't read it.

You can be certain that NCC will be focused on making the playoffs as a share of another conference title probably is of little comfort. So NCC will be trying very hard to beat IWU by at least 8 pts saturday. Be certain of that.

You see, usee, no Wesleyan fan has implied that though.  You could have just done your playoff analysis, which was very helpful and relevant, without taking that little swipe at this unidentified "someone" from "Titan nation."  Some of your posts this year (that being one) make it sound like you are almost offended that some IWU fans are kind of excited and proud that we have had a nice football season this year.  I guess I don't understand that. 

The biggest difference between Wheaton and IWU is that the Thunder expect to win the conference title and is focused on how to compete in Alliance

PS  If your boys find some type of focus exercise that works, please pass it on to the rest of the league.

1992  Mount Union 49 Illinois Wesleyan 27
1995 Mount Union 40 Wheaton 14
1996 Mount Union 49 Wheaton 14
1999 Mount Union 42 Augustana 33
2001 Mount Union 32 Augustana 7
2002 Mount Union 42 Wheaton 21
2003 Mount Union 56 Wheaton 10
2004 Mount Union 27 Wheaton 6
2004 Mount Union 38 Carthage 20
2005 Mount Union 44 Augutana 7
2006 Mount Union 35 Wheaton 3

[usee]

Why Nov. 10? Linfield plays at Whitworth (again?) Nov. 3.

The NWC's best candidate will be determined on Nov. 3rd. But unless Salibury eliminates Wesley, I think there's still a huge question mark (on the NWC hopes) until we know if the likes of SJU, Central, and Alfred earn their Pool A or eat up a Pool C (they all have huge games on the 10th). That's what I meant. Oh, and no...Linfield and Whitworth haven't played since last year - and that one was played in McMinnville.

And don't forget Wheaton (IL), who also on the 10th travels to Bloomington to play co-CCIW leader IWU.

I'm told that one shouldn't be a problem

D-train ... fair enough.

Well, I'm pretty sure it wasn't Mike Swider you heard that from!  Though many no doubt felt that way in 2005, when the Titans were downright awful but wrecked Wheaton's season.  This year we can take 'their' AQ!

maybe you should take a peek around the site. there are some other good boards out there.

And I don't recall when I have done anything other than acknowledge IWU's accomplishments this season. I was indeed a doubter early (surprise, surprise) and certainly expressed as much, but with each victory I have acknowledged their accomplishments. We all have our personal rivalries but, like you, I am a CCIW fan.

[Titan Q]

Why Nov. 10? Linfield plays at Whitworth (again?) Nov. 3.

The NWC's best candidate will be determined on Nov. 3rd. But unless Salibury eliminates Wesley, I think there's still a huge question mark (on the NWC hopes) until we know if the likes of SJU, Central, and Alfred earn their Pool A or eat up a Pool C (they all have huge games on the 10th). That's what I meant. Oh, and no...Linfield and Whitworth haven't played since last year - and that one was played in McMinnville.

And don't forget Wheaton (IL), who also on the 10th travels to Bloomington to play co-CCIW leader IWU.

I'm told that one shouldn't be a problem

D-train ... fair enough.

Well, I'm pretty sure it wasn't Mike Swider you heard that from!  Though many no doubt felt that way in 2005, when the Titans were downright awful but wrecked Wheaton's season.  This year we can take 'their' AQ!

maybe you should take a peek around the site. their are some other good boards out there.

So that is the post that made you say, "IWU seems to think they will compete for a playoff bid Nov 10 in Bloomington no matter the result in Naperville this week."

Oh boy.

[usee]

Well, it is specifically a board for playoff blogs and a prominent IWU fan is posting there so I guess thats a stretch? Again, for some reason you took offense at something I put out there as part speculation (is it absurd to think IWU fans and players are thinking about the postseason??) and part fact. My point was that I doubt many were thinking about the implications on the AQ of a 3 way tie (including me until last night) and you took offense to my speculation. NCC and Wheaton have been in this exact situation a year ago so I don't think it was unreasonable to assume IWU fans and players may not have been thinking how complex the situation was. You thought it was a swipe at your team and it wasn't.

[Titan Q]

Well, it is specifically a board for playoff blogs and a prominent IWU fan is posting there so I guess thats a stretch? Again, for some reason you took offense at something I put out there as part speculation (is it absurd to think IWU fans and players are thinking about the postseason??) and part fact. My point was that I doubt many were thinking about the implications on the AQ of a 3 way tie (including me until last night) and you took offense to my speculation. NCC and Wheaton have been in this exact situation a year ago so I don't think it was unreasonable to assume IWU fans and players may not have been thinking how complex the situation was. You thought it was a swipe at your team and it wasn't.

I have a "5 post rule" on the D3Sports.com message boards -- basically, when a debate gets over 5 posts back and forth, get out.

So you win, usee. 

Go Titans.

[usee]

PS  If your boys find some type of focus exercise that works, please pass it on to the rest of the league.

1992  Mount Union 49 Illinois Wesleyan 27
1995 Mount Union 40 Wheaton 14
1996 Mount Union 49 Wheaton 14
1999 Mount Union 42 Augustana 33
2001 Mount Union 32 Augustana 7
2002 Mount Union 42 Wheaton 21
2003 Mount Union 56 Wheaton 10
2004 Mount Union 27 Wheaton 6
2004 Mount Union 38 Carthage 20
2005 Mount Union 44 Augutana 7
2006 Mount Union 35 Wheaton 3

Pretty sure this was IWU who took the L but nice freudian slip.