FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[FormerCard]

Well, you did say it. And yes, I am tired of hearing about it. Everyone has injuries. If anything, it says a lot about the quality of the Wheaton recruiting.

Go back to the predictions just prior to CCIW play. Most people had Wheaton and 7-0, and they should be there. Most people had NCC at 3-4 and they're playing to get to 6-1. Hmmm.

Yes everyone does have injuries, I never claimed otherwise.  It is the sheer number, severity and who had the injuries that differentiates things a bit.  Team captains, All-Americans, starting QB all lost for most or all of the season.  Usee posted over on the NCAC board that when asked about it, Coach Swider said injuries this year have been the worst in his nearly 30 years of coaching.

I for one did not have NCC at 3-4.  I had them at 6-1.  I am not surprised at all where NCC is at.  Thorne is too good of a coach and their overall talent is too good not to be in contention.  I expect NCC to be in thick of things almost every year now...  Has Thorne done a great job this year?  Absolutely, but I don't view him taking a 3-4 team to a chance to win the CCIW.  Yes they lost some key players, but the cupboard was not bare by any means.

I agree.   The reason that most people who did think NC would finish lower was because we were losing an All-American QB who led NC to the playoffs for two straight years and racked up 33 wins with only 10 losses and a conference championship.  (7-3, 7-3, 9-2, 10-2)  The previous years before we were 6-4, 3-7, 5-5.  

It was natural for people to expect a decline in wins.  

Thats what makes Fanthorpes progession so impressive, and why I would say he is the OPOY at this point.  He stepped into huge shoes and has led this team to a chance at a conference title, maybe a trip to the playoffs, and has done it by not making alot of mistakes and putting up solid numbers in the meantime.

On top of that, you have Thorne and his staff.    Thorne's teams win.

and recruiting gets better when the team gets better.  

And the cycle continues and NC remains strong

[FormerCard]

[Ittersagen hit on an Ill Wesleyan receiver.
http://www.boxxet.com/Oakland_Raiders/Video_Raiders_Tatum_Blast_Super_Pasadena.19ap1m.d

Wow, what a hit.  I can't believe that guy held on to the ball.  Kind of reminds me of a play from the 2005 NCC game vs. Carthage.  NCC had a 23-0 lead at halftime, and Carthage came back and actually took the lead, 24-23.  It was the start of the 4th quarter and the offense was sputtering.  Tyke Spencer had gone out of the game (because he hurt his elbow, I believe?) and Senior Tyler Bell came in.  Tyler was about 5' 11" and 150 lbs. soaking wet.  The offense was faced with a crucial 3rd and long.  Tyler ran a dig, caught the ball, and just got OBLITERATED by Brandon Fox.  It was one of the most vicious hits I've seen in person.  He got knocked out cold, but some how held onto the football and picked up the first down.  We ended up scoring that drive and never looked back, but I still think that one play was the most crucial one we had all season.  We ended up winning the game 42-24, but that was the closest 42-24 game I have ever played in.  Despite his efforts, Tyler has absolutely no recollection of the catch (or the entire day and the one that followed).  He jokes about it and says "It was the moment that defined my football career, and I have absolutely no recollection of it!"  Good thing they have game film!

I was there...that was a shot Bell took

[New Tradition]

Well, you did say it. And yes, I am tired of hearing about it. Everyone has injuries. If anything, it says a lot about the quality of the Wheaton recruiting.

Go back to the predictions just prior to CCIW play. Most people had Wheaton and 7-0, and they should be there. Most people had NCC at 3-4 and they're playing to get to 6-1. Hmmm.

Yes everyone does have injuries, I never claimed otherwise.  It is the sheer number, severity and who had the injuries that differentiates things a bit.  Team captains, All-Americans, starting QB all lost for most or all of the season.  Usee posted over on the NCAC board that when asked about it, Coach Swider said injuries this year have been the worst in his nearly 30 years of coaching.

I for one did not have NCC at 3-4.  I had them at 6-1.  I am not surprised at all where NCC is at.  Thorne is too good of a coach and their overall talent is too good not to be in contention.  I expect NCC to be in thick of things almost every year now...  Has Thorne done a great job this year?  Absolutely, but I don't view him taking a 3-4 team to a chance to win the CCIW.  Yes they lost some key players, but the cupboard was not bare by any means.

I agree.   The reason that most people who did think NC would finish lower was because we were losing an All-American QB who led NC to the playoffs for two straight years and racked up 33 wins with only 10 losses and a conference championship.  (7-3, 7-3, 9-2, 10-2)  The previous years before we were 6-4, 3-7, 5-5.  

It was natural for people to expect a decline in wins.  

Thats what makes Fanthorpes progession so impressive, and why I would say he is the OPOY at this point.  He stepped into huge shoes and has led this team to a chance at a conference title, maybe a trip to the playoffs, and has done it by not making alot of mistakes and putting up solid numbers in the meantime.

On top of that, you have Thorne and his staff.    Thorne's teams win.

and recruiting gets better when the team gets better.  

And the cycle continues and NC remains strong

Very well said.

[FormerCard]

mistake in my stats.
NC was 32-11 (9-3 last year)
Kam would have been 32-10, because he did not play against wheaton in 2004.

[wheels81]

How about the love glove???

If you're going to call a Wheaton CB that, it would probably be more fitting to give that name to Naked Abercrombie & Fitch Boy.

Half Naked, and not a Wheaton CB when he made those ads.

[Comet 14]

High All, I made it back late Wed night and it took me untill now to catch up on all the posts. It looks like I missed an exciting week. As far ad my 2 cents goes on coach of the year I don't see how Eash from IWU doesn't win hands down regardless of the outcome of this weekend game. IWU by far has exceeded any expectations ( other than there own ) any one here or in D3 foootball had of them. This award is based on this year alone. Not the overall strength of a pragram.

[Comet 14]

Jaybird, and any one else coming to the Elmhurst game feel free to stop by the North parking lot and enjoy a thanksgiving tailgate Sat. I will be deep frying a Turkey. should be done around 11-11:30.

[79jaybird]

Thank you Comet14, I will try and stop by.  FYI  after the game Elmhurst has their "Casino Night",  at the Frick Center as part of  Family Weekend. I will be there as one of the Elmhurst Alumni Cabinet Representative Dealers.

[SonsofThunder]

If only we could have seen this Wheaton team finish the season intact....

[Mugsy]

If only we could have seen this Wheaton team finish the season intact....

Yup... but there is no choice but to do it with what they have.  I'll lament to myself after the season, right now they've got a job to do tomorrow.

[RedmenFB44]

So is there any way that the Redmen can make the playoffs?

[Mr. Ypsi]

With a win I think they have a slim chance, but they would need a LOT of help around the country.

[RedmenFB44]

So pretty much Carthage has to win and have a few 1 loss teams around the nation lose?

Thanks Ypsi +K

Hope Carthage can slip in there under the radar just like they did in 2004 

[Pat Coleman]

Carthage was a pick to surprise in 2004.

Plus, Carthage got the automatic bid in 2004 -- there was no slipping in.

[burly]

Game Day Baby! 

It's going to be in action packed day in the CCIW.  May the best teams win.  Good luck all.