FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Gregory Sager]

I used to work with a Wheaton alumna who told me that when she was a student she once shared a Coke with one straw. Didn't violate the pledge or anything, but her parents did get a stern letter from the dean.

Was she put on double secret probation?

"Fat, sharing a Coke with one straw, and stupid is no way to go through life, son."

No, but she did date both a wimp and a blimp.

[matblake]

Millikin recruiting video reveals where mascot comes from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1kkx2m-JSg

[Mugsy]

Millikin recruiting video reveals where mascot comes from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1kkx2m-JSg

Wow... 37 seconds was all I could take.  Pipe that song through the streets of Decatur and it would be a ghost town in minutes.  Wait a minute... it already is.

[usee]

From the Philadelphia Eagles website: defensive coordinate Jim Johnson on Friday nights game vs Pittsburgh

On how many linebackers he anticipates making the team: "It could be six or seven. It depends. A lot of things happen before the season starts and that might change. You're still trying to keep the best football players. There are [either] more defensive linemen you are going to keep, or you are going to keep more linebackers. Generally you're going to keep six or possibly seven."

On how LBs Andy Studebaker and Joe Mays are playing so far: "I think it's still a work in progress. It's tough. I realize that of all the positions, the linebackers have the hardest thing. I recognize that. [linebackers] probably make more mistakes than anybody else; especially young guys. When they get in the game, they're going to play a lot. We're probably going to cut down just to see how they play. It's a learning process for them, and I understand that. I'm anxious to see both of those guys play and they are going to play quite a bit."

Joe Mays is a Middle LB and Andy is outside. there are currently 8 LB's in camp for them so 1 or 2 will be cut.

[Mugsy]

I've been tracking the Eagles training camp on their website virtually every day.  The depth chart has Studebaker listed as 3rd string SAM LB, though he has been playing quite a bit of DE as well due to injuries to several Eagle DE's.

Friday night the Eagles play the Steelers in Pittsburgh for their 1st "preseason" game.  Wait a minute... it is a preseason game, no need to use usee quotes.

On how LBs Andy Studebaker and Joe Mays are playing so far and how much time they will see on Friday, D-Coordinator Jim Johnson said:

I think it's still a work in progress. It's tough. I realize that of all the positions, the linebackers have the hardest thing. I recognize that. [linebackers] probably make more mistakes than anybody else; especially young guys. When they get in the game, they're going to play a lot. We're probably going to cut down just to see how they play. It's a learning process for them, and I understand that. I'm anxious to see both of those guys play and they are going to play quite a bit.

[Mugsy]

CRUD... usee beat me to it. This place has been virtually dead and when I go to post something, I collide with usee. 

[usee]

CRUD... usee beat me to it. This place has been virtually dead and when I go to post something, I collide with usee. 

you can go back to investigating CCIW bars Mugsy. 

[Carthage Fan]

Taking a shot at a pre season CCIW prediction based on what I know here is the way I would call it right now.

1. Wheaton 6-1
2. NCC 6-1
3. Augie 4-3
4. IWU 4-3
5. Elmhurst 3-4
6. Carthage 3-4
7. Millikin 2-5
8. NPU 0-7

Here is how I see it:

1. Wheaton 6-1
2. NCC         6-1
3. IWU         5-2
4. Carthage 4-3
5. Augie       3-4
6. Elmhurst  3-4
7. Millikin      2-5
8. NPU          0-7

1-2.  I think it's a toss up between Wheaton and NCC.  I like NCC's running game over Wheaton, but the team that can stay healthy and make the least mistakes will be on top.  Could we have a CCIW champ at 7-0?

3.  IWU has some weapons coming back, can strike quick and I think they are better than 4-3, the only losses they may have could be to 1 and 2.

4. Don't rule out the Red Men.  I think the D coordinator change is good, as our D gave up a lot of big plays last year.  We are returning 7 on D and gaining some that were #2 on the chart and some others that will play key roles.  I don't think we will see much of a change in scheme on O.  We are returning 7 with WR's, OL's and a QB returning with a lot of game experience so this could be a potent offense.  Question is our running game.  We could go 4-3 again, or even 5-2 if we can stop the big plays and keep opposing O off the field.

5.  I think this will be a tough year for Augie.  I don't think converting to the spread with guys who were recruited for the option is going to be easy.  Maybe spring ball and workouts over the summer will help, but this is more of a challenge than changing coordinators.  I do not see them at 5-2, maybe 4-3 at best.

I agree with the rest and as much as I would like to see North Park get a CCIW win, I don't see it happening this year.

OK, My $.02 which will get you absolutely nothing....

[usee]

Taking a shot at a pre season CCIW prediction based on what I know here is the way I would call it right now.

1. Wheaton 6-1
2. NCC 6-1
3. Augie 4-3
4. IWU 4-3
5. Elmhurst 3-4
6. Carthage 3-4
7. Millikin 2-5
8. NPU 0-7

Here is how I see it:

1. Wheaton 6-1
2. NCC         6-1
3. IWU         5-2
4. Carthage 4-3
5. Augie       3-4
6. Elmhurst  3-4
7. Millikin      2-5
8. NPU          0-7

1-2.  I think it's a toss up between Wheaton and NCC.  I like NCC's running game over Wheaton, but the team that can stay healthy and make the least mistakes will be on top.  Could we have a CCIW champ at 7-0?

3.  IWU has some weapons coming back, can strike quick and I think they are better than 4-3, the only losses they may have could be to 1 and 2.

4. Don't rule out the Red Men.  I think the D coordinator change is good, as our D gave up a lot of big plays last year.  We are returning 7 on D and gaining some that were #2 on the chart and some others that will play key roles.  I don't think we will see much of a change in scheme on O.  We are returning 7 with WR's, OL's and a QB returning with a lot of game experience so this could be a potent offense.  Question is our running game.  We could go 4-3 again, or even 5-2 if we can stop the big plays and keep opposing O off the field.

5.  I think this will be a tough year for Augie.  I don't think converting to the spread with guys who were recruited for the option is going to be easy.  Maybe spring ball and workouts over the summer will help, but this is more of a challenge than changing coordinators.  I do not see them at 5-2, maybe 4-3 at best.

I agree with the rest and as much as I would like to see North Park get a CCIW win, I don't see it happening this year.

OK, My $.02 which will get you absolutely nothing....

some reflections on your very good points:

NCC/Wheaton: I think with Lester at NCC the cardinals are a lock #1 choice. without him there is some question in my mind. If weinke can run the 3-3-5 that's their best move. if they go to a new defensive scheme that's a lot tougher in my mind.

IWU: the main way they can repeat is if they can avoid a deep drop off on defense. If the gap between last year's D and this year's D is small, they will compete for the title again. If there is a big drop on Defense, the offense has too far to go to make up for it and I am not convinced they have the horses up front on O to dominate. Ladd will be better no doubt, Ceisel is the best WR in the conference and the young TB will be very good. Most of all I love Murray as the OC. He is a smart, savy coach who will put people in places to succeed.

Carthage: great points and I think Carthage is a wild card. I just think when 3 of your returning leaders don't come back (along with 2 new coordinators) you most likely aren't going to be as good.

[Carthage Fan]

Usee,

I see your point but still think the coordinator changes will be a positive.  Interesting facts:

PASSING              GP-GS   Effic     Cmp-Att-Int   Pct  Yds     TD Lng Avg/G
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DeBoeuf. Dan          9-5   131.90  107-183-9   58.5 1264  14  80 140.4
O'Boyle, Brennan     8-5   130.90    99-166-4   59.6 1032  12  59 129.0

I think Danny will do just fine at QB.   

More interesting facts:

RECEIVING            GP-GS   No.  Yds   Avg  TD Long Avg/G
---------------------------------------------------------
Koeneman, Jeff       10-10   67  757  11.3   9   59  75.7
Ceisel, Martin          10-10   60  742  12.4   8   46  74.2 

[usee]

Usee,

I see your point but still think the coordinator changes will be a positive.  Interesting facts:

PASSING              GP-GS   Effic     Cmp-Att-Int   Pct  Yds     TD Lng Avg/G
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DeBoeuf. Dan          9-5   131.90  107-183-9   58.5 1264  14  80 140.4
O'Boyle, Brennan     8-5   130.90    99-166-4   59.6 1032  12  59 129.0

I think Danny will do just fine at QB.   

More interesting facts:

RECEIVING            GP-GS   No.  Yds   Avg  TD Long Avg/G
---------------------------------------------------------
Koeneman, Jeff       10-10   67  757  11.3   9   59  75.7
Ceisel, Martin          10-10   60  742  12.4   8   46  74.2 

I would be careful comparing Koeneman to Ceisel based on stats. Jeff is an excellent reciever and had a great year but do you think any CCIW coach would pick him over Ceisel if they could choose?

how about this?

RECEIVING            GP-GS   No.  Yds   Avg  TD Long Avg/G
---------------------------------------------------------
Kormelink,Matt       10 -10  67  947  14.1    5   62  94.7
Koeneman, Jeff       10-10   67  757  11.3   9   59  75.7
Ceisel, Martin          10-10   60  742  12.4   8   46  74.2

You going to pick Kormelink (a very good reciever) over either of the other 2 based on numbers?

[AndOne]

Usee & Carthage Fan------

Carthage Fan---You believe 1st place is a toss-up between Wheaton and North Central. You like NCC's running game over WC. Just wondered if you considered that in addition to favoring NCC's running game they also have the offensive POY in Fanthorpe returning. Given this, do you believe NCC also has the edge in the passing game? If so, does having an edge in both running and passing make you slightly favor NCC overall, or does a possible edge to WC on the defensive side of the ball (if u rate the WC defense higher than NCC) outweigh NCC's offensive edge?

Usee---If I follow your reasoning correctly, it appears the primary reason you rate WC slightly ahead of NCC (other than being a WC fan) is that Lester is no longer coaching at NCC. In addition, what other factor(s) do you feel give the Wheaties a slight advantage?

Would be interested in both of your opinions regarding the above questions. Also, what, if any, advantage will WC have in the game with NCC this year given that the game will be played at Wheaton? Thanks guys.   

[usee]

Usee & Carthage Fan------

Carthage Fan---You believe 1st place is a toss-up between Wheaton and North Central. You like NCC's running game over WC. Just wondered if you considered that in addition to favoring NCC's running game they also have the offensive POY in Fanthorpe returning. Given this, do you believe NCC also has the edge in the passing game? If so, does having an edge in both running and passing make you slightly favor NCC overall, or does a possible edge to WC on the defensive side of the ball (if u rate the WC defense higher than NCC) outweigh NCC's offensive edge?

Usee---If I follow your reasoning correctly, it appears the primary reason you rate WC slightly ahead of NCC (other than being a WC fan) is that Lester is no longer coaching at NCC. In addition, what other factor(s) do you feel give the Wheaties a slight advantage?

Would be interested in both of your opinions regarding the above questions. Also, what, if any, advantage will WC have in the game with NCC this year given that the game will be played at Wheaton? Thanks guys.   

I think the primary reason is a presumption that NCC will switch defenses to a 4-3 under Weinke from the 3-3-5 and lose the continuity they had. secondary reasons would be that I think Wheaton will have the best secondary in the league and you are likely to see the #1 offense vs #1 defense in that game. I like the experienced defensive front of Wheaton against a younger offensive line of NCC. NCC's defensive line is not any more experienced than wheaton's Oline (a key area for the thunder's success). I think Wheaton matches up well vs NCC and if the title comes down to the game in Wheaton I like the Thunder's chances. big question marks for the Thunder are their LB's (will mike Mckinney play and be effective? will steve Pagh avoid the injury bug?) and their OLine. I think the questions for the Cardinals are their Oline and Dline as well as what defense they will play.

[Carthage Fan]

Usee,

I see your point but still think the coordinator changes will be a positive.  Interesting facts:

PASSING              GP-GS   Effic     Cmp-Att-Int   Pct  Yds     TD Lng Avg/G
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DeBoeuf. Dan          9-5   131.90  107-183-9   58.5 1264  14  80 140.4
O'Boyle, Brennan     8-5   130.90    99-166-4   59.6 1032  12  59 129.0

I think Danny will do just fine at QB.   

More interesting facts:

RECEIVING            GP-GS   No.  Yds   Avg  TD Long Avg/G
---------------------------------------------------------
Koeneman, Jeff       10-10   67  757  11.3   9   59  75.7
Ceisel, Martin          10-10   60  742  12.4   8   46  74.2 

I would be careful comparing Koeneman to Ceisel based on stats. Jeff is an excellent reciever and had a great year but do you think any CCIW coach would pick him over Ceisel if they could choose?

how about this?

RECEIVING            GP-GS   No.  Yds   Avg  TD Long Avg/G
---------------------------------------------------------
Kormelink,Matt       10 -10  67  947  14.1    5   62  94.7
Koeneman, Jeff       10-10   67  757  11.3   9   59  75.7
Ceisel, Martin          10-10   60  742  12.4   8   46  74.2

You going to pick Kormelink (a very good reciever) over either of the other 2 based on numbers?

I don't think I was implying anything other than it was just more interesting stats.  You are right that you can't look at stats alone.   And hell yes I would pick Koeno over Ceisel..... 

[Carthage Fan]

Usee & Carthage Fan------

Carthage Fan---You believe 1st place is a toss-up between Wheaton and North Central. You like NCC's running game over WC. Just wondered if you considered that in addition to favoring NCC's running game they also have the offensive POY in Fanthorpe returning. Given this, do you believe NCC also has the edge in the passing game? If so, does having an edge in both running and passing make you slightly favor NCC overall, or does a possible edge to WC on the defensive side of the ball (if u rate the WC defense higher than NCC) outweigh NCC's offensive edge?

Usee---If I follow your reasoning correctly, it appears the primary reason you rate WC slightly ahead of NCC (other than being a WC fan) is that Lester is no longer coaching at NCC. In addition, what other factor(s) do you feel give the Wheaties a slight advantage?

Would be interested in both of your opinions regarding the above questions. Also, what, if any, advantage will WC have in the game with NCC this year given that the game will be played at Wheaton? Thanks guys.   

OK I only have to go on what I saw last year my first in the CCIW. 

I  saw NCC once and that was in the 56-10 shellacking of Carthage.  They ran 50 times for 281yds and Fanthorpe had 120 of them.  Sulo didn't even play...thanks for that.  Anyway, he was 13-21 for 200 yds, 82 on 1 play, 3 TD's and a pick.  Sorry Usee more stats!  So do I think they would have an edge in a passing attack?  I didn't really see anything that one awful day in Kenosha that would say they could light it up, but, if they can maintain that running game and have the ability to get downfield quick, I think that would give them an edge yes.   But that was last year.

For Wheaton defense, again I only saw them once and Carthage was up 35-17 in the 3rd but not all because of offense.  There was a fake punt for a TD and Moore returned an interception 85 yds for another.  They held us scoreless in the 4th but we held the ball for almost 10 minutes in each the 3rd and 4th.  So they couldn't get the ball back when they needed to.  That was last year too.   Tough call, what does Wheaton have this year they didn't last year?  Studebaker didn't play but he isn't there this year either.

Call it a gut feeling I guess.  Obiwan Usee taught me to not look at stats alone, I just like NCC over Wheaton.