FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[usee]

I am very surprised to see a pickem spread on the OAC board (but HS Coach has been suspect in his spreads for a long time!!  )

Bethel's play along the line of scrimmage didn't impress me last year at Mount.  Nothing more than one would expect from a playoff caliber CCIW team. 

Also have to figure that playing at Wheaton is worth a few points.

hscoach: no doubt you saw us at our worst last year.  I think our guys were a little star struck in that one and no doubt were facing their toughest defensive front 7 of the year.  However, if you asked Central or St. John's about Bethel's O-Line I think they'd attest that it's given them plenty of trouble in the past.

As for playing at Wheaton, that is always a plus for the home team.  If you're going to play a team that already has a game under its belt, it is always helpful to do it from the comfortable confines of your own field & fans.

I think one of the most interesting parts about this matchup is precisely that it is CCIW v. MIAC.  We haven't seen many match-ups between these two conferences in the recent past (at least not to my memory).  Beyond that, it is always fun to see a North v. West region match-up that is not MUC v. Whitewater.

usee:  I won't be able to make it, I just moved out to Maryland in August.  This will actually be the first time since 2000 that I haven't played in or seen every Bethel game.  Needless to say, I'm going through a bit of withdraw.

Hazzbeen,

Wheaton is no stranger to the unfriendly confines of Alliance, Ohio. MUC/Wheaton matchups are regular occurances when the Thunder are able to make the dance. I suspect you saw MUC at its best and its often funny how many teams seem to be "at their worst" in Alliance. If you get that one figured out let us know on the CCIW board.

I think Coach Johnson at Bethel has done a tremendous job building a program with tough, athletic linemen and complementing that with excellent skill players. It always starts in the trenches and Bethel has won its share of games in its conference and in the West region as a result. I think this is a talented Wheaton team that needs to quickly find its identity on offense and this will be a great test for both squads.

[Mugsy]

I am very surprised to see a pickem spread on the OAC board (but HS Coach has been suspect in his spreads for a long time!!  )

Bethel's play along the line of scrimmage didn't impress me last year at Mount.  Nothing more than one would expect from a playoff caliber CCIW team. 

Also have to figure that playing at Wheaton is worth a few points.

As for playing at Wheaton, that is always a plus for the home team.  If you're going to play a team that already has a game under its belt, it is always helpful to do it from the comfortable confines of your own field & fans.

I think one of the most interesting parts about this matchup is precisely that it is CCIW v. MIAC.  We haven't seen many match-ups between these two conferences in the recent past (at least not to my memory).  Beyond that, it is always fun to see a North v. West region match-up that is not MUC v. Whitewater.

I think Bethel already playing a game in 2008 against a reasonable opponent vs. Wheaton playing at home kind of cancel each other out.

For what it is worth:
North Central played Augsburg in 2004 & 2005. NCC won both times (31-24 in 2004 and 64-25 in 2005)

Wheaton played Gustavus Adolphus in 2004 & 2005.  Wheaton won both times (41-21 in 2004 and 23-16 in 2005).

Not sure this means anything since NCC & Wheaton were solid teams those years and Augsburg and GA were at the bottom of the heap in the MIAC.  2005 was a down year for Wheaton - finished 7-3.

I'm having a difficult time gauging how this years Wheaton team compares talent-wise to years past.  I believe Wheaton's defense has the potential to be very, very good.  As usee states, the secondary is highlighted by 2 very talented DB's - Ittersagen in particular.  The defensive front, while not the best ever at Wheaton, has talent and experience.  The LB's include 2 All-CCIW caliber players, both of coming of injury prone seasons.

The source of my uncertainty is on the offensive side of the ball.  Since 2000 Wheaton has had some very explosive offenses (with exception to last year due to injuries and subpar offensive line play).  Wheaton does not have the "go to" offensive threat that we've had in years past.  There is potential in some new starters for 2008, but it is unknown at this point.

Overall I think this is a very solid Wheaton team, but time will tell just how far they can go.  (Sorry for the cliche).

[BashBacker#16]

Mugsy,

I wasn't able to make it over for the Wabash/Wheaton scrimmage but you have a running back from Arizona who they said is really, really good.  For what it is worth, it was 13-7 Wabash at the half after 1's vs. 1's.   Bash forced 3 TO's in the half.  I am hoping the Wabash O-line will be one of the better ones you guys will face all season and I think they played well against your front.  From what I heard, Wheaton is solid as usual...good luck in your season.

BB16

[Redmen96]

woo hoo  1000 pages.

[FormerCard]

NCC Preview finally out,  I think our new SID must have his hands full...


http://www.northcentralcollege.edu/x31979.xml


Roster is also up on the NC website..the numbers continue to grow for the Cardinals

[Mugsy]

Mugsy,

I wasn't able to make it over for the Wabash/Wheaton scrimmage but you have a running back from Arizona who they said is really, really good.  For what it is worth, it was 13-7 Wabash at the half after 1's vs. 1's.   Bash forced 3 TO's in the half.  I am hoping the Wabash O-line will be one of the better ones you guys will face all season and I think they played well against your front.  From what I heard, Wheaton is solid as usual...good luck in your season.

BB16

BB16,

Thanks for the info.

Rocky Gingg is who you are referring too.  He was an All-State RB in Arizona and Wheaton followers are anticipating an outstanding career from him.  Good size and a tough runner.  His cousin (Kyle Gingg) was the starting MLB for Boise State last year and this year as well.

Best of luck to Wabash this year.  I'll be keeping an eye on Wabash.

[usee]

NCC Preview finally out,  I think our new SID must have his hands full...

With women's soccer starting and the field hockey team getting started with practices it makes perfect sense the SID is too swamped to get the preview out for a defending champion football team. 

I almost laughed out loud when I read the starting TE is going to be the starting center. then I began to cry.

[HScoach]

I am very surprised to see a pickem spread on the OAC board (but HS Coach has been suspect in his spreads for a long time!!  )

Bethel's play along the line of scrimmage didn't impress me last year at Mount.  Nothing more than one would expect from a playoff caliber CCIW team. 

Also have to figure that playing at Wheaton is worth a few points.

hscoach: no doubt you saw us at our worst last year.[/u]  I think our guys were a little star struck in that one and no doubt were facing their toughest defensive front 7 of the year.  However, if you asked Central or St. John's about Bethel's O-Line I think they'd attest that it's given them plenty of trouble in the past.

As for playing at Wheaton, that is always a plus for the home team.  If you're going to play a team that already has a game under its belt, it is always helpful to do it from the comfortable confines of your own field & fans.

I think one of the most interesting parts about this matchup is precisely that it is CCIW v. MIAC.  We haven't seen many match-ups between these two conferences in the recent past (at least not to my memory).  Beyond that, it is always fun to see a North v. West region match-up that is not MUC v. Whitewater.

usee:  I won't be able to make it, I just moved out to Maryland in August.  This will actually be the first time since 2000 that I haven't played in or seen every Bethel game.  Needless to say, I'm going through a bit of withdraw.

Hazzbeen,

Wheaton is no stranger to the unfriendly confines of Alliance, Ohio. MUC/Wheaton matchups are regular occurances when the Thunder are able to make the dance. I suspect you saw MUC at its best and its often funny how many teams seem to be "at their worst" in Alliance. If you get that one figured out let us know on the CCIW board.

I think Coach Johnson at Bethel has done a tremendous job building a program with tough, athletic linemen and complementing that with excellent skill players. It always starts in the trenches and Bethel has won its share of games in its conference and in the West region as a result. I think this is a talented Wheaton team that needs to quickly find its identity on offense and this will be a great test for both squads.

Mount over the years has made a habit out of just stumbling into teams playing their worst at the most unfortunate of times.  That sentiment from opposing fans ranks right up there with the old arguement that "MUC hasn't played anyone like (fill in the team here) yet..."

I have no doubt Bethel is a strong team, and expect them to be so again this year.  But I'll stand by my opinion that they didn't bring anything to Mount last year that we haven't seen numerous times from the various CCIW teams we've faced in the playoffs. 

My only concern with the Bethel/Wheaton spread is that Bethel has already played a game and Wheaton hasn't.  But I'm guessing that home field and Wheaton's experience at QB cancels that out.

[Mugsy]

I have no doubt Bethel is a strong team, and expect them to be so again this year.  But I'll stand by my opinion that they didn't bring anything to Mount last year that we haven't seen numerous times from the various CCIW teams we've faced in the playoffs. 

I believe usee was making a tongue in cheek comment to this regard.

[New Tradition]

I was able to catch some CCIW action last night as the Cardinal's Freshmen team took on Benedictine University's JV team.  The game ended in a 6-6 tie.  Not exactly Saturday material, but it certainly wet my pallet for what I'm going to see on Saturday.  That being said, can anyone tell me what to expect from Ohio Northern?  I know the Polar Bears are a top-tier OAC team, which means that they will be pretty good.  I also know that they were the last team to beat MUC in the regular season, but that was back in 2005, my senior football season.  I know that if they are of the same mold of the other 2 OAC teams that I have seen (Mount and Cap) they will have a ridiculously fast defense with 11 players that run to the ball, but what do they do offensively?  Also, how do you think the Cards will match up?  Thanks for any insight.

[usee]

I was able to catch some CCIW action last night as the Cardinal's Freshmen team took on Benedictine University's JV team.  The game ended in a 6-6 tie.  Not exactly Saturday material, but it certainly wet my pallet for what I'm going to see on Saturday.  That being said, can anyone tell me what to expect from Ohio Northern?  I know the Polar Bears are a top-tier OAC team, which means that they will be pretty good.  I also know that they were the last team to beat MUC in the regular season, but that was back in 2005, my senior football season.  I know that if they are of the same mold of the other 2 OAC teams that I have seen (Mount and Cap) they will have a ridiculously fast defense with 11 players that run to the ball, but what do they do offensively?  Also, how do you think the Cards will match up?  Thanks for any insight.

New T,

you can go to http://www.mtunionfootball.com/2008season/08oacpreview.htm and read the OAC preview written by HS Coach. it includes an insightful summary of the Polar Bears.

[New Tradition]

New T,

you can go to http://www.mtunionfootball.com/2008season/08oacpreview.htm and read the OAC preview written by HS Coach. it includes an insightful summary of the Polar Bears.

Thanks usee

[usee]

It appears, save 1, there are no Bethel posters. I have looked on the MIAC board and it is loaded with Johnnie and Tommie fans. Will Bethel bring anyone to the game this week?

Also notably absent are any ONU posters that used to frequent the OAC board at least.

the poor economy must be cutting into people's internet access.

[scandihoovian]

I'm making the trip back to South Bend this Saturday for the Michigan game, and was hoping that a few of you might have some insight as to how to make the most of our game day experience at Notre Dame.  We're staying in Chicago (I couldn't stomach the $350/night it took to book a room at the South Bend Days Inn) and heading in early Saturday morning, so any info you'd like to pass along, from parking, to tailgating, to "must-see" things on campus, would be appreciated.  Feel free to send me a PM if you'd rather do that than post.

Thanks for your help, and good luck to your teams this season!

[matblake]

It appears, save 1, there are no Bethel posters. I have looked on the MIAC board and it is loaded with Johnnie and Tommie fans. Will Bethel bring anyone to the game this week?

I'm pretty excited about this matchup.  Most of my friends from church growing up went to Bethel.  In addition, my cousins son is on the Bethel team.  I haven't heard if he is on the traveling roster, but its always fun to have a good natured family rivalry at family reunions.  

I think there will be some fans for Bethel.  There are a few players from the Chicago area on the roster, I'm sure some of their parents will be there.