FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[HScoach]

The OAC page has a few Ohio Northern guys.  The most famous of which is "Reality Check", but he's now in Arizona and doesn't have the inside info he once had.


Overall, ONU is a very solid team that is much more ball-control than either Mount or Capital.  They typically play good defense and are pretty vanilla on offense.  Kind of like a mini-Ohio State. 


The preview article that Usee linked has quite a bit of info on ONU.

[hazzben]

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.

hscoach...me thinks you misread my post.  I was not at all making excuses for Bethel.  I don't think we played to our ability, we seemed tentative and jittery.  But if you'll notice, I was quick to attribute this to the fact that they were playing MUC in the semi's and also facing the best D-fense they had all year.  No doubt, the major reason for our performance was the play of MUC.  But I'd also throw in the fact that playing w/o MIAC MVP Wetzel at QB might have affected the Offense a bit too.

Bottom line though, MUC killed us in all aspects of the game.  But I think it was great experience for our kids and will hopefully help them continue to make the necessary steps to competing regularly on that level.  I don't think anyone would deny (not even WW, SJU, etc.) that the rest of DIII is chasing the tradition and sustained dominence MUC has displayed. 

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.

I'm not in Minneapolis anymore, but Bethel usually travels fairly well.  From what I've heard people are looking forward to this intriguing non-con game & I'd expect a pretty good contingent from Minnesota to make the trip. 

Add to that I know of a good number of guys that I played with who now live in the Chicago area who I'm sure will be at the game as well.

[Tailgater]

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!

Since you'll be in the neighborhood in South Bend, unless you've already paid it a visit...... a trip to the College Football Hall of Fame would certainly seem to be worth your time. A great place for world famous Chicago Style deep dish pizza while overnight in Chicago is "Gino's East" on Superior off of Michigan Ave down by the Clock Tower. (I'm thinking it's still in that location).

[Mr. Ypsi]

I'm finally home from Holland, with a first-hand account of the IWU @ Hope game.  Q's summation from listening to the radio was pretty darn good - in fact, in one way more accurate than my eyewitness account would have been prior to seeing the stat sheet!  I could have sworn the Titans were repeatedly burned by big plays (I would have estimated 5-6 plays of 40+ yards), but that just didn't happen.  I suspect that when you're watching live, giving up 18 yards on 3rd and long feels like 45 yards!

And after last season's early special teams fiascos, I'd be remiss in not emphasizing the play of special teams Saturday.  Joe Duffy was perfect on fgs and PATs.  And Hope didn't miss 3 PATs - one was almost certainly a whiff, but one was probably tipped (I miss instant replay when live at d3 games!), and the final one was thoroughly blocked and returned about 30 yards before the guy was caught.  And with the final margin being only 3 points, let it be noted that that was produced in the opening minute when Eli Williams returned to opening kick 55 yards, the offense gained only 1 yard on 3 tries, and Duffy kicked a 39-yarder.  Saturday (unlike so many early games last year) special teams saved the day.

BTW, I saw DeVos Hall for the first time - WOW!  Visitors often ooh and aah the first time they see the Shirk (I did), but DeVos is in a whole different league!  (And I didn't even get to see their NBA-quality scoreboard in action.)

[New Tradition]

I'm truly impressed with scandihoovian's karma/post ratio.  He almost has 1 karma point for every post he's made!

[Mr. Ypsi]

I'm truly impressed with scandihoovian's karma/post ratio.  He almost has 1 karma point for every post he's made!

He may have the highest ratio (I haven't checked), but on the MIAC board they give out karma like jellybeans - except, of course, for Touchdown Tommie who daily sets a new all-time record for negative karma!

[Goal Line Stand]

I'm truly impressed with scandihoovian's karma/post ratio.  He almost has 1 karma point for every post he's made!

He may have the highest ratio (I haven't checked), but on the MIAC board they give out karma like jellybeans - except, of course, for Touchdown Tommie who daily sets a new all-time record for negative karma!

You mean, like Hamm's, don't you?   

[Carthage Fan]

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!

Since you'll be in the neighborhood in South Bend, unless you've already paid it a visit...... a trip to the College Football Hall of Fame would certainly seem to be worth your time. A great place for world famous Chicago Style deep dish pizza while overnight in Chicago is "Gino's East" on Superior off of Michigan Ave down by the Clock Tower. (I'm thinking it's still in that location).

I agree with Tailgater if you can get to the CFHOF in downtown SB that's a great attraction and its open late on ND gamedays. 

For other venues on campus obviously the Dome but also go to the Basilica, the Grotto, and I know there is a fountain but I can't remember the name.  Maybe some ND grad or parent can help with more info.

For chicken wings I recommend Wings, Etc. on Grape Rd in Mishawaka. 

FYI, traffic backs up early on the Indiana Tollroad and after living in SB for several years we always avoided going anywhere near campus on game day.  Have Fun.

[usee]

here's a question for all you non-wheaton/non-ncc supporters. If you decide to go to a game in the west suburbs this weekend would you rather see #16 ONU @ #15 NCC or #5 Bethel @ #17 Wheaton? I want to see both games but which would you choose?

[Gregory Sager]

Since you'll be in the neighborhood in South Bend, unless you've already paid it a visit...... a trip to the College Football Hall of Fame would certainly seem to be worth your time. A great place for world famous Chicago Style deep dish pizza while overnight in Chicago is "Gino's East" on Superior off of Michigan Ave down by the Clock Tower. (I'm thinking it's still in that location).

Water Tower, not Clock Tower. You must've been thinking of Rockford instead of Chicago.

There's lots of better pizza places in Chicago than Gino's East, but it is both a popular tourist mecca for Chicago-style pizza and a convenient stopover for those visiting the Magnificent Mile. It's only a two-block walk from Water Tower Place and three blocks from the John Hancock Center and its famous 94th-floor observation deck.

FYI, traffic backs up early on the Indiana Tollroad and after living in SB for several years we always avoided going anywhere near campus on game day.  Have Fun.

Since Scandihoovian is staying in Chicago and going to the Notre Dame game in South Bend, I'd recommend that he leave his rental car in the city (or, better yet, don't rent one at all) and take the South Shore Line commuter train instead. The South Shore Line goes from downtown Chicago to the South Bend airport, and from there shuttle buses take stadiumgoers from the airport to Notre Dame's football stadium every ten minutes or so on game days. A round-trip ticket on the South Shore Line costs about $20, and it's a much better way to get to the game than driving there on the Kennedy Expressway, the Chicago Skyway, and the Indiana Toll Road. Chicagoans have been taking the South Shore Line to South Bend for Notre Dame games for generations, and the party atmosphere on those trains to South Bend is a part of the game experience for them. Those trains are a lot of fun if you're an Irish fan, or even a fan of the opposing team.

[matblake]

here's a question for all you non-wheaton/non-ncc supporters.

Aww man usee, why are you always trying to be unbiased!   

If you decide to go to a game in the west suburbs this weekend would you rather see #16 ONU @ #15 NCC or #5 Bethel @ #17 Wheaton?

Its actually quite a difficult choice.  I'm glad I'm in Michigan and can hit both radio streams.

[usee]

Since you'll be in the neighborhood in South Bend, unless you've already paid it a visit...... a trip to the College Football Hall of Fame would certainly seem to be worth your time. A great place for world famous Chicago Style deep dish pizza while overnight in Chicago is "Gino's East" on Superior off of Michigan Ave down by the Clock Tower. (I'm thinking it's still in that location).

Water Tower, not Clock Tower. You must've been thinking of Rockford instead of Chicago.

There's lots of better pizza places in Chicago than Gino's East, but it is both a popular tourist mecca for Chicago-style pizza and a convenient stopover for those visiting the Magnificent Mile. It's only a two-block walk from Water Tower Place and three blocks from the John Hancock Center and its famous 94th-floor observation deck.

FYI, traffic backs up early on the Indiana Tollroad and after living in SB for several years we always avoided going anywhere near campus on game day.  Have Fun.

Since Scandihoovian is staying in Chicago and going to the Notre Dame game in South Bend, I'd recommend that he leave his rental car in the city (or, better yet, don't rent one at all) and take the South Shore Line commuter train instead. The South Shore Line goes from downtown Chicago to the South Bend airport, and from there shuttle buses take stadiumgoers from the airport to Notre Dame's football stadium every ten minutes or so on game days. A round-trip ticket on the South Shore Line costs about $20, and it's a much better way to get to the game than driving there on the Kennedy Expressway, the Chicago Skyway, and the Indiana Toll Road. Chicagoans have been taking the South Shore Line to South Bend for Notre Dame games for generations, and the party atmosphere on those trains to South Bend is a part of the game experience for them. Those trains are a lot of fun if you're an Irish fan, or even a fan of the opposing team.

Now that is some Sagerian home cookin.  +k

[Mugsy]

I just posted the official rules and week #2 games for the 2008 CCIW Pick-Ems contest over on the Pick-Ems board.

All are invited to participate.

[scandihoovian]

Carthage Fan, Tailgater, and the always Sage Mr. Sager-

Thanks for the insight!  We roll out from the Left Coast early tomorrow morning.  Now if my beloved Kingsmen can put one on Willamette, I'm in for a pretty good football Saturday.  Have a good one!

[usee]

Some thoughts on the games this weekend:

Hope @ Carthage: hard to know what to make of this game. Hope played IWU tough at home and has a veteran squad. Carthage with some serious losses to replace (returning captains, coaches) playing their first game. carthage has some excellent skill players returning and some young guys will need to step up. We will know a lot about Carthage's prospects this season after our first look Saturday

IWU v Alma: Alma is picked fourth in the MIAA and they won their first game vs Blufton 49-0. I have a hard time thinking Alma will move the ball at will vs IWU in bloomington. If IWU takes care of the football and generall avoids mistakes I think they are better than Alma. I would be surprised if this game is close.

RHI @ NPU: I think we all expected more out of the vikings in week 1 than we saw. a pasting by Carroll is not a good sign. RHI has been on the rise and while NPU played them tough last year in Terra Haute, I have a bad feeling so far about this viking team. I hope I am wrong.

Bethel @ Wheaton: This is a critical year IMO for the Thunder. Last year was the year that could have been. they have some very good players returning but will definately need some young stars to step up and make themselves known on Saturday. This game will tell us how deep the Thunder's roster really is and how well recruiting has gone. They have 2-3 OLine that will need to play well. Rocky Gingg needs a breakout performance, they need another wide reciever besides Pokorny to step up. Defensively, who from the front 7 is a playmaker? they need at least 2 guys to make key plays. may be a key sack or a tackle for loss resulting in fumble or even an interception. "good" will get you 7-3 this year in the CCIW. Wheaton needs to show they have some guys that can propel them to a conference championship. They have a few but they need several more that none of us know about now.

Millkin v Loras: I have no opinion here and really no idea what to expect. Loras has a decent basketball team and I would expect a Millkin win. but who knows

Augie v Greenville: should be an Augie blowout.

Elmhurst v Olivet: another intriguing matchup. Olivet is a decent opponent but hasnt' been consistent enough to really gauge what kind of test this will be for elmhurst. I am encouraged by the benedictine game that Lester will have the bluejays prepared each week. He has been a coach who does a good job putting his best players in position to make plays and win games and that is a simple, but overlooked art in the CCIW. I expect elmhurst to win this game and for them to be better this year than many think

ONU @ NCC: this is the toughest one to read because I don't have a good feel for where ONU is in the OAC power rankings. I expect team similar to Capital the last few years but I don't hear that from the OAC experts. I do know that NCC has done the last two seasons what Wheaton is hoping to do this year. namely, develop rising young stars. guys like sulo, fanthorpe, wenger and Llavac all came out of nowhere as freshman/sophomores to be young impact players. this is the sign of a great program and NCC has now demonstrated they are great. With fanthorpe, sulo, perry welch and Llavac along with a pretty good offensive line, the cardinal should be beastly on offense. They have some very good defensive talent coming back with wenger (arguably the best lb in the conference) and depending on what scheme Wienke is using they should be a good defensive team. overall, based on who they have coming back and their experience (even though they are still a relatively young team) I expect NCC to play well at home and beat a good ONU team.