FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Mugsy]

Norris has wheaton at the augie 20 w 12 seconds left in half after a few completions. now at the 4 with 2.5 seconds left....what to do?

Fade route?

lol... No bitterness there from experience, eh?

[Mugsy]

IWU now up 28-0.

I feel cheated on the pickems wild card - Rooney is now in at qb and passed for the td!  Anyone hear what's up with Ladd?  (I'm guessing, or at least hoping, that the game was out-of-reach and Ladd is simply out to guarantee good health.)

The primary reason why I went under on the wild card.  In previous weeks, Norm had been playing 2 QB's.  I was wondering if that might happen again, and if so that would reduce the chance of 4 TD's from Ladd.

[Mugsy]

I know the players are the ones who execute on the field (duh) and I expected Coach Whitehead to make a significant impact on Wheaton's offensive production, but it is truely amazing the difference between this year and last:

Through 5 games in 2008:
Pass attempts: 108
Sacks: 0

Rushing attempts: 211
Yards per rush: 5.1

In 2007:
Pass attempts: 309
Sacks: 33

Rushing attempts: 422
Yards per rush: 3.2

[cardinaldad]

I will give Kudos to NP for hanging with the Cards and playing a tough game, but nobody has mentioned NCC was playing with 1 hand tied behind its back as the CCIW OPOY did not compete in the contest.

"One hand tied behind its back" might be a little extreme. NPU wasn't going to win the game no matter who was playing QB for the Cardinals, as Sulo proved to be more than enough of an offensive weapon to put away the Vikes. And Kniss didn't do a bad job at all. He made some good throws, and he proved to be a very effective runner in the second half once NPU started keying on Sulo on every down. North Central's biggest problem on offense was drive-killing penalties, and most of the penalty calls against the Cardinals were motion calls and false starts on the receivers. I don't see how Fanthorpe's presence would have changed those penalties.

I know what NT is saying. This is Fanthorpe's team. The offense is definately more productive when he is playing. IMO, the game would not have been as close had he played. I'm not saying he should have played. But, it would have been a different outcome had he played. Not to take anything from NPU. They played hard and well. I came away very impressed with them, After sitting through that game, I felt that Kniss had an off day. I saw him missing some wide open receivers. He was just misfiring. I can say that I don't know if I have ever seen a Cardinal offense play that ineptly for a half of football. Including the running game. Sulo had a much better second half than the first. In the first half, he had a few nice runs, but was held to no gain or 1 yd gains on MANY carries in the first half. Most of Sulo's yards came in the second half. I believe that the Cardinal offensive production was better because of the depth of the Cards. In the second half, the NPU players were gassed and had their hands on their hips between plays. IMO, that was the difference today with the personel that played.

[orsky]

The O line carries the intensity of Coach Whitehead on to the field.  They know what they are supposed to do and compete relentlessly.  They picked up the blitzes and rode the speed rushers to the outside.  Great effort in a hard fought game.

[DIIIinVA]

Gingg - just a sophomore.  Kid is a good one.  Great road win for the Thunder today.  Players want to play hard for Coach Whitehead - a great motivator who also really knows his football.  Mugsy's right - it's amazing the impact he seems to be having on Wheaton's OL

[cardinaldad]

Some random thoughts after today's game vs. NPU:

It concerns me that we had at least 11 carries  for no gain or a one yard gain. While there were some decent runs thrown in there, there wasn't a lot of consistency. Particularly in the first half.

We had no sacks in 47 pass attempts. We didn't put much pressure on the qb today. While NPU had only one sack, they seemed to be in our backfield quite a bit when we were passing.

Why isn't Phillip Rossberg playing more. He did a very admirable job running the ball last year. Especially when Sulo went down with an injury. He currently has a 4.8 yard/carry average (356 carries?). Mike Mucha is doing an ok job so far averaging about the same, but with far less carries. Rossberg deserves more carries. With his famed high school career and transferring from U of I and all, expecations are very high for Mucha. Like I said, he has performed ok, but Rossberg has hardly seen the field. IMO, he desrves more PT. Did they maybe promise PT to Mucha when he transferred? Remember last year, when the coaching staff tried as hard as they could to make Kniss the starter over Fanthorpe, when clearly, Fanthorpe deserved to be? It cost them the game against Wash U. last year.

Too many shot gun snaps over the qbs' heads, by both centers, the last two games. We can't afford this at all. But, when we run the gun as much as we do, it is even more critical. Just an observation....why is it that when Brian Iossi has a bad snapp, OC, Jeff Thorne, gets all in his face, screaming at him when he comes off the field. But when Mike Larson has a bad snap, Thorne doesn't say a word to him or even go up to him when he comes off of the field. Just an observation.......... hmmmmmmm......

The injuries to the o-line concern me. Especially with the meat of conference play coming up.

The offense plays WAY better with Fanthorpe under center.

NPU impressed me today. The played hard. They played well. I feel that they just ran out of gas. They impressed me. I think they will beat Millikin.

I came away feeling as if we lost the games after the past two wins against two inferior teams. Are my expectations higher now that we are successful? Is it because we did not play as well as we should have? This is a weird feeling.

We will take the win. GO CARDS!!!

[AndOne]

NCC 31
Millikin 13

This game was basically over at halftime with NCC leading 28-6. The 2nd half was largely a bore with substitutions galore. Fanthorpe did sustain a slight knee injury, but left the field under his own power and, as indicated above was seen moving around pretty close to normally on the sidelines in the latter stages of the game. In talking with sideline personnel afterwards, his being held out of action following the injury was largely precautionary, and all indications point to his being back to full strength well before next week's contest. Another Cardinal injury was sustained by Welnack. The extent was not as yet know at the conclusion of the game.

There were indeed some late hits out of bounds on both sides. Overall, the Cards were penalized 11 times for 104 yards. This involves the mental aspect of the game, and must improve if the Cards are going to come out on the winning end when they face tougher competition.

I will give Kudos to NP for hanging with the Cards and playing a tough game, but nobody has mentioned NCC was playing with 1 hand tied behind its back as the CCIW OPOY did not compete in the contest.

"One hand tied behind its back" might be a little extreme. NPU wasn't going to win the game no matter who was playing QB for the Cardinals, as Sulo proved to be more than enough of an offensive weapon to put away the Vikes. And Kniss didn't do a bad job at all. He made some good throws, and he proved to be a very effective runner in the second half once NPU started keying on Sulo on every down. North Central's biggest problem on offense was drive-killing penalties, and most of the penalty calls against the Cardinals were motion calls and false starts on the receivers. I don't see how Fanthorpe's presence would have changed those penalties.

I know what NT is saying. This is Fanthorpe's team. The offense is definately more productive when he is playing. IMO, the game would not have been as close had he played. I'm not saying he should have played. But, it would have been a different outcome had he played. Not to take anything from NPU. They played hard and well. I came away very impressed with them, After sitting through that game, I felt that Kniss had an off day. I saw him missing some wide open receivers. He was just misfiring. I can say that I don't know if I have ever seen a Cardinal offense play that ineptly for a half of football. Including the running game. Sulo had a much better second half than the first. In the first half, he had a few nice runs, but was held to no gain or 1 yd gains on MANY carries in the first half. Most of Sulo's yards came in the second half. I believe that the Cardinal offensive production was better because of the depth of the Cards. In the second half, the NPU players were gassed and had their hands on their hips between plays. IMO, that was the difference today with the personel that played.

1. As I said after the NCC-Millikin game---If North Central is going to win against stronger opponents, it must cut down on the penalties. Evidently, as pointed out by Greg above, stupid penalties continue to be a problem. If this continues, chances seem high that NC will screw itself out of a win somewhere down the road when they meet stiffer competition.

2. New Tradition brought up the certainly valid point that NCC's production was likely held down due to the fact that their usual starting QB missed the game due to injury. I wouldn't doubt that production was further hindered by the loss of starting OL stalwart, Wes Welnack who sustained a broken leg in the Millikin game. The OL was no doubt functioning at less than peak efficiency having to break in a new starter on the OL.

3. Cardinal Dad states "I'm not saying he (QB Fanthorpe) should have played."
I think you can count on the fact that if he was healthy enough he would have played, and the fact that he didn't play means that he should NOT have played. I think holding him out when he wasn't 100% or close was the proper thing to do. Let him get stronger. After all, the schedule only gets harder in the coming weeks.

[Carthage Fan]

Turnovers, penalties, 2 possessions inside the 5 yd line with no points (not because of defensive plays, but IMO questionable play calling) . Enough said. Congrats Bluejays. You hung around long enough for Carthage to hang themselves. Regardless it was a beautiful day for a football game in Kenosha.

That about sums it up from Carthage this weekend.  Our game to win and we let it slip away...again.  1st and goal on the 4 and out on downs, then again on the 5 and and an int on the 1st play.  2 field goals and we win, 2 td's and it isn't close, but, it didn't happen.  Congratulations to Elmhurst they took advantage like a good team is supposed to. 

If he can't play, the loss of DOD will be huge, we are young on D and now even younger.  Even though we gave up 300yds passing to the Bluejays we still had the opportunities to win. 
 
And yes, it was a beautiful day on the shores of Lake Michigan! 

[79jaybird]

What a great arch rivalry game in Carthage.  You could not have asked for a better environment or atmosphere at Carthage with the weather, a great turnout in the stands for both teams, a neat parade, and an exciting final 5:00 of the game.  Really exciting for both teams as even with 1:15 left, and Elmhurst up 29-26, Carthage still had a drive to try and tie/win it.

This game was won by the Elmhurst defense who all game long gave the (at times non existent) offense numerous opportunities to climb back into the game.  I think we had something like 4 yds rushing after 1 quarter and just a disaster on offense, yet at the half we were only down 14-7.  Carthage scored 14 points on our mistakes and turnovers to jump out to a big 3rd quarter lead.  I personally thought that was going to be the final straw that led to a route, however the defense came up big again.

Some thoughts for Elmhurst

1) Although he struggled many times during the game, Kudyba really stepped up to the plate when he had to, senior led his troops to a charismatic win.  He executed the offense well in that 4th quarter.

2) D'Angelo was very good and received most of the tosses, but I think it was Matt Long's catches that seemed to lift the Bluejays and continue their momentum.

3) The LB's  (Wright, Puzon, Jones) were all over the field today and when their names needed to be called, they were there. 

Some thoughts for Carthage

1) GREAT Linebackers and were noisy all game long too.  The LB's and D-Line really stymied the Jays offense for 3 + quarters.  IMO, they got a little fatigued in that 4th quarter.

2) Danny O'Donnell played great and was keeping D'Angelo in check.  When he went down that really opened up some doors of opportunity for Elmhurst on offense. 

IMO, this was a statement game for Elmhurst.  Not a statement to Carthage as much as a statement that just because we have a new coach, new regime, etc. we are not "way out in left field" in the conference.    This is 3 straight years EC has defeated their arch rivals.  I know the goal is to start beating the Wheaton's, Augie's, IWU's, more consistently but I think Lester and company have the Jays on the right direction. 
Personally, this was a great game to call on the air.  Tons of excitement, some great hits on the QB    and a great football Saturday.

[cardinaldad]

I know what NT is saying. This is Fanthorpe's team. The offense is definately more productive when he is playing. IMO, the game would not have been as close had he played. I'm not saying he should have played. But, it would have been a different outcome had he played. Not to take anything from NPU. They played hard and well. I came away very impressed with them, After sitting through that game, I felt that Kniss had an off day. I saw him missing some wide open receivers. He was just misfiring. I can say that I don't know if I have ever seen a Cardinal offense play that ineptly for a half of football. Including the running game. Sulo had a much better second half than the first. In the first half, he had a few nice runs, but was held to no gain or 1 yd gains on MANY carries in the first half. Most of Sulo's yards came in the second half. I believe that the Cardinal offensive production was better because of the depth of the Cards. In the second half, the NPU players were gassed and had their hands on their hips between plays. IMO, that was the difference today with the personel that played.

3. Cardinal Dad states "I'm not saying he (QB Fanthorpe) should have played."
I think you can count on the fact that if he was healthy enough he would have played, and the fact that he didn't play means that he should NOT have played. I think holding him out when he wasn't 100% or close was the proper thing to do. Let him get stronger. After all, the schedule only gets harder in the coming weeks.

That was my point AndOne. I guess I didn't clearly state it that way. I believe it was smart holding him out.

[AndOne]

I obviously second that.
Sorry, CD, as you said, it wasn't clear---at least to me.   

*Whats your take on all the recent penalties?

[lakeshore]

I will give Kudos to NP for hanging with the Cards and playing a tough game, but nobody has mentioned NCC was playing with 1 hand tied behind its back as the CCIW OPOY did not compete in the contest.

"One hand tied behind its back" might be a little extreme. NPU wasn't going to win the game no matter who was playing QB for the Cardinals,

I haven't been able to post accurately as this was the first game I saw live this fall.  I just have been able to follow along with live stats.

I have to respectfully disagree with you on your above post Greg.

There were 2 HUGE factors in this game that lead to an NCC win.

1.)  I know it was posted earlier but it was actually freshman Sam Cochairo that had the td catch in the 2nd quarter that was ruled out of bounds.  My sons and I along with the NPU and NCC hoops coaches were standing no more than 15 feet from that catch and it was BLATANT that Cochairo caught the ball in bounds.  The line judge was out of position to make that call and he was incorrect.  That would have made it 7-7 at the half.

2.)  The other factor or factors, were the 2 NPU fumbles inside their own 30 yard line one of which was picked up and returned to the 1 yard line.  Both of those turnovers were by freshmen (Cochairo on a bobbled bubble screen and Chris Anton on a fumbled punt return) that lead to easy NCC scores within a few plays.

Without those mistakes this is a totally different ballgame alltogether.  That said, NCC right now is the better team and its rushing attack along with NPU's complete inability to cover any punt or kick for that matter ended up being the difference.

FYI...Shelby Wood is one of the best QB's in this conference.  You can see what happens when a guy stays around for all 4 years and gets coached.

[NCC.2008]

Why isn't Phillip Rossberg playing more. He did a very admirable job running the ball last year. Especially when Sulo went down with an injury. He currently has a 4.8 yard/carry average (356 carries?). Mike Mucha is doing an ok job so far averaging about the same, but with far less carries. Rossberg deserves more carries. With his famed high school career and transferring from U of I and all, expecations are very high for Mucha. Like I said, he has performed ok, but Rossberg has hardly seen the field. IMO, he desrves more PT. Did they maybe promise PT to Mucha when he transferred? Remember last year, when the coaching staff tried as hard as they could to make Kniss the starter over Fanthorpe, when clearly, Fanthorpe deserved to be? It cost them the game against Wash U. last year.

Rossberg is out for the season with a knee injury.

[Mr. Ypsi]

I will give Kudos to NP for hanging with the Cards and playing a tough game, but nobody has mentioned NCC was playing with 1 hand tied behind its back as the CCIW OPOY did not compete in the contest.

"One hand tied behind its back" might be a little extreme. NPU wasn't going to win the game no matter who was playing QB for the Cardinals,

I haven't been able to post accurately as this was the first game I saw live this fall.  I just have been able to follow along with live stats.

I have to respectfully disagree with you on your above post Greg.

There were 2 HUGE factors in this game that lead to an NCC win.

1.)  I know it was posted earlier but it was actually freshman Sam Cochairo that had the td catch in the 2nd quarter that was ruled out of bounds.  My sons and I along with the NPU and NCC hoops coaches were standing no more than 15 feet from that catch and it was BLATANT that Cochairo caught the ball in bounds.  The line judge was out of position to make that call and he was incorrect.  That would have made it 7-7 at the half.

2.)  The other factor or factors, were the 2 NPU fumbles inside their own 30 yard line one of which was picked up and returned to the 1 yard line.  Both of those turnovers were by freshmen (Cochairo on a bobbled bubble screen and Chris Anton on a fumbled punt return) that lead to easy NCC scores within a few plays.

Without those mistakes this is a totally different ballgame alltogether.  That said, NCC right now is the better team and its rushing attack along with NPU's complete inability to cover any punt or kick for that matter ended up being the difference.

FYI...Shelby Wood is one of the best QB's in this conference.  You can see what happens when a guy stays around for all 4 years and gets coached.

Since you feel that, although NCC was the better team, NPU had a genuine chance at winning, may I assume that you are on the small (but growing) 'bandwagon' predicting that the Viking conference losing streak ends against Millikin?  (Or would you take it one step further and say the Vikings will extend a new winning streak on the 25th? )