FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[usee]

Why?

[CardinalAlum]

The more I have though about yesterday's game, the more nervous I am becoming about the playoffs.  The team I watched yesterday was not the #2 team in the Nation and not the #1 seed in whatever region they are going to host. 

Oh come on, you can't base it on the only game you saw all year.  Keep in mind that Sulo didn't play, very possibly the player of the year in the conference and Fanthorpe was pulled early in the 2nd half before returning late in the 4th quarter.  Now I know I wasn't there, But I have seen the majority of our games this year and this team is very good.  How good remains to be seen, but with everyone healthy, I like our chances to win a few games in the playoffs.

[CardinalAlum]

Naperville Sun story on yesterday's game:

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/sports/1282292,6_2_NA16_NCC_S1.article

[Mugsy]

The more I have though about yesterday's game, the more nervous I am becoming about the playoffs.  The team I watched yesterday was not the #2 team in the Nation and not the #1 seed in whatever region they are going to host. 

Oh come on, you can't base it on the only game you saw all year.  Keep in mind that Sulo didn't play, very possibly the player of the year in the conference and Fanthorpe was pulled early in the 2nd half before returning late in the 4th quarter.  Now I know I wasn't there, But I have seen the majority of our games this year and this team is very good.  How good remains to be seen, but with everyone healthy, I like our chances to win a few games in the playoffs.

And not to overlook the playoffs and what has been accomplished this year, but next year NCC is going to be nasty...

[Mugsy]

After looking at the numbers I actually think Wheaton has very similar numbers to the 2 loss teams that will be considered. Their owp is similar to depauw and wooster and better than montclair. Their oowp is better than all of them by a wide margin. Montclair and depauw win by virtue of wins over regionally ranked opponents. But I think wheaton is a stronger team than wooster on the numbers.

I agree... but the problem is, you don't want to leave it to the committee to decide your fate.  At least twice in the last 15 or so years, Wheaton has been in this position only to be left out of the playoff picture by the committee.

We all know... win your conference or go at least 9-1.  If Wheaton takes care of business last year against Carthage or IWU, or if they beat Elmhurst this year, they would be a relative sure deal to make the playoffs.   But alas they didn't...

Both Wheaton teams should be proud of their seasons, especially last years team with all the injuries they had to endure.  But I can't help but think they are asking themselves "what if..."  8-2 is a very good season, but Wheaton has gotten to the point where 8-2 isn't good enough.

With all the starters being lost to graduation, next year could be a "rebuilding" year.  Time will tell how the 09' & 10' recruiting classes step up...

[Carthage Fan]

Now I am a Cardinal Fan for the rest of the year!  Hey, I have lots of red and will wear it in support!  

[Carthage Fan]

Carthage fan,

Thanks for your post. You have much to be proud of and even more to remember. Your son was a stud and I am sure it was a pleasure to watch him play. It is a reminder to us all what this game is about.

Thanks Obi Wan....

[FormerCard]

I remember a few weeks ago comparing Lenny Radtke to Matt Wenger and one thing I said was that Lenny was better in pass coverage....

After watching the last 4 weeks, it is very apparent how good Wenger is playing the pass after he lead the conference in interceptions and has been all over the place tipping balls left and right.

Wenger is a stud, a great overall linebacker that can do anything, no questions asked. 

I think he locked up the Conference defensive player of the year today, and is arguably one of the best linebackers in Division 3. 

I agree.

I don't know if anyone one else got a good view of it but Wenger's hit today on the Elmhurst punter was probably the hardest hit that I have ever seen in D3 football.

That play was interesting.  Elmhurst was facing a 4th and Long with like 3 min to go in the game.  They faked the punt and converted in the order of a 50 yrd TD pass.  Flag, illegal man downfield.  The very next play which is like 4th and 15 they run another fake punt and also pick up the 1st down...even though Wenger murdered the punter on the play.

Two things stand out to me.

1.  Great call by Lester, he defintely has some cojones.

2.  What the hell is NCC doing not being in a safe return coverage?

The more I have though about yesterday's game, the more nervous I am becoming about the playoffs.  The team I watched yesterday was not the #2 team in the Nation and not the #1 seed in whatever region they are going to host. 

Great call???  Its called desperation with 3 minutes to go in the game and needing points just to try to go to overtime.  What was the score at that point?   Wasnt Elmhurst down by 3 touchdowns with 3 minutes left in the game???   What would you have done as a coach, actually punt? (and yes, we should have been in regular defense)

It is very difficult to go undefeated in the CCIW, or any conference for that matter.  I have been at 7 of the Cardinals game this year and after every game I became more and more impressed with this team.  Injuries can kill a team, but this team wins regardless of who is playing QB, RB, DB etc..  THAT is the most impressive thing about the Cardinals, because it is very easy to chalk up a loss to so and so not playing....not happening with NCC.  

This is the #2 team in the nation, and I am looking forward to what they will do in the playoffs.

[Mugsy]

Congrats to Coach Swider for tying the all-time wins mark for football coaches at Wheaton.  He is in a tie with the great Harve Chrouser.

Today's win marked the 104th career victory for Wheaton head coach Mike Swider (PICTURED LEFT) as he has now tied Harve Chrouser for the most career wins by a Wheaton head coach. Swider has compiled a record of 104 wins, against 31 losses in his 12 seasons at the helm of the program. Chrouser posted a 104-34-8 record in 17 seasons in charge of Wheaton football.

Congrats in order for a few other Wheaton alum in the coaching ranks:

1.  Pedro Aruzza: leading Randolph-Macon to a big win yesterday, sealing a Pool A slot in the playoffs.

2. Steve Ryan: despite his #4 ranked Morningside College falling to the #2 ranked Sioux Falls 34-31 yesterday in NAIA action.  Both teams entered the game 9-0.  Morningside averaging 49.9 points a game while allowing just over 10.  Both teams should go far in the NAIA playoffs.   While at Morningside, Coach Ryan is 55-23 (currently 2nd in wins and 1st in winning percentage).  IMO a perfect successor to Coach Swider, not that Coach Swider is going to retire anytime soon (nor should he...)

[ncc58]

The more I have though about yesterday's game, the more nervous I am becoming about the playoffs.  The team I watched yesterday was not the #2 team in the Nation and not the #1 seed in whatever region they are going to host. 

This is the attitude I don't understand. Do you not realize that this is a very good football team. They have never really been threatened in any game. The only game that NCC has ever trailed is the Augie game, then they assumed control. The offense can score at any time. The defense has produced turnovers in every game. Cut the nervousness, develop a swagger. The Wheaties show up every year with a swagger. That's what North Central needs to develop.

[CardinalAlum]

Congrats in order for a few other Wheaton alum in the coaching ranks:

1.  Pedro Aruzza: leading Randolph-Macon to a big win yesterday, sealing a Pool A slot in the playoffs.

2. Steve Ryan: despite his #4 ranked Morningside College falling to the #2 ranked Sioux Falls 34-31 yesterday in NAIA action.  Both teams entered the game 9-0.  Morningside averaging 49.9 points a game while allowing just over 10.  Both teams should go far in the NAIA playoffs.   While at Morningside, Coach Ryan is 55-23 (currently 2nd in wins and 1st in winning percentage).  IMO a perfect successor to Coach Swider, not that Coach Swider is going to retire anytime soon (nor should he...)

I taught him everything he knows and he knows it!!  Steve and I coached together for a couple of years at the high school level.  He is incredibly intense and a very good football coach.  Would be a great successor years down the road. 

Isn't Arruza still playing at Wheaton?   Seemed like he was at Wheaton for like 8 years!

[usee]

While I still have time to dream......I am thinking Wheaton gets a surprise pool C bid. Is #7 north and goes to Trine in round 1. Then, if they win, they go to the CWRU/Franklin winner and then get a rematch in naperville (no bell unfortunately) to go to the regional final.

How cool would that be?

[FormerCard]

While I still have time to dream......I am thinking Wheaton gets a surprise pool C bid. Is #7 north and goes to Trine in round 1. Then, if they win, they go to the CWRU/Franklin winner and then get a rematch in naperville (no bell unfortunately) to go to the regional final.

How cool would that be?

Usee,   I think that would be the coolest thing that happened in 2008 if it does...I really mean that.

[79jaybird]

Elmhurst was down by 14 at the time.  Lomnicki passed for a first down which was whistled for an illegal man down field.  The very next play Lomnicki took it himself and picked up the first down.  That drive the Bluejays ended up scoring to make it 35-28.

We all know North Central did not have their full arsenal playing yesterday but I do think Elmhurst pointed out some flaws in the Cardinals that if NC is going to make it past the 2nd round,  need to be addressed.

The Cardinals rush defense was very good and they don't seem to have any trouble stopping opponent's ground game.

NC was whistled for late hits and some dirty plays (D'Angelo on the punt) which are the "no brainers" that will lose you close playoff games.  I was not upset about the hit before D'Angelo had a chance to catch the punt, (people lose track of where the ball is all the time), but I was really upset that the NC gunner went straight to D'Angelo's head which is a direct intent to injure.

I know the game was decided and NC pretty much had the game won,  but a good playoff team does not get victimized for 2 straight fake punts.  What if it's 24-21  in the 4th quarter in the final minute?  For NC's sake, I don' think their performance yesterday helps them as they are gearing up for the first round.

Congrats to Matt D'Angelo breaking the EC record for most TD receptions in a year breaking Todd Evans record.

Congrats to Chris Kudyba for breaking the EC record for most TD's rhrown in a 4 year career, breaking Dom Demma's record.

Overall, the 2008 season was a success for Elmhurst and something to build on.  They are right where NC was when John Thorne took the reigns and started taking NC to the top.  I think Lester will do the same.    Gosh,  I hate this time of the year.  Unless Pat sends me somewhere, I have to wait x amount of months until another football game.     And the Bears are making me sick to !!      And... my fiance' (Cudahy, WI home) is thrilled and I have to sit next to her watching the game.  Needless to say, 79jay is not happy right now.

[usee]

Mt union v Randolph macon in east