FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Mugsy]

A Grizzly poster just posted on the Daily Dose: ATN Podcast that the game on Saturday is being moved from Franklin College to Franklin Community High School, where they have field-turf.

So as mentioned field conditions should not be as big of a factor as originally thought.  Apparently the Franklin College field is significantly beat up...

I'll be heading down to Indy on Saturday morning to meet up with few other Wheaton FB Alum (one lives outside Indianapolis) and take in the game.

[Mugsy]

Ok another rumor,

Will the game be played at the franklin high school field because the college field is in bad shape or is that not an option?

Per my post... it may not be rumor anymore.

[washdupcard]

Thunderdog- I agree with you.  I was listening to WONC for awhile and they proved to me again, why WONC is not a "quality" broadcast.  How can you rip your own coaching staff like that?  Especially, when you're in the second round of the playoffs?  Unreal.  Even if you feel that Thorne is not doing well and/or calling a correct play,  you leave those personal attacks OFF THE AIR.

Not just the coaches, but the officials too.  Early in the game, one guy said, "I don't like to complain about the officials," (or something to that effect).  Then he ripped the officials the rest of the game for what he perceived to be late hits and pass interference penalties that went uncalled.

Now, I don't know if he had a legitimate gripe or not.  The fact that nobody on this board has mentioned them yet is either a testament that they did not happen or that y'all are very good sportsmen.  But, the broadcasters certainly have a lot to learn in some regards.

I have been complaining about this for years.  WONC needs to get someone in the booth who knows what they are talking about.  I'm all for student support, and providing current students with great opportunities but would it hurt to put a knowledgable alum like Jaybird in the booth to provide some insight?  Make it a three person booth.  Even my fiance who could care less about the announcers or North Central thought that they were awful.  There is so much B.S. analysis that is just dead wrong and provides an inaccurate picture of the game.  Drives me nuts.

[usee]

Interesting on the moving of fields. Sounds like Coach Leonard doesn't agree witht those who think a sloppy field benefits the passing game. He knows he needs a fast track for Rupp and company.

[GRIZ_BACKER]

Ok another rumor,

Will the game be played at the franklin high school field because the college field is in bad shape or is that not an option?

Per my post... it may not be rumor anymore.

While common sense says moving to the high school would be a great thing for FC's style of offense, my gut says Coach Leonard and the team may elect to play on Faught Field.  (assuming the NCAA would approve either way)  A lot of history on that field and maybe bad karma to move the game to the sterile conditions at FCHS. (beautiful complex, more seats, parking etc). I am thinking if they can get the field playable FC stays put (but what do I know).  FC played well on it on 11/15 in the rain and played on muddy grass the week before and week after (at Otterbein). 

The field at FCHS is only two years old and is the newer style. (the kind with the rubber pellets/pieces)  The NCC field seemed to be more packed down sort of a cross between field turf and the old astroturf.

[GRIZ_BACKER]

If Wheaton plays like they did Saturday and like they have for the past 4 weeks, Franklin will have a difficult time beating them, Rupp or not.

If Wheaton plays like did they over 8 days  in Ocotber, then Thanksgiving is officially over.

Look at Norris over the last 4 weeks:

68-107 1,125 yds 12 TD's 3 INT, 4 sacks

That's an average of 16.5 yds per completion, 65% completion rate, 281 yds per game and a 12TD/3 INT ratio. In that span Wheaton has averaged 43pts a game. That's where Norris has come since the dark days of October. Sean has made himself into quite a qb. It's not Rupp, but it's not bad.

Statistics are like a bikini.........  What they reveal is interesting.  What they conceal is vital.  LOL  (i stole that quote but always like to pull it out every now and then)

[GRIZ_BACKER]

Interesting on the moving of fields. Sounds like Coach Leonard doesn't agree witht those who think a sloppy field benefits the passing game. He knows he needs a fast track for Rupp and company.

At this point I still say it is a rumor.  A text has been sent to someone who should know the answer and we shall see what they have to say.

[usee]

Any NCC backers know why Mucha wasn't playing on Saturday when Sulo went down? I thought he was the heir apparent? Is he hurt?

[CardinalAlum]

Any NCC backers know why Mucha wasn't playing on Saturday when Sulo went down? I thought he was the heir apparent? Is he hurt?

From my sources:
Mucha, having found out on Friday that he wasn't on the 52 person roster, packed up his bags and QUIT!!!  Nice, huh?  I was really expecting a lot out of this kid, but he never showed that he could play RB in this offense.  He tiptoed most of the year when carrying the ball and was never going to beat out Sulo.  I don't get this one.....

[usee]

He quit on Friday? Before a playoff game??

Why wasn't he on the 52 man roster?

[FormerCard]

He quit on Friday? Before a playoff game??

Why wasn't he on the 52 man roster?

Yes, He quit..tough one to understand

I would imagine NC wanted to dress another DB or linebacker considering the team they were playing...plus Malek and Rossberg may have beat out Mucha during the week for the #2 and 3 back.

[FormerCard]

Any NCC backers know why Mucha wasn't playing on Saturday when Sulo went down? I thought he was the heir apparent? Is he hurt?

From my sources:
Mucha, having found out on Friday that he wasn't on the 52 person roster, packed up his bags and QUIT!!!  Nice, huh?  I was really expecting a lot out of this kid, but he never showed that he could play RB in this offense.  He tiptoed most of the year when carrying the ball and was never going to beat out Sulo.  I don't get this one.....

I thought Mucha had a decent season... he averaged 4.8 yds per carry (sulo was at 5.2)   He presented a different running style than Sulo...although you noted he tiptoed (C Benson style), at times he ran very hard and played a good game at Elmhurst when Sulo was out.   Rossberg played well in that game too as he was coming back from injury, and Malek busted a 50+ yarder against Thomas More in the 1st round.

[cardinaldad]

The cards haven't gooten ANY calls since the 06 season?

That's one of the most ridiculous things I have seen on here in a while.

Good thing you are just kidding.

....and If you weren't kidding then that would mean that the last time they had "gotten calls" was against Carthage in 2006 - the last game of the season.....anybody remember that game? I sure do.

I am glad you were just kidding as well.

The thing that sticks out most in my memory about that game (after the Cards won by 10) was the crazy Carthage mom that came storming over into the Card's post game huddle as they were about to be awarded their FIRST CCIW CHAPMIONSHIP TROPHY SINCE 1960 screaming about how they didn't win that game and that the refs handed it to them.  Classy.  Perhaps it's an exaggeration that they get no calls, but it is certainly a rarity when any of the close ones go their way.

Actually NT, yes, it was before the trophy presentation, but if I remember correctly, it was during the team prayer.

[cardinaldad]

Any NCC backers know why Mucha wasn't playing on Saturday when Sulo went down? I thought he was the heir apparent? Is he hurt?

From my sources:
Mucha, having found out on Friday that he wasn't on the 52 person roster, packed up his bags and QUIT!!!  Nice, huh?  I was really expecting a lot out of this kid, but he never showed that he could play RB in this offense.  He tiptoed most of the year when carrying the ball and was never going to beat out Sulo.  I don't get this one.....

That is what my sources say too. Imagine quitting before ANY game let alone a playoff game. It shows that his heart wasn't in it. IMO Rossberg and Malek were better anyway. Mucha looked like he was running in slo-mo against Thomas More. The coaching staff gave him every opportunity to break out and prove himself. It just didn't happen. Since he thinks he's bigger than the team and displayed poor character by quitting on them, I hope he will not be allowed back if he decides to change his mind.

[GRIZ_BACKER]

Ok another rumor,

Will the game be played at the franklin high school field because the college field is in bad shape or is that not an option?

Per my post... it may not be rumor anymore.

Per my reliable sources, the game will be played at the high school as the field was torn up from the Hanover game in the rain on 11/15.  FCHS is a top notch facility. Seating for 4-5 thousand, field turf, accessible parking, etc.  The campus is just two years old.  The field is absolutely perfect.

FC will have to chuck the running game and consider going to the air now that mud is not an issue.