FB: Northwest Conference

[snoop dawg]

I guess I could say the same about WC11

[mudball]

Since it's offseason I thought Id propose a question...What is the definition of an elite team in DIII? And does the NWC have any? It seemed for a time that Linfield might have been in that catagory, but Im thinking in order to be classified in that league, you would need to stay at a higher level longer... Such as conferece titles and playoff appearances, all americans, etc. Just curious what you people think.

[Bearcat Press]

Since it's offseason I thought Id propose a question...What is the definition of an elite team in DIII? And does the NWC have any? It seemed for a time that Linfield might have been in that catagory, but Im thinking in order to be classified in that league, you would need to stay at a higher level longer... Such as conferece titles and playoff appearances, all americans, etc. Just curious what you people think.

I think you need to qualify whether you're talking about an elite team or an elite program.  For example, I'd say Willamette had an elite team this year, while Linfield and PLU are elite programs.

[Mr. Ypsi]

It also depends on how elite is elite?  For the last decade and a half, Mount Union is simply at a whole other level.  For the last four years, UWW laps everyone except Mount. 

So are you talking consistent Stagg Bowl contender, consistent top ten contender, or other?  i.e., How elite is elite?

[bluenote]

I was thinking in the 80's  Linfield and PLU were both elite teams in the NAIA.....and even into the early 90's. PLU in '99? I'm also thinking Linfield could be classified as an elite team from about 2000 to 2005. I guess I view an elite team is one that has a chance to either go very deep in the playoffs or actually win the title. Lately it seemslike that would be MUC, UWWW and UMHB? But when I think of elite status I think of teams who are at that level for a long period of time year in and year out.

Would there be several "tiers" of elite status teams?

[D O.C.]

One (1) elite team.

[bluenote]

I was thinking in the 80's  Linfield and PLU were both elite teams in the NAIA.....and even into the early 90's. PLU in '99? I'm also thinking Linfield could be classified as an elite team from about 2000 to 2005. I guess I view an elite team is one that has a chance to either go very deep in the playoffs or actually win the title. Lately it seemslike that would be MUC, UWWW and UMHB? But when I think of elite status I think of teams who are at that level for a long period of time year in and year out.

Would there be several "tiers" of elite status teams?

I take that back about UMHB...they got their butt kicked by SOU who we beat!   

They go to 2nd or 3rd tier....

[bluenote]

One (1) elite team.

...who would that be?   

[Mr. Ypsi]

One (1) elite team.

...who would that be?   

With UWW also making 4 straight Stagg's (winning one), perhaps we could say there are currently 1.5 truly elite teams.

For the moment, the discussion is about #3 (except the nearly unanimous vote would be UMHB, so I guess we're really discussing #4 for recent years).

But for programs, the discussion is still wide open (depending on years, levels of 'elite-ness', etc.).

I'd like to propose a CCIW team for the discussion, but I really can't.  For a couple of years, NCC has been at least 'semi-elite'.  Wheaton has regularly been right up there, but has been decimated by injuries (losing first-team All-Americans for a few games two years in a row - players so good, they were AA in their injury years!).  Augustana is still a regular contender for at least top 25 status (and still has accomplished something even the Mount has not - FOUR consecutive national titles), but they haven't really been a national player in a couple of decades.  The CCIW is still looking for someone to truly enter the discussion.

[Sabretooth Tiger]

One (1) elite team.

...who would that be?   

Without a doubt the 1921 championship Whitman squad, followed closely by the 1973 iteration that beat then a #5 nationally ranked Linfield team.

[bluenote]

Whitman is a cool school....I wish they'd bring back sports. 


....of all kinds!

[RedandPurple]

I would say Linfield is an elite program that has produced elite teams over the years. Having 53 consecutive winning seasons and numerous NWC Championships along with their National Championships places them in the top level.

54 in '09!

[Bearcat Press]

Whitman is a cool school....I wish they'd bring back sports. 


....of all kinds!

[Las Vegas Wildcards]

Red and Purple,

  I couldn't agree with you more, I'd use the word traditional along with elite to describe the upper tier of programs in each division. Programs like Mount Union, Whitewater, St. John's, and Linfield are not only among elite in D3, but in college football in general. While the Raider program has captured most of the recent national titles, other programs have great accomplishments as well, i.e. "The Streak".

  D3 isn't all about Mount Union, just like D1 isn't just about Florida. Let's all celebrate the terrific programs in D3. Having lived in the eastern time zone the majority of my life, it's accurate to say eastern football fans underrate the achievements of west coast teams. Remember how the national media was convinced Boise State had no chance against Oklahoma?       

[RedandPurple]

Red and Purple,

  I couldn't agree with you more, I'd use the word traditional along with elite to describe the upper tier of programs in each division. Programs like Mount Union, Whitewater, St. John's, and Linfield are not only among elite in D3, but in college football in general. While the Raider program has captured most of the recent national titles, other programs have great accomplishments as well, i.e. "The Streak".

  D3 isn't all about Mount Union, just like D1 isn't just about Florida. Let's all celebrate the terrific programs in D3. Having lived in the eastern time zone the majority of my life, it's accurate to say eastern football fans underrate the achievements of west coast teams. Remember how the national media was convinced Boise State had no chance against Oklahoma?       

Steel Curtain:
You are absolutely right. Tradition has a lot to do with successful programs. All teams are subject to up and down years, but it doesn't take away from who they really are. I love D3 football and salute all the players that suit up for their schools.