MBB: Midwest Conference

[scottie]

Yeah, and that scenario gets SNC so far off the top 25 it will be laughable.

[Greek Tragedy]

St. Norb's (#17) probably stole votes from Roanoke (#18) and Carnegie Mellon (#19), both of whom lost.

There was great debate on the Top 25 board about all those CCIW teams in the Top 25, specifically Elmhurst.  Elmhurst was ranked very high...as was Augustana.  Augustana was as high as #3, I think.  Two of their four losses were to the #1 team in the nation at the time, one in OT and one on the road.

After Augustana lost to Washington U (#1) in OT, they dropped one spot to #3.  Then they dropped 230 pts or so and to #9 after they lost to La Crosse.  They dropped from #7 to #11 and 130 points when they lost at Carthage (9-3 going into the game).  Lastly, dropped 4 spots to #15 and 55 points after losing to the #1 team on the road, but single digits.

I won't go into as much detail with Elmhurst, but they lost to Point (ranked very high), lost at Anderson (ranked) and lost at Augustana (ranked) by 1...their only "bad" loss is to Millikin, and they were 10-2 going into that game.

I realize, to start the season, name recognition is overvalued.  But, it is harder to drop out of the poll than it is to crack the poll, especially when you're losing to quality opponents.  

When a team like Carroll isn't on the radar, it takes them one big win to get there...their win against Point was definitely an eye opener...but, it probably takes another big win to get them into the Top 25....like a win against St. Norb's next week.  

[Greek Tragedy]

Platteville started #7 in the preseason, they moved up to #5 after beating Wooster, who was ranked in the preseason.  They moved up to #3 after #2 Whitewater lost to Point.  So, now they were behind Washington U and Wheaton.  They moved to #1 when Washington U. lost and that was the week that Wheaton didn't even play, so they leapfrogged them. 

Two things can change your ranking, who you beat/lose to and who around you wins or loses.  Platteville really hasn't played anyone.  They beat Wooster early, when they were ranked and they beat Anderson, who have been in and out of the rankings...and then they lost to Point. 

[The Roop]

The magic number seems to be #15. Once you get that high you can usually take a couple losses and remain in the poll, provided the losses aren't consecutive. #16 and below there are no guarantees. 1 loss could put you out and you might not get back in. I'm afraid Carroll simply has too many teams ahead of them to make it this season. But if our board poll is correct and they stay unbeaten in conference longer than St. Norbert you never know.

A 3 loss team from the MWC should get a Pool C. That's as far as I'm going on that subject for now and St. Norbert is the only contender. Work the scenarios for yourself.

[Pat Coleman]

The magic number seems to be #15. Once you get that high you can usually take a couple losses and remain in the poll, provided the losses aren't consecutive. #16 and below there are no guarantees. 1 loss could put you out and you might not get back in. I'm afraid Carroll simply has too many teams ahead of them to make it this season. But if our board poll is correct and they stay unbeaten in conference longer than St. Norbert you never know.

I don't think there is a magic number, per se. It depends far, far more on who you lost to than whether you were 15 or 16.

[Greek Tragedy]

Barring upsets in the other conferences, Carroll shouldn't have too much problem in the regional rankings.  Elmhurst, Wheaton, Augustana, IWU etc will continue to beat up on each other, the NathCon will only get one team in, the SLIAC ditto.  And the HCAC has Anderson and Transy both with 4 losses.  Washington U is the only team in the UAA that is in the Midwest Region, well, along with 1-13 Chicago.

So, with an apparent easier schedule, Carroll could end the season in good shape...St. Norb's, Carroll and Lawrence all have to hope their only losses are too each other, hoping all three can crack the regional rankings...

[The Roop]

Chicago finally won one. I didn't know they played Knox this season. Ba Dump Bump.......

[hickory_cornhusker]

As far as Carroll UNIVERSITY goes, what's in a name.    If they can pull one or 2 upsets against Larry and SNC, they may get that position in the top 25. That should get them a little respect.

I know Lawrence was picked to take the conference but can it really be considered an upset win for Carroll since they already beat Lawrence by 24 in Appleton.



The last two times the MWC has received a Pool C bid (Carroll in 2006 and St. Norbert in 2002(?)) the teams were 21-4. If Carroll wins out and loses the tourney final that would be their record.

[The Roop]

Unless they lose in the first round. Then 20-4. That would likely put them in the big dance but I'm not guaranteeing it.

[titan2000]

Carroll is very good.   But it is a girls's name.

[The Roop]

Didn't that get old 3 years ago ?? I could make a Full Metal Jacket reference about what Gunnery Sergeant Hartmann thinks of the name Lawrence, but I won't. Enough already T2K............ Please.

[titan2000]

I will desist as you implored me, Roop. 

[Greek Tragedy]

From the pick em page, I thought this was funny...

Also Beloit could go 2-0 or 0-2 or somewhere in between.

BRILLIANT!

[gbpuckfan]

feature story on SNC by a GB television station:

http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/sports/sports_wluk_st_norbert_off_to_roarin_start_0122091830_rev1

[gbpuckfan]

Carroll is very good.   But it is a girls's name.

Tell Archie Bunker that ...