FB: Midwest Conference

[qbfan413]

Wow---there was no way I was expecting the bracket that D3 released but am very happy to see it
Good luck on Saturday to the Green Knights and thank you for working so hard this season to get us (as fans) another chance to cheer you on at home!

[The Roop]

Finally had the chance to look at the bracket. WOW is right. It rates a 9.5 on the fairness scale. Not only that but I think St. Norbert has a chance to make some noise; which would be great for the MWC. Although I'm sure the BlueGolds will have something to say about it.

I'm guessing that Football St. got moved out of region in order to set up another rematch with Whitewater. Why not just schedule a basketball game so UWW could finally beat them ??

Seriously though, the brackets are not only fair but I'd say they are very balanced as well. It doesn't appear that any of the #1s have byes to the semis this year.

[qbfan413]

Well, what does everyone thing about this Saturday's matchup with SNC and UWEC?  To all the fans a reminder that the game is at noon and advance ticket sales are being held through the SNC ticket office.
Go Knights!!

[larry_u]

Norbert loses by 3 td's and the MWC's football struggles continue

[ticker]

Good luck Knights

[SNCOLDAD]

If, and that is a big IF, both teams play the game they are capable of playing, I believe it will be an SNC victory. If SNC has a fair game and UWEC plays to their capabilities, it will be a closer game, but I again think SNC pulls out the victory. My opinion is that UWEC has to play a great game and SNC has to struggle for EC to win.

You asked. That is what I think. I do not believe that EC can hold the offense of SNC for very long. I think EC may score early, but the SNC Defense will adjust and slowly shut them down. SNC just needs to weather the storm early.

Now let's see what I expect to happen, will. 

[fightintitan2006]

Nothing wrong with picking with your heart SNCdad, but I will warn you that you are going to see a whole other level of DIII football this weekend. Due to their better overall depth, UWEC will exploit the smallest mistakes or lapses in effort in ways MWC squads cannot. In my opinion, SNC has had much better squads than this year's team go to the playoffs, some got beat handily and others played well (and 1 won a game). With that being said, the DIII superpowers don't seem as super as they use to in many cases, so I expect SNC to be in this game. Putrill's playoff history suggests he will find the endzone early and that will be the key. SNC plays very well at home and if they can take an early lead it will do wonders for their confidence. It also seems like a good matchup because UWEC doesn't appear to have a lot of firepower on offense, but you have to take into account that is against WIAC defenses.

I'll say SNC leads 14-7 at half and someone wins 24-17...not sure yet 

[The Roop]

St. Norbert isn't at the same level as Whitewater (most of D3 isn't) but I think you can argue that they are comparable to the rest of the WIAC. Somebody must think so or UWEC could have just as easily hosted this game and I doubt anyone would have complained. Instead there would be talk about how glad the SNC fans were to skip Whitewater or St. Johns in the first round for a change.

That being said the fix must be in. Roop Vegas puts the over/under at 83. The "inside" scoop says to watch for a late botched FG to keep it a push. Just to be consistent take SNC -2.5

[qbfan413]

I don't think any team would want to match up with Whitewater or Mount Union and as a loyal SNC fan I was thrilled.  I would love to play them (Whitewater) again this year to see where they stand with the different players and another year of experience for each team...........HOWEVER..........not in the first round

I am looking forward to a great game and SNC getting the opportunity to stop the never ending talk about being at a lower level than the other teams.  Personally (I know I'm biased) I feel that they are a great team but because the conference has 1 or 2 good teams and the rest tend to tank out each year they don't get the respect that other conference title holders do.  That said, 2 undefeated regular seasons of play is something to be proud of.........regardless of the conference or teams played.......they still had to show up, play well, and kick some *&^^%%

PS.  Roop, great Vegas odds....makes me feel like I'm in the sportbar laying down a bet

[PapaSmurf]

The Knights WIth Another Chance

or How I Kill Time Until Saturday, very loosely based on Casey at the Bat

Driving west, as eve on that September night broke,

     wondering were these WIACer's only blowing smoke?

Forgot his foot, our punter did.

     The O and D just ran and hid.

"96 block a kick!", "Josh pancake someone flat!"

     Unfortunate for SNC, there was none of that.

The cannon roared, what an abhorrental gun!

     And when the dust finally cleared, the Knights were O and one.

At season's end to LaCrosse we went.

     To prove themselves, our boys hell-bent

Three quarters plus they, the Knights did not stumble.

     In the stands, "Or-e-gon or bust." the fans began to mumble.

Then, he unnamed, drew that flag, no sense.

     Our side, as one, painfully, began to tense.

Even as the O went lame, no one thought to boo.

     At cold day's end, the Knights record, a sullen O and two.

September next, a home game relief.

     A Knight's win in DePere was my true belief

At Minnihan the fight song, games end, is always sung.

     There the booming victory bell is ever loudly rung.

A brand new year, a brand new game.

     The stats were different, results the same.

The bell was silent, no song sung with glee.

    The Knights still at O, the WIAC holding three.

This season's end, the season's start forgot.

     Hope springs anew for the DePere lot.

In them the Beaver held no respect.

     He did not play, they still were wrecked.

Out-everythinged, but not outclassed,

     our Knights played hard to the last.

That insidious cannon rang out six? seven? eight times more.

     Almost unbear-able now, the Knights at O and four.

The outlook isn't brilliant for the SN Knights this day.

     Their WIAC record is none and four with the Blugolds on their way.

I think if only Casey could get a chance to run.

     But alas, good Meehan's starlit career, already two years done.

Pinto, Koonce and Rentmeester, stalwart defenders of the past,

     who today will stand up in their place and hold the line stedfast?

Hartman's drive and TJ's speed, sights no longer seen.

     A new group now carr-ies the flag of the gold and green.

Who holds the "chubby girl" parties since the VMC Four left the dorm?

     Which unkown soldiers drown their sorrows in this same pathetic form?

The boys from Burke seemed to always, carelessly enjoy their fun.

     Saturday was game face time, shown in all the games they won.

It's third and goal, east endzone, who's firming up the wall?

     It's fourth and one, game on the line, who's carrying the ball?

The time is now, now is your time to write another chapter to the story.

     Achieve the feat and the Knights of old will celebrate your glory!

Cody, Judd and Jay the leaders, by themselves this can't be done!

     A singular force and nothing less will get this battle won!

Strike hard and fast, relentless, hang a hundo half or worse!

     Give it your all, fight to the end, then let this be your next verse...

Oh somewhere in this land of cheese, the Old Style's smelling sweet.

     The polkas play, the deer fall fast, smiles on everyone you meet.

The air is crisp, the sky is bright, children laugh and shout.

But there is no joy in Eau Claire...

THE GREEN KNIGHTS HAVE WON OUT!

[The Roop]

Well I'm sure that rendition will be as successful as Geri Halliwells solo career was in America.

[qbfan413]

Eau Claire 24 St. Norbert 20

To all of the Green Knight men and my favorite of all Cody Craig #6, my baby brother:

Thank you for yet another opportunity to cheer, stomp on the bleachers, and scream.  I've enjoyed each game this season (and over the past 4 years).  I greatly appreciate all of the hard work and dedication you've put into your college football careers and am honored to call myself a fan of the Green Knights.

THANK YOU!!!!!!

[bulk19]

Congratulations to the Green Knights - you guys were a worthy and formidable opponent for the Blugolds; the game could have gone either way... Had UWEC not won, I'd be pulling for you the rest of the way...

gbfan413 - fans like you who go nuts supporting your teams are what make D3 football the best! Seeing your thoughts about thanking your team are much appreciated by this poster, since it shows class... And I am sure "baby brother," his teammates and the players you've followed the last four years will appreciate your sentiments, too...

[SNCOLDAD]

GO GREEN KNIGHTS!

This year it is not that hard to post after a playoff loss. As a freshman dad, I hope to have 3 more years to cheer on my son and his team. Not saying they will be in the playoffs every year, but I can hope for that. Who I feel bad for are the seniors and their parents. All teams that lost yesterday included.

But in just 11 weeks I made new friends that it will be a long time to forget, if ever. The senior parents are the best. You made my wife and I welcome right away at the first road game when you said, "your son is a freshman and traveling with the Knights? That is GREAT!" I am not sure I understood fully what you meant at that game in Grinnell, but I think I understand now. Thank you. I only hope I can carry on some of what you all have done for the Knights Football.

To ALL the seniors on the SNC Football Team. Outstanding year guys! Do not let one game take away from the tremendous success you have brought to a tradition I could not understand until this past week. And I know some of you read this board. ( and thanks for introducing my son to the SNC football mentality) I hope to see each and every one of you at a tailgate party over the next few years, just as I saw some past players tailgating next to me yesterday.

I want to challenge all other teams in the Midwest Conference. Yesterday was the first round of playoffs. This is not just anything. This was the NCAA Division III Football Playoffs. Where were you? Build that program. Strive to be the best. 52 players from your conference felt what it is like to experience this. Next year it would be great if it was 104 players knowing what it is like to be in the NCAA D III Playoffs. What an experience for all.

Congratulations to UWEC. I will cheer for you next Saturday. But next Saturday will be different. 

[Knightstalker]

Today let us remember our Soldiers and Sailors who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor and those who survived the attack in our prayers and thoughts.