FB: Midwest Conference

[The Roop]

Yes. It's called putting 10 in the box and singling the lone wide out as Ripon only throws on 3rd and 25.

[MWCfan787]

Predictions for Saturday:

IC at Beloit - IC in a close one

Lawrence at Knox - I'm gonna say LU gets in the win column this wk

Grinnell at LFC - Gotta say the Forresters, they got talent and they are back on track after two hurtful losses to SNC and Beloit

Carroll at SNC - The matchup of the Pioneer offense/SNC defense will dictate how close this one will be, but I gotta say St. Norbert.  Their offense will score.

Ripon at Monmouth - Game of the Week.....If Ripon wins the conference is still up in the air as they go play what will be some re-energized Green Knights the following week....If Monmouth wins the race is pretty much over. 

To me there is 3 possibilities: Ripon wins a close one, Monmouth wins a close one, Monmouth wins bigger than most expect.  As an MC fan I like that spectrum.

I think Ripon's offense is effective, methodical, and helps their defense by giving them rest with long drives, but I don't think it has the potential to score in bunches to create a blowout.  With a quick strike offense like Monmouth's, it's nice to have when you need to score quick but it's not always helpful to the defense.

I agree with 31-17 mc31, but I'll be different and go Monmouth 27 Ripon 14.

(Because of my bias, I wouldn't be surprised with a Monmouth blowout win either)

[MWCfan787]

nother tidbit that noone has talked about much for Monmouth

Very early in the game vs. SNC Monmouth lost their leading receiver going into that game #84 Kyle Wantland with a broken arm.  Didn't seem to affect them against the Green Knights as the other receivers stepped up.  We'll see if they can do the same this week.

[SNCOLDAD]

Please don't even go into injuries. 

[mc31]

along with wantland our starting fullback Shane ladew has a huge boot on his foot and starting running back clay bricker has a knee injury, but dont think that will stop this hard nose runner... i believe he will still play this weekend though...

im sure that every team has its share of injuries this far into the season... now its about who has strong enough subs to pick up the slack... i know monmouths receiving core is pretty deep and kyle weyneth is a pretty good... he should get the start this weekend, he would have prolly started all year but this is his first year playing college football but he is also a senior

[fightintitan2006]

Is Wantland done for the year?

SNCOLDAD, who is down for the Knights right now in terms of injuries?

[scottie]

Tanney throws such a pure pass that even SNCOLDAD could suit up and catch 7 for 120 yards. 

MC 49 - RC 14




A R E   Y O U   R E A D Y   F O R   S O M E   B A G P I P E S ? ? ?

[MWCfan787]

I think I'm looking way to into this RC v MC game.  I'm going crazy trying to figure out how good Oshkosh is this year. (Ripon's only test and they played them equally)  They finished third in the WIAC(including a loss to the national champs by just 2 scores) last yr, lost a alot of starters this yr (10 on O, 7 on D) and were only picked to finish 5th in the conference this yr, all 3 of their wins have been close(2 one point wins and a two point win), only beaten one WIAC team this yr so far (Stout 9-7) who was picked to finish 2nd to last in the conference this yr, lost to current #7 in the nation Eau Claire 34-0. I guess what I'm trying to figure out is would Monmouth have beaten Oshkosh, therefore will they beat Ripon or how close will the game be.

Let's just play the game already!

(Also wasn't aware of and taken back by Oshkosh's 9 game schedule, why wouldn't you schedule a 10th game, is there really noone in all of NCAA or NAIA that can fit into their schedule, even do what Eau Claire and Whitewater did)

[Pat Coleman]

It takes two to play a game. I know the lengths UWW went to to try to find a tenth game before settling for playing EC twice. I'm sure Oshkosh had similar trouble. Kudos to Ripon for stepping up.

[SNCOLDAD]

FightinTitan2006, Thanks for asking.
No injury reports out of me. Sorry. If I started blabbing all that I know about my son's team, he would even talk to me less than he does now. It is even getting tough to get him to return text messages! 

As far as a 10th game, I have a feeling it is a sign of the times to some degree. It takes money. And unfortunately there are few D3 teams out there that draw enough fans to even remotely support the team. I wonder if ANY MWC team draws enough to cover just bus expenses? Concessions, and 50-50 have to be the largest revenue generator.

Not Good. We all need to support more. I have to tell you that I got hooked on D3 Football and in business I am finding more and more others around the country that seem to enjoy it also. We all need to promote it. I hope that person that asked about the Lake Forest game tomorrow really stops by there.

Oh and SCOTTIE, You better believe I could catch the rock! As long as there isn't a stop watch on me running the pattern! 

It is going to be a BEAUTIFUL day along the north end of the Fox River. Tailgaters will be out in full force. The colors should be spectacular, and the fly overs should be plentiful. Just don't look up! 

GO GREEN KNIGHTS

[Redhawk Sighting]

I would have to agree, lets play the game already!!  Ripon departs in 1 hour!  I love this group!  Great chatter, great points, but not enough Ripon fans!!!  Calling all Ripon fans, come on in and chatter with me!  The best thing about this group is we can sit here all day and talk about what we think, spit out stats, but if games were won on a teams over all stat then why suit up and play?  Anyone can come in any Saturday and pull off a win, that is why there is nothing better on a Saturday then to sit in the stands and watch GOOD (College) football!!  With that said, I feel that the ones that are talking about the option and "loading the box" don't understand that offense very well.  I could spend hours on this site telling you how the option COULD beat the defense you speak of, but again that does nothing if Ripon doesn't execute.  The key to the game for Ripon is:  Offense needs to have 8-10 minute drives with a score at the end and the defense needs to get a couple quick 3 and outs.  Best of luck to everyone tomorrow, safe travels today and tomorrow for all teams and fans!  I can't wait for 4pm tomorrow to see the scores around the nation!   

[MWCfan787]

I understand this is division 3 and scheduling can be an issue, but of all the teams its WIAC schools left on the outside with much poorer programs having full 10 game schedules

[janesvilleflash]

It's because nobody is willing to play the WIAC. Oshkosh opened their season with St. Norberts for something like 25 years. Purtill put an end to that. Hats off to Ripon for having some balls. A few years ago, when Whitewater was somewhat down, they scheduled Mount Union, and St. Johns, the two top teams in the country. Playing the best competition paid off for them. I hope it does for Ripon as well.

[fightintitan2006]

Roop,

I didnt realize Eau Claire played Whitewater twice...that could make things interesting. If Eau Claire slips up in another WIAC game, their playoff hope are done, but if they lose twice to Whitewater and play decent, I could still see them still being the second seed.

[Maverick]

Illinois College at Beloit - IC
Lawrence at Knox - KC
Grinnell at Lake Forest - LFC
Ripon at Monmouth - MC
Carroll at St. Norbert - SNC

Good luck Fighting Scots!   scottie - I'll be on the lookout for you Saturday.  Also, great job on the "Fighting Steve Kohls" reference!