FB: Midwest Conference

[Redmen09]

Oh, and before Ripon fans go crazy about that last post.........they did give a scare in that game in 08, sorry almost forgot about that.

I almost did freak out until I scrolled down and read more 

[Redmen09]

Alright some outlook on the games this weekend.  There are going to be two games that I am going to have my eye on this weekend (besides RC).  Beloit at Grinnell will be interesting with two teams looking to make a move to the upper tier of the conference, and both teams with good looking seasons so far.  The second game in SNC vs. Monmouth, obvoiusly two elite MWC teams looking to erase week 1 from their memory.  When Carroll plays SNC and MC, depending on the results could really shake things up and leave those teams with 2 losses.  Ripon has to beat MC and/or SNC to guarantee a share of the title, IMO

Beloit @ Grinnell - Grinnell by 3 in an offensive explosion by both teams
Ripon @ Knox - Ripon by 42 in what could be a cool triple option rivalry
LFC @ Carroll - Carroll by 30
Lawrence @ IC - IC by 10

Game of the Week:
SNC @ MC - SNC by 10 as the Knights have played very well the last two weeks

[bleedpurple]

bleed purple - just trying to be a realistic fan, and with the team they have (unbelievably inexperienced, injury-ridden) I think that's their ceiling this year.  The playoff experience, even if its one game, is better than none at all.  They have to know what they really need to improve and how much they need to improve on it.  If you don't face a team that exposes that to you (like they didn't the the 2008-9 reg. seasons) than you can't get better.

I think something that would really benefit them would be if the MWC dropped 2 teams, but still kept its AQ bid.  Then they could see more tough programs every year and get a better feel for what their program measures up to on the national stage.  Can only wish though.

...and sadly if that did happen the two schools that would make the most sense geographically would be Grinnell (only Iowa school) and IC (WE'D LOSE BTNT! )

That makes sense to me, thanks. It sounds like MC is in "reload" mode. If I am reading you right, if they can win the MWC this year, they will get nothing but better the next couple of years and by then they will really be on a run!

Thanks! 

[Moncolfan]

The Scots will be good again but as far as competing for a national title that may be far fetched. They have a long way to go in that department. Dominance in the MWC would have to come first. I think if that comes its is going to because of their Defense.  They have played pretty well this year despite giving up a few big plays, have really made a difference with turnovers the past few games.  Once this offense gets going like it is capable MC is going to be tough.  These next two games will not only tell a lot about this year but next year too. MC will have something like 19 starters returning next year. I am curious to know what Ripon, Carroll, SNC and others have coming back.

[scottie]

The Scots will be good again but as far as competing for a national title that may be far fetched. They have a long way to go in that department.

I hope none of you took my red Kool Aid promo TOO seriously.  (insert emoticon-of-choice here)

[bballer1280]

Help me understand how dropping two schools from the conference, Grinnell College and Illinois College, who are making strides to improve themselves competitively both in terms of "on the field production" and facilities, will improve the quality of play for the remaining MWC membership?  Frankly, those two colleges have done more for the overall quality of D3 athletics in the MWC than at least a couple of other MWC schools that I can think of.  Obviously, the belief that dropping GC and IC must solely be based on geographics.  It can't be based on overall success of their athletic departments or their investment in facilities in recent years.  The MWC All-Sports Standings results for 2009-2010 were as follows:

Men
1.  Grinnell College
2.  Monmouth College
3.  Carroll University
3.  St. Norbert College
5.  Ripon College
6.  Illinois College
7.  Beloit College
8.  Lawrence College
9.  Lake Forest College
10. Knox College

Women
1.  St. Norbert College
2.  Carroll University
3.  Monmouth College
4.  Grinnell College
5.  Ripon College
6.  Lake Forest College
7.  Beloit College
8.  Illinois College
9.  Lawrence College
10. Knox College

The previous year doesn't deviate much from the list above either. 

I understand that this thread is about football and the MWC all-sports standings does not directly correlate with football.  However, given that Grinnell College might be the biggest story of the year in MWC football at this stage of the season despite the minimal discussion regarding their early season success on this thread, I can't see what "dropping" Grinnell from the conference would do to "enhance" the reputation of the MWC nationally.  Plus, IC's football team is definitely heading in the right direction and they have a favorable schedule in front of them as well.

[Redhawk Sighting]

Thanks BBaller!!!  About time someone besides myself talk some sense on here....

[scottie]

Ughh, here we go again....    I think the semi-recent idea was that the members of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest http://www.acm.edu/index.html  were contemplating a merger.  Until the next ScottieSightingtm allows me to confer with my many high ranking sources  I can only guess that this was just a rumor that has since fizzled out.  Obviously, under these circumstances, Grinnell stays and IC leaves to become the charter out-of-state member of the LMSTAC (Loves Me Some Texas Athletic Conference).   

[The Roop]

Beloit
Finlandia
Chaminade (returns to D3)
Transylvania
Bates
Potsdam St.
Mississippi College

Are forming a new basketball only conference is what I heard. 

[gbpuckfan]

The MWC are all similiar in academic profiles, too - and losing one of its stronger members in Grinnell would not be beneficial, IMO.

The MWC has limited options for expansion because some of the schools that might fit otherwise (I.e. Marian in FDL) don't have football. There just aren't that many other private schools around.

And, let's face it. MWC memberas have, IIRC just one NCAA team title - and that's in a sport it doesn't even offer (SNC in men's hockey). Winning a national title is a lofty goal but not realistic, especially with the WIAC as a usual playoff hurdle.

I see nothing wrong with the conf as is, but would welcome another team or 2.

[Redmen09]

Grinnell and IC leaving the conference would only be for geographical purposes, not athletic performance.  And dropping two/adding two would allow for more non-conference games in football, therefore potentially increasing strength of schedule for the MWC.  

[Redmen09]

I understand that this thread is about football and the MWC all-sports standings does not directly correlate with football.  However, given that Grinnell College might be the biggest story of the year in MWC football at this stage of the season despite the minimal discussion regarding their early season success on this thread, I can't see what "dropping" Grinnell from the conference would do to "enhance" the reputation of the MWC nationally.  Plus, IC's football team is definitely heading in the right direction and they have a favorable schedule in front of them as well.

We would appreciate some Grinnell football insight around here. Every man (team) for themself...

And when there are a bunch of MC posters on here that gets swept under the rug 

[gbpuckfan]

Grinnell and IC leaving the conference would only be for geographical purposes, not athletic performance.  And dropping two/adding two would allow for more non-conference games in football, therefore potentially increasing strength of schedule for the MWC.  

If the conference wanted to, it could accomplish that now.

A) Adapt the Big Ten/11/12 model and not play a true round robin. Play 1/2 fewer conference games and let schools protect a rivalry (ie Ripon/Lawrence). You could add a couple non-con games that way.

B) Go back to division play like we had with 12 teams. Two divisions of 5. That's four division games, and then rotate for the teams in the other division

[SNCOLDAD]

This is all interesting.....to those that care!  I am living in 2010 and the remaining games. Those of you that know me understand. Seniors are seniors, and will I be on the board next year? Maybe ..... a little..... I am going to miss all of this tremendously.

But back to this season. I see Green and Gold facing Purple in the first round. And I relish that opportunity.

So, in other words....

GO GREEN KNIGHTS


How is that Joe?  

[Redmen09]

SNCOLDAD close your eyes.....

Grinnell and IC leaving the conference would only be for geographical purposes, not athletic performance.  And dropping two/adding two would allow for more non-conference games in football, therefore potentially increasing strength of schedule for the MWC. 

If the conference wanted to, it could accomplish that now.

A) Adapt the Big Ten/11/12 model and not play a true round robin. Play 1/2 fewer conference games and let schools protect a rivalry (ie Ripon/Lawrence). You could add a couple non-con games that way.

B) Go back to division play like we had with 12 teams. Two divisions of 5. That's four division games, and then rotate for the teams in the other division

True.

4 in division games. 1-2 crossover games. 3-4 non-conference games. Conference championship game.  Doesnt sound too bad.