FB: Midwest Conference

[Pat Coleman]

It is an interesting statement that it's better to not play at all than to play Aurora if you want to get Top 25 recognition. However, I'm not too concerned because they next two games for IC will prove much more.

With 244 teams in Division III football, remember, it's twice as hard to get into our Top 25 than it is to get into the FBS Top 25. Standards are higher.

[Pat Coleman]

This looks like a really quick trigger at Lawrence:
http://www.d3football.com/notables/2014/09/lawrence-coach-out-after-opener

[fulbakdad]

I wouldn't argue your point Pat.  But that team was a lot tougher than the team Wesleyan played....

[gbpuckfan]

This looks like a really quick trigger at Lawrence:
http://www.d3football.com/notables/2014/09/lawrence-coach-out-after-opener

Well, 3-18 overall, and getting spanked by a, IIRC, one-win team.  Seems odd, but maybe that was too much.

But the release doesn't say he was fired...

[Pat Coleman]

That is true. It specifically doesn't say anything -- and I tried to walk that line very carefully in the piece as well.

[02 Warhawk]

I wouldn't argue your point Pat.  But that team was a lot tougher than the team Wesleyan played....

So Aurora > Franklin, in your opinion?

[gbpuckfan]

That is true. It specifically doesn't say anything -- and I tried to walk that line very carefully in the piece as well.

I'm told we may learn more yet today...

[Pat Coleman]

I wouldn't argue your point Pat.  But that team was a lot tougher than the team Wesleyan played....

So Aurora > Franklin, in your opinion?

Franklin played Illinois Wesleyan, not Wesleyan.

[02 Warhawk]

I wouldn't argue your point Pat.  But that team was a lot tougher than the team Wesleyan played....

So Aurora > Franklin, in your opinion?

Franklin played Illinois Wesleyan, not Wesleyan.

ahhhh...I'm getting all these Wesleyan schools mixed up.

[gbpuckfan]

Harris named interim head football coach

APPLETON, Wis. -- Chris Harris, the Vikings' co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, has been named the Lawrence University interim head football coach, Director of Athletics Mike Szkodzinski announced today.

The decision came following the unexpected resignation of head coach Mike Barthelmess. Harris will lead the Vikings into their home opener on Saturday when Lawrence hosts Maranatha Baptist University in a 7 p.m. nonconference game in the Banta Bowl.

"I was very sorry to learn of coach Barthelmess' decision to resign as coach. The most important issue is to ensure that we maintain an excellent experience for our football players, who have dedicated so much to the team and to Lawrence," said Lawrence President Mark Burstein. "As an educational institution that values athletics as an integral part of our student's education, it is extremely important that Lawrence have a successful football program. Accordingly, we will begin a national search for the next head coach immediately."

[gbpuckfan]

the emphasis above is mine

Still, odd timing. If you didn't think you could see the season through, why start? Was it that bad Saturday that you just go on? Players revolt? (I doubt that, though...) Just falling on his sword? (though I don't get that sense...)

Wonder if LU will call Jim Purtill - or if he'd take it...

[fulbakdad]

The Wes comment was a fun poke at Pat.  We had talked about this when he visited the Forest on one of his Road Trips.  He'l be glad when my son graduates this year.

[Gaegerlaw75]

Here is hoping that nothing is wrong with his health, or his family's for that matter.

Here is the chime in from the Carroll University fan:

Well, glad my alma mater did such a fine job making me look like a horse's patute.  After keeping his presence hidden in every off-season/pre-season/spring ball post on twitter and Facebook, Lamont Williams showed up week one wearing a new number (1) and threw up a huge day.  Most of the alumni I know who follow the team had no idea he was even back in school until the Twitter feed posted a picture of him in his "1" jersey the friday before the game.  And what does he do with his surprise entrance? He goes for 73 Yards rushing with a TD and took a kick back 81 yards to the house for his second score.  Nice surprise for CU fans out there as Williams' presence makes us contenders. It is not often that one player can change a season, but I am pretty sure he is that type of dynamic athlete.  Our southpaw sophomore QB throwing for two scores was also nice to see.

After all that optimism it is still clear that the class of this league will be extremely tough to beat.  Beating Carthage the way they did is an extremely impressive win for SNC and the usual suspects atop the divisions also played well from all accounts.  With so many teams having a legit shot at making the title game this year it should be an interesting go.

Up next is Benedictine... An unusual team to schedule that I don't know what to make of... See everyone next Saturday on the boards.

[scottie]

Nice discussions, all.  Glad to see that the Good Guys don't necessarily have to carry the conversation on the board right now.....although I expect they will by mid-season.   

[Mr. Ypsi]

I wouldn't argue your point Pat.  But that team was a lot tougher than the team Wesleyan played....

So Aurora > Franklin, in your opinion?

Franklin played Illinois Wesleyan, not Wesleyan.

ahhhh...I'm getting all these Wesleyan schools mixed up.

Understandable.  There are almost as many of us as Concordias.  Wesleyan is the team that no one can know about in fball, since NESCAC doesn't just shun the playoffs, they have NO out-of-conference games; in basketball, they are average at best.  In basketball, Kentucky Wesleyan used to be a dynasty in d2, but haven't heard anything about them in decades.  Iowa Wesleyan and Indiana Wesleyan are total duds in every sport I follow.  Ohio Wesleyan is usually slightly above average in several sports, but a national power in none.  Illinois Wesleyan won the basketball national title in 1997, beating Nebraska Wesleyan in the final.  Then there is Virginia Wesleyan, which won a national title in bball more recently than either ILL or KY Wes.  There may be others, but I know nothing of them.  And as far as I know, none of the other Wesleyans excel in any other sport than basketball, while Illinois Wesleyan is a frequent top 25 team in football, and won the 2010 D3 World Series.

The mind boggles - but try cataloging the Concordias!