FB: Midwest Conference

[astro9046]

If you look back at the year end stats, you'll see that there were a couple of champions that led in points against, but others that were actually up there (Monmouth for example in 2011 283 PA).  In 14, Monmouth led the league in PA, and played in the 3/4 place game.  In 13, Lake Forest led the league in PA, ended up 3rd.  Stats are always slanted too.  PA can be low because a great Offense is on the field so long.  the 13 Lake Forest Defense was on the field all the time and still had the lowest PA in 13, look at the anemic PF that year, which actually made them a great defense.  Some of the teams that won the championships that had low PA had crazy high PF the same year.

Thanks for the breakdown Fulbakdad; however PA is just one factor in stats for Defense. A physical Defense stats which shows up in 3rd down conversions, forced fumbles, Sacks, points scored just to say few is really what you would consider for dominate D. I'm hoping to see some physical D3 football this year in the conference. I know I will out of one player that is a rollback due to injury and very angry LoL.
Thanks again for engaging Fulbakdad.

[judgetrainer]

Stop the presses, I am going to agree with fullbakdad! Recently the MWC has been pretty much geared toward offense. IC, SNC, Monmouth have all been able to move the ball a bit. Defenses have struggled to keep up the last decade or more. MWC has not been able to compete in the postseason for a long time. Something about top students not being as good at football compared to some of factories in the region, I suspect. I have watched a few games where even Lawrence has put up gobs of points, and as much as this hurts to say, Lawrence has been pretty darned bad for a long time (say 25 years).

I am interested to see what Chicago does this first year back. I am also disappointed I won't get to see Mr. Valdivia play at Lawrence. I will be out of state that weekend.

[astro9046]

Stop the presses, I am going to agree with fullbakdad! Recently the MWC has been pretty much geared toward offense. IC, SNC, Monmouth have all been able to move the ball a bit. Defenses have struggled to keep up the last decade or more. MWC has not been able to compete in the postseason for a long time. Something about top students not being as good at football compared to some of factories in the region, I suspect. I have watched a few games where even Lawrence has put up gobs of points, and as much as this hurts to say, Lawrence has been pretty darned bad for a long time (say 25 years).

I am interested to see what Chicago does this first year back. I am also disappointed I won't get to see Mr. Valdivia play at Lawrence. I will be out of state that weekend.

Roll those presses and stamp out some Defensive Studs on those presses LoL. Defense is a game of having a nasty mentality with a good D-scheme. Would you say that this conference is more of a run vs pass conference?
Thanks

[Pat Coleman]

I'd say the MWC is maybe slightly less of a passing conference than most. Most conferences are passing conferences these days, at least in D-III. Also, those things are pretty coincidental -- coaches might be more influenced by trends nationally but not really on a conference-by-conference level, in my observation.

[fulbakdad]

And I don't even get a plus K?

In the Forest now.  Drove out from New Hampshire to drop off son #2.  Not playing, but gonna  be involved with the team.

[astro9046]

And I don't even get a plus K?

In the Forest now.  Drove out from New Hampshire to drop off son #2.  Not playing, but gonna  be involved with the team.

What is the Karma points for and how does one get + or - ? That's awesome your son is at his older brother's school! So what is he going to do for LF Football team. Safe travels my Blog friend

[astro9046]

I'd say the MWC is maybe slightly less of a passing conference than most. Most conferences are passing conferences these days, at least in D-III. Also, those things are pretty coincidental -- coaches might be more influenced by trends nationally but not really on a conference-by-conference level, in my observation.

Yes the spread type of Offense is very prevalent in most systems now; especially out here in the west.
Pat lets get that D3 preseason report out before the 22nd of August. Not much activity on this blog and need my dose of football for this conference LoL. Well you be breaking down the O & D for each school, or is it more of an overview of conference? 

[astro9046]

Which stadium in this conference is the best by environment and seating capacity? Making my 7 travel plans currently and want to see a great experience.
Thank you

[Pat Coleman]

I'd say the MWC is maybe slightly less of a passing conference than most. Most conferences are passing conferences these days, at least in D-III. Also, those things are pretty coincidental -- coaches might be more influenced by trends nationally but not really on a conference-by-conference level, in my observation.

Yes the spread type of Offense is very prevalent in most systems now; especially out here in the west.
Pat lets get that D3 preseason report out before the 22nd of August. Not much activity on this blog and need my dose of football for this conference LoL. Well you be breaking down the O & D for each school, or is it more of an overview of conference?

Sorry, man -- it's 249 teams we cover so it never comes out early. It always comes out on time, though!

We look at the starters and candidates to start at each position at each school, list a breakout candidate, someone who needs to step up, a key position battle ... then a predicted record and order of finish.

We try to make each preview as complete as possible. One MWC coach might have been a little less than forthcoming but I do what I can. (Out of 12, I guess maybe there's going to be one, right?) And since the last couple of years, I felt like we got incomplete reports on this conference, that's why I took over the MWC reporting for Kickoff.

Enough of the sales pitch! But for those who haven't subscribed yet:
http://www.d3football.com/notables/2017/08/order-kickoff-2017-now

[astro9046]

I'd say the MWC is maybe slightly less of a passing conference than most. Most conferences are passing conferences these days, at least in D-III. Also, those things are pretty coincidental -- coaches might be more influenced by trends nationally but not really on a conference-by-conference level, in my observation.

Yes the spread type of Offense is very prevalent in most systems now; especially out here in the west.
Pat lets get that D3 preseason report out before the 22nd of August. Not much activity on this blog and need my dose of football for this conference LoL. Well you be breaking down the O & D for each school, or is it more of an overview of conference?

Sorry, man -- it's 249 teams we cover so it never comes out early. It always comes out on time, though!

We look at the starters and candidates to start at each position at each school, list a breakout candidate, someone who needs to step up, a key position battle ... then a predicted record and order of finish.

We try to make each preview as complete as possible. One MWC coach might have been a little less than forthcoming but I do what I can. (Out of 12, I guess maybe there's going to be one, right?) And since the last couple of years, I felt like we got incomplete reports on this conference, that's why I took over the MWC reporting for Kickoff.

Enough of the sales pitch! But for those who haven't subscribed yet:
http://www.d3football.com/notables/2017/08/order-kickoff-2017-now

I look forward to reading your comprehensive break down of all teams, and yes coaches can be sneaky . Coming from a D1 program it's all cloak & Dagger. It will be interesting to see which transfers will be disclosed especially in those non-sexy positions that really can dictate a games pace. Well I only have 12 days to receive it which will be good since this blog doesn't seem to be very active like the other conference blogs.
Thank you sir

[judgetrainer]

Oooh, Pat is working on the MWC? I like it!

fullbakdad, I owe you the +, I'm just not allowed yet.

Others can comment more broadly on the conference than I. I would observe the Ripon runs a wishbone option, Lawrence the Fly, Beloit likes to run (think goodness Mason Dixon is done-may have crossed a thousand yards against LU alone). SNC is pro-style and adapts to its personnel. I have not seen Monmouth in a while but they always have talent. Lake Forest has an All-American RB so the run is important. Illinois tosses it a lot. Macalester a bit.

As for stadiums, welcome to D3. I'm biased but I like Lawrence's Banta Bowl. I will like it more when they replace the current press box (built in 1965 and simply awful right now).

[fulbakdad]

New turf down on Farwell Field at Lake Forest.  Field was the Bears practixe field for years.

Son #2 will be doing anything the coach asks.  We make good Marines!  Lol

[astro9046]

Oooh, Pat is working on the MWC? I like it!

fullbakdad, I owe you the +, I'm just not allowed yet.

Others can comment more broadly on the conference than I. I would observe the Ripon runs a wishbone option, Lawrence the Fly, Beloit likes to run (think goodness Mason Dixon is done-may have crossed a thousand yards against LU alone). SNC is pro-style and adapts to its personnel. I have not seen Monmouth in a while but they always have talent. Lake Forest has an All-American RB so the run is important. Illinois tosses it a lot. Macalester a bit.

As for stadiums, welcome to D3. I'm biased but I like Lawrence's Banta Bowl. I will like it more when they replace the current press box (built in 1965 and simply awful right now).

That's what I'm talking about, thank you for the breakdown sir. I was looking at going to the Lawrence game @ Lawrence for 1 of 3 out of town games. Hows the pregame environment at Lawrence? 
Thanks for engaging

[judgetrainer]

Pregame at LU? Meh. Parking is limited (I strongly advise you park in the city pool lot across the street that would John Street, first left after you leave the College Ave roundabout). Since Lawrence has been so bad for so long crowds are not big. Football parents usually have a tailgate. The LU Club of the Fox Cities holds one from time to time. Concession stand starts early. $5 admission at the gate.

[fulbakdad]

Astro, you are obviously the parent of an incoming D lineman.  You said you were watching prior games.  If you want to see one of the better defensive games, if you get a chance stream the Lake Forest-Monmouth game October 19th, 2013.

You had a stud running back, Trey Yocum who was stuffed the entire game.  The Lake Forest Defense that year was very good.  And yes, before you ask, my son was on it.. lol

Hey, where is Scotty??