FB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[BDB]

It's officially UW-Stout Polytechnic now.

So, both Stevens Point and Stout abbreviations are UWSP. Throw UW-Superior into the mix and it's a jungle out there. 

https://www.uwstout.edu/about-us/news-center/university-wisconsin-stout-polytechnic-amends-name-reflect-longstanding-applied-career-focus

[maripp2002]

It's officially UW-Stout Polytechnic now.

From the website:

Now, as UW-Stout Polytechnic, the university requests that members of the media and other outside organizations use University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic or UW-Stout Polytechnic rather than UW-Stout or Stout.

Good luck with that. They'll always be Stout - ain't nobody got time to type or say UW-Stout Polytechnic.

[BDB]

It's officially UW-Stout Polytechnic now.

From the website:

Now, as UW-Stout Polytechnic, the university requests that members of the media and other outside organizations use University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic or UW-Stout Polytechnic rather than UW-Stout or Stout.

Good luck with that. They'll always be Stout - ain't nobody got time to type or say UW-Stout Polytechnic.

Looks like you just did.

I suppose Wis Poly would be easier.

Like California Polytechnic State University is Cal Poly.

[maripp2002]

Looks like you just did.

I suppose Wis Poly would be easier.

Like California Polytechnic State University is Cal Poly.

I did no such thing. I did copy and paste from the website and then copy and paste from the blurb, but I do think they're going to have to come up with something shorter. Wis Poly or Wis Tech both make a lot of sense to me. In absence of coming up with a good shorthand, I feel like non-official stuff is just going to keep calling them Stout.

[AndrewB]

D1 Rejects interview with UWO Coach Jennings. 

[The Third Division]

Petition to rename UW-Whitewater to UW-Whitewater Football

[bleedpurple]

Petition to rename UW-Whitewater to UW-Whitewater Football

Yes! Now we are getting somewhere!

[BigMark]

Alright I am ready for my pre season predictions-

1- UWP- I like what UWP returns. Nathan Uselding had a great season and excited to see him back. Also get the leading rusher back. This program has been a main staple of the league the past 7 years and I think they find a way to win the league this year. I am excited for the springfield nonconference game. UWP starts 5-0 and first test is at home again UWRF. I see UWP finishing 9-1 and making a run into the quarterfinals.

2- UWW-  Very interesting non conference schedule but should cruise to a 3-0 start. Open league play with UWRF and UWL so we will find out right away what UWW is about. UWW returns the top three ball carriers from last season. The question I am looking to fill is, who will step up and play QB? The last 5 years I have been less than impressed with that position. They always seem to get big transfers in but the QB position has really hurt the warhawks. UWP vs UWW will be for a WIAC title this year!

3- UWL- The first question mark is a new head coach. I have a lot of respect Coach Zweifel. I still do not understand the Matt Janus move to Northern Michigan but Michael is ready for this challenge. Huge news to be able to retain Tarek. UWL lost a decent amount of kids from graduation, but UWL seems to always reload and have big transfer classes. This is one of the most intriguing teams in the league this year. UWL opening up with St Johns week 1. It does not get any better to kick off the Zwiefel era!

4- UWO- UWO is the program that I have had a hard time figuring out. I have seen Coach Jennings on a lot of media this year and have grown to really like how he runs the program. UWO starting the year with Wheaton, Linfield and Mihcigan Tech all at home. I do not think there is a more tough test to start the year. Tim Shields former UWW coach coming in and coaching the offense. The major question is who will play QB?

5- UWRF- Defending national champs finishing 5th in the WIAC? How is that possible? Well simple, no Blaha or top gun offense. This is the most interesting team in the entire country. 11 lost in the portal. 20 to graduation. Have been at the top of the mountain and the leader of the program goes to Drake. Offensive staff goes to Drake. I think UWRF comes back down to earth and finishes in the bottom half this year under first year head coach Jake Wissing. To many ? and unproven players.

6- UWS- I really like what is returning on defense for Stout. All going to come down to QB play. If the offense can get it going, I think they sneak into the top 4 with this defense.

7- UWEC- When are they going to make the jump? So much hype has been around this program for 2 years in recruiting and facilities. It took UWRF 8 years after the new building to get it rolling. I really like Coach Erickson. He is a very good coach. I just do not know what UWEC has to do to get going the right direction. You have the facilities, town, great college, and a great recruiting base. The WIAC is better when UWEC is in the top half.

8-UWSP- Opposite of UWEC Point does not have much going for them other than a solid head coach. They have to catch up in the arms race. I am hopeful for some completive game this fall and hopefully continue to climb out of the bottom.

Here is my list- Rip it apart or I want to hear what everyone else thinks!

[PauldingLightUP]

BigMark, UWO has Linfield, Alma and Coe on the non conference schedule this year. Somehow you were looking at the 2024 schedule.

[BDB]

- ain't nobody got time to type or say UW-Stout Polytechnic.

Looks like you just did.

I did no such thing.

According to this logic, from now on it's UW-River and UW-Stevens and UW-Eau.

We all use abbreviations, but not because it's too much work or takes too long to spell out the schools name correctly.

[Mitch Hall]

Thank you BigMark for the preview. I share your interest in the UWEC situation. They always seem to have a young team and I wonder if they retain guys as well as some programs. I admit that I haven't taken the time analyze their rosters. Maybe this is their breakthrough year. What is the status of their plan for an on campus facility ? I hope they stay at Carson, as it is my favorite WIAC venue.

[AndrewB]

Thank you BigMark for the preview. I share your interest in the UWEC situation. They always seem to have a young team and I wonder if they retain guys as well as some programs. I admit that I haven't taken the time analyze their rosters. Maybe this is their breakthrough year. What is the status of their plan for an on campus facility ? I hope they stay at Carson, as it is my favorite WIAC venue.

They recruit from Chicago to Minneapolis.  Looking at the 2025 roster, lots of freshmen and sophomore players.  They should be an improved team for 2026, but who's worse this year in the conference?  The quarterback play won't be in the top half of the conference. 
To tell you how unfair the WIAC is: The 3 best quarterbacks could be former D1 or D2 players.

1) Kyle Hass - Winona State
2) Demir Ashiru - Farris State
3) Drew VanVleet - Dayton

Unless your team is getting D2 talent, your going to be a bottom half team.

[AndrewB]

Going just by WIAC Standings (Not including NON-CON):

1) UW-L. Experienced QB and a Top 2 receiver in the conference (Janke).  Lost the top 2 Rb but have solid replacements.  Lost an all-American Tackle (Walter), but still has some top end talent on the line.  Defensive back field is the position I'm most worried about.  Lost some valuable senior leadership this past year.  I know Coach Z told Pat they were bringing in between 6-10 transfers this upcoming season to fill holes.  I expect most will be on the defensive end of the ball.  Wouldn't be shocked if this team plays in the Stage Bowl.

2) UW-RF The beat down they put on the Cardinals in the second half was a thing of beauty.  They could have outscored them 42-0 in the second half in not for a few plays.  They still have the best defensive player in the WIAC (Sussner). They still recruit some of the best Non D1 talent in the greater Minneapolis area.  Coach Wissing will continue to do great things at UW-RF.

3) UWO  Demir is exactly the type of player Coach Jennings is looking for.  Duel threat with amazing speed.  The only question is if he can hold up for 10 regular season games and hopefully the playoffs.  Not to knock the MIAC, but if Oshkosh played in that conference, he could sit the second half in most games.  Don't think he'll be able to do that in the WIAC.  Not much student love for the team.  They always needed the stadium on the other side of the river.

4)UWW They need big time receivers.  Last year against UW-L, they made no plays.  All 3 starting WR'S were 5'10".  That won't cut it in the WIAC.  Lost impactful players on both sides of the ball.  Just got pushed around by DePauw in the snow.  Couldn't stop the run or run the ball.  Coach Rindahl might be on the hot seat if things don't change.  Football is too important and the revenue it generates is greatly needed.

5) UW STOUT POLY
BEST offensive player in the conference Devonte Evans.  Watched then last year twice.  In the Culver's Bowl, Evans couldn't be stopped.  Very Jekyll and Hyde team.  To many times they showed up not ready to play early.  Both Culver's game and this past season against UW PLATTEVILLE.

6) UW PLATTEVILLE
They have problems playing a full game.  Should have lost to Stout and were close to losing to Oshkosh.  They have big linemen and great running backs.  But they couldn't put teams away.  This year it catches up.  They also have graduated some outstanding receivers who just won't be replaced easily.

7 UWEC.
Might have the best head coach in the WIAC, and he's the offensive coordinator Phil Ockinga.  Poor team, starts 3-0 and then goes win less in conference.  Next year might be a better gauge of this teams outlook.  Again not to disparage the MIAC, but this team would easily finish 3.  But to beat Platteville to finish 6th is ridiculous.

8 UW-Point
Someone has to finish in last. 

[Mitch Hall]

Wow. Thanks for the analysis.