FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Kovo]

Spencer Stanek threw 29 interceptions combined for 2010-2012, an average of 10 per season. Last year, in the playoffs, NCC turned it over 7x vs Linfield and 4x vs Cal Lutheran. In 2012, Stanek had 2 turnovers in the 4th quarter against UWW.

This year Stanek has thrown just 3 interceptions and only 1 in the last 7 games. His efficiency rating is 197%, the highest of his career. If he keeps the pace he is going and NCC can hold onto the ball, the Cards will win easily tomorrow.

This NCC team will go as far as their ability to hold onto the ball will take them. If Stanek completes 70% and the offense doesn't turn it over, there really isn't a limit to what they can achieve these next few weeks as they are as talented as any team remaining in the playoffs.

As far as tomorrow, NCC clearly has the better defense and are less turnover prone (Platteville has 25 turnovers to NCC's 13). NCC wins by 2 TD's

NCC 35
Platteville 21

Actually, Stanek has one Int.  The other two were thrown by back up QBs.  But I will accept your prediction. 

[USee]

Spencer Stanek threw 29 interceptions combined for 2010-2012, an average of 10 per season. Last year, in the playoffs, NCC turned it over 7x vs Linfield and 4x vs Cal Lutheran. In 2012, Stanek had 2 turnovers in the 4th quarter against UWW.

This year Stanek has thrown just 3 interceptions and only 1 in the last 7 games. His efficiency rating is 197%, the highest of his career. If he keeps the pace he is going and NCC can hold onto the ball, the Cards will win easily tomorrow.

This NCC team will go as far as their ability to hold onto the ball will take them. If Stanek completes 70% and the offense doesn't turn it over, there really isn't a limit to what they can achieve these next few weeks as they are as talented as any team remaining in the playoffs.

As far as tomorrow, NCC clearly has the better defense and are less turnover prone (Platteville has 25 turnovers to NCC's 13). NCC wins by 2 TD's

NCC 35
Platteville 21

Actually, Stanek has one Int.  The other two were thrown by back up QBs.  But I will accept your prediction. 

Thanks for the correction. I made the mistake of assuming all the picks were his going back. The point is the same, but Stanek has thrown 20 interceptions in his 3 previous seasons (2012-11 INT, 2010-7 INT, 2009-2 INT) and only 1 this year (*he threw a pick in the 3rd quarter against Wheaton that was negated by a penalty on a defensive lineman--so Wheaton fans beleive he threw 2 picks this year!). Point being, he has taken care of the ball--his fumbles are also many times fewer.

[AndOne]

There is an old adage in sports that you make your breaks. I've always thought this true most of the time. However, sometimes you can do your best, and either the other team is just a little better or the breaks, for whatever reason, just don't go your way. Additionally, many throughout various stratum of the sporting world hold to the attitude that unless the end of the season finds you holding the national championship trophy, you and your teammates have failed. I'm not sure what others think, but I personally believe that while this train of thought may be OK at the professional level, its not close to applicable at lower levels of competition, and particularly doesn't belong within the framework of the D III level of sports. Last year for instance, I know the NCC basketball players felt crushed after their semi-final loss at the Final Four. However, by no means did this one loss negate the boatload of positives that were accomplished and accumulated by the team over the entire season.

Of course, only one of the teams left in the playoffs will capture the ultimate prize. However, after the final whistle blows, I hope all the student-athletes on all the teams left look back with pride at what they have accomplished, both this season, and over the course of their college careers should they be a senior. While a loss at this point of the season will be a crushing blow, nobody left standing at this juncture is a failure, either individually or as a team. However, its probably an inescapable fact that it will feel like that for at least a while.

Below is an article with comments from some NCC players. The comments highlight feelings whose roots in some cases go back four years, and, unfortunately, bring to light the pressure to succeed, and the totality of what a loss, especially to a senior, means at this point. However, as above, I hope all the guys who take the field today realize that success is already theirs.

http://napervillesun.suntimes.com/sports/fbl_ncc-NAP-11292013:article

"I think it's just knowing that this is it," offensive tackle Jace Werkheiser said. "We're seniors. If we lose, we're done. If we can't get it done, we're done forever. I think it's our senior group that's really pushing."

Done playing football Jace. Not done succeeding. 

* And just so there is no question from anybody, no, I'm NOT predicting a NCC loss today. 


   

[USee]

Wartburg is standing toe to toe with Bethel in Arden Hills

Bethel 14
Wartburg 7

Halftime

Bethel w 256 yds and Wartburg with 179

[USee]

North Central is lighting it up in naperville. At HALFTIME:

NCC 35
UWP 17

Spencer Stanek is 12-15 226 yds and 3 TD's. Ryan Kent has 13 carries for 142 yds and 3 TD's. NCC with 416 yds at half to UWP's 256

[USee]

Wartburg takes the 2nd half kick and drives for a tying score

14-14 up in Minnesota

[USee]

Wartburg has knocked Bethel's starting qb, Erik Peterson, out of the game. Landed on his throwing shoulder after a running play. Big implications if he is out for any period of time.

14-14 game

[USee]

So Wartburg throws a TD pass on their first play after the Bethel FG. The extra point is blocked and returned for 2 pts for Bethel.

Wartburg 20
Bethel 19

Wartburg is really good. They have LB Joey Naig back and he is a player. Missed a bunch of games this year due to injury, was still voted all conference, played last week vs IWU and is all over the field today vs Bethel.

[NCF]

Bethel TD!!! Bethel Up 27-20.

[NCF]

Linfield down 14-0!

[NCF]

Wartburg ties it up at 27.

[USee]

Very strange situation in Arden Hills. Bethel leading 17-14 and Wartburg scores. The extra point is blocked and run back for Bethel. The officials initially awarded Bethel 1 pt for the runback and made the score 20-18 Bethel. Bethel then scores a TD and goes for 2 thinking they can make it a 6pt game vs a 5 pt game. They convert the 2 pt conversion and the score stood at 26-20.

During the next possession after the Bethel score, the officials decide the runback was worth 2 pts and change the score to 27-20. That seems like a material mistake by officials in a huge playoff game. If Bethel hadn't made the 2 pt conversion, they likely kick the extra pt to make it a 6 pt game.

Now Wartburg scores and with 2 min plus to go, its 27-27.

[NCF]

Bethel scores with 1:18 to go, 34-27.

[D3MAFAN]

Bethel scores with 1:18 to go, 34-27.

It look as if Wartburg let them score.

[NCF]

Bethel hangs on for the 34-27 victory. Road trip to Minnesota up next.