FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[CarollFan]

So Wilson, the Ok St transfer, is the starting QB?

NCC offense started slow in the first but D was solid from the start.
The OL looked like it was struggling in 1rst Q but got the running game going, Skokna doing his thing, Wilson running a little too.

[NCC2010]

Just got back from the game—here are my thoughts...

The defense looks great. Obviously, they are returning a ton of talent there, but the transfers also mixed in well. Maverick Ohle replaced Cortez at DT and already looks like an All-American-type talent next to Sullivan. They gave up the 1-yard TD after the blocked punt, but after that, Oshkosh couldn't do much until the backups subbed in during the 4th quarter. Renick, the transfer from Wittenberg, was coming in as a designated pass rusher on passing situations. Groark is back from injury and, instead of playing corner, is essentially replacing Orr at nickel/OLB. I talked to one of the coaches, and they think this defense has a chance to be the best in school history.

Wilson got the start at QB and is definitely the guy moving forward. Ashiru came in on a few short-yardage situations to essentially be a wildcat type, but otherwise he was in with the backups at the end of the game. Wilson started slow but really got in a groove as the game went along. I think he is more accurate than Lehnen was already, has more arm strength as well, but is definitely not the runner that Luke was—despite the nice zone read he pulled and ran in for the 60-yard TD. He's got what seems like pretty decent pocket awareness, and he is a really big kid—listed at 6'3", 225 lbs—and I definitely think those numbers are accurate.

The OL is definitely not as dominant as in the past few seasons, which is understandable after graduating Pryor and Maples, who are two of the best OL we've ever had. Cortez looks like our best OL, which makes sense why they moved him over from the defense. They still have more time to gel, but the running lanes were not as massive as we have become accustomed to.

Sean Allen got the bulk of the carries, but in my opinion, Donovan McNeal is the best pure rusher they have. They didn't give him any carries until the 2nd quarter, which I didn't understand, but he basically took over a drive on the way to their first TD. His explosiveness really stands out.

Skokna is an All-American WR, and clearly Wilson's favorite target—he was uncoverable today. The WR corps on the whole is stacked, with Skokna, Rummell, and NIU transfer Jalen Johnson getting the most reps along with Myles Walton. Johnson is actually the son of the assistant athletic director, was all-state in high school in track (300m hurdles), and is every bit of 6'5".

I think the offense will be slightly more pass-heavy than in the past few years, due to the depth at WR, Wilson's arm, and the lack of the rushing threat that Lehnen posed.

Aidan Ellison the new kicker transfer from Arkansas State (played in high school at Naperville Central) has an absolute cannon of a leg.  I couldn't believe it when they trotted him out there for a 56 yard FG attempt.  He missed wide but had enough distance.  Had multiple kickoffs out of the back of the endzone as well.

All in all, a great way to start the season after trailing 7-0 after the first quarter.  Very excited to see what this team can accomplish the rest of the season.

[CardinalAlum]

What ever happened to The Red Zone on NCTV?

The previous, way in over their head, "President" made the decision that The Red Zone was not worth the money.  Another reason she was absolutely awful!

[Cardinal773]

Johnson and Ellison's father's were teammates at NCC in the 90s.  Shane Ellison had the NC single game rushing rushing record for a long while.  Brian Johnson was an all American in track... 400 hurdles, go figure!

The offense had trouble setting the edge on outside runs.  I'm assuming the new players are getting the scheme.  That and UWO's D was quick and strong.

Can't wait to see our D gel some more.  They really looked good.