FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[CardinalAlum]

On a side note, I'm starting to believe it's the year of the Cardinal.  St Louis wins the world series with the losingest team to ever get there (I'm a Cubs fan).  Louisville upsets WVU in a big game last night (arguably WVU had not been tested like that all year and I didn't think they were that good to begin with).  NCC in first place in the CCIW.  With all this, I might have to jump on the NCC bandwagon and place some bets.

I knew you guys were smart!!

[CardinalAlum]

Sidenote to your sidenote is that the NCC men's basketball team is the preseason #1 in the conference!

[TitanBacker]

And Illinois State is ranked in the top 5 in D-I AA.    But they're the Redbirds, does that count?  If so, I need some Cardinal outer wear

[Mugsy]

Sidenote to your sidenote is that the NCC men's basketball team is the preseason #1 in the conference!

How about that NCC men's soccer team?  0-20-0!

[CardinalAlum]

Sidenote to your sidenote is that the NCC men's basketball team is the preseason #1 in the conference!

How about that NCC men's soccer team?  0-20-0!

Now you're reaching!   

[CardinalAlum]

Sidenote to your sidenote is that the NCC men's basketball team is the preseason #1 in the conference!

How about that NCC men's soccer team?  0-20-0!

It's not as bad as it seems.  A field goal or touchdown here or there and they win most of their games!      OMG, I'm starting to sound like Jaybird! 

[Mugsy]

Sidenote to your sidenote is that the NCC men's basketball team is the preseason #1 in the conference!

How about that NCC men's soccer team?  0-20-0!

Now you're reaching!   

Just trying to make sure the CCIW Football board doesn't turn to a shade of color associated with a single school, like the D3Hoops CCIW board.

[CardinalAlum]

A 100% guarantee that Augie does not win in Naperville this weeekend.  Money back guarantee.

[TitanBacker]

Sidenote to your sidenote is that the NCC men's basketball team is the preseason #1 in the conference!

How about that NCC men's soccer team?  0-20-0!

Now you're reaching!   

Just trying to make sure the CCIW Football board doesn't turn to a shade of color associated with a single school, like the D3Hoops CCIW board.

TIT-ANS!!

I had to...

[Augie6]

Jaybird,

I'm not saying Carthage hasn't improved over the past few seasons, because they have.  I'm saying they have slipped from their great year in 2004.  If you remove the 2004 season, they are 8 - 11 in the CCIW from 2003 on.  This year they are one win out of first place right now, but still have to play Wheaton and NCC.  I'm not saying they can't win these games, but my money goes on Carthage finishing this year with 4 losses in the CCIW. 

At the beginning of the year, all of the teams in the CCIW have a "shot" at the conference championship.  Having a good nucleus of talent does not mean you have a "legitimate shot" at the conference title.  The 3 teams that most people predicted would compete for the championship are the ones who are actually doing it. 

[Augie6]

Comet 14,

Elmhurst and Carthage have improved their programs, but Millikin is actually going in the opposite direction.  Their conference record from 1999 - 2002 was 20 - 8.  Since then, they have gone 11-15 in the CCIW.  In my mind, they may have fallen below IWU in the rankings of teams within the conference.

[Augie6]

Mugsy,

Great post and analysis on the comparison of 2005 and 2006 non-conference schedules.  Olivet playing both Elmhurst and IWU helps make the schedule look tougher, but I wonder how weak the MIAA is when one of our bottom tier teams (IWU) beats the MIAA second place team (Olivet) fairly easily and the MIAA leader (Hope) has only beaten teams within the conference (Non-conference losses to Central, Depauw and Wheaton). 

[Mugsy]

Mugsy,

Great post and analysis on the comparison of 2005 and 2006 non-conference schedules.  Olivet playing both Elmhurst and IWU helps make the schedule look tougher, but I wonder how weak the MIAA is when one of our bottom tier teams (IWU) beats the MIAA second place team (Olivet) fairly easily and the MIAA leader (Hope) has only beaten teams within the conference (Non-conference losses to Central, Depauw and Wheaton). 

Yeah, the MIAA appears to be a mess this year in terms of relative strength.  Actually the perception is that the MIAA has been on the decline the last few years.

The fact that Hope lost all 3 non-conference games isn't too big of a surprise, nor should it be a slight on Hope given the teams they played.  Wheaton (7-1), Central (8-0), and DePauw (5-3).  Not bad competition in that schedule.

[Comet 14]

Augie 6, thanks for the clarification. That's why I love this board. Most posters are very informative. If I don't know something about CCIW all I have to do is ask.

[Comet 14]

According to the pick-ums most people think the Elmhurst v.s Millikin game will be the closest game this week. I will be at the game but I wish I could see the Wheaton @ Carthage game also. That should be a good one. What is Millikins Defense like? Elmhurst has struggled with O this season to say the least. I hope they get it going this week.