FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[USee]

Regional Rankings are out:

http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/football/d3

This pretty much seals the deal that Wheaton needs an IWU victory or their season is over.

[NCF]

Pretty cool stuff here from EC...http://www.elmhurstbluejays.com/news/2012/11/5/FB_1105125648.aspx

From the Head Ball Coach, Tim Lester:

"There's been non-stop conversation about the dangers of concussions from youth football all the way up to the NFL.  We've had players sidelined for games and had student-athletes walk away from the game because of multiple concussions. We wanted to be proactive in our attempt to try and curb concussions during practices.  Unfortunately, there is no sure-fire away to completely eliminate concussions, but if we can help keep our players safer, we're going to do it."

It'll be interesting to see if more teams at all levels take similar steps.  I know Wheaton has had more concussions this year than ever before.

Mugsy,

I think consideration must be given to the possibility that Wheaton (and any other team you care to name) may actually have had as many concussions in past years. I say that because I think that both equipment and especially, diagnostic measures, have improved. Whereas following a hard knock to the head in past years may have led to a coach asking the dinged player "are you OK" or sitting him out a play or 2, now a solid blow to the head often results (during practice) in a field examination by a member of the training staff. If there is any question, the player is removed from the field.
Returns from concussions are also fortunately more tightly controlled and allowed on the basis of objective medical findings rather than so much on subjective feelings of the player. In the scenario I am familiar with, a concussed player has no chance of returning to action until such time as they can pass a cognitive computer based test. If and when they pass this test, they must still see a neurologist for a more thorough examination. Even if the player has passed the computer test, the physician can still extend the return to action date. I'm sure many institutions now follow this same  protocol.

Kudos to Elmhurst for taking this proactive step.
I wonder how long it will be before we see rules enacted making some type of helmet modification mandatory?

In light of all the NFL lawsuits, I would think soon.

[Mugsy]

Regional Rankings are out:

http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/football/d3

This pretty much seals the deal that Wheaton needs an IWU victory or their season is over.

Agreed.  Sitting #9 with Heidelberg, Wittenberg, OWU ahead of them means they will be too far away from the Pool C table.

[79jaybird]

Which is a shame, because I think Wheaton is the stronger team. They just had a bad quarter against Elmhurst and it might cost them.
As lucky as my Alma Mater has been they are heading towards a first round home game.  Who would have thought this would be discussed back in August?  Great job Jays and happy for those Seniors.

[AndOne]

Same goes for NCC. Lose and they're done.

Of the 3 top teams, it would seem that that the Cardinals have, by far, this weeks toughest matchup against an improved Augie squad.
I think there is only a very slight chance of an EC loss, playing at home against a Wesleyan team decimated by injuries, especially at the most important position on the field.
Greg Sager has previously (post #26313) thoroughly delineated why Wheaton wins by basically getting off the bus. 

[USee]

Same goes for NCC. Lose and they're done.

Of the 3 top teams, it would seem that that the Cardinals have, by far, this weeks toughest matchup against an improved Augie squad.
I think there is only a very slight chance of an EC loss, playing at home against a Wesleyan team decimated by injuries, especially at the most important position on the field.
Greg Sager has previously (post #26313) thoroughly delineated why Wheaton wins by basically getting off the bus.

I would disagree here. I think the Elmhurst/IWU game is IWU +4.5 and I would have the NCC @Augie game as Augie +20.5.  IWU is without their QB and has been banged up but they are not bereft of talent. The gap between IWU/Elmhurst, even with the injuries, is much, much narrower than the talent gap between NCC/Augie. IWU basically had their team set back to August camp while having to play games against opponents in midseason form. 2 games is a healer of many things and I would be surprised if the IWU/Elmhurst clash isn't a close one most of the way.

[NCF]

Same goes for NCC. Lose and they're done.

Of the 3 top teams, it would seem that that the Cardinals have, by far, this weeks toughest matchup against an improved Augie squad.
I think there is only a very slight chance of an EC loss, playing at home against a Wesleyan team decimated by injuries, especially at the most important position on the field.
Greg Sager has previously (post #26313) thoroughly delineated why Wheaton wins by basically getting off the bus.

I would disagree here. I think the Elmhurst/IWU game is IWU +4.5 and I would have the NCC @Augie game as Augie +20.5.  IWU is without their QB and has been banged up but they are not bereft of talent. The gap between IWU/Elmhurst, even with the injuries, is much, much narrower than the talent gap between NCC/Augie. IWU basically had their team set back to August camp while having to play games against opponents in midseason form. 2 games is a healer of many things and I would be surprised if the IWU/Elmhurst clash isn't a close one most of the way.

As long as Elmhust wins, coupled with an NCC victory, I'll b very happy.

[USee]

There is some hope for Wheaton fans besides the possible Titan win over the Bluejays Saturday. If Kenyon loses to Denison in the NCAC (somehow the current tiebreaker favors Kenyon who didn't even play the other teams), then Wheaton simply has to leapfrog OWU in the final balloting to get to the table with a few spots left. I like their chances as being picked if they can simply get to the table.

Go to the Pool C thread or Keith M's explanation on the front page if you want to learn more.

[DadofBashWarrior..]

I'm happy that I could stir things up a bit, proving that the NCC-Wheaton rivalry is still one of the feistiest in D3. And it's only Monday.

The rivalry is why I will be at the game...and NCC can be beaten ...Wabash Always Fights...

Just catching up from weekend...

North Central /Wheaton was a great game...did not go as many thought...on both sides....

But as I said North Central could be beaten...

From my standpoint it was the Wheaton Offensive Line that was good enough to make the passing game possible...congrats to them and the Wheaton line coach Ron Harris

Now with Wabash out as we took it on the chin a second time this year just as NCC has but even worse with the teams we played losing to Allegeny and Oberlin...I will be rooting for North Central in the playoffs....If Wheaton happens to make it in I will certainly be following them as well...Maybe a rematch of both in the playoffs would work well...

Again it was a great game on Saturday and a joy to watch two great teams and coaches...

[79jaybird]

IWU is no pushover and traditionally we have had our struggles with IWU.  Yes, they have played IWU better at home than B-Town, but still to think Elmhurst can just "show up" and win is mistaken.

[USee]

I'm happy that I could stir things up a bit, proving that the NCC-Wheaton rivalry is still one of the feistiest in D3. And it's only Monday.

The rivalry is why I will be at the game...and NCC can be beaten ...Wabash Always Fights...

Just catching up from weekend...

North Central /Wheaton was a great game...did not go as many thought...on both sides....

But as I said North Central could be beaten...

From my standpoint it was the Wheaton Offensive Line that was good enough to make the passing game possible...congrats to them and the Wheaton line coach Ron Harris

Now with Wabash out as we took it on the chin a second time this year just as NCC has but even worse with the teams we played losing to Allegeny and Oberlin...I will be rooting for North Central in the playoffs....If Wheaton happens to make it in I will certainly be following them as well...Maybe a rematch of both in the playoffs would work well...

Again it was a great game on Saturday and a joy to watch two great teams and coaches...

DOBW,

Just to clarify, Wheaton's line coach is former player, Jesse Scott. Ron Harris is on the staff as an assistant line coach. Thanks for the s/o.

[DadofBashWarrior..]

I'm happy that I could stir things up a bit, proving that the NCC-Wheaton rivalry is still one of the feistiest in D3. And it's only Monday.

The rivalry is why I will be at the game...and NCC can be beaten ...Wabash Always Fights...

Just catching up from weekend...

North Central /Wheaton was a great game...did not go as many thought...on both sides....

But as I said North Central could be beaten...

From my standpoint it was the Wheaton Offensive Line that was good enough to make the passing game possible...congrats to them and the Wheaton line coach Ron Harris

Now with Wabash out as we took it on the chin a second time this year just as NCC has but even worse with the teams we played losing to Allegeny and Oberlin...I will be rooting for North Central in the playoffs....If Wheaton happens to make it in I will certainly be following them as well...Maybe a rematch of both in the playoffs would work well...

Again it was a great game on Saturday and a joy to watch two great teams and coaches...

DOBW,

Just to clarify, Wheaton's line coach is former player, Jesse Scott. Ron Harris is on the staff as an assistant line coach. Thanks for the s/o.

Thank you...the line play was awesome...Well done Jesse Scott

[ncc_fan]

Regional Rankings are out:

http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/football/d3

This pretty much seals the deal that Wheaton needs an IWU victory or their season is over.

Agreed.  Sitting #9 with Heidelberg, Wittenberg, OWU ahead of them means they will be too far away from the Pool C table.

It looks like the ranking committee in the North differs from the other regional committees in the weight attached to W/L record, which seems to trump ALL other primary criteria in the North but not in other regions.  How else do we account for the large gap between Elmhurst on the one hand and Wheaton/NCC on the other?  In other regions you'll find 1-loss teams ahead of 0-loss teams, and even 2-loss teams ahead of 1-loss teams, but you don't see this in the North.

[USee]

Here is a related discussion I had from the Pool C thread:

Also, Wally, what happens if Kenyon loses to Denison and Witt gets the AQ (which should happen if the D3 powers do what's fair)? If Wheaton can jump OWU in the final secret squirrel regional ranking regalia, then we may see a scenario closer to what Keith outlined?

If Kenyon does lose to Denison, I think Witt gets the league's AQ, but I can say that with only about 4.5% certainty.  I'm giving up on trying to figure out how they arbirtrarily apply the already arbitrary tiebreak "rules".  But IF Kenyon lose and IF Witt wins and IF Witt gets the NCAC's ticket to the show, then You'd still have to see Wheaton magically jump over OWU.  IF that were to happen, then yes, you'd wind up with what Keith projected in his DD post this morning.

Wally,

I am not saying some mythical jump is probable, but it isn't unprecedented. We have seen it more than once. Why did Adrian get jumped by OWU in this weeks rankings? several teams jumped others in the east/west with similar results. From my discussions with coaches and people familiar with the Regional Committee's, those coaches know who the best teams are and really try to position them for success at the national table. I am not saying I like it (because each region seems to be ranking teams inconsistently) but I think its a reality. You will remember in 2008 when Wheaton jumped Wooster in the final rankings that no one saw. Both teams won their last game and somehow Wheaton got picked and Wooster stayed home, even though Wooster was ranked higher the week before and both teams had same records with similar results. Again, I don't count on it, but it has happened.

[Langhorst_Ghost]

Which is a shame, because I think Wheaton is the stronger team. They just had a bad quarter against Elmhurst and it might cost them.
As lucky as my Alma Mater has been they are heading towards a first round home game.  Who would have thought this would be discussed back in August?

Where to begin...

1. Just one bad quarter?  That's the excuse now?  First it was mysterious injuries (an assertion which i addressed in a prior post yet you declined to respond to), now it's "one bad quarter" - well, here is the breakdown: 1Q = EC 14, WC 7, 2Q = EC 7, WC 3, 3Q = EC 14, WC 14, 4Q EC 0, WC 6.  EC wins two quarters, ties one, and WC scores 30 seconds into the 4th and never again.  why do we continue this tired conversation?  Wheaton is a talented team, this fact is indisputable, but they did not get it done when it mattered...EC did.

2. Who'd of thought?  Most people in and around the program,and who have recognized the legitimate strides it has made, that's who.  Look, it's been a while, i get that, but as has been mentioned too many times already on this board by yours truly...the past does not define the present.  Prognasticating and internet posturing based on past perfromance is lazy and uninformed.  Your opinion on the Bluejays is well documented - in fact, you had them losing to Trine, NCC, Wheaton, and IWU - chalk picks.  I, and the folks close to the program, have held a strong and steady belief otherwise:

This from Kickoff 2012's Keith McMillan - Elmhurst: The only thing that makes me more giddy for a breakout season than 17 or more returning starters is continuity on the offensive line. The Bluejays have all but their left guard back to clear a path for Scottie Williams. Quarterback Joe Furco has nearly three seasons of starting experience, and nine starters are back in Elmhurst's 3-3-5 defense. Last year the perennial knocking-on-the-door team to break through was Centre. This year, with Illinois Wesleyan, Wheaton and North Central all needing to break in mostly new defenses (none has more than three starters back), it's Elmhurst's turn.

And my posts:

on: July 12, 2012, 01:13:34 pm - Often labeled a sleeper pick over the past few seasons, the '12 version of the Jays are positioned to capture all that potential and really take a big step forward this year

on: September 10, 2012, 04:07:50 pm - Nobody's suggesting we hand out the rings in week 2, Jaybird, but steadfast support is not to be confused with blind optimism.  Are there challenges ahead?  Absolutely - i recognize (and more importantly, the players recognize) that there will always be challenges.  NCC will be a tremendous challenge under the lights at Benedetti.  Wheaton will be an incredible challenge at Langhorst.  But champions see challenges as opportunities to succeed.

There is alot of merit in an argument for EC, and a lot of good reasons to make that argument (which i have clearly been motivated to do). The 'Jays have a legitimate opportunity in 2012 to shift the balance of the conference with an experienced coaching staff, a talented veteran roster, and an explosive offense.   
This team is ready, this program is ready - history may tell a story of the past, but it does not define the reality of the present.  i'm all in on the 'Jays. 

on: September 19, 2012, 10:16:22 am - All that positive growth and potential has been building momentum and has been gaining financial, logistic, and administrative support for years.  The past can certainly influence, but certainly does not define the present, and yes, the 'Jays DO have to get it done ON the field if that potential is to transform into success.  But to write off these 'Jays as just some 2012 version of the status quo is to simply not recognize that they have outgrown your "diapers."

All that said, your scenario above with the "chalk" picks could possibly play out as you have predicted - NCC, WC, and IWU are certainly all high quality opponents and will each offer tremendous challenges to these 'Jays (heck - Carthage, Augie, and MU may be tough outs, as well).  That is a scenario, however, with which these players, these coaches, and these fans are no longer satisfied.  The raised expectations at EC are not manufactured holograms, they are indicative of a shift in philosophy, approach, and attitude within the program.

Of course, that all sounds great on a chat board, and on this we do agree - the players and coaches have to get it done on the field.  Where you and i differ, however, is that i believe they CAN and WILL get it done.

on: September 29, 2012, 09:34:14 pm - Certainly a disappointing effort tonight for EC, but there are 6 more on the schedule and 9 - 1 is the new goal.

on: October 15, 2012, 10:20:22 pm (in response to Mugsy's question in the wake of October 13th) - 1. Do you honestly believe Elmhurst has arrived if in the games against perceived top tier teams they have left up an average of 37 points and nearly 575 yards? - Yes.  Wins matter, not stats...and 9 gets you in to the dance.[/b]

3. You can stop cranking the negative k points anytime now, i don't even care anymore, cause i'm sub-30 at this point and i lose one every time you log on or post.