FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[ncc_fan]

not much of a game so far. NCC is controlliing the game.  Wheaton with turnovers and giving up a punt return right before the half puts them in a deep whole, and I don't see enough from the offense to climb out of it.  NCC looks pretty good to me.

I recall that NCC had a 28 point lead on Wesley.   
Wheaton is known for making good adjustments at halftime.  This ain't over yet.

[wesleydad]

NCC goes to sleep and Wheaton is back in the game.  A seemingly harmless safety on a bad punt snap gets Wheaton started with the comeback.  Funny how games change at the half.  one score game in the 4th.

[AndOne]

 Cardinals with a TD and 2 point conversion. They lead 32-18.

[wesleydad]

Cardinals with a TD and 2 point conversion. They lead 32-18.

get the stop and then a stupid late hit penalty gives Wheaton life and they take advantage of it.  Nice TD and we are back to a 1 score game with 7 mins left.

[AndOne]

NCC had Wheaton stopped on 3rd down after forcing Bowers out of bounds short of the marker, but then the most absolutely dumb ass late hit out of bounds gave the NoDuPagers a first down. Next play the Cards got exactly what they deserved--a 54 yard TD bomb.
NCC 32, Wheaton 25

[AndOne]

NCC with a FG. NCC 35, Wheaton 25

[wesleydad]

NCC with a FG. NCC 35, Wheaton 25

Nice football game and win by NCC.  Took advantage of the Thunder mistakes in the first half and held on.  Both teams are pretty good from what I saw.

[AndOne]

FINAL NCC 35, WHEATON 25

The Cardinals take down a very talented and dangerous Wheaton team to recapture The Little  Brass BELL

[New Tradition]

THE BELL IS HOME!!!!!

[matblake]

That was a good game. As usual, turnovers dictate the game. That Rutter is good. So is the Cardinal defense. Was pleased with the Wheaton comeback. Really enjoyed that one. Congrats to the Cards.

[izzy stradlin]

FINAL NCC 35, WHEATON 25

The Cardinals take down a very talented and dangerous Wheaton team to recapture The Little  Brass BELL

Congrats to NCC.   #9 is a gamer.

[matblake]

FINAL NCC 35, WHEATON 25

The Cardinals take down a very talented and dangerous Wheaton team to recapture The Little  Brass BELL

Congrats to NCC.   #9 is a gamer.

Agreed. Annoyed that he'll be around another 3 years. 😜

[CardinalAlum]

Wow!   What a game.  I knew Wheaton was going to come out in the 2nd half firing.   Really impressed with the NCC defense vs the Wheaton running game, which was a big concern for me.  Wheaton's defense is so physical.  Super impresssed with them.   Huge props to the NCC D line also for getting pressure and sacks on Bowers. Lots of confusion getting plays in for Wheaton caused them to burn a few TO's.  Swider was not happy with somebody on the sideline.  Turnovers were the difference tonight, as well as the punt return right before the half.  2nd year in a row a big play before the half makes an impact.  Broc Rutter.  Wow.  That's one tough kid and I'm happy as heck he will be around for a while.    Bowers is good but I'm still shocked Peltz didn't have a role in this game as he has really hurt us in the past.

All is well, we have the Bell! 

[shepherd]

Congratulations to North Central.  You proved you were the better team today especially with those last two drives.


Both teams had great pass rushers with the NCC line doing a better job in the pass protection.
The game I'm looking forward to seeing is the NCC vs Carthage game not because I think Carthage will win I think NCC will, just
IMHO the Carthage offensive line is one of the better pass blocking lines I have seen in a while.  They gave Wheaton pass rushers a fit.  They give their qb a very long time which means the receivers will eventually get open.  Even if they give up a couple of sacks say on a delay blitz or some stunt the fact they give their qb a ton of time in the pocket more than makes up for it.

[izzy stradlin]

Broc Rutter.  Wow.  That's one tough kid and I'm happy as heck he will be around for a while.    Bowers is good but I'm still shocked Peltz didn't have a role in this game as he has really hurt us in the past.

I look at Rutter probably in a similar way to what you guys saw in Peltz 2 years ago-- could end up being the best QB of the Thorne Era.  His arm is very good and accurate but otherwise he isn't really flashy in any way-- just a leader who does all the small things that are what quarterbacking is all about. Doesn't hold the ball, quick decisions, quick release and enough mobility to pick up a few yards for a conversion.  The Wheaton DLine actually played really well but Rutter just got rid of the ball so quickly it didn't matter.  He also displays a confidence out there that you want from you offensive leader.  The play where he took a shot from a Wheaton DT and jumped to his feet fired up--that stuff has an impact on your whole offense.

When there is pressure, Bowers holds the ball and dances. Yes this necessitates highlight reel plays that look as good as any QB in D3, but you just need to move the chains and 15-31 passing leads to 2-11 on third down and giving up the football.