FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[CardinalAlum]

Here's the preview for Saturday's NCC/LFC game...

https://northcentralcardinals.com/news/2022/11/16/football-first-round-postseason-preview.aspx

[kiko]

This thread is now officially longer than Ron Ellett's NP coaching career! 

He's probably sitting in a recliner somewhere, enjoying his retirement but wondering why he felt that chill up his spine earlier this week...

[USee]

Here's the preview for Saturday's NCC/LFC game...

https://northcentralcardinals.com/news/2022/11/16/football-first-round-postseason-preview.aspx

It should be noted, hidden in the weeds, that Nic Rummell, who has started every game at cornerback in 2021 (including  the Stagg Bowl) after moving over from WR, is listed (and has been playing) back at WR for the Cardinals. Several other WR's who had been playing are not listed on the two deep. This won't matter until later in the playoffs, but the Cardinal's weakness, should anyone have the ability to exploit it, is razor thin depth at WR.

Simple gameplan against NCC:  stop the run (they run it 70% of the time) and get them into 2nd/3rd and long and then double DeAngelo Hardy (with a spy on Luke Lehnen). Mt Union has had that gameplan the last two years and has come in with a top 5 defense both times while yielding less than 50 yds a game on the ground. The result? 2021: 52 rush for 293 yds and 2019: 42 Rush for 177 yds.

That's who NCC is: They are going to run it at you for 4 quarters  and dare you to beat them.  Since the start of the 2019 season, only 2 teams have been able to do it.

"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." -Mike Tyson

[formerd3db]

USee, check your PMs.

[Next Man Up]

Here's the preview for Saturday's NCC/LFC game...

https://northcentralcardinals.com/news/2022/11/16/football-first-round-postseason-preview.aspx

It should be noted, hidden in the weeds, that Nic Rummell, who has started every game at cornerback in 2021 (including  the Stagg Bowl) after moving over from WR, is listed (and has been playing) back at WR for the Cardinals. Several other WR's who had been playing are not listed on the two deep. This won't matter until later in the playoffs, but the Cardinal's weakness, should anyone have the ability to exploit it, is razor thin depth at WR.

Simple gameplan against NCC:  stop the run (they run it 70% of the time) and get them into 2nd/3rd and long and then double DeAngelo Hardy (with a spy on Luke Lehnen). Mt Union has had that gameplan the last two years and has come in with a top 5 defense both times while yielding less than 50 yds a game on the ground. The result? 2021: 52 rush for 293 yds and 2019: 42 Rush for 177 yds.

That's who NCC is: They are going to run it at you for 4 quarters  and dare you to beat them.  Since the start of the 2019 season, only 2 teams have been able to do it.

"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." -Mike Tyson

Regarding the Cardinals passing game, I have every confidence in Luke Lehnen. However, the thing I believe is imperative in order for the passing game to reach its full potential and become a truly effective weapon is for a second WR to step forward and become a major target/threat. As great as he is, Hardy can't do it all. He has about 2.5 times the number of catches than the second leading active wide receiver, and also around 2.5 as much yardage. He is always going to be defended by the opponent's top cover guy, and sometimes doubled. This will only work for so long before that aspect of the offense will be neutralized. So the question for a passing attack to become a true weapon for the Cards is "Who is going to be the Blake Williams of this team"?

Like I said earlier, who is going to step up into the #2 WR spot in support of/for Hardy, who himself missed a couple of games. One of the two other original starting WRs, Joey Lombardi, was lost for the season after about the 3rd game, and the third WR, Peter Braithwaite, was lost shortly thereafter.
Nic Rummell, mentioned above by USee, had a great catch vs. Augie last Saturday as did Hardy.

[USee]

The question whether Jaran Roste plays this weekend for Bethel is certainly a huge variable in the contest between #15 Wheaton and #13 Bethel. It's with good reason Roste's stats this year are impressive:

Jaron Roste
152-218 (70%) 16 TD's, 6 interceptions
48 rushes for 356 yds and 4 TD's

But there's another QB on the field Saturday that no one is talking about who I believe merits All American consideration. Will Bowers, 1st team all CCIW, leads the Thunder and his stats are exceptional:

Will Bowers
229-300 (76%), 31 TD's, 5 interceptions
67 rushes for 439 yds and 3 TD's

In addition, Bethel has 3 great WR's for Roste to throw to.

Micah Niewald: 66 receptions for 896 yds and 7 TD's
Joey Kidder: 45 Rec for 742 yds and 7 TD's
Aaron Ellison: 35 receptions 360 yds and 3 TD's

Wheaton has spread the ball around to 5 different players, each with between 22 and 45 receptions and 5+ TD's.
Ben Bonga, Tyler Gautier, Matthew Tucker, RB Giovanni Weeks and TE Ben Juska.

In the running game, Bethel features Bryce Kunkle, who has 125 rush for 525 yds and 7 TD's; 4.2 ypc (6 rec for 51 yds)

The Thunder feature Giovanni Weeks, who has 166 rushes for 1,063 yds and 15 TD's; 6.4 ypc (27 rec for 329 yds 5 TD)

Bethel's defense is ranked #100 nationally, giving up 17.6 ppg, 84 yds rushing per game and 326 total yards per game

Wheaton's defense is ranked #63 nationally and is giving up 17 ppg, 84 yds rushing per game and 294 total yds per game

This will be a great contest between these two teams.

[DuffMan]

The question whether Jaran Roste plays this weekend for Bethel is certainly a huge variable in the contest between #15 Wheaton and #13 Bethel. It's with good reason Roste's stats this year are impressive:

Jaron Roste
152-218 (70%) 16 TD's, 6 interceptions
48 rushes for 356 yds and 4 TD's

Roste is a game-changer, for sure, but while I think he'll start, he's not near 100%, IMHO.  The Roste I saw last week vs. SJU was limited, and SJU took their licks on him, too.

[hazzben]

Another great matchup between Bethel and Wheaton, I feel like they always come down to the last possession. Weeks is a stud, we didn't have an answer and your zone read scheme and wrinkles with just enough Bowers mixed in was really nice.

Very physical game in the trenches. But both teams played very clean, great sportsmanship and looked like a lot of passion and mutual respect.

Also really enjoyed the announcers. Knowledgeable, balanced, called a good game. Each time I've listed to a road CCIW playoff game I've walked away impressed. NCC crew is top notch as well.

[shepherd]

Another great matchup between Bethel and Wheaton, I feel like they always come down to the last possession. Weeks is a stud, we didn't have an answer and your zone read scheme and wrinkles with just enough Bowers mixed in was really nice.

Very physical game in the trenches. But both teams played very clean, great sportsmanship and looked like a lot of passion and mutual respect.

Also really enjoyed the announcers. Knowledgeable, balanced, called a good game. Each time I've listed to a road CCIW playoff game I've walked away impressed. NCC crew is top notch as well.

11/19/2022    2022 Home Wheaton, Ill.  Wheaton 32 - Bethel 34
   
11/27/2010    2010    Home Wheaton, Ill.  Wheaton 10 - Bethel 15
   
9/12/2009    2009    Away St. Paul, Minn.  Wheaton 29 -  Bethel 26
   
9/13/2008    2008    Home Wheaton, Ill.  Wheaton  10 - Bethel 7
Series tied 2-2 with 5 points the biggest margin of victory.  These games are not for the faint of heart. 
Congratulations to Bethel.  These two teams are equal in so many ways. But how many D3 coaches have coached as many games in snowy slippery weather as coach Steve Johnson?   Until the next time, good luck Bethel.

[hazzben]

Basically a dry game compared to the monsoon in 2008!

[GoldandBlueBU]

Another great matchup between Bethel and Wheaton, I feel like they always come down to the last possession. Weeks is a stud, we didn't have an answer and your zone read scheme and wrinkles with just enough Bowers mixed in was really nice.

Very physical game in the trenches. But both teams played very clean, great sportsmanship and looked like a lot of passion and mutual respect.

Also really enjoyed the announcers. Knowledgeable, balanced, called a good game. Each time I've listed to a road CCIW playoff game I've walked away impressed. NCC crew is top notch as well.

11/19/2022    2022 Home Wheaton, Ill.  Wheaton 32 - Bethel 34
   
11/27/2010    2010    Home Wheaton, Ill.  Wheaton 10 - Bethel 15
   
9/12/2009    2009    Away St. Paul, Minn.  Wheaton 29 -  Bethel 26
   
9/13/2008    2008    Home Wheaton, Ill.  Wheaton  10 - Bethel 7
Series tied 2-2 with 5 points the biggest margin of victory.  These games are not for the faint of heart. 
Congratulations to Bethel.  These two teams are equal in so many ways. But how many D3 coaches have coached as many games in snowy slippery weather as coach Steve Johnson?   Until the next time, good luck Bethel.

You can keep the regular season wins, happy to have the playoff ones. 

Quite surprised that BU was able to get the W vs a very solid Wheaton team.  Sort of feels like we stole one!  Weeks was a workhorse, very impressive day.  Good game, and hope to see you again someday!

[kiko]

Isthmus Bowl:

UW-River Falls 31
WashU 24

[New Tradition]

NCC crew is top notch as well.

Hey, thanks!

[robertgoulet]

NCC crew is top notch as well.

Hey, thanks!

*1/2 of the NCC crew

[USee]

Playoff games are won and lost primarily at the Line of scrimmage. If it's equal there then skill players  can turn the tide. Finally it comes down to execution. For the third time in 3 years Wheaton lost a playoff game by the thinnest of margins.  They won the LoS on offense, clearly lost it on defense and the Bethel skill guys made a couple more plays thane Wheaton.  In terms of execution, Wheaton missed its first PAT ( the third huge game where a PAT cost a chance at victory—STJ 2019, Trinity 22, yesterday) and didn't execute on what could have been a game changing insides kick. Two turnovers cost the Thunder 10 more pts. 

Congrats to Bethel who earned the win with a physical running game and 3 critical pass receptions. Niewalds one handed 4th down catch was incredible but that's what great players do.  The Roste/Kidder connection for the final TD was just as clutch.  I'm bummed Wheaton lost their best cover corner for the game during the first series as he would likely have been involved in one or both of those plays. Bethel should run the freshman kid a lot more than they do. He is good. And Bethel ran for 209 yds while down one of their best OL, starting Senior at right guard.

Big test next week as Linfield has a senior defensive front that will provide a big challenge.

Overall a great game by two storied programs. The Thunder were a lot of fun to watch this year and Jesse Scott and his staff did a great job getting this inexperienced group to play at a high level all year.

I know some of the critical pieces have eligibility left and I hope we haven't seen the last of some of these guys. Depending on who returns, the Thunder should be even better next year.