FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[D3fanboy]

NCC could name the score.  The Cards are the only team that resembles the pre-portal days of prime D3FB.  People will tell you how great and deep D3FB is these days, but the top level has just dropped down (other than NCC). Unless NCC fumbles 2-4 times, the River Hawks will be physically outmanned.  UWRF are the kings of good, but NCC (and other D3FB dynasties) are just on a different level 

Wrong raptor. UWRF is the Falcons, not the "River Hawks".

my bad...it wont matter much after a few days

[USee]

NCC could name the score.  The Cards are the only team that resembles the pre-portal days of prime D3FB.  People will tell you how great and deep D3FB is these days, but the top level has just dropped down (other than NCC). Unless NCC fumbles 2-4 times, the River Hawks will be physically outmanned.  UWRF are the kings of good, but NCC (and other D3FB dynasties) are just on a different level 

Kinda where my gut has led me over the last 2 weeks.

is Blaha a "generational talent" or is he a talented 7th year senior competing in a mid (as the kids say) D3FB?  I guess we'll see on Sunday

Maybe both? The last 7th year senior I remember was a generation ago at Capital--Rocky Pentello.

[USee]

The scenario for the River Hawks to win is defensive penetration that puts NCC behind the sticks, resulting in pressure and a couple of uncharacteristic turnovers that gives UWRH a couple extra possessions they capitalize on and NCC might struggle to catch up if they get down a couple scores. That's 38-34 UWRH.

[D3fanboy]

NCC could name the score.  The Cards are the only team that resembles the pre-portal days of prime D3FB.  People will tell you how great and deep D3FB is these days, but the top level has just dropped down (other than NCC). Unless NCC fumbles 2-4 times, the River Hawks will be physically outmanned.  UWRF are the kings of good, but NCC (and other D3FB dynasties) are just on a different level 

Kinda where my gut has led me over the last 2 weeks.

is Blaha a "generational talent" or is he a talented 7th year senior competing in a mid (as the kids say) D3FB?  I guess we'll see on Sunday

Maybe both? The last 7th year senior I remember was a generation ago at Capital--Rocky Pentello.

Rocky would have killed for all the extra years Blaha has

[Gregory Sager]

The scenario for the River Hawks to win is defensive penetration that puts NCC behind the sticks, resulting in pressure and a couple of uncharacteristic turnovers that gives UWRH a couple extra possessions they capitalize on and NCC might struggle to catch up if they get down a couple scores. That's 38-34 UWRH.

And that's great news if you're a fan up there in River Hawk, WI.  But that's OK. It won't matter much after a few days.   

[USee]

A few fun facts heading into the title game:

-North Central has punted 32 times this season and UWRF has punted 39 times. That's less than 3 times a game.

-North Central has 100 tackles for loss and UWRF has 99.

-Both teams have exactly 567 rushing attempts.

-UWRF and NCC are ranked #18 and #19 respectively in turnover margin. They arrived there differently. UWRF has 37 takeaways (#1 in the country) and 22 giveaways. NCC has 23 takeaways and 9 giveaways.

[CarollFan]

https://www.d3football.com/notables/2026/01/blaha-wins-gagliardi-trophy

No surprise. Congrats.

[GusD]

A few fun facts heading into the title game:

-North Central has punted 32 times this season and UWRF has punted 39 times. That's less than 3 times a game.

-North Central has 100 tackles for loss and UWRF has 99.

-Both teams have exactly 567 rushing attempts.

-UWRF and NCC are ranked #18 and #19 respectively in turnover margin. They arrived there differently. UWRF has 37 takeaways (#1 in the country) and 22 giveaways. NCC has 23 takeaways and 9 giveaways.

Are you inferring it will be a close game? 😉

[robertgoulet]

Will the fact that this is a nationally televised game slow down UWRF or at least buy NCC D some rest? Longer breaks?

[CarollFan]

Predictions.

https://www.d3football.com/notables/2026/01/quick-hits-playoffs-week17

[robertgoulet]

Certainly feels like NCC would need to beat themselves in order to lose tonight. Can't have stupid giveaways like on the 2nd drive.

[CCIWFan69]

Certainly feels like NCC would need to beat themselves in order to lose tonight. Can't have stupid giveaways like on the 2nd drive.

Don't see UWRF stopping them.  Should be 21-3.  Ya never know - 2023 did happen.

[CarollFan]

Halftime NCC 14-10

Not as high scoring so far as people expected.

NCC with 2 turnovers.
Should they have gone for FG at end of half?

[CCIWFan69]

Halftime NCC 14-10

Not as high scoring so far as people expected.

NCC with 2 turnovers.
Should they have gone for FG at end of half?

I want to think NCC is the much better team, but with the turnovers, maybe they aren't

[GusD]

Halftime NCC 14-10

Not as high scoring so far as people expected.

NCC with 2 turnovers.
Should they have gone for FG at end of half?

There was enough time for a quick throw into the end zone and then a FG if the pass was incomplete. But not THAT throw. 🤯
I think the Cardinals have reached their limit as far as allowable turnovers. Any more and chances for a 4th national championship will be severely diminished.