D3 Football Playoffs

[colin2229]

How cool is it that 4 local D3’s are going to the playoffs!

NCC 10-0
Lake Forest 10-0
Wheaton 9-1
Aurora 8-2

Probably the first time this has happened. Good stuff

 

[NapervilleBuck]

North Central is on a different level right now. Ridiculous how good their O is, especially with a Fr QB.

 

[colin2229]

North Central is on a different level right now. Ridiculous how good their O is, especially with a Fr QB.

Wheaton will be their biggest test in the playoffs

 

[NapervilleBuck]

MHB, Mt Union, or UWW might have something to say about that. Wheaton did give them a heck of a game earlier, that’s for sure.

 

[colin2229]

MHB, Mt Union, or UWW might have something to say about that. Wheaton did give them a heck of a game earlier, that’s for sure.

Just my two cents.

 

[BornNRazed]

I was pulling for U of C but yes it is cool. Bring on Whitewater!

 

[ClownBaby]

That was easy, NCC advances via forfeit.

First-Round Football Game Called Off - North Central College Athletics

North Central College's first-round game in the 2021 NCAA Division III Football Championship will not be contested Saturday, as the Cardinals' opponent, Carnegie

northcentralcardinals.com

 

[BornNRazed]

boy does that stink. So many bubble teams would have killed for that spot.

 

[colin2229]

What a crappy situation. The coach of 36 years is retiring at years end too. Just brutal.

This can happen to any program too. Just as easy as it happens to CM it could happen to North Central and poof, you’re repeat season is over.

I have a feeling this is going to become a thing now. The weather is getting cold and people are staying inside which means the virus is going to become more prevalent.
Dear God, please don’t let us see tons of forfeits

 

[BornNRazed]

Couldn’t agree more. Lesson for the winners of todays games. Minimize indoor contact next week.

 

[colin2229]

I believe all these schools are doing weekly testing. It’s bound to happen that a star player is going to test positive.

Just think we’re at a point that if you don’t feel sick, you don’t need to test. That’s the unavoidable future anyhow.

 

[prince_of_pilfer]

NCC is on another level with Mt Union, MHB and Whitewater. Wheaton no doubt is solid but I don't think they can consistently compete and beat those 4 other programs.

 

[atrain97]

All I know is that if Chalk wins, MT Union will be playing NCC the week after the State Finals, so I will be able to enjoy some more live football close to home.

 

[colin2229]

NCC is on another level with Mt Union, MHB and Whitewater. Wheaton no doubt is solid but I don't think they can consistently compete and beat those 4 other programs.

Disagree. I think Wheaton is on right there w those groups. If anything, I think WW/MHB are a step behind.

My top 3 would be:
NCC
Mount Union
Wheaton

I think we have a GREAT shot at seeing Wheaton vs NCC for it all this year.

Wheaton was arguably the best team in the country 2 years ago and have the core of that team still in tack. Looking forward to following our local teams this next month.

 

[ClownBaby]

Disagree. I think Wheaton is on right there w those groups. If anything, I think WW/MHB are a step behind.

My top 3 would be:
NCC
Mount Union
Wheaton

I think we have a GREAT shot at seeing Wheaton vs NCC for it all this year.

Wheaton was arguably the best team in the country 2 years ago and have the core of that team still in tack. Looking forward to following our local teams this next month.

Wheaton isn’t nearly as good as they were two years ago they may have their core back from that team but they aren’t the same team.

 

[colin2229]

Wheaton isn’t nearly as good as they were two years ago they may have their core back from that team but they aren’t the same team.

what are they missing from that team other then defensive secondary?

what traditionally separates the top D3 from the rest is up front. Wheaton is just as good up front as anyone.

 

[forlouann]

Disagree. I think Wheaton is on right there w those groups. If anything, I think WW/MHB are a step behind.

My top 3 would be:
NCC
Mount Union
Wheaton

I think we have a GREAT shot at seeing Wheaton vs NCC for it all this year.

Wheaton was arguably the best team in the country 2 years ago and have the core of that team still in tack. Looking forward to following our local teams this next month.

A long way to go for both teams, but a Wheaton \ NCC National Championship Game is certainly a good possibility

 

[Panthers1211]

Wheaton will be their biggest test in the playoffs

Only play them if they make the finals

 

[ClownBaby]

what are they missing from that team other then defensive secondary?

what traditionally separates the top D3 from the rest is up front. Wheaton is just as good up front as anyone.

How about trading one of the most successful D3 coaches in America for a guy in his first year? They are very talented and have a great front seven but when you watch them they just don’t look as good as they did two years ago.

 

[colin2229]

How about trading one of the most successful D3 coaches in America for a guy in his first year? They are very talented and have a great front seven but when you watch them they just don’t look as good as they did two years ago.

Valid point.

Reason I don’t think this is a big factor is a Jesse Scott has been at Wheaton for several years and Swider didn’t call the offense or defense.

The whole staff remained intact.

Reminds me of Meyer leaving Ohio state and they didn’t fall off at all

 

[colin2229]

Wheaton 14
AU 13

after 1

 

[colin2229]

35-13 halfway through 2nd

 

[prince_of_pilfer]

Wheaton showed today that they are in fact not up there with NCC, MtU, WW and MHB. Those 4 have moved on and are headed for a collision course in the semifinals.

 

[ClownBaby]

I think Mt Union has taken a step back compared to 5 years ago but they are still clearly in the top 4.

 

[BornNRazed]

what are they missing from that team other then defensive secondary?

what traditionally separates the top D3 from the rest is up front. Wheaton is just as good up front as anyone.

What separates the tops from the bottoms is talent. And that talent often comes from transfers. Rules or lack thereof also come into play. Sorry keeping it real. Mt Union isn’t “As” good because the son hasn’t had the same success as his dad. And by lack of success we are talking about like five losses in ten years. Keep in mind the OAC is still one of the top conferences. Most stink. Before Covid john Carroll went 9-1 and didn’t make the playoffs. The lower ranked North Central got in and won the whole crap shoot. Love me some D3 football

 

[BornNRazed]

And another thing as I’ve told my sons., Nephews, and anyone else who will listen to me which is usually no one…remember these D3 kids were captains and good players for their high school teams. The top D3 teams have kids that turned down D1 offers. Sometimes more money in a private D3 than a PWO D1. But we know this on the board.

 

[colin2229]

And another thing as I’ve told my sons., Nephews, and anyone else who will listen to me which is usually no one…remember these D3 kids were captains and good players for their high school teams. The top D3 teams have kids that turned down D1 offers. Sometimes more money in a private D3 than a PWO D1. But we know this on the board.

There’s no kid who turns down a D1 offer to go D3. That’s just crazy talk.

 

[colin2229]

What separates the tops from the bottoms is talent. And that talent often comes from transfers. Rules or lack thereof also come into play. Sorry keeping it real. Mt Union isn’t “As” good because the son hasn’t had the same success as his dad. And by lack of success we are talking about like five losses in ten years. Keep in mind the OAC is still one of the top conferences. Most stink. Before Covid john Carroll went 9-1 and didn’t make the playoffs. The lower ranked North Central got in and won the whole crap shoot. Love me some D3 football

Not sure why you included my post. Not sure what your post had to do w anything.

What are you keeping it real about? Are you referring to teams breaking rules to win?

 

[mc140]

There’s no kid who turns down a D1 offer to go D3. That’s just crazy talk.

I think he meant walking on at a D1. That happens.

 

[colin2229]

I think he meant walking on at D1. That happens.

If so, agreed.

 

[BornNRazed]

If so, agreed.Kids absolutely turn down d1 offers for D3. Wasn’t picking on your statement by any means just hitting reply.

If so, agreed.

My reply to your comment was that D3 is separated by talent up front. I don’t disagree but team talent is a whole new ballgame. No being confrontational my man.

I think he meant walking on at a D1. That happens.

Wrong

 

[colin2229]

Wrong

What’s your point then?

 

[mc140]

What’s your point then?

No one turns down a full ride to go to a D3 for football.

 

[brucealmighy]

No one turns down a full ride to go to a D3 for football.

Didn’t he say a walk on position?

 

[BornNRazed]

Didn’t he say a walk on position?

I did.

 

[HRCJR]

I think Mt Union has taken a step back compared to 5 years ago but they are still clearly in the top 4.

It is not that Mount Union has taken a step back but is that the other schools have taken a step up. Many players who have spent time on D1 rosters now play at top D3 schools

 

[bmur4]

So much for Wheaton... Go Cards!

 

[NapervilleBuck]

NCC had a little more difficult game Saturday than many expected. Being without WR1 didn't help but this time of year you simply win and move on.

 

[eagles2k3]

It is not that Mount Union has taken a step back but is that the other schools have taken a step up. Many players who have spent time on D1 rosters now play at top D3 schools

Agree on this. North Central is a machine right now. Their recruiting is off the charts. You would think they'd be full of D1 transfers but they are not. They get the best kids in the area that aren't going to try and walk on at a D1 school. They can compete with the best of D2 as well. IMO they would be fighting for the top spot in the pioneer league as well.

This weekend will likely be a 50 point win at least.

 

[missingwalter]

Agree on this. North Central is a machine right now. Their recruiting is off the charts. You would think they'd be full of D1 transfers but they are not. They get the best kids in the area that aren't going to try and walk on at a D1 school. They can compete with the best of D2 as well. IMO they would be fighting for the top spot in the pioneer league as well.

This weekend will likely be a 50 point win at least.

I don't think that NCC is competing with the best of D2, maybe that next tier of teams that are missing the playoffs.