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RE: 2008 Football Schedule

turkcat — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 18:56:41 GMT

[quote]musaw17 (1/24/2008)

As I read these remarks about Western scheduling DII schools and what not, I wonder why it is any different then a FBS school scheduling an FCS school? The DII schools always seem to be close by makeing travel more affordable for athletics and giving fans a chance to travel. Its not always about strenght of schedule but money and politics as well. Maybe the DII schools approach western in order to strenghten thier schedule just as wester approached FBS programs.

Just a thought[/quote]

Great thought,

I know that North West Missouri State has approached WIU about a game, and from the source I have, WIU will not play them. I wish they would, I don't think it would hurt the program at all, but you can't blame your staff, NWMS is the real deal in DII. I'm a bit partial to NWMS because I have a family member on the roster, but I must say that I'm also a WIU fan.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

musaw17 — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:38:20 GMT

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

western-101 — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:54:31 GMT

ya know all, I really didn't pay much mind to this forum before. Guess I should have. Good thread. Seems like a sleeper (under the radar)

All this football talk, well, seems like this should be in the Football Forum,or at least the Lounge. Seems like Lounge talk.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

Leatherface — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:00:25 GMT

amen to the valpo remark-101

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

western-101 — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:57:50 GMT

I'm with ya 712. The new Gateway with the eight ready made games on the schedule, add FBS, leaves two open dates. Count 'em two.

If we can't schedule two out of conference FCS opponents it must be out of design. Meaning, assumng the FBS loss, and wanting to counter with a guarantee win.

Leatherface, it would please me greatley to schedule a game with the "we're to good for you" VALPO. It is a familar name and a thorn in our sides for years in other sports. I would love the chance to introduce them to the WESTERN brand of football.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

Leatherface — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:55:45 GMT

I agree with your point-712. It would be a hard- if not impossible sell. Illinois is different than some other states regarding this- besides, who would want to miss out on some of that NCAA money that might come the way of a D1 program. In the current environment, WESTERN would probably be better off staying D1- no reason to be the only state school in D2.WESTERN just needs to establish a stronger commitment for D1 success-IMHO Easier said than done.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

WIU712 — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:41:51 GMT

I just don't think it should be that hard to schedule 2 non-conference football games per year against 1-AA (FCS opponents). There should be similar 1-AA teams also looking for non-conference games who would be interested in a "Home & Home" contract.

So we should never be put in the position of scheduling a Kentucky Wesleyan.

Division 2 may be a viable option for WESTERN. But with all the other State Universities with athletic teams either being Division 1 or transititioning to Division 1 (SIU-Edwardsville), that may be hard-sell.

But we don't want to end up like Northeastern Illinois. They were a former Mid-Con member who got out athletics a few years ago.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

Leatherface — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:26:11 GMT

It's also amazed me how many fans/alums seem to base their identity on whether the school they went to is D1 or not. I've heard folks mention how proud they are that their school's scores appear on the ticker on ESPN etc. I have never understood this. It's almost like -heh, Michigan is D1, we are D1, so that puts us on equal comparison with them. Oh,well, my misunderstanding- one of many I'm sure!

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

Leatherface — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:14:37 GMT

WIU712- that's fine. Any FCS team could beat WESTERN given the right scenario- just as WESTERN could beat any FCS team too. I would rather play these types of schools than the Quincy's of the world anytime.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

WIU712 — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:04:07 GMT

That would include Drake who shocked Illinois State this past season.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

Leatherface — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:39:38 GMT

What ever happened to the OVC/Gateway challenge? Wait, I guess it was dropped after the Gateway embarrassed them in most every contest.

I would agree-101- Central Missouri would be a good addition to the Gateway. I believe they have looked at going D1, but feel the cost is too high. I thik they would like to be 1-AA ( or whatever it's called-FCS) in football, but the total cost might be too much for the entire athletic program. Besides, they do have a strong D2 program in many sports, have a shot at a national championship etc. by staying in D2 for other sports too. WESTERN can only hope for a football championship potential vs other sports just hoping to make the NCAA's, then usually have a one and out. I do see advantages of being D2 vs. a mid-major who doesn't have a realistic shot at too many national championships. They do have something to shoot for- other than making the playoff's-in whatever sport-as their major goal.I think they are comfortable being D2. I still believe D2 has many advantages vs. the schools struggling to survive as D1.

Why not schedule Valpo and schools in that limited scholarship FCS conference? At least there's some name recognition with these teams.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

WIU712 — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:13:59 GMT

With now 9 teams in the Gateway, that means that we will have 8 Conference games every year. That leaves only 3 non-conference games to schedule.

Since we always play a 1-A (FBS) team every year, that leaves just 2 non-conference games. In 2008, our FBS game will be on August 30th vs the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Certainly we can find two 1-AA (FCS) teams that will be willing to do a home-and-home contract. We should never have to schedule another NAIA opponent.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

western-101 — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:17:23 GMT

Leatherface, interresting about the MIAA.

Any conference that has member schools with names like Gorillas, Griffons, Mules and Ichabods has got to be great

Seriously though, I have for some time thought that UCM would be a good addition to the Gateway. UCM has the enrollment, facillities, and the athleticism of an FCS program. Actually I would consider the whole lot of the MIAA generally speaking to be on par with the Ohio Valley Conference.

Playing NAIA schools sucks, Playing DII schools sucks only a little less. The exception would be the top half of the MIAA. I would like to see WESTERN schedule games with this conference. The down side obviously would be the risk of loosing to a Dll and the stigma, and that a win does not help much.

Western either needs to Schedule a game every year with an OVC team or mandate to the MIAA they move up to D-I
problem solved.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

Leatherface — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:06:41 GMT

turkcat- I'm all for playing some quality D2 schools. The MIAA would provide that. Pitt State, NW Missouri, Central- all would be excellent competition for WESTERN. As the saying goes, they have everything to gain, and WESTERN has a lot to lose if beaten. However, as a fan, I believe these would be good non- conference tests.

My wife and I have our graduate degrees from Truman- known as NE Missouri back then. I coached HS football and track in Missouri for ten years. I am very familiar with the MIAA, and it's level of football.A lot of folks unfamiliar with quality D2 programs don't always appreciate the skill level of these schools. Two or three MIAA schools could compete in the Gateway.

Same reasons why Missouri State won't play any upper ranked MIAA teams. They played Truman a few years ago, but generally stay away from the MIAA.

Except for Quincy, I do believe the 2008 schedule is a good one.I guess you will always need a weaker team as a filler- for many reasons.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

turkcat — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:25:16 GMT

If your going to go down to DII and get a team, get a team that will make a game. I heard Northwest Missouri State wanted to play Western IL. last season, but they declined. You want to make your program great, play more great teanms, even if they come from DII.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

mrb105 — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 18:55:57 GMT

Suprised SDSU beat NDSU today. I thought ND was a lot better. Guess thats just more parity for the Gateway next season

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

WIU712 — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:08:01 GMT

One advantage to having 9 teams is that everyone will be playing 4 conference games at home and 4 on the road.

With 8 teams, 4 teams will have 4 home games while the other 4 teams will only have 3 home games.

I think that the Dakota teams were a "paired item". I think it would have been difficult to take one without the other.

I wonder if there is any thought of adding a 10th team ???? I know that Southern Utah wanted to join a few years back. And we already play them in the Summit. But I think at that time, there was not much support from Youngstown State and Western Kentucky to add Southern Utah.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

The "PIT" Prognosticator — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:47:03 GMT

Ahhh...yet another reason why I only wanted Sout..I mean one team to join the conference and replace WKU.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

WIU712 — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:39:35 GMT

Thanksgiving will be one week later next year on November 27th. The play-offs always start on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving which will be November 29th next year.

As for the 2 BYE weeks next year (Sept 27th and Oct 25th):
With now 9 teams in the Gateway, we will be playing 8 Conference games and 3 non-conference games each season. Also with 9 teams, there will always be one "odd" team each week with either a BYE or a non-conference game while the other 8 teams pair up against each other.

It would be nice to move that Nov 22nd game with Youngstown to either Sept 27 or Oct 25 so that it wouldn't come at the start of the Fall Thanksgiving Break. But most likely, that is not possible. We have to assume that Youngstown already has games scheduled on those 2 dates. But if Youngstown is free on either one of those 2 dates, perhaps that game could be moved.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

The "PIT" Prognosticator — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 09:44:48 GMT

Why are there two bye weeks? I'm glad WIU finally has one in the middle because it can often come in at the perfect time to get guys healthy. Having a bye week before a stretch against UNI, SIU, IL ST and YSU will be good. The 11/22 game against YSU should be the beginning of the playoffs not the last game of the season. Seems the season got stretched out a week. That will make for some even colder playoff games.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

Leatherface — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 06:49:21 GMT

WIU712- Look at who they play.As far as the WESTERN game a few years ago. One must wonder if WESTERN just avoided getting caught with their pants down-so to speak. Too many 3rd and 4rth string too early in the game- to avoid blowing them out. "Good for area college football", not to embarrass (sp) a local college???? That was my theory.

I'm done with QU smack. If it's anything but a blow out this next year, I'm discarding all WESTERN clothing etc.- out of embarrassment myself.

Men's BB is a different story. They would probably cream DT. The GLVC is a good BB conference.That's my compliment to them. Probably why WESTERN won't play them in BB.

These early morning tirades of mine must stop. Maybe I need to up my medications!!!

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

mrb105 — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 23:29:46 GMT

Thanks for the info about thanksgiving last year, that minimizes the damage. Hopefully Western will be contending for a Gateway title that final weekend. Anyone have any predictions of where Western will open the 2008 campaign in the rankings. Top 5, Top 10, etc.??

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

WIU712 — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 21:55:45 GMT

Quincy University was 6-5 this year. It's second winning season in a row.

Quincy lost their first game of the season to Southern Illinois in Carbondale, 59 - 14.

Quincy gave us a very tough game just a few years ago.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

Leatherface — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:41:43 GMT

At least it's a quality institution! That's it, I'm done making childish comments

It looks like a good schedule-especially for home games.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

wiu13 — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:36:06 GMT

knox is probably worse than quincy at football

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

WIU712 — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:16:09 GMT

Thanksgiving will be late next year: November 27, 2008.

So it won't impact the game on November 15th vs Illinois State.

The November 22nd game vs Youngstown State will be the first Saturday of Fall break as the last day of classes before the break next year will be November 21st.

Hopefully if we are in the running for a Gateway Championship, the students will stick around for one more day. Of course, the University will have to help out by leaving the dorms open on for that extra day.

I dont know if Coach Patterson had any choice as to the "bye" week. With now 9 teams in the Conference, it seems like one team will always have a bye week while the other 8 pair-up.

The Men's Basketball schedule does include road games at Kansas State, Missouri, and UCLA.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

Leatherface — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:29:21 GMT

We'll be told how this game is good for college football in western illinois. Right. I agree, if you want to play this skill level, get a quality institution-Monmouth or Knox etc. Quincy can hardly keep their doors open.

My last comment on them.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

wiu13 — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 10:55:33 GMT

i would like to see them play monmouth college they would put up as good of a game as quincy. If not in football atleast basketball or baseball. the whole non conf basketball sch. is naia or d3 schools i think.

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

mrb105 — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 10:19:11 GMT

Interesting to see Patterson took the bye week during the middle of the season. This is so dumb. The ISU game and YSU game will be played while the students are on Thanksgiving break. These are two big games and that will leave Hanson Field with a crowd of about 300 during these games . . .

RE: 2008 Football Schedule

Leatherface — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 06:57:02 GMT

QUINCY? What a junk program. Very poorly funded, poor support etc. etc. etc.You think St. Francis was bad- wait till you see this joke of a program. Oh,wait, they came within a touchdown of WESTERN a few years ago- and they STILL talk about it. Why schedule this type of poor quality?

Otherwise , the schedule looks good. QU is the type of athletic program that likes to think they are "big", but, they are NOTHING. Blow them out big time.

Guess you know my opinion here. Won't spend any money to watch that kind of junk. No, me nor anyone in my family ever had any association with them.

Actually, the rest of the schedule looks good.

I have seen some local articles by Quincy media types. They always build up QU to the point of being pathetic homers. Pie in th sky.

I'll stop rambling and venting. Sorry.

2008 Football Schedule

WIU712 — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 23:19:49 GMT

Hey Leatherneck Fans!

The 2008 Football Schedule is out. Once again, there will be 6 home games. With now nine teams in the Gateway, we will always have 4 Conference games at home and 4 Conference games on the road every year.

Season will start on Saturday, August 30th vs Arkansas.

Homecoming will be October 18th vs Indiana State.

A schedule oddity has us playing Northern Iowa at home again next year. With 19 of 22 starters back plus our kicker & punter, perhaps we can pay them back!

Sat, Aug 30 Arkansas at Fayetteville, Ark. TBA

Sat, Sep 06 Quincy (Hall of Fame Game) Macomb, Ill. TBA

Sat, Sep 13 South Dakota State * at Brookings, S.D. TBA

Sat, Sep 20 Stephen F. Austin (Family Weekend) Macomb, Ill. TBA

Sat, Oct 04 Missouri State * at Springfield, Mo. TBA

Sat, Oct 11 North Dakota State * at Fargo, N.D. TBA

Sat, Oct 18 Indiana State (Homecoming) * Macomb, Ill. TBA

Sat, Nov 01 Northern Iowa * Macomb, Ill. TBA

Sat, Nov 08 Southern Illinois * at Carbondale, Ill. TBA

Sat, Nov 15 Illinois State * Macomb, Ill. TBA

Sat, Nov 22 Youngstown State * Macomb, Ill. TBA

Sat, Nov 29 NCAA Playoffs at TBA TBA

* Conference Games