The Waynesburg Offense can definitely make some noise... The running game was fantastic today against Wooster as they defeat the Scots 42-39 in a game that saw 6 lead changes in the fourth quarter alone!  Justin Falcon and Billy Becker both looked like great tailbacks producing impressive run, after impressive run.  Wide out Ray Hightower also looks like he has alot of talent producing 8 catches for 74 yards.    

Going over the stats from the woo game, two big things I see... To begin with, 0 sacks.  ZERO.  Something has to be done about that.  And also, Austin Holter has to be the offensive player of the week in the NCAC.  Haven't heard about any other performances, but this guy accumulated 425 yards of offense himself and accounted for 3 passing and 1 rushing touchdowns... and most importantly no interceptions.  Decision making was the big question surrounding Holter this season, and I'd say he's off to a great start.   

For the record, Defense does win chamionships and no one ever said that Woosters defense was going to win them the NCAC crown, just that it should be a strongpoint.  That was obviously not the case today.  I was a little concerned about who was going to anchor the secondary with Albani and after today it's no one.  Great job by the offense though.  Will you please bring some pressure noext week Schmitz!?  No sacks, and 42 points is exactly whats going to happen.  Get back in the sattle though boys and get after it against OWU

Black n Gold, you hit the nail on the head by saying that Holter is "not afraid to wing the darn thing."  While this has lead to some of his problems in the past, it is also his upside as it shows his confidence in his abilities as a passer.  And thanks for the good luck bashbrother... hopefully the Scots can use it against Wabash as I'm sure they will be a daunting opponent as always! 

After coming on strong at the end of last year, the scots have an oppurtunity to make a push towards an NCAC Championship this season.  Hopefully the classic saying "defense wins championships" will hold true as the Scots are going to be VERY strong defensively.  The linebacking core is going to be the difference maker on defense as the Scots boast one of the best groups in the conference, lead by Matt Degrand and Steve Custenboarder.  Both guys along with the rest of the backers have a good combination of speed, strength and athleticism.  The D line also brings back some players who showed promised last season.  Hopefully Chris Wade can stay healthy enough to contribute this season at D end on a consistent basis.  While Bryan Albani is a PLAY MAKER and versatile in the secondary he can't cover the whole field at once.  This means Brian Swan is going to have to stay healthy and make a larger contribution this season at safety, while the Scots will also have to find two other players to help guard the pass.
The big question is regarding the Scots offense and whether or not Austin Holter is going to be able to lead the team to the next level.  His decision making has been shaky at times over the past few seasons and he's committed a high number of turnovers.  On the other hand, he's also shown tremendous upside in both his throwing and running abilities at times.  All the pieces are in place for him as the Scots return every O linemen including 6'8 John O'bery who had a breakout year last year after being moved to the line.  There are numerous options at receiver.  I would expect big things from Luke Mcann who is returning from injury and is one of the teams best athletes.  John Mathis and Cam Daniels are both true tight ends who will pose red zone threats.  It will be interesting to see how the Running Back situation pans out as Orlando "Juice" Jones returns after missing last season, and will compete with several others including a couple talented freshmen.  The Scots will also be competing on an amazing new field this year, so hopefully they will break it in with a bunch of wins and a Championship!!!!! GO SCOTS!
   

W&J is definitely going to be a solid team in the 2010 season with a good combination of offense and pitching.  They should easily be the favorite to win the conference.  In terms of making noise in the Mideast though, I'm not to sure.  Like I said, they are going to be a good team, probably a top 25 team, but the Mideast is going to be the best region in Division 3 baseball in 2010, hands down.  Marietta, Adrian, Heidelberg, Denison, Concordia, Otterbein, and numerous others should all surface in the top 25 and make NCAA runs.  Then of course there's Rose Hulman and Wooster who very well could be 2 of the top 3 teams in the country next year.  Making an NCAA Regional would be a great accomplishment for the Presidents, but it's gonna take alot to dethrone Wooster and the other heavy hitters of the Mideast.

Great observation Doctor... Clark even points out in the article posted on D3 that he recognizes alot of similarities between the two programs, especially the academic integrity of each institution.  Just realized from the article that not only has he had experience with two great D3 organizations, but also coached in the Cape Cod league!  Amazing resume he's bringing to the table. 

Emory and Cortland are obviously two elite programs in College baseball... If Clark is truly cut from the same cloth then he should have an excellent oppurtunity at taking the talent at Denison to the next level.

Not really 100% positive on how the Denison situation is panning out, but I do know that the players love coach Mike Deegan down at marietta and what he does for the program.  He surely would be a nice edition to the Denison program

Alex Hernberger, a four year starter for Allegheny at catcher, had his contract bought out by the Arizona Diamondbacks within the past three days.  Hernberger had spent a week playing for an independent team in the San Antonio area and when the catcher of the short season A affiliate for the D Backs had a horrible first month he was released and Hernberger was brought in.  Congratulations to Alex and best of luck!

I would have Denison ranked right behind Wooster in the NCAC for the 2010 season actually, and as I said before I would expect a 1 or 2 ranking for the Scots preseason.  I also really liked what I saw from the entire NCAC this year as I felt it was the strongest the conference has been in the past 4 or 5 years.  Denison defeating Trinity twice early in the year, Kenyon having a good season, the tight race for playoff spots in the West division with OWU and Wabash, and of course Woo being the National Runners up!  Hopefully this will continue...  Also, word is Wooster has some strong talent coming in via transfers and recruits.

hopefully the Denison situation pans out as they have proven to be an above average team over the past few seasons

Very good point old scot, especially considering that Karpen played at Console energy park last summer (home of the Wild Things) in front of Wild Thing personel numerous times for his summer team!  Also my best wishes and prayers go out to friends and family of Dennis Collins who did a fantastic job year in and out with the NCAC.   

I'm excited to finally have an account set up here at d3.com!  First, congrats to Wooster and St. Thomas for standing head and shoulders over the rest of the field at this years world series.  As scary as Woo was this year, they should be BETTER talent wise next year.  Groezinger and Beath will be top hitters nationally and Johnson and Barnes who were figured to be Woosters two lynch pins this year will be back to full health.  There is going to be a ton of senior leadership next year, and the most important thing in my mind is that the scots will KNOW they are one of the top two or three teams in the country.  I would think a preseason number 1 or 2 ranking for sure.  Also, was anyone else a little surprised Sean Karpen didn't get drafted!?  Amazing speed and hitter with some pop, and after his performance at the series I thought he was a lock.  OAC fan, I really hope you have played for a national championship with the big talk you put up