I don't think Witt will be overlooked, and I expect a convincing win for 'bash.  Unlike Denison, I just did not see much offensive firepower / playmakers at Witt and the D was not stout.  Looks to be a down year for that proud football program in a difficult year for the institution and for Springfield.  I imagine Witt will be back strong in years to come, but 'Bash should roll this Saturday.

Meanwhile, two high-speed locomotives are rumbling toward Greencastle and in search of a Bell on 11/16.  How lucky are fans in this rivalry?  Once again the league championship should be on the line for both, and a playoff berth on the line at least for 'Bash if not for DePauw (if Wally is correct and a 9-1 DPU would get in).  This is what it's all about!  Both teams have exceeded my expectations this year.  Even though DPU was a league pre-season favorite, the convincing win at Berry and dominance thus far against top tier league teams has surprised me.  And I have to tip my hat to 'bash.  I honestly did not expect this program to be as strong this year after graduating #2. The coaching jobs that Dietz, and also Morel and Gilbert are doing, are really impressive this season and bode well not only for two Saturdays from now but for years to come in this rivalry.  Great to be a part of it.

Strong 44-10 outcome for DePauw over Witt. McCahill with four first half TDs. D held Witt to 15 yards rushing. Next up Kenyon & Hiram and then Monon Bell.

I know 'bash will not want to look past Denison & Witt, but I expect the Bell game will feature two undefeated league teams and all the makings of another classic.

While Sigma and others named DPU a "heavy favorite" in the NCAC, my sense is both DPU and 'bash have exceeded expectations thus far. The scarlet defense is vastly stronger with Coach Gilbert, and the offense is efficient after graduating #2.

Fasten your seat belts. Two well-matched teams should be riding high once again with the Bell, league championship, and playoff birth in the balance. Going to be a big one.

Agree the expansion with Wash U is interesting, but we are also getting into the home stretch of league play this season.  Curious to hear any thoughts.

Witt always plays DePauw tough and has won on its last three trips to Greencastle.  The game also went to OT last year in Springfield before DePauw prevailed.  Witt seems to be switching QBs.  Any expectations for this one?

'bash should have another easy time with Kenyon, although it will be interesting to see how the solid Owl defense holds up against a formidable offense. 

Welcome any thoughts on 2024 NCAC action, in addition to those looking to 2025 and 2026!

Tigers roll at Denison, scoring on first seven possessions plus a pick-six. Fun to watch the DePauw D tackling technique these last few years vs. Fabrocini, wrapping up low against the big back, limiting him to 27 yards and Denison to 2 yards rushing overall. McCahill & Ballentine with another big day, connecting for four more TDs.

Defense was a bit looser than expected. Denison's first/year QB looked very good and will likely be a threat going forward.

Another tough matchup with Witt coming to the 'castle this week. It must be a challenging season for Witt with the cancelled game amid national controversy around Springfield, tough budget cuts etc... I'm sure they will bring it for another hard fought matchup.

Yes, clearly a dire state of affairs for Oberlin.

Tough NCAC road contest for DePauw this week at Denison. Was a bit surprised to see the big red give up 30 against Wooster. But expecting a big challenge for the Tigers in Granville.

Interesting league schedule set up for 'bash without a challenge until November, and then three in a row. I wouldn't call it an advantage, although they can continue to get their young quarterback and improving defense better and better. On the other side of the coin, probably not easy or ideal to play your three best league opponents all in a row.

Can anyone share insight on the scenario where Witt ends up with the same # of losses, but one less win than the league leader?  Do they just finish in second or is there a possibility the Hiram game will be made up?

Interesting Witt-Denison matchup this weekend.  Both teams remain a bit of a mystery with Witt's cancelled game and Denison's close contest with Kenyon.

I imagine 'bash will light up the Scots. 

DePauw always has their hands full in Delaware and I expect the Bishops will be motivated following what must have been a disappointing loss to Franklin.  Plus the Tigers are pretty dinged up.  Both Whitehead and Smith did not play Saturday.  Quigley did not play against Wooster.  Hoping all get healthy soon.

p.s. correction -- not a tie for Witt in that scenario, but a half-game deficit potentially if they had one fewer win.

A few quick hits on last week to revive the banter a bit, in no particular order -

-surprised by the Berry win over #10 RM.  If A > B and B > C then A > C does not always apply to football teams, ie. DePauw - Berry - RM, but it's good to see that sequence help DPU and the NCAC gain national recognition

-continuing strange stat lines for 'bash.  Strong offensive yardage, few turnovers, and opponent starts six drives in 'bash territory.  Going for it on 4th down and poor punting, I guess?  Another funny box score.  Backup QB must've looked solid against a tough opponent.

-Not a lot to say about DPU game -- lot of offensive output against a suspect D.  The clean up play of FY QB Scott Ballentine was a plus -- he looked efficient and sharp.

-Surprised also by the Denison 14-0 score over Kenyon.  What happened there?

-Finally, what is the impact of Witt's cancellation?  If they were to end up in a tie with the same number of losses in conference play, but fewer wins, what would happen?  Or will they make up the Hiram game?

Welcome informed comments on any or all of this -

Quote from: wally_wabash on September 15, 2024, 04:59:05 PM

Quote from: DePauwalum05 on September 15, 2024, 03:30:43 PM

Quote from: Ron Boerger on September 15, 2024, 11:50:29 AMIncredible defensive effort from DePauw yesterday.  I've watched a number of Berry games and nobody has shut down Cade as well as they did yesterday; making them one-dimensional exposed their weakness at QB. Announcers said it was Berry's first shutout at Valhalla stadium.  People will think more highly of the NCAC as a result. Congratulations!

Appreciate the DPU shoutout, Ron. It's the most dominant win over a ranked opponent since #2 'bash in 2008.

#3, please. Let's keep our facts straight. 

"Tigers Dominate #2 Wabash 36-14 in 115th Monon Bell Classic, Knot All-Time Series"
https://www.depauw.edu/news-media/latest-news/details/22486/

Are we referencing different rankings perhaps, Wally?  Regardless, it was a dominant win against a good opponent.  Will just leave it at that : )

Quote from: Ron Boerger on September 15, 2024, 11:50:29 AMIncredible defensive effort from DePauw yesterday.  I've watched a number of Berry games and nobody has shut down Cade as well as they did yesterday; making them one-dimensional exposed their weakness at QB. Announcers said it was Berry's first shutout at Valhalla stadium.  People will think more highly of the NCAC as a result. Congratulations!

Appreciate the DPU shoutout, Ron. It's the most dominant win over a ranked opponent since #2 'bash in 2008.

Strange box score indeed. Outgained by 140 yards, 0-9 on third down, even in turnovers, yet 'bash scores 30 & wins by 17. Strong red zone D! Big WIAC matchup up next — should be a good one.

Denison played tough against a 2nd consecutive top 20 opponent. They should be primed and ready for league play after Linfield & Alma.

Perhaps DePauw's dominant 33-0 win at #22 Berry will gain some respect for the NCAC.

-Pre-season All America Berry RB Cade held to 2.8 yards per carry and 74 total;
-Berry 2 for 17 on converting 3rd downs
-Vikings with 70 yards rushing and 73 passing
-DPU offense did not look especially sharp against a physical opponent, but made big plays to break away on the shoulders of stout D

No one expected this lopsided of an outcome.  Shout out to Pat Coleman for predicting the top 25 upset.  Looks like a good showing by Denison against Alma as well -

Not so fast, Spartan ... ; )

https://youtu.be/nICS8oWjHn8?si=GHC5hS_vxyP6XrVY

DePauw game notes vs. the Engineers-

https://depauwtigers.com/documents/2024/9/7/DePauw_Game_Notes_-_Rose-Hulman.pdf

Thanks for these good previews, Sigma.  Much appreciated.  I'm excited by DePauw's momentum, but you may be inflating expectations a bit by implying 'bash, Witt and Denison are largely in a battle for 2nd.  The NCAC may not be a top league, but it's still a competitive one to win.  I expect it will be a battle among the top four once again.  Eager to see small college football in action this week.  Best wishes to all for a great season!