Quote from: sigma one on September 01, 2024, 09:50:31 PM#4 DENISON

The BIG RED may be the toughest of the Top 4 to rank effectively.  This is so due to the return of Trey Fabrocini RB, for a 5th year.  In 2022 and 2024, he rushed for a total of 2703 yds and 39 TDs.  He also caught 46 passes for another 307 yds. and 3 more TDs.  He obviously makes Denison a bigger threat than  they would have been.  (I am unsure whether the conference coaches knew of his return when ranking the teams.)

OOC  Denison has by far the toughest OOC schedule in the NCAC.  #1 Linfield (9-1 in 2023; #23 in the D3FB pre-season poll),  DEN travels 2500+ miles to Oregon to take on the Wildcats.  At home last year, they played Linfield tough before losing 28-14.  #2 Alma (12-1 in 2023, with a playoff win at Mt Union; #7 in the D3FB poll).  They could very well be 0-2 when conference play begins and go on to challenge for the title.

RETURNING STARTERES  O-6  D-7  DEN will search for a new QB.  But Coach Hatem usually has one ready.  On O, in addition to Fabrocini, 3 WRs are back (Guzzo All-NCAC, Alerson, Brownlee).  The O-lie  needs to replace 3 outstanding players.  Two return (Gause, Schneider).  The K (Cunnigham) has been a consistent weapon.  On D, the biggest losses are up front; one starter returns (Ballenger All-NCAC). Six of the back 7 are in place.  AT LB three return (Ressor, Hallenback, Moore All-NCAC)  Three DBs are also back (Epps All--NCAC at DB and RetSp, Larviere, and Murphy All-NCAC)
OUTLOOK:  After their two OOC challenges, they will be relieved to get to conference play.  Along with WAB and WIT, they will compete for 2nd place in what promises to be exciting games.   





















     

Moore did not come back for another year.

Quote from: sigma one on September 02, 2024, 10:17:59 AM#5 OHIO WESLEYAN

OWU has not yet posted a 2024 roster, so I am going by what I can pull up front last year.  They are almost always competitive with the top group of the conference, not winning many lately but always a test.
Particularly on Defense, they can prove difficult.

OOC:  #1  Otterbein (0-10 in 2023) OWU should start 1-0 unless OTT is markedly improved.  #2 Franklin
(4-6 last year)  The Grizzlies have not been as competitive lately, and OWU has a good chance to be 2-0
They play Wabash in Week 2 in-between their OOC games.  But they should be 2-0 v. these OOC opponents.

RETURNING STARTERS  O-5  D-
The biggest challenge for OWU early on will be replacing a good number of offensive starters.  Both QBs who played most of the last two years are gone.  Their top RB returns (Haley).  As do two WRs (Webb, Hurst All-NCAC in each of his first two years).   Two O-lineman are  back (Ditchler All-NCAC,  Bricker). The K (Putt) returns.  From the D-line only two return (Yanka All-NCAC, Burton) Behind  them are 7 experienced players. Three of them are at LB (Ramey, Yarbrough All_NCAC, Anderson All-NCAC).  The four DBs are solid (Costa, Thornton All-NCAC, Smothers, and Stoner),  The OWU secondary is perennially one of their strong points.

OUTLOOK:  The defensive needs to be stout  early on for the Battling Bishops to get a positive start.  They are capable of upsetting one or more of the top 4 teams, and even one victory there would propel them into the top tier of the NCAC.. 

Ohio Wesleyan put out a roster today. No Tyler Webb, Yarbrough or Thornton. Buza is back for a 5th year at QB.

Joss Bradley a 6'2 G from Saginaw Heritage is headed to Alma. Big, physical downhill guard. Jump shot is a little shaky.

G- Sam Howard 6'2 from Detroit Catholic Central is headed to Olivet. Think he is underrated, was behind some very talented players at DCC.