FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[wally_wabash]

Having the UAA be more involved in the schedule is certainly not what I'm looking for. 

But if they are...then let's get them in the power rating thing.

I really would rather play three of the four UAA teams than Manchester or Anderson.

Do you think those are the games Wabash would go after if they had the freedom to do so?  I would doubt it.  Even if they did at least those games would be regional. 

There are quality games to be had that are closer than Cleveland or St. Louis.  Wheaton, IWU, North Central, Monmouth, Trine, Franklin (to name a handful)...these are all games that would be meaningful and challenging and winnable to both sides.  I don't know if these games could actually be made or not, but we'll never know as long as the league mandates that their teams are to play non-league games against league opponents...to the benefit of absolutely nobody. 

[bearmo17]

Smedindy:

What is wrong with Manchester.... That school has turned out some great alumni and I think you know one of them!!!!!

[smedindy]

Nothing against the school or its alums, you know that. The football program has had its share of challenges over the past decade(s).

[wab64]

       It's February, following the month-long festival of depression, known as January. Fortunately something has arisen that has attracted the attention of the Smeds-Wally show. Good reads and a lot of valid points to further discussion of 2010. Where will Bash sit in the preseason with a supposedly unproven QB? I liked what Belton did in his few opportunities,i.e. Wooster. He runs well,according to his prep highlight video where no one laid a hand on him in the delayed runs from the spread. I don't precisely know what the "Wildcat" offense is supposed to be, but I watched Northwestern run an offense with a rb & qb in spread, who gained plenty running delays to whatever the defense wasn't covering in that set. I think Belton could run it and drive the defense nuts. Particulary with the stable of running backs of different shapes and sizes to complement what Belton  can do. For God's sake, Chase, don't flunk out when we need you. 

[FightinScot]

Wab-

What about Bash's O-Line?? Seems to me that they're losing a bit of talent up front, which may have a bigger impact upon Mr. Belton than anyone else in the "stable." When a college QB has time, he can do a lot, kind of the way when a college RB has a big hole, he can get it done. How well a completely(?) new line jells will make or break the LGs, imo.

I'm a little biased, though. 

[WallyFS4]

Wab-

What about Bash's O-Line?? Seems to me that they're losing a bit of talent up front, which may have a bigger impact upon Mr. Belton than anyone else in the "stable." When a college QB has time, he can do a lot, kind of the way when a college RB has a big hole, he can get it done. How well a completely(?) new line jells will make or break the LGs, imo.

I'm a little biased, though. 

I would have to agree 100% with that.  I think most would agree.  Most games are decided down in the pits on both sides of the ball.  So let's hope the LG's will come together, and control the games up front.

WABASH ALWAYS FIGHTS![/color]

[wally_wabash]

Wabash opens at home vs. Wooster.  Wabash doesn't play another game that could be considered "tough" until Allegheny visits on October 30.  The new-look offensive line is going to have plenty of time, in fairly low pressure situations, to get things squared away for the stretch run of Allegheny-Witt-DPU at the end of the year. 

The Wooster game could be tricky.  As noted, Wabash is breaking in a new offensive line and who knows how that will go.  Wooster also has the benefit of playing a game the week before.  However, looking way too far ahead, Wooster is losing the best player off of their already not-so-good defense and with Holter gone to graduation, they are losing about 93% of their offense (numbers are estimated here).  Where is Wooster going to find points?  If Wabash can block long enough to let the receivers (they're ALL back) work downfield, I don't know if Wooster can keep pace.  Long way off though...

[FightinScot]

Wabash opens at home vs. Wooster.  Wabash doesn't play another game that could be considered "tough" until Allegheny visits on October 30.  The new-look offensive line is going to have plenty of time, in fairly low pressure situations, to get things squared away for the stretch run of Allegheny-Witt-DPU at the end of the year. 

The Wooster game could be tricky.  As noted, Wabash is breaking in a new offensive line and who knows how that will go.  Wooster also has the benefit of playing a game the week before.  However, looking way too far ahead, Wooster is losing the best player off of their already not-so-good defense and with Holter gone to graduation, they are losing about 93% of their offense (numbers are estimated here).  Where is Wooster going to find points?  If Wabash can block long enough to let the receivers (they're ALL back) work downfield, I don't know if Wooster can keep pace.  Long way off though...

Where are they going to find points? I'm as interested as you are- but, Wooster is bringing back Flagg, who is as explosive as anyone in the conference, Daniels, who is the best TE in the conference, and McIntyre who is another big-time playmaker on the edge. Who's getting the ball to them and who is gonna block? Nobody proven, thats for sure.

Here's hoping Wooster's D gets a lot better this offseason.

[bashbrother]

The thing that may help Wabash early in developing a new O-line is that pass blocking is much easier to pick up then complicated run schemes.  Wabash, is a pass first offense (no matter what anyone says...it is.)  Under CC he recruited and coached it.  Now, under ER, the kids he may recruit may transition that over time.  Last years O-line was the last of the CC era I believe.

Another plus for early in the season, is that we will have a very mobile QB.  While still young, I think by August he will have seen enough to be more then ready.

Lastly, Wabash has recruited very well at o-line over the past 4 years and has, i believe, plenty of capable talent that has been waiting to be called on.

[smedindy]

Well, what about Josh Miracle at QB? Belton had the numbers vs. Wooster, but Miracle played well against Witt.

However, with as young Wooster will be - this is about the only year I'd like to start the season against them. Most years, that's starting right off with a toughie (sort of like the Albion / Hope 1-2 punch back in teh 90's) and a conference toughie to boot.

[FightinScot]

Belton's your guy...from the film I saw theres no question about it.

[BashDad]

What's the deal with Belton's grades, 64?

From what I've seen, the idea that the offense is inheriting a wildcat quarterback isn't something I'd agree with. This is an athletic, swift kid with a quick release, sweet touch ball, and a calm head. I doubt we'll ever see him run for 60 yard touchdowns against teams in the upper tier of the region. Get out of tough spots with his feet? For sure. Frustrate teams on 3rd and short? Can't wait. Be our leading rusher? Nuh uh.

But, here's the thing I'm most excited about: I can't WAIT to see him in a big game--  the Wooster game last year can't be spoken of too highly. He was TWO MONTHS into school, for chrissakes. I fumbled 17 snaps and threw a pick in mop-up duty against Hiram as a freshman. This guy had over three bills of total offense, four touchdowns, and no picks in a MUST WIN game. Are you kidding? He's ice cold.

I'm fairly comfortable that Belton, the receivers, and a re-loaded OLINE are gonna be fine. That's enough for an 8-9 win season, maybe more if what's-his-face comes back and throws 4 more picks or the D can successfully reload at LB and CB. But what's really going to push Wabash into the legitimate top of the country isn't a mystery; It's a running back.

[wab64]

BashDad---I know nothing,and have heard nothing on Chase Belton's academic standing. I mentioned it in my post,tongue in cheek, hoping he is having no problems, and if so, someone would give him help. The first year at Wabash is intimidating and many,many freshmen have felt they have bit off more than they can chew,viz. Austin Gorrell.

[Raider 68]

Wally,

What schools in the NCAC will be the leaders in freshman football recruits for this fall? How have the Lil Giants normally done for incoming freshman?

[wabco]

Heard from someone who knows that Wabash has landed a couple of LB studs.  Do not know more about who or from where ... just that their films look pretty impressive.  Hope that is the case.