FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[wally_wabash]

I'd only change to Miracle in case of injury or ineptitude now.

Miracle isn't number two from what I saw.  Who knows though in a game situation?  BTW, word on the grapevine is Wes and Kody out for the season...  That affects the special teams as well as the offense.  Big time bummer!

I believe sophomore Vince Kenney is Wabash's #2.  I was able to watch him play in the R/W scrimmage and he looked like he had some talent, however I think Belton's dual-threat abilities make him the clear #1...and as I just previously noted,  it's his time to take over starting this Saturday.  I didn't see anything from Belton last week that makes me question his being the starting quarterback for Wabash.  The first INT, on his first pass, was brutal.  After that, his throws were fine (second INT was a tipped ball).  His running was outstanding, save going backwards trying to keep plays alive which is probably the easiest of all correctable things to fix from last week's game.  The offense is in very capable hands (and feet). 

[bashbrother]

You don't have to have played the position to understand that playing QB is about confidence and timing.

1.  Losing your two all-american leaders at wide receiver is going to rock the boat of any quarterback.   Both Wes and Lemond were senior leaders that just happened to be extremely talented and a QB's best friend.

2.  Throw in new receivers with different speed and route running styles and you are faced with timing issues.

3.  Confidence -  I got to live 2003 & 2004.   Some coaches believe that having your quarterback consistently looking over their shoulders (not wanting to be pulled) as a motivation strategy.    I do not subscribe to this,  in some young players it will destroy their confidence and thus, delay their advancement.

Anyone that calls for Belton to be replaced at this point is nuts.   His legs will be even more important to a team that now needs to develop new leadership/talent at wide receiver,  a young o-line and running backs that are not going to take this offense on long scoring drives consistently.

[aueagle]

Selby Forecast: 82 & sunny with 0% chance of the wet stuff.....
Turf is in great shape....Bishops are a huge dog in this one...
LG's are in need of someone...something.....
I will check stars & moons to seek alignment.....
OWU hasn't had a big win in years.....Could it be?

[bashbrother]

I will check stars & moons to seek alignment.....
OWU hasn't had a big win in years.....Could it be?

Aueagle -  Although I am hopeful as well for the Bishops to regain some swagger and take down a big fish.   It probably will not be this weekend.    ER will have this team ready to play Wabash Football this week.

[Bash-Dad #84]

I will check stars & moons to seek alignment.....
OWU hasn't had a big win in years.....Could it be?

Aueagle -  Although I am hopeful as well for the Bishops to regain some swagger and take down a big fish.   It probably will not be this weekend.    ER will have this team ready to play Wabash Football this week.

^ What he said! 

[bishopowu]

I agree with aueagle, the bishops are in need of a big win Versus a very good team. They have not beaten a very good team since I can remember. After a huge loss to Wittenberg...I think the Bishops rise to the occasion and beat the LG's...or are possibly looking forward to first night game at Selby???

[Bash-Dad #84]

The Bishops need to be looking forward to the first night game at Selby, because they will not beat the Little Giants.


WAF!

[BashBacker#16]

Bashbro,

I could not agree more with your comment on replacing Belton...game 1, Soph season, etc. - would be crazy.  (sorry Wabco but someone slipped some whiskey in to your cereal or something )

BashDad #84 - your spirit and continuous support is awesome!  Hang in there!!!

BOLD PREDICTION TO CALL FOR A BISHOP WIN...wow.

Wabash Always Fights!!!

[wabco]

Ok ... OK .frustration caused momentary lapse.  However, I still believe in a short but meaningful audition period.  So ... no more running backwards when 95% pressed and cornered (throw OofB), relax and no more cannons to the opposing linebacker, and ... O line ... give the QB a little more time/safety to check off.

On positive note, hate to break it to OWUers but: ER will have them ready and the Little Giants travel squad - to a man - will be ready and will win the upcoming game in "statement" style.  (At least that is my prediction.)

WAF

[wally_wabash]

While there may be a bit of flux happening at Wabash right now, it's still a really long shot for OWU to beat Wabash.  I know it's early, but here is where OWU ranks in the league right now:

Scoring offense - last (by over 10 points/game)
Scoring defense - last (by 7 points/game)
Total offense - last (by 85 yards/game)
Total defense - last (by almost 40 yards/game)
Rushing offense - last
Rushing defense - last
Pass offense - last
Pass defense - next to last
Pass efficiency - last
Pass efficiency defense - next to last

You get the idea.  Short of turnovers (plural) going directly into the endzone for points, I think it's going to be difficult for OWU to move the ball enough to score enough to win.  Wabash's offensive game plan vs. OWU has generally been pretty conservative for just this reason...Wabash hasn't had much trouble keeping the Bishops out of the endzone.  That was Creighton's approach, anyway.  This is ER's first crack at the Bishops...he might turn the O loose a little more than CC did. 

[BashBacker#16]

CJ Gum & Co. (Bash D) will be facing 7 Freshmen starters for the Bishops...ouch.

Wally - interesting stats but I have a feeling the teams that play Witt this year will be taking a major hit in the statistical categories.

[wally_wabash]

Oh, for sure, 16.  OWU isn't the only team that isn't going to score against Witt this season.  But OWU didn't do much better statistically against Denison.  The Bishops are pretty limited offensively. 

[BashDad]

BashDad #84 - your spirit and continuous support is awesome!  Hang in there!!!

I cannot overstate my agreement with this. It's just awesome.

I hope both Wes and Kody find new roles on this team a la Jamie Bopp in 2002, get healthy, and maybe, just maybe, figure out a way to return next year. Man did Wes look amazing in that first quarter...

[Bash-Dad #84]

Thanks for the kind words, but not necessary. Wes's Mom and I are still trying to get our head around the fact that this will be the first time in 13 years we won't be watching him play football. His collegiate carreer was supposed to be over this year, but not after only one half of the first game!

That being said, we have grown very close to some of his teammates and watched them mature over the last few years. We are proud of many of their accomplishments and look forward to watching them succeed this year.

Wes is a strong and resillient young man. I feel worse for him than he does for himself. He will be fine.

Wabash Always Fights!

[Fripp52]

Bash Dad

Now I know what the 84 means.  Sorry, just made that connection.

Sorry to hear about your son.  I don't know him and really only watched him closely last year (esp when he caught that ball over my shorter son at the goalline).  He is an excellent athlete and seems to be a fine young man.

My best to Wes.  I trust he will make a full recovery.