FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[wally_wabash]

Hey guys:

...

Dude, relax.  Look around.  It's not just BashDad that isn't sold on OWU's greatness because of their schedule.  D3football.com top 25 voters did not vote for Ohio Wesleyan, not one voter one time put them on their list of 25 teams, until they won at Carnegie Mellon.  And even then, OWU is still being valued less than Wabash AND Wittenberg in the polling.  The coaches' poll is the same way.  It isn't just BashDad.

We all know that the schedule is the schedule and you can only play who they put in front of you.  That doesn't make your schedule and the quality of the competition on that schedule to date irrelevant to a game analysis.  It does matter and it would be irresponsible to not acknowledge it when breaking down this game. 

[Pat Coleman]

Hey guys:

I have posted under a different name before but recently my account wouldnt log me in. I was bishopowu. Ive been wanting to post recently but it takes days for your account to get approved.

I cant wait to watch this game Saturday. As a former Bishop player, I love what is going on in Delaware. I have been back for a few games so far this season and it is amazing what a changed regime can do to a program. I played with some of these players and their entire mindset has changed. Kids that were talking about quitting love the program, players who just showed up to practice and games are key contributors. Even players who have transferred to different schools are wanting to come back and play or even just watch their old teammates play. This game Saturday is huge for OWU. Biggest game in recent history for us.

One thing that I would love to point out about something I have noticed with all the posters is this. None of these players have the mentality that they are the best. The fans arent out bragging about 7-0. They are excited about the turnaround but if you all think that OWU is saying they are the TEAM of the NCAC they havent said that. They love flying under the radar. They have been showing up every week with the mentality of winning the week 1-0. They celebrate the win and move on the the next one. Watts has changed many things about the program. New weight room, new uniforms, changed the way they enter the field, they walk from the dorms to the field as a unit just like other D1 teams do. But dont think for a minute OWU is intimidated or looking at all the things people are saying. They dont care they are under the radar they have the mentality of Why not us? I have seen to many posters on here that arent even from OWU that are saying they are the greatest team and then the Wabash people getting mad. Its not all on OWU people.

BashDad, I was so excited to watch this game Saturday and was wanting players I know to win for all the losing and terrible times we went through as a program. I wanted them to finally beat a big name school and program and get that signature win we have been lacking. After reading all your "D3 Football Guru game analysis" my opinion has changed. I want them to win because of you. You are the most arrogant one minded football fan I have ever seen. I understand your all about Wabash football and all this stuff. But man be happy for a program. Give them credit where credit is due. Your complaining about our schedule being weak. ITS NOT OUR FAULT. We dont make the schedule we play the schedule that is given. Do you honestly think we wouldnt want to play our rival in WITTENBERG?! Those kids were mad as all hell when they werent on the schedule. The schedule is the schedule. In years past we won 2, 3, maybe 4 games. So looking at this years schedule we didnt see a soft schedule. Lets not forget...YOU LOST TO AN ALLEGHENY TEAM THAT DROVE 9+ HOURS TO YOUR HOME FIELD AND YOU LOST IN OVERTIME...YOU LOST. I have taken those bus rides, they arent easy. You lost in ur historic home stadium and you even had the home field advantage in OVERTIME and YOU LOST. We are the ones that are 7-0. Now we havent played Allegheny and we do next week hoping to go 9-0. Stop being so arrogant and complaining about the schedule. Your so big on this win over Wittenberg well guess what they beat u in the past. Everytime someone says anything on here positive about OWU you immediately shut them down. If Wabash was so good YOU BEAT ALLEGHENY AT HOME IN OVERTIME. How demoralizing those kids rode on a BUS for 9 hours and you lost at home. Guess what my friend, We are undefeated at Selby this year. We got our **** done. Yea they werent the Oregons, OSU's, Bama's of the NCAA D3 ranks but we beat who we were supposed to beat at the time. This isnt the same Bishop Football team in case you were wondering.

LETS GO BISHOPS.

Yes, sorry -- yahoo/hotmail/etc free email services do sit and wait for approval for a couple of days. Those services are often used by spammers so they sit in holding to make sure they are real people.

[GRIZ_BACKER]

Hey guys:

I have posted under a different name before but recently my account wouldnt log me in. I was bishopowu. Ive been wanting to post recently but it takes days for your account to get approved.

I cant wait to watch this game Saturday. As a former Bishop player, I love what is going on in Delaware. I have been back for a few games so far this season and it is amazing what a changed regime can do to a program. I played with some of these players and their entire mindset has changed. Kids that were talking about quitting love the program, players who just showed up to practice and games are key contributors. Even players who have transferred to different schools are wanting to come back and play or even just watch their old teammates play. This game Saturday is huge for OWU. Biggest game in recent history for us.

One thing that I would love to point out about something I have noticed with all the posters is this. None of these players have the mentality that they are the best. The fans arent out bragging about 7-0. They are excited about the turnaround but if you all think that OWU is saying they are the TEAM of the NCAC they havent said that. They love flying under the radar. They have been showing up every week with the mentality of winning the week 1-0. They celebrate the win and move on the the next one. Watts has changed many things about the program. New weight room, new uniforms, changed the way they enter the field, they walk from the dorms to the field as a unit just like other D1 teams do. But dont think for a minute OWU is intimidated or looking at all the things people are saying. They dont care they are under the radar they have the mentality of Why not us? I have seen to many posters on here that arent even from OWU that are saying they are the greatest team and then the Wabash people getting mad. Its not all on OWU people.

BashDad, I was so excited to watch this game Saturday and was wanting players I know to win for all the losing and terrible times we went through as a program. I wanted them to finally beat a big name school and program and get that signature win we have been lacking. After reading all your "D3 Football Guru game analysis" my opinion has changed. I want them to win because of you. You are the most arrogant one minded football fan I have ever seen. I understand your all about Wabash football and all this stuff. But man be happy for a program. Give them credit where credit is due. Your complaining about our schedule being weak. ITS NOT OUR FAULT. We dont make the schedule we play the schedule that is given. Do you honestly think we wouldnt want to play our rival in WITTENBERG?! Those kids were mad as all hell when they werent on the schedule. The schedule is the schedule. In years past we won 2, 3, maybe 4 games. So looking at this years schedule we didnt see a soft schedule. Lets not forget...YOU LOST TO AN ALLEGHENY TEAM THAT DROVE 9+ HOURS TO YOUR HOME FIELD AND YOU LOST IN OVERTIME...YOU LOST. I have taken those bus rides, they arent easy. You lost in ur historic home stadium and you even had the home field advantage in OVERTIME and YOU LOST. We are the ones that are 7-0. Now we havent played Allegheny and we do next week hoping to go 9-0. Stop being so arrogant and complaining about the schedule. Your so big on this win over Wittenberg well guess what they beat u in the past. Everytime someone says anything on here positive about OWU you immediately shut them down. If Wabash was so good YOU BEAT ALLEGHENY AT HOME IN OVERTIME. How demoralizing those kids rode on a BUS for 9 hours and you lost at home. Guess what my friend, We are undefeated at Selby this year. We got our **** done. Yea they werent the Oregons, OSU's, Bama's of the NCAA D3 ranks but we beat who we were supposed to beat at the time. This isnt the same Bishop Football team in case you were wondering.

LETS GO BISHOPS.

Not many teams reign king every year.  Ask Hanover and MSJ in the HCAC.  All it takes is the right leadership and vision, coupled with good players, a little luck here and there, and new traditions take hold.  Hopefully OWU is a transformation. More good teams make it more fun for everyone.

[wabco]

Tyler Burke is from the Kalamazoo, MI area.  He is a classic example of WAF.  He came in as a hearalded QB and played behind some pretty fine QBs.  He became frustrated withy this and transferred to play somewhere else.  But once Wabash, Always Wabash.  Like CP, he came back.  And did he come back.  He played - again - behind some pretty fine QBs ... only this time, he understood Wabash better for having "seen Paris", and better than that ... understood WAF.  He (like Josiah Roberts ... a 4 year player behind for 4 years All American Center Tony Neymeiyer.. who won for Wabash from the 2 yard line against Case in the playoffs when Tony went down and Coach believed in him ... put him in ... and called the play that ran over his position for the winning TD) got his chance against NCC.  Tyler came out of that with broken ribs and bruised everything alse ... but he and Wabash came out ... THE WINNER.  WAF

I was with him last summer at a Wabash event here in Grand Rapids.  He was looking for a job in the pharmaceutical business.  A Wabash grad/chemist from a pharmaceutical manufacturer in our area learned of his being in our area and his career search ...  his comment was that "anyone with the Wabash Always Fights that he has needs to look at his company" .... and he arranged the interview ... and so it goes. Wabash Always Fights has a number of meanings including  ... Wabash Takes Care of its Own.  And Always Means Always.

By the way ... seeing Tyler in street cloths ... I don't know how he kept from being killed by the, NCC delivered, punishment he took.

[Li'l Giant]

I don't want to sound arrogant but Witt and Wabash get everyone's best shot in this league. Nobody goes into the Witt or Wabash game and half-asses it. There's no "under the radar" when you get everyone's best shot. Nobody lucks their way to a win over Witt or Wabash. If a team beats Witt or Wabash they earned it that day. Period. If OWU does that tomorrow great for them. But it won't be because Wabash's team or coaching staff overlooked them or let them fly under the radar.

Look at nike's quote of Coach Raeburn here:

On Ohio Wesleyan: "Mason Espinosa has a great arm and can make all the throws. He's a big guy so he also sees the field well. We saw him as a freshman and he's gotten better and better every season — and he was already pretty good that first season. This will be the best passing game we will have faced defensively by far this season. This will be a tremendous test."

Raeburn's words, not mine.

That doesn't sound like anyone is "under the radar". Sounds to me like he's expecting OWU's best shot. Which I believe Wabash will get. That isn't to say their best shot will be enough. But it will be their best shot.

Clearly OWU has fans who want to come on here, talk about their team, support their team, banter, and expand the discussion on this board. There used to be Witt, Woo and Gheny posters who did that. For that I am glad. Again, good for OWU, good for the league, good for this board.

Don't get me wrong, I want Wabash to win this game tomorrow in a bad way. But the earth isn't going to stop spinning if they don't.

[The_Bishop]

^^ +K for you, kind sir.  And for all the Wabash posters for some great discussion this week.  I'm hoping for an epic battle tomorrow and wish both teams and their fans the best of luck.  Safe travels to all of the Little Giant fans headed to Delaware for the game.

As a footnote to Wally's stats about the OWU field goal unit, two of the misses were of the 19-yard variety (1 against Denison and another against DePauw).  Red zone points are an absolute must for OWU tomorrow.

[wally_wabash]

^^ +K for you, kind sir.  And for all the Wabash posters for some great discussion this week.  I'm hoping for an epic battle tomorrow and wish both teams and their fans the best of luck.  Safe travels to all of the Little Giant fans headed to Delaware for the game.

As a footnote to Wally's stats about the OWU field goal unit, two of the misses were of the 19-yard variety (1 against Denison and another against DePauw).  Red zone points are an absolute must for OWU tomorrow.

Not red zone points...red zone touchdowns.  Whenever I see a team that is pass dominant and slings it all over the place and is amazingly good from the 20 yard line and out, I always think back to the 1999 Monon Bell game.  Wabash decided that day to turn freshman QB Jake Knott loose on DePauw.  And he crushed it.  Knott threw for 439 yards (school record at the time).  Jay Dee Flynn caught 10 balls for 220 yards (school record at the time).  Wabash went up and down the field all day on DePauw.  And then the red zone happened.  The field got congested and Wabash turned the ball over four times in the red zone.  Lost it a fifth time on downs.  Wabash lost the game 21-7 (Wabash's 7 came on a 73 yard pass play...the perverbial home run in that kind of offense).  Solving the red zone is a huge deal for OWU in this game. 

[DadofBashWarrior..]

Enough cannot be said about Burke's play that day...was like watching a well written movie...about the spirit of "Wabash Always Fights"...

Tonight am seeing first round hs playoffs 8A here in Illinois ...tomorrow will be at Concordia-Chicago @ Benedictine ...Of course Concordia is playoff bound

Next weekend to the North Central / Wheaton game

WAF...will be watching Bash on my phone tomorrow...great reading here all week ...

[Bishopleftiesdad]

^^ +K for you, kind sir.  And for all the Wabash posters for some great discussion this week.  I'm hoping for an epic battle tomorrow and wish both teams and their fans the best of luck.  Safe travels to all of the Little Giant fans headed to Delaware for the game.

As a footnote to Wally's stats about the OWU field goal unit, two of the misses were of the 19-yard variety (1 against Denison and another against DePauw).  Red zone points are an absolute must for OWU tomorrow.

Not red zone points...red zone touchdowns.  Whenever I see a team that is pass dominant and slings it all over the place and is amazingly good from the 20 yard line and out, I always think back to the 1999 Monon Bell game.  Wabash decided that day to turn freshman QB Jake Knott loose on DePauw.  And he crushed it.  Knott threw for 439 yards (school record at the time).  Jay Dee Flynn caught 10 balls for 220 yards (school record at the time).  Wabash went up and down the field all day on DePauw.  And then the red zone happened.  The field got congested and Wabash turned the ball over four times in the red zone.  Lost it a fifth time on downs.  Wabash lost the game 21-7 (Wabash's 7 came on a 73 yard pass play...the perverbial home run in that kind of offense).  Solving the red zone is a huge deal for OWU in this game.

Agreed. OWU cannot be satisfied with FG one inside the 20. If they do they will be on the short end of the score board.

[bashbrother]

One thing I do like this week is the passion from the OWU Faithful.    It is know longer Aueagle carrying the flag.. (BTW where has he been?)   Tomorrow is a chance for the Bishops to do something great.   

Good Luck to both teams......We will see what happens. 

WAF!

Edit for BB16:   Prediction: Monkey Stomp!  Better?

[BashBacker#16]

Bashbro - that is sooo sweet.  LOL, just messing.

I've already said this but to me, it's going to be a matter if OWU can keep up with their scoring.  Bash will move the ball with Belton, Holmes, and the WR's - the question will be if OWU keeps the pace.  If the Bash D can force turnovers and/or score points on top of that - look out.  I hope Bash continues to play as if their backs are against the wall.

I'm very anxious to see what the Bash D does tomorrow!

Go Bash!!  WAF!

[smedindy]

My gut says that OWU will hit on a couple of bombs but any short game will meet the fate of Wooster's screens.

I think it'll be a 14-point game or so. Wabash may decide to grind it out to keep the ball away from Espinosa. 28-14 or 35-21.

[nike]

The d3football.com heavyweights are tracking this game.

[Pat Coleman]

The d3football.com heavyweights are tracking this game.

Oh come on, man, I mean, I know I've put on a few pounds in the last few months but ...

[nike]

The d3football.com heavyweights are tracking this game.

Oh come on, man, I mean, I know I've put on a few pounds in the last few months but ...

That is funny!  Love your work here.  Keeps us all young at heart and out of trouble. 
Got a prediction?