FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[nike]

Hiram is a great story this year, but as we see over and over again, it takes more than one player. Partridge is very good, but Wabash and Wittenberg are at the top every year because of talent at every position.  When was the last time Wabash and Witt were not vying for the conference title? So I hope for an entertaining game and a good showing by Hiram.

 

[HCAlum86]

Hiram is a great story this year, but as we see over and over again, it takes more than one player. Partridge is very good, but Wabash and Wittenberg are at the top every year because of talent at every position.  When was the last time Wabash and Witt were not vying for the conference title? So I hope for an entertaining game and a good showing by Hiram.

With all due respect Nike, it really has not been a one man show. Britt Lewis and Philander are having huge years at wide receiver. Our young running back, Carr, pulled off a play of the year candidate on his own for a TD against Wooster.

Defensively, Fleetion, Weaver, and Lemuel are all having terrific seasons.

There are still holes that need to be filled, I will absolutely agree; but Partridge is not doing this on his own, at all. Also, Moore seems to have done a better job recruiting this year; getting high-character, academically sustainable recruits, which has not been the case in years past.

[HCAlum86]

Wabash 52 Hiram 20
Wooster 28 DPU 26
Denison 38 OC 10

[Caveman # 95]

HCAlum- Shouldn't your signature quote read "...Lt. Colonel Benjamin Pritchard,  Western Reserve Eclectic Institute class of 1858"  Sorry, couldn't resist

By the way, it's going to be more like 56-6, Wabash....

[HCAlum86]

HCAlum- Shouldn't your signature quote read "...Lt. Colonel Benjamin Pritchard,  Western Reserve Eclectic Institute class of 1858"  Sorry, couldn't resist

By the way, it's going to be more like 56-6, Wabash....

I will change it once your passport reads "Formerly a British Colonist"

And you may be right, I am basing my score on an assumption that Wabash will come out the first drive sleep walking

[wally_wabash]

HCAlum-

Where is Danny Robinson?  We haven't seen him since him since the Wooster game.  He's an exciting player. 

Hiram has plenty of exciting players, all of whom you just mentioned.  I think the difference comes at the LOS and I think that's where Wabash has the big edge (and has had said edge against every team they've played so far in 2014).  How well Hiram can handle C. Buresh, McAllen, and Rutter plus whatever wacky combo of LBs they decide to bring (could be any of them at any time) and give Partridge time to execute plays determines how long Hiram can stay in the game.  Similarly, they'll have to solve Wabash's offensive line which has played great this season (side note: ZERO seniors on that offensive line...how fun is that?) while also trying to play follow the ball with Wabash's read option game.  It's a lot to deal with...which is saying nothing at all of play actions (which you have to immediately respect) and defending Hodges/The Show/Adams/Dickerson.  When you type it all out like that, yikes.  This Wabash offense is nasty. 

I think if Hiram is going to make this a contest, it's going to have to happen with a boatload of Wabash turnovers and short fields for Hiram, they'll need the best offensive line game they've ever played, and Partridge will have to be at his absolute best- he can't give it away (10 INTs is a bunch), and Hiram will have to have to have to stay out of 3rd and long because once Wabash knows you have to throw, you're toast.  There's a lot here for Hiram to do and probably more than they can do for four quarters, but I'm curious to see if this group has grown up enough to hold the LGs off for a half or so and stay in the ball game.  That'll tell us a lot about where Hiram is. 

One advantage here that Hiram does have is that this game is happening the week before Wittenberg, which is probably the best possible time to get Wabash (outside of maybe Week 1).  If Wabash is ever going to take a week to be quite conservative, maybe rest dinged players, that sort of thing, this is the week.  Hiram is in the Admiral Ackbar seat this week and maybe that will work in their favor. 

[bashgiant]

I don't see Wabash being conservative in this game I think they are full throttle like they were against Oberlin last week. The way Wabash clicked last week was a thing of beauty. I know the competition wasn't the best but even so that was probably the best I've seen Wabash look in a couple of years as I stated in an earlier post. Let's not forget the DB"s as being able to play receivers 1 on 1 frees up Austin Brown to attack the screen plays, little swing passes, and the run. I don't really have the time to go thru the stats but opposing teams have not had many big yardage pass plays this year and they have faced some talented gun slingers and receivers. I smell a couple pick 6's as Partridge will be overwhelmed with the nasty rush defense from Wabash. Wabash keeps the pedal to metal 56-9.
On a side note a defense this good should have a nickname. Any suggestions?

GO BASH!

[BashDad]

On a side note a defense this good should have a nickname. Any suggestions?

The Flock of Killdeer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crawfordsville_monster

[wally_wabash]

The Flock of Killdeer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crawfordsville_monster

Love it. 

[bashgiant]

On a side note a defense this good should have a nickname. Any suggestions?

The Flock of Killdeer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crawfordsville_monster

Nice! Those Killdeer are vicious!! LOL

[sigma one]

Esoteric and mysterious--in keeping with BashDad's persona.  That's a compliment, by the way.

[bashbrother]

On a side note a defense this good should have a nickname. Any suggestions?

The Flock of Killdeer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crawfordsville_monster

Nice! Those Killdeer are vicious!! LOL

[BashDad]

[wabco]

BIG RED 1

[BashBacker#16]

Question:  is Austin Brown one of the most underrated players in the league?  Dude is also 6'1 230...  Over shadowed perhaps by some of the other LG's?

The Killdeer reference is classic. 

Easy Civil War trivia question for HCalum or Caveman95...  What D3 school had a bad ass alum in the Battle of Gettysburg - who had a huge role (key play) in the Union's victory?