FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[bashgiant]

Final thoughts on the Monon Bell game:


- after last year's game, I thought DPU was two years away from having a good shot at winning the Bell.  After Saturday's performance, I think they are still two years away.  DPU did not show much on Saturday.  On the other hand...


- Wabash's defense overwhelmed DePauw's offense  - Hunt did not have time to do anything.  In the second half, it appeared that DPU gave up on the pass and simply worked to keep the game close as opposed to mounting a comeback.


- I think Wabash's best chances of advancing beyond one game in the playoffs will be their ability to the throw the ball. Towards that end, I think Rice should be the primary QB going forward.  From what I have seen,  Rice throws a much better ball, works his progressions better, and has demonstrated a better pocket presence.  I know that this topic is the third rail for Wabash posters but I think Rice is the better QB.   He now has enough playing time that transitioning him into the starting role would not upset the apple cart.  It is a tough call but I think the right one. 


Looking forward to the Franklin game on Saturday.

From what I saw Saturday, I would not be surprised if Putko is concealing an injury as he had absolutely no zip on the ball. Something was not right.
WAF!
GO BASH!

[HCAlum86]

Just spit-balling here...but,  the Husson facility
looks more baseball/multi-purpose than FOOTBALL...

Yeah, that seemed very curious to me as well. I realize why MIT didn't file for a home game, but Husson's facilities do not seem to be much more welcoming to a playoff game.

[jknezek]

Just spit-balling here...but,  the Husson facility
looks more baseball/multi-purpose than FOOTBALL...

Yeah, that seemed very curious to me as well. I realize why MIT didn't file for a home game, but Husson's facilities do not seem to be much more welcoming to a playoff game.

MIT did file. Their facility was rejected for some reason.

[HCAlum86]

Just spit-balling here...but,  the Husson facility
looks more baseball/multi-purpose than FOOTBALL...

Yeah, that seemed very curious to me as well. I realize why MIT didn't file for a home game, but Husson's facilities do not seem to be much more welcoming to a playoff game.

MIT did file. Their facility was rejected for some reason.

I had heard otherwise, but I trust that you know better than I. This makes it even more perplexing, if MIT were to bring in two or three sets of temporary bleachers their facility would not be too far off from Husson.

[wally_wabash]

I'll go ahead and pull this in from the NEFC thread.  The very quick background:
- We all knew Husson and MIT would play because of geography
- We assumed MIT would host because they were ranked higher in the East rankings and there was no real reason to have moved those around after the week 11 games
- When the Husson was announced as host during the selection show, we all did a collective, 'Huh?" 
- Frank Rossi asked Duey Naatz about this peculiarity during In The HuddLLe's interview with him on Sunday night, wherein Director Naatz pretty plainly said (incorrectly as it turns out) that MIT didn't file to host. 

I think that takes us up to this post-

So Duey got that one wrong. Frank asked the MIT AD and she responded that MIT did apply to host. Apparently their seating area while older, has been "grandfathered in" with regards to NCAA / standard expectations for hosting.

Perhaps the issue with selection (or lack thereof) was the fact that MIT did "not have restrooms on-site at the stadium venue, [no] ADA accessibility, and limited seating if you compare [MIT] to Husson."

Ms. Soriero's response to Frank's question (which was "we were just hoping to clarify officially [that MIT didn't file to host] so that rumors and Twitter activity can be eliminated concerning this question") is as follows:

Frank –

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to these rumors.  Let me state – MIT did apply to host this contest. We knew that given the current condition of our seating area and the need for renovations, we would not likely get chosen, but wanted to give our program the chance to play at home, if our assumptions were incorrect.    Our seating area is old and has been "grandfathered in" regarding some of the standard expectations for hosting events of this type.  We do not have restrooms on-site I the stadium venue,  we have no ADA accessibility, and limited seating if you compare us to Husson. 

Below is  the confirmation of our submittal:

Your proposed budget for hosting the First Round of the 2014-15 Division III Football championship has been received by the NCAA. You can print or view your budget at http://championships.ncaa.org. If you need to make any changes, please contact the administrator(s) of your championship listed below.

I would be more than willing to explain this to anyone who inquires and appreciate the opportunity to respond to these rumors.   Please respectfully correct  Director Naatz.


Thanks!

Julie Soriero
Director of Athletics and Department Head - DAPER

[HCAlum86]

I'll go ahead and pull this in from the NEFC thread.  The very quick background:
- We all knew Husson and MIT would play because of geography
- We assumed MIT would host because they were ranked higher in the East rankings and there was no real reason to have moved those around after the week 11 games
- When the Husson was announced as host during the selection show, we all did a collective, 'Huh?" 
- Frank Rossi asked Duey Naatz about this peculiarity during In The HuddLLe's interview with him on Sunday night, wherein Director Naatz pretty plainly said (incorrectly as it turns out) that MIT didn't file to host. 

I think that takes us up to this post-

So Duey got that one wrong. Frank asked the MIT AD and she responded that MIT did apply to host. Apparently their seating area while older, has been "grandfathered in" with regards to NCAA / standard expectations for hosting.

Perhaps the issue with selection (or lack thereof) was the fact that MIT did "not have restrooms on-site at the stadium venue, [no] ADA accessibility, and limited seating if you compare [MIT] to Husson."

Ms. Soriero's response to Frank's question (which was "we were just hoping to clarify officially [that MIT didn't file to host] so that rumors and Twitter activity can be eliminated concerning this question") is as follows:

Frank –

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to these rumors.  Let me state – MIT did apply to host this contest. We knew that given the current condition of our seating area and the need for renovations, we would not likely get chosen, but wanted to give our program the chance to play at home, if our assumptions were incorrect.    Our seating area is old and has been "grandfathered in" regarding some of the standard expectations for hosting events of this type.  We do not have restrooms on-site I the stadium venue,  we have no ADA accessibility, and limited seating if you compare us to Husson. 

Below is  the confirmation of our submittal:

Your proposed budget for hosting the First Round of the 2014-15 Division III Football championship has been received by the NCAA. You can print or view your budget at http://championships.ncaa.org. If you need to make any changes, please contact the administrator(s) of your championship listed below.

I would be more than willing to explain this to anyone who inquires and appreciate the opportunity to respond to these rumors.   Please respectfully correct  Director Naatz.


Thanks!

Julie Soriero
Director of Athletics and Department Head - DAPER

There had to have been some massive miscommunication. A school with the endowment and budget of MIT would easily be able to accommodate the restroom demands. Their basketball team last year was faced with some of the largest crowds in school history (one of which I was in attendance, oddly enough); there was an elderly alumnus next to me that told me the AD made several accommodations for extra seating within the gymnasium, as much as fire-code would allow, and that the school handed him a blank check to make it happen.

[jknezek]

There had to have been some massive miscommunication. A school with the endowment and budget of MIT would easily be able to accommodate the restroom demands. Their basketball team last year was faced with some of the largest crowds in school history (one of which I was in attendance, oddly enough); there was an elderly alumnus next to me that told me the AD made several accommodations for extra seating within the gymnasium, as much as fire-code would allow, and that the school handed him a blank check to make it happen.

I don't think a miscommunication was required. MIT filed to host. They were grandfathered in as an acceptable stadium for D3 games, but when push came to shove the facility was decided to be lacking for playoffs. MIT most likely wasn't THEN told to modify their application, they were simply sent on the road. The decision to play the game at Husson was most likely made at the same time as selection. So while MIT might have written a blank check had they been given a chance, the most likely scenario is they simply weren't given that chance.

[smedindy]

MIT doesn't give athletics the budget, though, that they give other things. And you can't just construct something in a week that would be acceptable.

[HCAlum86]

MIT doesn't give athletics the budget, though, that they give other things. And you can't just construct something in a week that would be acceptable.

I understand that, but a modest construction of a couple sets of bleachers and 7-8 portable bathroom units certainly make it more attractive. Although the ADA lingers, still

[bleedpurple]

And yet they are much closer than Franklin is!

But then again, you and I can each throw a rock at the moon. You may be "much closer" than I at hitting it, but neither of us is anywhere close to hitting the moon.  So really, your argumentative point is meaningless.

Why do you guys feel the need to take shots at Franklin? You are the host team. Most people expect you to win. I've seen nothing other than humble responses from their backers or others that simply make the case that Franklin has a chance to win.  And you seem almost offended that anyone would think Franklin has a chance to beat Wabash.   I hate to break it to you, but your team ain't all that. You haven't played anybody any good.  You've had one big game. And you lost. 

Coach Leonard from Franklin is a class act and from what I've experienced, his program and community  are the same. When UW-W played there this fall, pretty much everyone in the traveling party agreed that the folks at Franklin and in the community are some of the best folks we have been around.  Why the need to get the "Wabash Macho" on?

From what I have observed, Wabash is a decent team with fans that are kind of goofy.  You host a playoff game against a classy program and feel the need to beat your chest.  It also seems like some of you are a bit delusional. Some fans have even stated you got a "great draw" going to UW-W in round 2. Right.   WAF JOKE.

[HCAlum86]

And yet they are much closer than Franklin is!

But then again, you and I can each throw a rock at the moon. You may be "much closer" than I at hitting it, but neither of us is anywhere close to hitting the moon.  So really, your argumentative point is meaningless.

Why do you guys feel the need to take shots at Franklin? You are the host team. Most people expect you to win. I've seen nothing other than humble responses from their backers or others that simply make the case that Franklin has a chance to win.  And you seem almost offended that anyone would think Franklin has a chance to beat Wabash.   I hate to break it to you, but your team ain't all that. You haven't played anybody any good.  You've had one big game. And you lost. 

Coach Leonard from Franklin is a class act and from what I've experienced, his program and community  are the same. When UW-W played there this fall, pretty much everyone in the traveling party agreed that the folks at Franklin and in the community are some of the best folks we have been around.  Why the need to get the "Wabash Macho" on?

From what I have observed, Wabash is a decent team with fans that are kind of goofy.  You host a playoff game against a classy program and feel the need to beat your chest.  It also seems like some of you are a bit delusional. Some fans have even stated you got a "great draw" going to UW-W in round 2. Right.   WAF JOKE.

Like the cannons that consumed Fort Sumpter, SHOTS FIRED!

I think, BleedPurple, that Bash fans are just a little over-zealous. From my personal experience, they all mean well. They are definitely consumed by their program, however, and there is nothing wrong with that. They are nice people, perennial optimists about the Little Giants, and know their D3 football. Can they be over-bearing at times? Yes. Do they mean any harm? Absolutely not.

[BashDad]

Whatever, dude. Talk about the game or go away. I hate this part of message boards. The no-content, be-a-good-neighbor part. I can't fathom why that's fun for anyone.

[BayernFan]

And yet they are much closer than Franklin is!

But then again, you and I can each throw a rock at the moon. You may be "much closer" than I at hitting it, but neither of us is anywhere close to hitting the moon.  So really, your argumentative point is meaningless.

Why do you guys feel the need to take shots at Franklin? You are the host team. Most people expect you to win. I've seen nothing other than humble responses from their backers or others that simply make the case that Franklin has a chance to win.  And you seem almost offended that anyone would think Franklin has a chance to beat Wabash.   I hate to break it to you, but your team ain't all that. You haven't played anybody any good.  You've had one big game. And you lost. 

Coach Leonard from Franklin is a class act and from what I've experienced, his program and community  are the same. When UW-W played there this fall, pretty much everyone in the traveling party agreed that the folks at Franklin and in the community are some of the best folks we have been around.  Why the need to get the "Wabash Macho" on?

From what I have observed, Wabash is a decent team with fans that are kind of goofy.  You host a playoff game against a classy program and feel the need to beat your chest.  It also seems like some of you are a bit delusional. Some fans have even stated you got a "great draw" going to UW-W in round 2. Right.   WAF JOKE.

I don't think anyone takes Franklin lightly..... they almost beat Wabash in 2007 after all, and did take Mt. to the 4th quarter LAST YEAR.  But they have been up and down, and their defense is highly suspect in a league that is perceived to be weak.  This gives rise to the kind of stat talk that you see here.  We will see.

As for facing UWW in round 2, you have a game to play too after all.  How was River Oaks?    Why are you looking ahead when not even the 'Bash fans are doing so all that much?  One thing for sure.... if we do meet on the 29th, we can show you how to tailgate again.  Just go light on the snow and freezing rain this time.

[wally_wabash]

Why do you guys feel the need to take shots at Franklin?

Who is taking shots?  Is making it a point to know that Franklin has the 200th ranked defense in Division III a shot?  It's not flattering, but it is a fact and it is very germane to the game.  I don't think that's taking shots. 

Coach Leonard from Franklin is a class act and from what I've experienced, his program and community  are the same. When UW-W played there this fall, pretty much everyone in the traveling party agreed that the folks at Franklin and in the community are some of the best folks we have been around.  Why the need to get the "Wabash Macho" on?

Again, not sure where you're coming from with this.  Not sure anybody here has said anything negative about Mike Leonard or his team or the Franklin community. 

From what I have observed, Wabash is a decent team with fans that are kind of goofy.  You host a playoff game against a classy program and feel the need to beat your chest.  It also seems like some of you are a bit delusional. Some fans have even stated you got a "great draw" going to UW-W in round 2. Right.   WAF JOKE.

Now it makes sense.  You're butthurt because somebody had the audacity to think that maybe just maybe Wabash might match up not-too-bad against your Warhawks.  And that's way out of line, why?  Y'all just about got beat by River Falls.  That's a real thing that happened.  Is it out of line because UWW beat Wabash by 40...seven years ago...with a different coaching staff, a completely different style of play, and completely different players?  Is that relevant to 2014? 

Look, I think Wabash will win on Saturday but there's no guarantee there.  This definitely isn't a Wheaton/Benedictine or Mount Union/Adrian situation.  Wabash will have to play well to get past Franklin.  I would love to see a Wabash/UWW game in round 2.  It's a measure against the best of the best.  People SHOULD be excited to play Whitewater and you SHOULD take that as a compliment and a sign of respect because that's what it is.  Your a cheesehead I'm sure...take a page from St. Aaron's handbook and r-e-l-a-x. 

[wabndy]

Wally, you've seen this before. Every time since 2002 whenever Wabash gets within a game of  a purple one of their fans comes onto this board and blasts Wabash fans for not kissing the ring and showing enough respect.  Us Wabash types then spend a few days examining our own navels. I'm kind of tired of it. We need not vent our spleen over a purple schmuck who can't be bothered to read back more than one page or distinguish between who here is supporting which NCAC school.

UWW and Franklin have too much championship hardware on their shelves to need to get validation of their awesomeness on this little message board.