FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[HCAlum86]

Comparing a stat pattern between two opponents should not be seen as "personal attacks" against Franklin, no matter how disproportionate they may be.

[SaintsFAN]

  Y'all just about got beat by River Falls. 

Wally -- where does this come from??  Are you in the South?

Not a knock, but I'm curious.  In my town, we have "Florence, Y'all" in reaaallly big letters on a water tower near I-75 in Northern Kentucky.

[BashBacker#16]

Just a question; do any of you Franklin fans know anything about this Wabash team?  Anything at all?

On FC:  Welp has good size 6'3 215, surprised only a 1-year guy, I have never heard of his high school - looks like Session is his main guy.  O-line looks to have pretty good size.  3 targets get the most balls...  Pasquale is a bigger back too.  I think the Wabash posters have done some homework at least...  FC put up 304 on UW-W which is their season low.  What will they put up against this Wabash D?

Like BashDad has implied, talk about the game?  The matchups?  How will Franklin try to slow 2 big 225lb running backs - besides saying throw 8 in the box.  I think Bash WR's Hodges and Christen could have huge days if FC focuses too much against the run.  That's what makes Wabash a tough matchup for a suspect defense...where do you attack?  If the weather is as much as a factor as it sounds like it might be, I think that favors Wabash even more.

[SaintsFAN]

Comparing a stat pattern between two opponents should not be seen as "personal attacks" against Franklin, no matter how disproportionate they may be.

I don't think BashDad means any harm... obviously he loves the interaction.  He puts stats and thought into his analysis.  I don't like to do that alot on my own, besides times when ballots are due.  That said, when a couple of people on the HCAC Thread mentioned the simple fact Franklin has to stop the run and create mistakes by the Wabash QB (like Witt did), they were told that yeah but Franklin doesn't have same defense as Witt -- which is very, very true.  But its also the ONLY recipe for beating Wabash in 2014 right now and based on the fact that Wabash is going to try to jam the football down Franklin's throat, its well within reason to expect this to be the make or break point.

Now, BashDad didn't participate in this, he brought facts and stats -- and good analysis, so I believe he's getting a bad rap over there from the Franklin guys...

[ExTartanPlayer]

Comparing a stat pattern between two opponents should not be seen as "personal attacks" against Franklin, no matter how disproportionate they may be.

I don't think BashDad means any harm... obviously he loves the interaction.  He puts stats and thought into his analysis.  I don't like to do that alot on my own, besides times when ballots are due.  That said, when a couple of people on the HCAC Thread mentioned the simple fact Franklin has to stop the run and create mistakes by the Wabash QB (like Witt did), they were told that yeah but Franklin doesn't have same defense as Witt -- which is very, very true.  But its also the ONLY recipe for beating Wabash in 2014 right now and based on the fact that Wabash is going to try to jam the football down Franklin's throat, its well within reason to expect this to be the make or break point.

Now, BashDad didn't participate in this, he brought facts and stats -- and good analysis, so I believe he's getting a bad rap over there from the Franklin guys...

Basically, this.  BB#16:

"How will Franklin try to slow 2 big 225lb running backs - besides saying throw 8 in the box.  I think Bash WR's Hodges and Christen could have huge days if FC focuses too much against the run."

Well, what else do you expect them to say?  Sometimes we overcomplicate football.

Wabash has a good running game.
Franklin does not have a good defense.
Franklin will likely have to sell out to stop said running game.  Maybe putting 8 in the box.
But, we've just said that "put 8 in the box" isn't an answer, and Bash's WRs will have huge days if they focus too much against the run.
Well, ****, I guess that plan of focusing on the run is out the window.  We won't focus on the run.
This circle could go on and on.

We also say "focus on the run" like the entire game strategy gets boiled down to one choice.  Maybe, for some plays, they'll focus on the run.  Maybe on others, the pass.  Maybe they'll put 8 guys in the box one play, but not the next.  Maybe they'll only show 7, but bring a safety up late.  Who knows?

[SaintsFAN]

Just a question; do any of you Franklin fans know anything about this Wabash team?  Anything at all?

On FC:  Welp has good size 6'3 215, surprised only a 1-year guy, I have never heard of his high school - looks like Session is his main guy.  O-line looks to have pretty good size.  3 targets get the most balls...  Pasquale is a bigger back too.  I think the Wabash posters have done some homework at least...  FC put up 304 on UW-W which is their season low.  What will they put up against this Wabash D?

Like BashDad has implied, talk about the game?  The matchups?  How will Franklin try to slow 2 big 225lb running backs - besides saying throw 8 in the box.  I think Bash WR's Hodges and Christen could have huge days if FC focuses too much against the run.  That's what makes Wabash a tough matchup for a suspect defense...where do you attack?  If the weather is as much as a factor as it sounds like it might be, I think that favors Wabash even more.

I don't think they are going to come on here and predict what front the defense will be in.  So, knowing ZERO about Franklin other than they still have Mike Leonard as a coach, I think you'll see some of Leonard's offensive creativity maybe leak over to the defensive side -- because if they lineup in a base 3 man front defense, they'll wish they hadn't shown up to this game.  Based on what my pal David Denham's defensive line has done with their own 3 man front, I think there's some packages they can come up with.  Who knows exactly what they will do to try to slow down the Wabash rushing attack, but they have to get off the field on 3rd down.  They must play better than their stats show them to be on 1st and 2nd down.   They have to do whatever they can to put the ball in Putko's hands on 3rd and long.  9-21 with a pick isn't going to cut it in the playoffs and thats his stat line from the latest Wabash game against a playoff-level team.  If Putko is accurate and efficient with the passing game, its over for Franklin.

Offensively, the Franklin must use motion and formations to make sure their 3 WR's are free.  They can't turn the ball over and they must score TD's as their defense won't keep Wabash off the scoreboard.  One thing to keep an eye on, they put the football on the ground -- they've lost 9 of their 17 fumbles and they've also thrown 9 INT's.  In their non-conference schedule, they only forced 1 turnover (an INT). 

3 keys for Franklin:
1.  Force 3rd and Long Situations
2.  Don't put the defense in bad situations with turnovers or special teams breakdowns
3.  If they are able to force a turnover, win sudden change.

31-17 Wabash

[GRIZ_BACKER]

Just a question; do any of you Franklin fans know anything about this Wabash team?  Anything at all?

On FC:  Welp has good size 6'3 215, surprised only a 1-year guy, I have never heard of his high school - looks like Session is his main guy.  O-line looks to have pretty good size.  3 targets get the most balls...  Pasquale is a bigger back too.  I think the Wabash posters have done some homework at least...  FC put up 304 on UW-W which is their season low.  What will they put up against this Wabash D?

Like BashDad has implied, talk about the game?  The matchups?  How will Franklin try to slow 2 big 225lb running backs - besides saying throw 8 in the box.  I think Bash WR's Hodges and Christen could have huge days if FC focuses too much against the run.  That's what makes Wabash a tough matchup for a suspect defense...where do you attack?  If the weather is as much as a factor as it sounds like it might be, I think that favors Wabash even more.

I don't think they are going to come on here and predict what front the defense will be in.  So, knowing ZERO about Franklin other than they still have Mike Leonard as a coach, I think you'll see some of Leonard's offensive creativity maybe leak over to the defensive side -- because if they lineup in a base 3 man front defense, they'll wish they hadn't shown up to this game.  Based on what my pal David Denham's defensive line has done with their own 3 man front, I think there's some packages they can come up with.  Who knows exactly what they will do to try to slow down the Wabash rushing attack, but they have to get off the field on 3rd down.  They must play better than their stats show them to be on 1st and 2nd down.   They have to do whatever they can to put the ball in Putko's hands on 3rd and long.  9-21 with a pick isn't going to cut it in the playoffs and thats his stat line from the latest Wabash game against a playoff-level team.  If Putko is accurate and efficient with the passing game, its over for Franklin.

Offensively, the Franklin must use motion and formations to make sure their 3 WR's are free.  They can't turn the ball over and they must score TD's as their defense won't keep Wabash off the scoreboard.  One thing to keep an eye on, they put the football on the ground -- they've lost 9 of their 17 fumbles and they've also thrown 9 INT's.  In their non-conference schedule, they only forced 1 turnover (an INT). 

3 keys for Franklin:
1.  Force 3rd and Long Situations
2.  Don't put the defense in bad situations with turnovers or special teams breakdowns
3.  If they are able to force a turnover, win sudden change.

31-17 Wabash

Fair assessment (certainly not out of the realm).  If Bash plays fairly mistake free and passes well the GRIZ will probably struggle.  But if the GRIZ defense shows up, makes a few plays and FC doesnt turn the ball over, the have a legitimate chance.  We will all find out Saturday at noon.

[bleedpurple]

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

Bolded above. Couldn't have said it better myself. Except I would have spelled Franklin correctly.

Wally, a little surprised at your lack of attention to detail in my post, but I guess I'm not sure exactly why it surprised me.  Maybe I got deceived by all the math.  I never once said anyone disrespected Coach Leonard personally. I made a statement that I have a lot of respect for him and his program and the Franklin community.  I asked why posters  felt the need to take shots. I was referring to a post in which the poster explicitly announced he was going to take more "whacks" at the Franklin defense. Also, I asked why Wabash fans felt the need to beat your chest? My point was that your posts are reading like someone from Franklin came in and lit Wabash up and I missed that post. Just pointing out you guys "come off" as condescending and overly high on your team.  Didn't call you red schmucks or accuse you of being "buttmad". (I have never heard that before. An Indiana thing maybe?)

My post was speaking to tenor and tone of the way you guys come across.  Obviously, you really could care less.  That's cool. 

"Butthurt"?  Really, Wally?

And thank you for supplying the data I am using to talk myself into not worrying about your mighty team.  Yes, it is because of the win 7 years ago. No other data I could use to support my case of confidence in the Warhawks other than a win 7 years ago. After all, UW-W hasn't really given me much confidence since then about their post-season chances. 

And thank you for explaining that the reason people thought Wabash got a "great draw" is really because it is an opportunity to be "measured against the best of the best". I could have sworn it was because somebody had the audacity to think that maybe just maybe Wabash might match up not-too-bad against my Warhawks. Where would I have gotten that idea? Oh yeah, from you.  It was in the paragraph before when you were still lighting me up.

I really haven't seen many of your posts other than the excellent work you do in the Pool C room. If this is a measure of it...can I be honest?...I kind of like it.  It's good to see a guy so knowledgeable can mix it up defending your team emotionally as well.

PS- I have no doubt you guys are good guys. Even you wabndy, even though you saw fit to call me a purple schmuck. Would still have a beer with you in the parking lot if both teams advance past this week.  Heck, I take it as a compliment. It's probably true. 

No hard feelings guys. The tone and tenor just struck me, that's all. I wouldn't say I was "butthurt" by the fact some of you want to play WW. (mostly because I think Wally just made that up on the spot, really never heard it before).  I will be straight up with you that it pressed a button though.  Not because of a "kiss my ring" attitude.   More because "oh yeah, you want to play us? Well we want to play you!"  You guys show plenty of spunk.  Different guys do it for different reasons. I would ask that when someone from WW shows spunk also, you don't just automatically think it's a "ring kissing" thing. Maybe it's just a ..well...purple schmuck thing.

Enjoy the week. Congrats on making the playoffs. If both teams win, maybe we will see you next week.  (I said I would have a beer with you, not buy.  )

[BashDad]

What's the button to delete someone's post? Is there a button for that? Where can I do that?

[BashDad]

Just a question; do any of you Franklin fans know anything about this Wabash team?  Anything at all?

On FC:  Welp has good size 6'3 215, surprised only a 1-year guy, I have never heard of his high school - looks like Session is his main guy.  O-line looks to have pretty good size.  3 targets get the most balls...  Pasquale is a bigger back too.  I think the Wabash posters have done some homework at least...  FC put up 304 on UW-W which is their season low.  What will they put up against this Wabash D?

Like BashDad has implied, talk about the game?  The matchups?  How will Franklin try to slow 2 big 225lb running backs - besides saying throw 8 in the box.  I think Bash WR's Hodges and Christen could have huge days if FC focuses too much against the run.  That's what makes Wabash a tough matchup for a suspect defense...where do you attack?  If the weather is as much as a factor as it sounds like it might be, I think that favors Wabash even more.

I don't think they are going to come on here and predict what front the defense will be in.  So, knowing ZERO about Franklin other than they still have Mike Leonard as a coach, I think you'll see some of Leonard's offensive creativity maybe leak over to the defensive side -- because if they lineup in a base 3 man front defense, they'll wish they hadn't shown up to this game.  Based on what my pal David Denham's defensive line has done with their own 3 man front, I think there's some packages they can come up with.  Who knows exactly what they will do to try to slow down the Wabash rushing attack, but they have to get off the field on 3rd down.  They must play better than their stats show them to be on 1st and 2nd down.   They have to do whatever they can to put the ball in Putko's hands on 3rd and long.  9-21 with a pick isn't going to cut it in the playoffs and thats his stat line from the latest Wabash game against a playoff-level team.  If Putko is accurate and efficient with the passing game, its over for Franklin.

Offensively, the Franklin must use motion and formations to make sure their 3 WR's are free.  They can't turn the ball over and they must score TD's as their defense won't keep Wabash off the scoreboard.  One thing to keep an eye on, they put the football on the ground -- they've lost 9 of their 17 fumbles and they've also thrown 9 INT's.  In their non-conference schedule, they only forced 1 turnover (an INT). 

3 keys for Franklin:
1.  Force 3rd and Long Situations
2.  Don't put the defense in bad situations with turnovers or special teams breakdowns
3.  If they are able to force a turnover, win sudden change.

31-17 Wabash

SaintsFAN FTW!!!!! This gets me very excited. Kudos.

[Pat Coleman]

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

Believe the press box still doesn't seat enough people to run a playoff game.

[BashDad]

They have to do whatever they can to put the ball in Putko's hands on 3rd and long.  9-21 with a pick isn't going to cut it in the playoffs and thats his stat line from the latest Wabash game against a playoff-level team.  If Putko is accurate and efficient with the passing game, its over for Franklin.

Yup.

[HCAlum86]

Do you, Bashdad. Those of us on here know you enjoy the discussion.

[nike]

The Scots answered on the ensuing possession, as Muntean connected with Rice for 14 yards, Richard Barnes for 11, and Darrian Owens for 48, the latter tying it 14-14.

The above is from an article on Wooster's website about Saturday's loss to OWU.  Barnes came in as a receiver.  Great!
Below are quotes from our coach that appeared in The Daily Record, our local newspaper, on Sunday.

"It's hard to figure out what has happened in recent weeks as to why we can't run the football more effectively," Colaprete said. "That is so critical in our offensive scheme to be able to do that. We run the ball pretty well against Witt and Wabash, two of the better units in the country, then struggle with it in recent weeks. I can't put a finger on it. We're just going to have to do a better job all around, coaching and executing."
"I'm not sure if I would say this season has been as disappointing as it has been frustrating," Colaprete said. "We played really well at times, then seemed to take a step back. We've been playing a lot of young guys, and we just have to take the approach that our guys will be a year older, a year more experienced when we start focusing on next season.
"A coach once told me that you will lose as many games as you have freshman starters, and today we started six. We need to develop our younger guys."

Wow!  Last year's promise of things to come from this coach evaporated this year, but not just because of the losses. You still go with your best chance to win today.  And show the same loyalty and character demanded of players.
Puzzling.

Good luck to Witt and  Wabash!

[wally_wabash]

No hard feelings guys. The tone and tenor just struck me, that's all. I wouldn't say I was "butthurt" by the fact some of you want to play WW. (mostly because I think Wally just made that up on the spot, really never heard it before).  I will be straight up with you that it pressed a button though.  Not because of a "kiss my ring" attitude.   More because "oh yeah, you want to play us? Well we want to play you!"  You guys show plenty of spunk.  Different guys do it for different reasons. I would ask that when someone from WW shows spunk also, you don't just automatically think it's a "ring kissing" thing. Maybe it's just a ..well...purple schmuck thing.

Oh don't get me wrong- part of liking the matchup with Whitewater is because I think Wabash's style lends itself better to a game with UWW than maybe the other top seeds.  There's plenty to like about the way that game could play out.  Not saying Wabash wins the game, not saying they don't.  All bets are off if Kumerow is healthy and playing.  Whitewater might win by a jillion.  But I'm really excited about the idea of seeing how that game could go. 

And really, would you rather fans from your opposition be excited about these games or would you rather people not care and say things like "well, I guess we might as well not even get on the bus"?  Because the latter is lame and boring (as I'm finding out this week).  The teams deserve better than that.  But I think we can have that kind of conversation and game build up without everybody jumping to the conclusion that the bullet points on both sides all distill down to "you suck" because I don't think that's really what anybody means.  Certainly not Wabash fans re: Wisconsin-Whitewater.  We know better than that.