FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[Ryder16]

Does anyone from wittenberg want to compare Capital and wabash, we all know witt didnt play its best week one, and had a much closer game against wabash. but as was previously said the numbers game doesn't work very often.  So yeah, witties, lets hear a prediction.

[wally_wabash]

Sorry for the delay...after hoops on Friday, tailgating, football, and more  hoops on Saturday I think I overloaded the circuits.  But I'm recharged and ready to go. 

On Albion....on paper, this could have been a scary game if Albion had any success at all on defense.  After Wabash's opening drive, you could pretty much tell how the game was going to unfold.  You can't say enough about Russ's game on Saturday.  Summers was dynamite again.  How good has he been in the second half of the season?  Ray Green, Geoff Walker, and the rest of the receivers were on their games as well.  In the second half the running game took over and salted the game away.  Great to see two blocked kicks as well.  We've been waiting for that all year. 

On to Capital.  Pentello will be the best qb we've seen...probably by a wide margin.  Getting pressure will be an absolute must this weekend.  Cap's defense will be the best Wabash has seen this year...by far.  It'll be imperative that Wabash force Capital to blitz to get pressure on the quarterback.  Wabash didn't make Depauw do that and it made for a tough day throwing.  Capital has a much better secondary than Depauw did...we'll have to draw some linebackers out of coverage so that the receivers have a little more space to operate. 

This game unfolds one of two ways.  Either Capital and the OAC really are on a completely different level than the rest of D-III (with a few exceptions) and Capital walks over Wabash pretty easily, or Wabash really is good enough to compete with anybody out there and we get a really good game featuring two great qb's, two great defenses, and one great playoff atmosphere.  I'm leaning toward the latter. 

Go Wabash!

[smedindy]

Yes, I think this will be a tight game, and no matter what anyone says, if it is a tight game then I think Wabash will prove it should have been a #1 seed. When you have teams like Cap, Augie, Mt. Union, and North Central in the region, any of the five could walk out as a champ.

[skunks_sidekick]

Based on Wabash's undefeated record, I think they were the only choice for the #1 seed based on how those seeds are set.

But, to say if the Cap/Wabash game is tight it justifies the #1 seed is a bit of a stretch.  So say Wabash beats Cap in a close one, and then goes on to get blown out by Aug or MUC.  Are they then a legitimate #1?  I don't think so. 

In no way am I saying that will happen, but I am just proposing a scenario that questions the logic of Smed's statement.

[wally_wabash]

At last check, #1 seeds were awarded based on regular season performance and not on postseason performance.  The idea that Wabash has to validate their seed is stupid.  I'm getting tired of this nonsense that Wabash has to "prove" that it is a #1 seed. 

I've said this before...if ANY of MUC, NCC, or Augie would have gone undefeated, they would be the top seed without question.  Wabash went undefeated in 10 games and as the only team in the North region to do so they earned the #1 seed. 

#1 seeds get beat all the time in the NCAA hoops tourney before getting to the final four (which, based on your logic skunks, is the only way somebody can be a legitimate #1 seed).  Are those teams somehow unworthy of the #1 seed they got by the committee?  No.  They earned those seeds before the tournament.  Wabash earned their seed and they did so with an outstanding regular season.  Wabash doesn't have to prove anything. 

[oldguy]

I agree.  The "true #1 seed" argument is dumb.  Regardless of seed, you have to beat the best team in the region to win it.  If the best team is a 5 seed, then so be it.  Its not like a #1 losing to a #16.  All the teams, minus a couple exceptions, are all solid and competative teams that could win on any given day.  Wabash IS a true #1 seed.  They are 10-0, regardless of whether they beat Capital or not.  Simple as that.

[skunks_sidekick]

Old/Wally - I was responding directly to the post that Smed made.  I am not questioning whether Wabash should have been a #1 or not.  I am questioning his logic. 

Also, I think you guys may have a bit of a chip on your shoulder due to the lack of national love you have received.  It's not just from the OAC, it's from other sources as well. 

As far as I am personally concerned (being a MUC fan and all), until you beat US, we will always be ranked above you (I may be a bit biased).   

[wally_wabash]

As far as I am personally concerned (being a MUC fan and all), until you beat US, we will always be ranked above you (I may be a bit biased).   

Don't think that Wabash doesn't know that, skunks.  We'd love nothing more than a shot to do just that. 

[BashDad]

Absolutely agree, Wally and Oldguy--and, this was the game that Wabash wanted.  To get where we want to go, we have to beat the best.  Cap will be a fine game--we match up well and I fully expect that Neathery will have the D cracking. Pentello will not beat our defense with his feet.  He may do it with his arm--my main concern about our defense since mid-season has been how soft our pass defense can be--our two interceptions against Wasil last Saturday do not alter that concern.  Whether Cap, Augie, or MUC--we will have no "gimmees" from this point on.

usee--much appreciate your comments concerning Cap and Cap's defense.  Of course, accuracy and timing on the part of our offense will be key.  That doesn't worry me.  I think the best defensive team we have played so far this season is DePauw (last weekend is even more of an indication that, had they gone to play Trinity, they would be in the playoffs), DePauw's  D line, linebackers and secondary were excellent against the pass--I don't think Cap's will be any better.

Amuses me to read the OAC board and to see how posters there are just taking it for granted that there will be an all-OAC regional final.  Cap may beat us on Saturday (I really  like our chances) but, if  they do, they will definitely know they were in a ballgame.  Wabash is not Mt. Saint Joseph--the OAC faithful still believe that we are.  I can't wait for noon on Saturday at the Hollett!

Go, L'il Giants!
WABASH ALWAYS FIGHTS!!    

[skunks_sidekick]

BashDad - I don't think many on the OAC board think Cap will beat Wabash automatically.  I think everyone thinks it will be a great game.  Of course, we OACers are rooting for Cap.  Those of us from Mount for the obvious reason.  A home game in round 3 would be very preferable compared to traveling to Wabash. 

Cap played Mount tough for three quarters, and until we exploded for those 21 points on 3 plays at the start of the 4th, that game was a toughie. 

Mind you, Mount has it's own dragon to slay in Augustana, but I truly expect us to be there next week.

[BashDad]

One other thing that I wanted to mention was the quality of the officiating crew in last week's Albion game.  They were great and really worked well together as a team.  Finally, our receivers, who had been getting very bum calls through the regular season by weak NCAC officials, were getting a fair shake.  Early hands and pushes were being called last Saturday.  That, of course, cuts both ways--but should give our stable of receivers an added level of confidence.  Again, I like our chances.

[reality check]

Bashdad

Congrats to MUC and goodluck with Augustana. Nothing against MSJ but they just seemed out of their league. Also congrats to Capital. Now take care of Wabash and let's have an all-OAC final.

Question: how much of a shot does Augustana have with such a onesided offense?

That's about the only direct reference I found on the OAC page so your blanket statement seems a bit overblown in my opinion.  And that comment made by desertraider seems a little less than derogatory in regards Wabash and to his speculation on an all-OAC regional final.

I personally expect it to be a great game for the North Region.  CAP has its work cut out for it.  I hope all the fans are treated to a great game in C-Ville.

I would characterize the OAC page as mostly MUC faithful showing Auggie plenty of respect and having legitimate concern for stopping the Auggie run game with a couple CAP guys being respectful but optimistic as well.  All things considered, the banter seems to be tame and respectful for all parties considering the time of year.

[e_lee]

I agree with skunks sentiments. I don't think anyone in the OAC is chalking this up as a Capital victory, howver they are, for obvious reasons, pulling for the Crusaders.

I sure hope this is a good game, and I hope I can make it to it, but that damn wedding Saturday night may cause me to miss it.

[BashBacker#16]

It's ironic that when others describe each team's Ds, the first word out of their mouth is SPEED, SPEED, and more SPEED.  I think 2 of the best Ds in the country will be locking up this weekend at Hollett.  At first glance...

Defensive comparisons...
D-fronts - push, both get off the ball very quick, all can run and pursue
LBs - edge to Wabash (Selby, Foster, Pynenberg, Parker)
DBs - edge to Cap (Hausler & Co.)

Offensive comparisons get interesting...
Pentello vs. Harbaugh ?? Wow.
Cap WRs vs. Bash WRs ? Wow.
O-lines ?

[BashDad]

reality check:

Review the OAC board and OAC pickems board, and read the comments.  But, perhaps it's just the attitude that I'm picking up on.  I'm not trying to inflame anything.

I do expect this game will be a fine, competitive one--that's what it should be in the second round.