FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[Ryan Tipps]

I think I'm typing this message more for therapeutic value than anything else. In contrast to a recent post, I don't hate Wittenberg as much as the next guy. Back in May when we were toying around with our picks on who's going to win the conference, I had all my faith in Wabash (no surprise since I'm a 'Bash alum). But, with the erosion of the Little Giants running backs that took place during the summer, I became fairly confident that Witt would take the title this year.

But that begs the question, if Witt's the best this conference can offer, where does that leave us come Nov. 19?

I sure hope Capital beats Mt. Union and ONU. That's the only way to make sense of today's game.

--'Gheny had a nice showing against B-W, but losing out in overtime. B-W, however, isn't projected to be a OAC powerhouse, so how impressive today's matchup was lies in the eyes of the beholder.
--To make it to the second round of the playoffs, a team has to do better than 30-14 against a lower-tier HCAC team (though I am thrilled about the win).
--Regarding Wooster, I'm sorry, but I don't see a conference crown in your future, and a 5-5 record wouldn't shock me the least.
--Lastly, there's Wabash, which we'll have no idea about how good they are until Oct. 1. These next three weeks will hardly count as a challenge if the team expects to win the conference.

It all comes back to my earlier question: after the Week 1 eye-opener we got of our teams this week, can anyone truely say that we have a playoff contender? If someone can, I would love to hear it. My optimism is fading, though.

[HScoach]

Wow, guess my spread on the Witt-Cap game was off by 44 points!  Not trying to be funny, but what has happened to Witt?  That used to be a team to worry about come playoff time.   I know Fincham (sp?) is still there, but has anything changed on campus or in the coaching staff that could explain the death of the Witt program over the 3-5 years?

[bashbrother]

My take on Week #1:

Denison's program got a great shot in the arm today with their big win.

Gheny in the face of a tough loss will take positive momentum into next week.

Woo - Nice win.  I know nothing about Muski's team strength.

Witt, (First of all lets all wish Holmes a quick recovery) To loose that way at home with Dayton on the horizon, could spell trouble for their confidence. They'll be ok.  But Witt doesn't loose like that.  I remember the Springfield article the day after Witt came to Crawfordsville last. 

Earlham - Great comeback ......tough loss.  Earlham putting up 41 points.....

Hiram - Is Hiram

OWU - Nice win.  Something they can definately build upon.

OAC Takes.

Mount -  Talented, as always...Still trying to find themselves. 

Northern - Very tough.  Mount better find themselves by this game or the OAC crown could go to someone else this year.

Capital - Could have the best QB in the country.  He lost some of his good receivers to graduation, but it looks like he found some more today.

All is good in the World again .... Football is back.

[seventiesraider]

Nothing to know about Muskingum's strength. From an OAC fan, a three point victory over Muskingum means you could hold your own against Heidleberg. (ie an embarrassment)

[bashbrother]

BB16 -

To answer your question.

If my research is correct, This was their worst loss since 1934

Denison 56 - 0

[smedindy]

Tough loss for 'Gheny - but losing an OT game to B/W bodes well for them in the NCAC.

When I saw that score from Wooster I wondered if they were going to be part of a big "5" in the NCAC this year, though the pride of defending a championship will drive them.

Witt fans, it could be worse - that could have been a conference game!

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

Tough loss for 'Gheny - but losing an OT game to B/W bodes well for them in the NCAC.

Losing to BW in Berea in OT might have been a good sign in the past, but BW may be the 4th best team in the OAC this year behind (in no particular order) Capital, Mount Union, Ohio Northern.

[HScoach]

Kirasdad:  You're being too kind to BW.  They will struggle to be the 4th place OAC team.  My pick for 4th is Marietta. 

[jdean]

I'm a little surprised by the reaction to the Witt score. Last year Cap had 49 pts at the end of 3Q--this year they had a couple more. Last year Witt scored 16 pts--this year they lost their QB in the 2Q and scored zip. This result shouldn't be a surprise. The result that should be a surprise is Wooster. To beat Muskingum by three confirms that their horse has graduated and they're just a so-so team. It should be a competitive year within the league.

[gobash]

Haha, I like how their box score for the game at the bottom of the article doesn't add up.  Looks like Witt should've only lost by 35.

[DarkSide-D]

a three point victory over Muskingum means you could hold your own against Heidleberg. (ie an embarrassment)

So, 70sraider, last year when mount union went into the half tied with the muskies (7-7), similar to Wooster going into the half tied at 10 all, should that be an embarrassment as well?  Granted, mount was able to gain some momentum and pull away in the fouth and woo could not find any of it can be argued that on any day, any team can win a game.  I remember a couple of times last year mount played a close one until the fourth when they finally wore down the opposing time to pull away.  Keep in mind, this is in no means comparing wooster to the football factory that was Mount Union. 

I am in complete agreement however, that wooster has much improvement to make before the next weeks contest.  As for one of those wallys who claimed no crown was in wooster future this year, I believe that all woo fans would agree.  However, woo will compete this year.  I as well believed that witt would return to its former glory this year.  Unfortunately, after the pasting it recieved on saturday, I simply dont see that happening.  Along with Witts former glory, Yes, I hate witt.  I think it is common for a team to be hated because of its constant winning success (ie yankees and patriots) when it hampers the success of the team you cheer for.  Perhaps this was a mere fluke on Witt's part, trying to work out a few kinks that still exist.  but the fact remains they got spanked!  Alas, my only hope for a great dominating performance into the playoffs seems at this point to rest with my other hated school rival WABASH!!  Yikes!

[aueagle]

SmedIndy: Your right; I should know better...my bad....If I can make the Oct 1 game, I'll buy. Solid effort by the Bishops against the Grizzlies. QB Sir Louie ran for 2 td's & threw for 165. He has to play big for OWU this year. The "D" held Franklin in check most of the day and even set-up the "O" with a score. At Thiel this week. NCAC had a 3 win - 5 loss weekend. That's not good for us. And for the Tigers to lose at home like that...yikes! kcreds & the rest of the Bishops...where  are you?

[kcreds]

My first NCAC game thoughts, take them for what they are worth, keeping in mind I am a rookie.

OWU gets a grade of a B for their game against Franklin. Too many costly penalties and the late first half prayer of a TD by Franklin keeps them from the A. I was however very impressed with Sir QB, the receivers, the backs, and THE D. I saw some very nice receptions. I for one want to go on the record and say, contrary to what some of you say, I liked the playcalling and I like the Wing T, it was fun to watch. Coach Hollway did a good job getting alot of the offensive players in. The score was not indicative of how well OWU played. Now with that said, for those of you that might think I'm sucking up, I think more of the defensive players could have played more, I am a little prejudice though. 

Some posters knocked Selby Field on here but I am here to tell ya that I enjoyed the stadium and the crowd. It wasn't a sellout on the home side but it was pretty full. The pep band was very good at the tailgate party and during the game. The Battlin Bishop was fun to watch and the announcer was good also. It was truly fun! It doesn't hurt that we won either. 

Now for all you who are slamming the NCAC already, what is up with that? It is way too early to know how the NCAC will do in the upcoming weeks. It is how you play at the end that counts. Didn't OWU teach anyone that last year? Is Wabash the only team that can make the conference proud? I think not! 

I look forward to going to Thiel next week! GO BISHOPS!



   

[b4uknewit]

DarkSide-D-- The Football Factory that was ?   Now has 105 straight victories (regular season) With the latest one against a team who is one of the best in their conf.  Had Mount not F'd up in the red zone with 2 new qb's, Da Witt shalacking would have been similar to what should have taken place at Mount.  Reguarding those games you spoke of last year, yes they were tighter than they should have been.  The Factory is far from shutting down!  8);)Wish Witt's QB a fast recovery. It will be much longer than previously posted.

[diehardfan]

hi all... just looking for a little more info on the wabash-wheaton scrimmage but I haven't heard a whole lot... any news from the front?