FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[HScoach]

Looks like the general consensus is that Wittenberg will be smashed by UWW. Does anyone have a much differing opinion or insight that indicates that Witt can win?

Yeah, I have a differing opinon.  I think Witt is going to get double smashed.   

[wally_wabash]

I'm with the coach on this one.  We can say Witt is quick and fast and all of this other stuff, but those comparisons are relative to the other teams that we play on a regular basis.  UWW does not fall into that category and the UWW definitions of "quick" and "fast" are different.  Wittenberg's team speed, while impressive and tough to deal with for most D-III teams, is not likely to be on par with what UWW has. 

I could be wrong.  But the fact is that UWW and MUC have so separated themselves from the rest that until there is actual game evidence that somebody like Wittenberg or Albright or Wabash or IWU or anybody else can run with those two, then the default position has to be that [insert D3 team here] is probably not going to stick within 30 points of them...as a best case scenario.  Two weeks ago Wabash and IWU played dead even for 60 minutes (and then some).  I left that game thinking that IWU was a pretty damn good football team (and they are).  Seven days later, IWU goes to UWW and gets blitzed by 40.  That's the champion of one of the four best leagues in the country and they lost by 40.  That's just what Whitewater and MUC do to good teams. 

[Mr. Ypsi]

For the record, we only lost by 38.

I honestly thought we could hold it close for 35-40 minutes before their depth would almost inevitably wear us down; I was wrong.  They and MUC are truly playing a different game than the rest of us.  IMO, only Linfield might be able to prevent yet another re-match in the Stagg.

[02 Warhawk]

For the record, we only lost by 38.

I honestly thought we could hold it close for 35-40 minutes before their depth would almost inevitably wear us down; I was wrong.  They and MUC are truly playing a different game than the rest of us.  IMO, only Linfield might be able to prevent yet another re-match in the Stagg.

I have to agree, Linfield makes me a little nervous. I remember not too longer Linfield was the force of DIII. they had probably the best QB DIII has seen in some time. in 2004 they finished undefeated winning the Stagg Bowl, and it was looking that way again in 2005. Then an unknown team from Whitewater-Wisconsin came to Oregon as heavy underdogs in the regional finals. to this day i don't know how, but we manage to pull off the upset on the road 44-41  .

I bet Linfield has been licking its chops, waiting to get back at us. Next week could be their chance as they travel to Whitewater as underdogs looking to spoil our season, like we did theirs a few years ago..

keep fighting Wabash   

[smedindy]

St. Thomas is a pretty tough opponent, though. So Linfield better not be getting travel reservations to Madison soon.

[bashbrother]

One of the things that I see in UWW and MUC is consistent balance in their offensive attack.  

They usually feature a tremendous running back and a great passing game almost every year.  

Wabash needs to find the players to accomplish this.   Although, we have had good running backs, I don't believe we have seen the level of an A. Lafitte type back since he departed Crawfordsville.  Someone who if he gets a block or two could be off to the races.

For Wabash to seriously step to that next level Nationally, this is key.   Our passing game can get us there, offensive balance in big games will takes us closer to where we want to go.

Easier said then done, I know....

WAF!

P.S. Congrats to Mr. Lafitte for leading the NAIA in Scoring in 2009 with 23 rushing TD's and over 1,000 yards on the ground.  Been a long road for the young man, Wabash, Arizona State and now McPherson College (KS).  Glad he has found a home with Coach Ward in Kansas playing ball and even happier is is still in school going after his degree.  Hope to see him back on the field next year for his senior season.  (he could always transfer back to Wabash  )

[smedindy]

I don't think he could - didn't his five year NCAA clock expire already?

But congrats to Aaron!

[bleedpurple]

For those with an interest in the Wittenberg/UWW game, most recent posting looks at:

"How will Wittenberg Attack UWW?"

http://uwwfootball.blogspot.com/

[maripp2002]

One thing to think about with regards to the running game at Wabash. Going back to the CC era they didn't even have a fullback position. The I-formation running attack isn't a big part of the Wabash system. Because of that fact, the o-line really would need to be a lot more "run athletic" than we have now. No one will debate that the Wabash o-line has done an amazing job protecting Hudson, and they usually do a good job of making holes on the run. But because the Wabash running attack isn't really designed around "downhill" running and they don't have that extra blocker to iso on backers, they need to be able to work that zone run hard. In order to do that requires big, fast linemen to be able to get up and cover backers and DBs.

I just don't think that Wabash has really recruited the offensive linemen to do that. AMAZING pass blockers are clearly what they look for. They may be transitioning into a more balanced o-line, but until that comes it is going to be hard to really have a "power" running game. The other thing that could be an option with a more athletic QB would be the en vogue "pistol". Just some thoughts.

[bleedpurple]

For the record, we only lost by 38.

I honestly thought we could hold it close for 35-40 minutes before their depth would almost inevitably wear us down; I was wrong.  They and MUC are truly playing a different game than the rest of us.  IMO, only Linfield might be able to prevent yet another re-match in the Stagg.

I have to agree, Linfield makes me a little nervous. I remember not too longer Linfield was the force of DIII. they had probably the best QB DIII has seen in some time. in 2004 they finished undefeated winning the Stagg Bowl, and it was looking that way again in 2005. Then an unknown team from Whitewater-Wisconsin came to Oregon as heavy underdogs in the regional finals. to this day i don't know how, but we manage to pull off the upset on the road 44-41  .

I bet Linfield has been licking its chops, waiting to get back at us. Next week could be their chance as they travel to Whitewater as underdogs looking to spoil our season, like we did theirs a few years ago..

keep fighting Wabash  

"licking its chops" may be a bit strong. Excited about the opportunity? For sure. "licking its chops?", not so sure. I would say "they better be careful what they lick for" but something doesn't sound all that appropriate about that.  

[bashbrother]

I don't think he could - didn't his five year NCAA clock expire already?

But congrats to Aaron!

That is probably true..... the McPherson roster lists him as a jr. and I don't know the dynamics about NAIA eligibility at all.

[D O.C.]

Stress free and safe travel to all. No injuries!

[wabco]

Just snowed 7 inches here in Grand Rapids and colder than blazes.  Had a sudden shudder ... the good news ... I am not traveling to Whitewater this weekend.

[D O.C.]

I bet Linfield has been licking its chops

Not exactly lately.
You see, a kinder, gentler WILDCAT NATION actually feels bad to have to step on the head of St. Thomas to get to UWW level.

That said,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,GO WITTENBURG!     

[Desertraider]

I hope Witt can pull off the upset in this one. However, previous posts have pointed out that the speed issue of Witts D may not b present in this game. UWW is on a whole other level than 99% of the teams out there. UWWs D is solid - and really brings the wood on every play - and the Offense is stellar. If Witt wants to pull off the upset they gotta keep UWWs O off the field and under 24. That being said - I don't even know that Witts O will be able to score on "the other Purple Giant". Good luck Witt!