FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[firstdown]

Bashbro

When H-S flying circus comes to visit on September 6, do you see Houston Hodges on offense, defense, or going both ways?

[wally_wabash]

I'm sure you'll see HH in all three phases on 9/6. 

[bashbrother]

First Down, 

As Wally mentioned,  I think Hodges will be literally all over the place in this one.   Can't wait to see this game.

Just took a quick look at Hampden-Sydney's 2013 Roster and If I am seeing it correctly,   if looks as though they graduated the entire offensive line that started for them in their final game against Linfield    This is could very well make it tougher for Nance and Co. to be as productive offensively in game 1,  especially against this Wabash D.   Buresh, AJ Akinribade, HH, McCullen, Woods, Rutter, Wilkins and the rest....  pretty experienced and tough group.   Will certainly be one of the keys to this game.

[sigma one]

Last year, at HSC all five starting offensive linemen were seniors.  I've heard that one of them will return this year, probably a hardship injury waiver.  I've also heard that there might be a transfer o-lineman who could strengthen the unit, but I can't tell from looking at the 2014 roster whether this is accurate. 

[wally_wabash]

I think I read somewhere earlier that H-SC has a couple of those OLs returning.  Or maybe it was that they have two seniors returning...whether that means starters from last year who would be fifth year guys or rising seniors getting elevated to starter this year, I don't know.  I'm sure we'll get an appropriate heads up from the H-SC guys on this. 

Either way, if they have 3-4 (or five) new starters on the OL, that should be a concern.  In 2012 Wabash went down to Hanover in week 1 with a newly rebuilt offensive line and it was pretty atrocious.  Wabash couldn't run (at ALL) and they took a zillion penalties.  By the end of the year that OL was in front of the top rushing offense in the conference so they were fine eventually, but that first game with a new unit can be a challenge. 

[tigerfanalso]

HSC has one starting OL returning. All others are #2's from last year. They are good and did receivce a significant number of reps last season but four of the five did not start last season. Not sure how that plays out for the 2014 season. 

[wally_wabash]

Digging a little deeper- H-SC's 2013 offensive line started the same five guys every game.  Which is awesome and that's a big part of why teams have success...what a luxury to have five seniors make every start at every game along the offensive line.  One is back, but if the other four have never started a game (reps or no reps...starting is a different deal), there's going to be some settling in early on in the season. 

[tigerfanalso]

No question this could be a problem but HSC had almost the same situation last year with only two starters returning on the OL.
the guys that are going to play this year have never started but have played. Not the perfect situation.
The guys up front are good, now its time for the coaches to coach them up.

[bashgiant]

Any word on the Wabash scrimmage ? I did a search on this board but came up empty. Probably wrong key words.

[sigma one]

Here's what I can tell you about pre-season scrimmages v. another school.  The NCAA prohibits publicity , advertisement, or publication about the scrimmage, including listing it on the season's schedule.  Not all schools, I've seen (even this year), abide by this, presumably out of ignorance of the rule.  The Wabash SID and the football program have been careful not to advertise or mention the scrimmage to the public.   I'm sure players tell their parents and others, and word usually gets around.
     This said, I know that a scrimmage is planned.

[bashgiant]

Here's what I can tell you about pre-season scrimmages v. another school.  The NCAA prohibits publicity , advertisement, or publication about the scrimmage, including listing it on the season's schedule.  Not all schools, I've seen (even this year), abide by this, presumably out of ignorance of the rule.  The Wabash SID and the football program have been careful not to advertise or mention the scrimmage to the public.   I'm sure players tell their parents and others, and word usually gets around.
     This said, I know that a scrimmage is planned.

Thank you. I understand.

[Dr. Acula]

I wonder what the reason is for that rule?  I've been to many OAC scrimmages over the years and they've always been open to the public and free.  And it's usually nice out so it's really a nice afternoon/evening if you're starved for football.

[wally_wabash]

The first rule of preseason scrimmage is you don't talk about preseason scrimmage.  The second rule of preseason scrimmage...

I wonder what the reason is for that rule? 

Amateurism! 

But seriously, these things usually aren't state secrets by the time that last week of camp rolls around.  I'm guessing August 30 is the day, time TBD, and I'll have to go back and check whether or not Wabash or Wheaton hosted last year (I forget). 

In other NCAC scrimmage news, I stumbled across a Hanover @ Hiram scrimmage on Aug. 30 if anybody in the neighborhood wants to get an early peek at the 2014 Terriers. 

[sigma one]

Despite the prohibition on advertising, as far as I know scrimmages are not private; they are open to the public.  I know Wabash has a fair crowd at its scrimmage at home every other year.  I do not think there can be a fee to attend.  I've been to many Wabash scrimmages, and a few scrimmages at other schools.  They are a terrific way to get excited about the upcoming season.

[Li'l Giant]

Always bugs me that we have to pretend the scrimmages don't exist but spring games all over the P5 conferences can be shown on ESPN.