FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[wabco]

My "sources" tell me all key Wabash players have mended and should be able to play.  Big Q is:  Is Conner Rice the QB or do we have dueling QBs?  I thought Conner looked pretty sharp with his passing at Gheny.  I would go with Rice and let him get the feel/sync of the game.  I think the dueling QB system is fraught with problems.  If one QB is screwing the pooch ... put the other in ... but not just because it is the next series.   If passing is a real threat (it was not at HSC but was effective with Gheny), it should be a Katie bar the door regarding the effectiveness of our 2 deep RBs.  D will be tested ... but is battle tested.

[wally_wabash]

I think it's also possible that maybe Capital isn't very good at football.

So maybe Witt fans should be worried that Capital ran the ball for 349 yds against them (5.9 ypc). Or should they be worried that OWU threw for 300 yds? Or both?

Further commentary on these matters are forthcoming tomorrow.   

But yes.  

[Wabash Hokie]

Change in QB rotation in the works? ( Wabco - I was writing my post as yours popped up)

I did not have the opportunity to watch the Allegheny video but in reviewing the play by play info, it looks like Rice took about 3/4 of the 1st half series.  I have not seen any comments on this board regarding the change in participation rate between the two QBs.  During the HSC game, it appeared to be a series by series rotation.  Two games, two different patterns for which Witt will need to prepare.  At the end of the day, does Witt actually "prepare" for either QB or do they prepare for the Wabash offense in general?

[wally_wabash]

Hokie-

At HSC, Putko and Rice alternated series evenly.  Last week at Allegheny, Rice started and Putko worked in every third series (basically the reverse of what Wabash was doing over the last half of last season).  Based on last week's game, my expectation is that we'll continue to see that 2 parts Rice per 1 part Putko this week or maybe just all Rice.  I don't think anything happened last week at Allegheny that would bring the series distribution back to 1:1. 

As far as Witt's preparation goes, I don't think it changes much for them.  Unlike some two-QB systems where the offensive packages are very different depending on who plays QB, Wabash's offensive style isn't much different regardless of who plays quarterback.  I do think there will be some opportunities for Wabash to make some big plays in the passing game, but Witt's primary concern is going to need to be Mason Zurek containment.  If he goes bonkers, Witt's gonna have a bad time. 

[bashbrother]

After Saturday,  I believe Rice is our guy...  could be wrong.  He wasn't perfect,  but he had some great moments.  I believe consistent time on the field and we may have a really good one in Rice.

http://portal.stretchinternet.com/allegheny/portal.htm?eventId=229816&streamType=video

Fast forward and watch plays at -  1:04:15 (touch pass to TE).......1:20:50 .... 1:51:20 ....  1:52:17..... 1:54:20

In my book,  it's all about keeping the safeties honest....  establishing a true down field passing game could/will only mean great things for this offense.  I except and actually like the fact that Wabash is now a true running team.   But, until we can show efficiency in more than swing passes and tunnel screens (which I still like) and have safeties thinking twice before taking those first steps forward at the snap, rushing yards against good/great defenses,  will be tougher.

I contend, the better team did not win this game last year in Springfield....  I want Saturday to be different.

[wabashcpa]

I want to see the defense step up in a big way on Saturday.  Hold Witt to 14 or less.  Do that, and the BIG picture may start coming into focus.

[USee]

I took a look at Witt/Wabash and, with what's likely a preview of Wally's longer version tomorrow, here is what i see:

Witt has 15 returning starters including a senior QB and most of their skill guys back (7 of their 8 top receiving targets). 8 returning starters on offense. Their offensive line is a concern as they lost their best one to a broken foot before camp started and they only have 2 returning starters up front other than that. The QB is very good and a veteran along with the receiving group. Defensively they have 6 starters back including 3 of 4 up front. Only 1 returning LB but 2 of their DBs (FS Thomas and CB Myers) are all conference vets. Last year Witt turned it over 2.1x a game but took it away 3.2x a game. This year they are on the same pace for giveaways but takeaways (through 2 games) are only 2 INT's. The strength of this Witt teams appears to be their passing attack and their defensive front 4. What scares me is they gave up 349 yds rushing to Capital and 300 yds passing to OWU. Those teams got what they wanted on offense.

For Bash they return 18 starters (8 on each side) including their entire OLine, their most productive RB and both QB's. On defense they have about half their defensive front back (2 DL and 2 LB) and all 4 in the secondary. Wabash's defense (through 2 games and a scrimmage v Wheaton that I attended) looks to be on pace or better than last year. The  offense averaged 5.9 yds per play last year and have been on a 5.8 yds per play through 2 games. The defense gave up an average of 1.9 yds per play and are at 1.4 yds per play this year. The strength of this Wabash team is a physical running style on offense and a swarming defense that doesn't give up many big plays. What scares me about Wabash is the times they disappear on offense. Teams with a physical front 7 that force Wabash into predictable 2nd or 3rd and long situations can give them trouble. The QB's don't scare anyone so the running game has to be solid to open up the passing.

Witt's offensive strength is up against Wabash's strenth (4 returning Db's). Last year Witt wasn't as effective in this matchup and Wabash will try to limit this again. Wabash Sacked Witt 5x last year. That will be a key to limiting Witts passing game. Wabash is better on the Oline than a year ago and likely as good or better on D, certainly the 4 Db's are better than those same guys were a year ago (because of a year of experience).

While Witt's defensive strength (DL) matches up with Wabash's strength (running the ball) it doesn't appear to be a dominant factor in Witt's favor (based on Capital's running offense getting 300+ yds). Witt does not appear to be as formidable on D as they were a year ago (from a yds surrendered and takeaway perspective) while their passing offense is probably better, they are not as good on the OL as they were a year ago.

I think Wally is going to conclude (and I agree) that Wabash is a pretty solid to heavy favorite here with the game in 'Cville. Witt has to stop the run, forcing Bash into long yardage, they have to win the turnover battle (they did last year), and they have to win special teams. The problem I see is Witt is the same to worse in all those areas as last year and Wabash appears to be the same to better.

my 2 cents.....

[ExTartanPlayer]

I think Wally is going to conclude (and I agree) that Wabash is a pretty solid to heavy favorite here with the game in 'Cville.

Now there's a guy who knows how to work his audience.

wally, take notes before you post in the WIAC room again.

[matblake]

I think Wally is going to conclude (and I agree) that Wabash is a pretty solid to heavy favorite here with the game in 'Cville.

Now there's a guy who knows how to work his audience.

wally, take notes before you post in the WIAC room again.

USee also tells it as he sees it.  If he says he believes Wabash is the favorite, that's what he thinks.  I've seen him take on an angry horde of opposing viewpoints time and again.

[USee]

just take a look at my posts in the aftermath of the Witt/Bash game last year. I think half my negative Karma came from that exchange! 

And I got a solid J.O.P. in the WIAC room for the Matt Blanchard debate.

[jknezek]

just take a look at my posts in the aftermath of the Witt/Bash game last year. I think half my negative Karma came from that exchange! 

And I got a solid J.O.P. in the WIAC room for the Matt Blanchard debate. Debacle.

fixed for you

[USee]

just take a look at my posts in the aftermath of the Witt/Bash game last year. I think half my negative Karma came from that exchange! 

And I got a solid J.O.P. in the WIAC room for the Matt Blanchard debate. Debacle.

fixed for you

Appreciated!

[wabndy]

I'm glad that this game is being played in week 4 instead of 10.  If anything - it should save Wally from having to perform so many what-if calculations when he starts rolling out his week 8 and 9 playoff projections.

[sigma one]

Two comments.  I don't put a whole lot on Capital's success on the ground.  Even with a poor record last year, they were 7th in the nation in rushing for the season.  The offense they run isn't one Witt will see again this year, and it isn't one that Witt or anyone else has slowed down much (excepting Mt. Union).  The 300 passing yards by OWU does surprise me.  OWU's offense definitely leans toward the pass, but they lost Cagney, who was always a force as a receiver.  I saw most of the game and was scratching my head about how open OWU's receivers sometimes were.  I thought that Witt's defensive backs would be better than they showed in the game.  Quick summary:  so far Witt's defense this year has not been as solid as I thought they would be.  They do get up for Wabash.  Facing the Little Giants is the high point of their year, obviously, because winning almost always decides the conference title. 
     Weather should be perfect.  Game should be close.  I give Wabash the edge, but they have to exercise ball security and avoid the kinds of mistakes they've made the last two years.  Must get to and punish the passer; those Tiger receivers are terrific. 
     

[USee]

Two comments.  I don't put a whole lot on Capital's success on the ground.  Even with a poor record last year, they were 7th in the nation in rushing for the season.  The offense they run isn't one Witt will see again this year, and it isn't one that Witt or anyone else has slowed down much (excepting Mt. Union).  The 300 passing yards by OWU does surprise me.  OWU's offense definitely leans toward the pass, but they lost Cagney, who was always a force as a receiver.  I saw most of the game and was scratching my head about how open OWU's receivers sometimes were.  I thought that Witt's defensive backs would be better than they showed in the game.  Quick summary:  so far Witt's defense this year has not been as solid as I thought they would be.  They do get up for Wabash.  Facing the Little Giants is the high point of their year, obviously, because winning almost always decides the conference title. 
     Weather should be perfect.  Game should be close.  I give Wabash the edge, but they have to exercise ball security and avoid the kinds of mistakes they've made the last two years.  Must get to and punish the passer; those Tiger receivers are terrific. 
   

Agreed on Capital's offense. I looked at the two best defensive teams they played last year and Mt Union gave up 30 yds rushing and 60 yds total in a 75-0 pasting. John Carroll was the other team and they gave up 178 yds rushing. I would expect great defenses to limit teams to below their average in what they are best at. Witt did not do that with Capital so the the yards isn't what caught my eye as much as the inability to hold them below their average at what their strength is. Wabash is going to run the big fella, it's what they do. I don't have a lot of confidence that Witt can stop it. Witt is going to pass the ball with their Senior QB and veteran receivers. I feel a lot more confident in Wabash's ability to limit that attack.