FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[Caveman # 95]

Thank you Sir Battle. . I was waiting on someone to jump on that....

[formerd3db]

wabndy:

For sure the University of Chicago football debacle was a complicated and complex situation.  In addition to the book you are talking about, there is a decent historical review in the book on the history of the University of Chicago also, although it doesn't go into the "behind the scenes" aspect you have shared.  Regardless, it is without question the the University president R.H. was the main culprit behind the movement and spearheaded the elimination of the program.  He was very misguided in that regard for several reasons (ha, this coming from someone who wasn't even born until way after that time. .  Anyway, it is an interesting story within the history of college football. That said, am just glad the U of C brought it back eventually and they/we have Walter Hess (if I recall his name correctly?) to thank for that.  Thanks for your follow-up info-very interesting.

[formerd3db]

The real reason is most likely a combination of factors.   To lay blame on just the administration or just the coaching... is probably being a bit slanted.  It is an unfortunate situation in Meadville... that we can all agree on.

+k.  Very good and fair comment.

[formerd3db]

bishopleftiesdad and wabco:

Indeed, that is sad.  Unfortunately, we also have school in our league where that type of conduct on the fb team takes place and has for years (both per the  players and coaching staff).  The school starts with an "A", but I'll leave you to figure out which one it is.

[Rotag]

The neglect is not for sports overall -- the school proudly trumpets the success of the golf and soccer teams -- it is specifically the football program.  This is the gist of my complaint.  Sorry if it offends anyone that I put it in political terms but that's how I see it.  Can I offer "evidence"?  Of course not.  I'm an alum, and a football fan, venting.  But I truly believe I'm not simply out there. Mark Matlack did not become a bad coach overnight.  We might have 100 players on the roster, but if only half of them were recruited and better players were off the list for institutional reasons, we're not going to compete in this league or any other.  After the disastrous 2013 season I thought it was a one-off bad year and that younger players would develop and raise our level of competition.  Two years later we are running in place.  But this is my last post, the only folks on this blog seem to be our Ohio brethren (bless you all), and I'm too tired to argue about it.  I had some hope that Gator alumni would rally to the cause, but that's not happening (here or anywhere else that I can see).  So here's hoping that I'm totally misguided, and that the program is resurrected soon.

[Rotag]

Sorry, Ohio, Indiana and Pa brethren.  Peace to you all.

[sigma one]

Rotag, I think we all feel your pain.

[Seneca45]

 A question for all the Wabash folks here: I'm coming over next weekend for the Kenyon game. I'll be driving in from Ohio on I70. What would those of you with more knowledge think of over-nighting in Brownsburg,IN? Would that provide easy access to WC on Saturday morning? How scary is the Friday traffic around Indy? I am unfamiliar with the area and would appreciate any input. Thank you.

[sigma one]

Well, one take.  Brownsburg is (give or take a bit) about 45 minutes from the Wabash campus.  You will be coming out I-74.  Get off at the first Crawfordsville exit.  Depending on the time you go through Indy--assuming you get there around rush hour, traffic is moderately heavy.  Otherwise, barring an accident, traffic is very manageable.  Join in with the tailgating fun before the game.  This year visiting-team tailgating has been separated from the home fans due to the demand for tailgating spots, but you should walk around and get to know the friendly Wabash people.  Great game-day atmosphere.

[wabashcpa]

Staying in Brownsburg will be fine, nice area.  That will leave you a 35-40 minute drive to campus (they have part of 74 down to one lane or you could probably make it faster).  Coming in on 70 from the east, just depends on when you hit downtown (between 4:30 to 6:30 pm you could run into some backups).  Be aware of lane changes so you are in the correct lane to stay on 70 so you don't end up on 65 southbound (if you do, you can still hit 465 and cut back west, just takes you out of your way some).  Once you get through downtown you shouldn't have much trouble with traffic.

[wabashcpa]

And, as Sigma One said, hit Exit 39 and take 32 west into Crawfordsville.

[USee]

I am taking Depauw straight up to beat Witt tomorrow. Call me crazy but I think they, despite the lack of any credible games to date, are going to win and will give Wabash their best run in 5+ years in the Bell game (too early to call that one).

[wally_wabash]

Alright, DePauw vs. Wittenberg.  If only we could find a way for both teams to lose...alas, somebody will probably win.  And I honestly have no idea who that will be.  I have no expectation.  I think I have an idea of what Wittenberg is.  I have no idea what DePauw really is. 

sigma one posited early this week that Wittenberg will have to run to win.  I do think they'll have to do better than the 0.8 ypc they managed against Wabash, but they won't be playing smash mouth football here.  That's just not their identity anymore.  But they have to be able to do it adequately enough to make DePauw respect it.  Maybe3.0 ypc?  It won't take much.  Beyond that, Witt has to keep DePauw off of Zach Jenkins.  Against Wabash, Jenkins didn't have a ton of time, but when he did he made some plays and on a few occasions when he didn't, he made some really good throws in the face of pressure.  Jenkins is good.  If DePauw can't bother him in the pocket, we're gonna see some Stump shushing.  This aspect of the game right here- how good is DePauw's defense- I think is the ball game.  Because...

...I do think DePauw's offense can and will score against Witt.  Two reasons- first, Wooster shutout notwithstanding, Witt's defense isn't great.  Now maybe they've received a wake up call after getting torched by Wabash, but teams have been able to get yards and points against that unit.  DePauw has good experience and some good skill players and as long as they don't get totally wrecked by Bannick through the middle, they'll do some offense.  BashDad showed us that DPU did do some offense last year, they just couldn't hang on to the ball (5 lost fumbles!). 

So normally I'd give a firm prediction here, but like I said, I have no idea what DePauw really is.  I think they're a pretty good team, but I don't really know.  My gut is telling me that this year, in their first real game of the year against legitimate competition, against a team that knows it cannot lose anymore (desperation can't be faked), DePauw comes up short.  Next year (and look at what Witt loses after this year when you get a chance), DePauw beats Witt because they'll just be better.  But this year in this situation, I think (guessing really...more than usual) Witt wins the game.  Something in the 35-21 range. 

[BashDad]

I share your ambivalence, Wally. It's a curious spread of ingredients that are about to get all mixed together on Saturday. I think Depauw is as good or better in 2015 than 2014; I think Witt is as good or worse. I have little conviction either way.

My gut says Witt still wins -- maybe by a lot -- though the more I peruse both teams, the more the needle bends toward a really close game, if not an outright Dannie win.

We'll learn a LOT about Depauw tomorrow, that's for sure.

[wally_wabash]

I share your ambivalence, Wally. It's a curious spread of ingredients that are about to get all mixed together on Saturday. I think Depauw is as good or better in 2015 than 2014; I think Witt is as good or worse. I have little conviction either way.

My gut says Witt still wins -- maybe by a lot -- though the more I peruse both teams, the more the needle bends toward a really close game, if not an outright Dannie win.

We'll learn a LOT about Depauw tomorrow, that's for sure.

If this were a conference opener like it was last year, I think DePauw would win the game.  I do think that the being out of lives thing is real for Witt and I think teams (seniors especially) find another gear when it's last chance time.