FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[DPU3619]

The past decade or so DePauw has opened with Anderson, Earlham, or RHIT before RHIT was good. So anything is an improvement at this point.

And again, that subscribes to my theory of needing a winnable game against a .500 or above regional opponent in non-conf. Doesn't help you to schedule an opponent you may lose to. You need a team you know you can beat that doesn't hurt your SOS. This conference hurts your SOS enough on its own.

[smedindy]

This league will gravitate close to .500 SOS thanks to the fact that there's only one non-conference game.

[DadofBashWarrior..]

This league will gravitate close to .500 SOS thanks to the fact that there's only one non-conference game.

The best SOS benefit was when the conference was setup that the top teams did not play the least performing teams...if you look back the Wabash SOS was really high then for that reason...

[wally_wabash]

This league will gravitate close to .500 SOS thanks to the fact that there's only one non-conference game.

This is true, but swapping out an 0-10 Earlham for an MSJ team that can win 7 or 8 games helps a bunch.  It won't launch DePauw up into the top 50, but it'll get them out of the bottom 30 or so.  And that's the difference between having absolutely no shot whatsoever and having at least a slim shot.  To whit- 8-2 ONU wound up as the top ranked at-large team in the North Region with a 0.487 SOS (159th ranked overall).  Their non-league opponent was Utica, who finished 4-6.  Now, there are additional OOWP benefits that come along with Utica as opposed to MSJ, but you can see how just that small change can get you from 0.453 and 206th ranked up to something that isn't an automatic disqualifier. 

It's a move that helps DePauw chase down the at-large bid they'll have to get to make the field again anytime soon.    

Also, stop losing to OWU. 

[bashbrother]

It's a move that helps DePauw chase down the at-large bid they'll have to get to make the field again anytime soon.    

Also, stop losing to OWU.

I love how even though the season ends.... this will never end.

WAF!

[Bishopleftiesdad]

This league will gravitate close to .500 SOS thanks to the fact that there's only one non-conference game.

This is true, but swapping out an 0-10 Earlham for an MSJ team that can win 7 or 8 games helps a bunch.  It won't launch DePauw up into the top 50, but it'll get them out of the bottom 30 or so.  And that's the difference between having absolutely no shot whatsoever and having at least a slim shot.  To whit- 8-2 ONU wound up as the top ranked at-large team in the North Region with a 0.487 SOS (159th ranked overall).  Their non-league opponent was Utica, who finished 4-6.  Now, there are additional OOWP benefits that come along with Utica as opposed to MSJ, but you can see how just that small change can get you from 0.453 and 206th ranked up to something that isn't an automatic disqualifier. 

It's a move that helps DePauw chase down the at-large bid they'll have to get to make the field again anytime soon.    

Also, stop losing to OWU. 

Not as easily done as said.
OWU has to stop losing to Hiram. Needs to start beAting Witt. And competing with Wabash.

[1837Tigers]

Congrats to 1981 DePauw grad Dave Borbely - named offensive line coach at Maryland:

http://www.depauw.edu/news-media/latest-news/details/32132/

[1837Tigers]

JaMarcus Shephard (DePauw '05) named outside receivers coach at Washington State: http://www.depauw.edu/news-media/latest-news/details/32135/

[Joe Wally]

Adams Central RB Hunter Bates is coming to Wabash.

http://www.journalgazette.net/blog/preps-plus/Adams-Central-s-Hunter-Bates-chooses-Wabash-11009203

[1837Tigers]

Rob Boras (DePauw '92) Named Offensive Coordinator of LA Rams: http://www.depauw.edu/news-media/latest-news/details/32165/

[wabco]

Just learned Hope hired Peter Stuursma as head coach (was East Grand Rapids HS coach with 7 state championships).  Good HS coach who should be fine with the transition.  He was a Hope footballer and has strong football HS ties in West Michigan.  Hope has not done as well in recent years as (at least I believe) they should have.  The claim was that there was strong Div.  II presence in Michigan which was siphoning off all the good footballers which Hope used to be able to get.  Wabash was and is able to recruit outstanding footballers from Michigan (and particularly the West side).  I believe Stuursma will be able to do so also.  Good catch by Hope and I think Hope should again become a leader in their conference.

During the 90s, Wabash and DePauw used to play back to back games (one home and one away ... the reverse of the other) as first 2 games of the season.  Both Albion and Hope ruled their conference during that period.  While early in the season, the games were always a good "discussion/read" as to what the Wabash/DePauw contest was going to be the last game of the year.

[wally_wabash]

Very exciting news, you guys. 

Let's go to Chuck Norris for instant reaction:

[wabashcpa]

He beat Wabash while at Oberlin, so we know he's capable.  I like it.

[wabco]

Be interesting to see the "why" this hire?  Obviously not a red hot "up and comer".  From his bio, more like a long timer D III.  And not coming with fingers in/credentials in recruiting our prime recruiting grounds. 

I was curious why Hammer would leave - for Gheny - leaving a full kitchen of talent in D.  Gheny is going the wrong way and has been in most of its sports for the last years.  I would have thought Hammer had at least another year of "crush em" type D and then try to use that to his ultimate advantage.  Oh well ... time will tell whether Hammer made a good choice in placing his chips on Gheny or not. 

Maybe new guy has the long experience which says ... "been there"  "done that"  and am happy to work to be a good to outstanding D coordinator. Maybe ER knows things I don't. (certainly very easy to do).  I believe in him, so I hope so.  I would not mind a discussion on the topic.  I am probably wrong in my worst fears, and the best minds who think otherwise are correct.  Hope that is the case.  WAF

[sigma one]

BJ wanted to be a head coach, sooner rather than later.  He was hindered in many searches, I think, because he was not successful as a HC at Whitttier (for understandable reasons).  Allegheny has nowhere to go but up from where they are, and BJ will make them better.  He is a terrific recruiter, and the Gators need someone who can attract more talent.  If he can be even moderately successful in Meadville, other opportunities will come if he chooses to go for them.  He is young enough to have the time to decide where he ultimately wants to go--or to stay at Gheny if he likes it there and can rebuild a previously proud program.
     Jeff Ramsey is a really good hire from my side of it.  He didn't win at Oberlin:  surprise.  I watched him there for all the time Wabash has been in the NCAC, ahd his Obie teams always competed to the top of their modest talent.  I'm high on this opportunity for him.  He is a quality coach who recently made the Puget Sound defense much better.  He knows the conference, and Raeburn doesn't make hires who he believes can't fit into the Wabash culture, both football and overall.  Only time will tell, of course, but Ramsey is an experienced, talented coach.