FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[USee]

and just like that the nearly 10 month hiatus abruptly ends......

[HansenRatings]

So these were made using the final numbers from last year with the 2017 schedule?

It's a four-year regression. Last year's results are responsible for around 75% of the total. The win total projections are based on the 2017 schedule. When Kickoff comes out and I can get data for the number of returning starters for each team, the numbers will be updated to reflect that.

[HCAlum86]

So these were made using the final numbers from last year with the 2017 schedule?

It's a four-year regression. Last year's results are responsible for around 75% of the total. The win total projections are based on the 2017 schedule. When Kickoff comes out and I can get data for the number of returning starters for each team, the numbers will be updated to reflect that.

So what you're saying is that the Terriers will be in Salem this year? Okay.

[Pat Coleman]

O/U - 2.5 wins for Allegheny in 2016

Over. Thiel, Kenyon, Hiram.

Going to disagree with the Hiram pick, for obvious and biased reasons.

I think the Terriers will win 6 this year. They lost quite a bit on defense last year, but our offense will be explosive this year. Plus, with Stanford at the helm, I do not see Hiram snatching defeat from the jaws of victory at all this year.

Westminster, Allegheny, Oberlin, Kenyon, Denison, Wooster.

Realistically, I think 6-4 is the best possible scenario, 4-6 and 5-5 would also be believable. Hoping for the best for the NCAC as a whole!

Optimism springs eternal!

[HCAlum86]

O/U - 2.5 wins for Allegheny in 2016

Over. Thiel, Kenyon, Hiram.

Going to disagree with the Hiram pick, for obvious and biased reasons.

I think the Terriers will win 6 this year. They lost quite a bit on defense last year, but our offense will be explosive this year. Plus, with Stanford at the helm, I do not see Hiram snatching defeat from the jaws of victory at all this year.

Westminster, Allegheny, Oberlin, Kenyon, Denison, Wooster.

Realistically, I think 6-4 is the best possible scenario, 4-6 and 5-5 would also be believable. Hoping for the best for the NCAC as a whole!

Optimism springs eternal!

"Without the spark, there is no flame. Without the flame, light is forever extinguished!"

[HCAlum86]

Looks like I will be in attendance for all Hiram home games and will (tentatively) be making the trips to Wabash, Kenyon, and Oberlin.

[wabco]

HCAlum

We'll keep the light on for you

[HCAlum86]

HCAlum

We'll keep the light on for you

Haha appreciate it.

I noticed Wabash was not ranked in the Top 25 in the preseason poll (though receiving votes), how long has it been since they have started the year unranked? Unless I am blanking, I can't recall any recently...

[sigma one]

2005.  There is a lot of wait and see about Wabash this year.  No quarterback on the roster has any real playing time, so that's a starting factor. They also lost some significant players on defense.  Three-quarters of the defensive backfield are gone, as are two topnotch linebackers.  On the other side, lots of good returning starters and other contributors on an offensive line that was hurt by injuries last year.  Most of the top receivers and rushers return.
     But that hole at quarterback looms large.     

[wabco]

My take is a little more optimistic than Sigma One ... using basically the same facts.  Certainly the QB position is a ? mark.  But there are both very credible on roster [players PLUS a couple of adds in recruiting who could start another 2 or 4 year run.  Quality receivers return.  O line is fine.  There are TE and quality RBs in stable as well as on recruiting roster.  D needs to revamp its front ad a couple of LB positions.  OK.  A recruit named Buresh is added (best Buresh yet?)  PLUS others have waiting their time and there are recruits just starting out.  The coaches should have their feet set.  They should now know their talent, recruited their talent, and know ... with the horses in the barn, what will work and what may work.  The D III slighting the Little Giants in the preseason 25, is (my view) not only an error ... but provides just the "I'll show you" incentive to all concerned.  There will be mistakes and adjustments in playing Albion the first game ... but it is at home. Wabash IS Wabash.  Expect no less. Wabash students, Wabash footballers, Wabash coaches.  Don't shed tears for me Argentina.

And I look forward to a substantively improving and vibrant HC. 

[HCAlum86]

Anyone traveling to their team's game at Hiram? I'd be more than delighted to host a mixed tailgate if I will be in town that week.

[DadofBashWarrior..]

I am wondering if Wabash will be having their traditional scrimmage with Wheaton again this year...since I am older than dirt and my memory has been moving toward the less user friendly mode I cannot recall if it will be in Crawfordville or Wheaton this year...any help on this?

[sigma one]

I think the Wheaton-scrimmage era is over.  Maybe Rose-Hulman?

[HCAlum86]

Without saying too much, I have heard quite a few (beyond) negative things about the players and staff at Southwestern, Denison's non-conference opponent. Has anyone else heard anything similar?

[wally_wabash]

Without saying too much, I have heard quite a few (beyond) negative things about the players and staff at Southwestern, Denison's non-conference opponent. Has anyone else heard anything similar?

I don't know anything about the people at Southwestern.  I do know they won seven games last year and these kinds of inter-regional games are great when we can get them.  It's a significant step up in non-league play for Denison...a challenge accepted that seems to indicate that the Big Red are more and more comfortable and confident with their winning ways.  I think it's a really interesting game between an NCAC contender and a defending conference champion.