FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[HCAlum86]

Everybody plays this week.  For the first time this year, it arguable that all 5 games could go either way.  There are no prohibitive favorites. 

Kenyon (3-2) at Allegheny (0-5).   Kenyon has posted 3 close wins, by 9 pts. total.  Allegheny has lost to RPI, Wabash, OWU, Denison, and Wittenberg in a meatgrinder of a start.  The Gators scored 35 on Wabash, but they have managed no more than 14 points in any other game.  Wally gives Allegheny the edge by 6.5.  This will be a game that tests the Lords' defense and Allegheny's resolve after their 0-fer start.
Hiram (0-5) at Oberlin (0-5).  Somebody will get a first win this Saturday.  Hiram has scored 38 pts  so far, Oberlin 13.  Wally give the Terriers a small 3.5  edge on the road.
Wittenberg (4-1) at Wabash (3-2).  Witt's offense finally got on track last week, and the defense has been stout.  Wabash's defense has struggled mightily at times, but held Dension to 20 pts, 22 fewer than they have score in any other game.  Wally picks the Ohio Tigers by 4.5.  Turnovers and big plays will determine the winner.
DePauw (3-2) at Ohio Wesleyan (4-1).  OWU comes off a bye week.  The Indiana Tigers have been up and down.  Wally gives the nod to OWU by 6.5.  The Bishops know that a 2nd loss would hurt them in the conference run.  This could be a defensive dogfight. 
Denison (4-1) at Wooster (3-2).  Like the Bishops, the Big Red can't afford a 2nd loss.  Woo has to be jacked up after last week, but can they bottle up Denison's varied attack while scoring enough to win?  Wally say Denison by 14.5.  It's Black and Gold weekend at Wooster, so lots of alums back, and Hall of Fame ceremony.  Should be a big crowd, but expect it not to be as close as Wally's number.

'

Hoping for a Terriers win here before HC weekend - We're starting to get a little frustrated with Stanford, excellent guy and I don't doubt he knows his stuff - but hiring an air raid guy loses its utility when you're barely averaging 7 pts a game

[aueagle]

Huge game for the Bishops....it comes down to; up or out in the conference.
The defense has to lead the way & create offensive opportunities. Wesleyan can't afford a loss to the Tigers, because with Witt on the horizon, it would be nice to have a shot at the upper division.

[formerd3db]

Huge game for the Bishops....it comes down to; up or out in the conference.
The defense has to lead the way & create offensive opportunities. Wesleyan can't afford a loss to the Tigers, because with Witt on the horizon, it would be nice to have a shot at the upper division.

Good luck to your Bishops!

[sigma one]

Wittenberg at Wabash tomorrow in the next chapter of a true NCAC rivalry.  In the ten years since 2009 Wit has won 6 games, Wabash 4.  Three of the Tiger wins have been in C'ville.  Wabash has won 2X in Springfield.  Wit has won by 3, 17, 18, 6, 10, 7 pts.  Wabash's wins are by 11, 3, 28, and 7 (OT).  Neither team has won more than 2 straight.
     Both Froelisch for Wit and Thompson for Wabash will be starting at QB for the 1st time in the series. I'm jut guessing that both defenses will try to pressure them hard.  The edge in the running game should be to Wabash if the Oline can sort out recent problems.  The Tiger receivers are more experienced. 
      Wit has to have a big advantage on defense, but Wabash has played well vs. Denison and OWU.  Witt has a tough first-game loss at W & J.  The LGs dropped their opener as well, and then got thumped physically last week at Woo.  Wit has two close wins, by 2 pts. vs. Woo, and by 7 vs. DPU. 
     This may come down to how the QBs operate, or are allowed to operate. 
     With due respect to other games so far and to come, this should be the game of the year in the conference--although Denison is on the near horizon next week at Wit.
         

[aueagle]

You, as well formerd3db. Tame the Lions and keep that explosive
offense scoring points. Get that 5th win!!

[CollegeGolf18]

Wittenberg at Wabash tomorrow in the next chapter of a true NCAC rivalry.  In the ten years since 2009 Wit has won 6 games, Wabash 4.  Three of the Tiger wins have been in C'ville.  Wabash has won 2X in Springfield.  Wit has won by 3, 17, 18, 6, 10, 7 pts.  Wabash's wins are by 11, 3, 28, and 1 (OT).  Neither team has won more than 2 straight.
     Both Froelisch for Wit and Thompson for Wabash will be starting at QB for the 1st time in the series. I'm jut guessing that both defenses will try to pressure them hard.  The edge in the running game should be to Wabash if the Oline can sort out recent problems.  The Tiger receivers are more experienced. 
      Wit has to have a big advantage on defense, but Wabash has played well vs. Denison and OWU.  Witt has a tough first-game loss at W & J.  The LGs dropped their opener as well, and then got thumped physically last week at Woo.  Wit has two close wins, by 2 pts. vs. Woo, and by 7 vs. DPU. 
     This may come down to how the QBs operate, or are allowed to operate. 
     With due respect to other games so far and to come, this should be the game of the year in the conference--although Denison is on the near horizon next week at Wit.
       

I bet Wabash doesn't pressure. They haven't all year.

[sigma one]

The pressure comment may be wishful thinking on my part.  I doubt they can win if they let Froelisch stand and survey the field.  The Wit receivers are too good.

[BashDad]

This grade school photoshop on the whittle tigers website is a perfect expression of this weak sauce Witt Week.



My enthusiasm has one million asterisks. WAF.

[bashtownie]

Wabash for the win!

[aueagle]

Congrats LG 's
Liam: Freshman of the Year

[wally_wabash]

Congrats LG 's
Liam: Freshman of the Year

I don't know if you've had eyes on the Bishops this afternoon- if so, do you know what happened to DPU QB Chase Andries? 

[aueagle]

Wally: I saw 2 series, late in the 4th...
Other than Chase didn't have a hand in the Tiger score for
six, I'm clueless.

[Bishopleftiesdad]

I watched the 3rd and 4th quarter. And I did not see anything.

[Bishopleftiesdad]

Looks like he was out after the first quarter. Not sure why.

[sigma one]

DePauw threw 67 passes today.  Andries threw 11, completing 7.  Hard to believe they would sub for him early in the game without an injury.

Edit:  The DPU account of the game says only that  Collin Knecht replaced "starting quarterback Andries."  No mention of an injury, for what that's worth.