FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[wabndy]

Ok, its Bell week. Time for some fun you just can't make up . . .

https://thedepauw.com/dsg-shirts-have-depauw-securin-the-wrong-bell/

Free Monon Bell shirts were distributed by DePauw Student Government to students at a pep rally ahead of the first home basketball games Tuesday, Nov. 12. The back of this year's shirt says "Securin' the bell since 1932" with a picture of not the Monon Bell, but the Liberty Bell, famous crack and all.



Chris Neal, DePauw Student Government Vice President of Programming, made the initial announcement about the shirts late last week. He was not available to comment on the mix-up at the time of publication.

[sigma one]

Week #11.  Last game of the season for 9/10 of the NCAC.  Still some sorting out to do, including if there will be a shared title.  Wabash has clinched the automatic Playoff bid.

Kenyon (3-6) at Denison (7-2)  Denison has to be deeply disappointed after last week's loss to OWU, particularly since they outgained the Bishops in total yards 424-111 (and 25 first downs to 4).   Kenyon has to be pleased with their 3 wins under a new coach, but they've lost 4 in a row.  Their performance v. Witt last week was encouraging; they lost 43-27, but it's the most points they have scored since the first week win v. Catholic (32 pts in OT).  Wally gives the big edge to the Ohio Tigers--32.5 pt.  Denison will control the ball and should beat the spread.
Wooster (5-4) at Hiram (0-9)  The Scots drove away from Meadville last week with a somewhat surprising loss (though Allegheny is having a strong second half of the season).  Hiram was down 21-0 to Wabash at the half but hung in, giving up only a field goal after that.  Wally says Woo by 17.5  I think they do better than that.  Hiram will search for a new coach and look forward to next year.
Allegheny (3-6) at Oberlin (1-8)  The Gators have won 3 of the last 4; their best win of the season came last week v. Woo.   Obe has played hard despite their usual small squad size, but they have to be worn down by mid November.   Wally give the the Gators the nod by 18.5.  The Yoemen will be fortunate to keep it this close.
Ohio Wesleyan (7-2) at Wittenberg (6-3)  When was the last time an NCAC team won with 111 yds. of total offense and -1 yds. rushing?  Credit the Bishops for a gutsy win v. a very strong Denison team.  The Ohio Tigers  have won 2 straight, but have not dominated, defeating Oberlin by 14 pts and Kenyon by 16.  Wally says the Ohio Tigers by 3.5 at home.  Witt will have to work to get their 7th win; OWU will be searching for an 8-win season.  Could be a close as Wally's number--but either way.
Wabash (7-2) at DePauw (5-4).  The Bell Game.  Wally says Wabash by 8.5.  The last 3 Bell Games have been decided by 3, 1, and 7 pts,  with the last two wins going to Wabash.  And the LGs have won 9 of the last 10.  But once again throw out the records--and home field has never been an advantage in the series.  DPU got their starting QB back last week.  Wabash has beaten the other three top contenders, but they laid an egg at Woo.  The Indiana Tigers have played everyone, excepting Denison, tough.  I've never trusted freshmen QBs in this game, so that can be a factor.  Expect a close one in Greencastle.                 

[Li'l Giant]

I've never trusted freshmen QBs in this game, so that can be a factor.  Expect a close one in Greencastle.           

If memory serves we haven't had that since Knott in the 99 game. I think this team is better than the 99 team and a big part is LT. I'm setting myself up for Old Takes Exposed but if Wabash falls short this weekend I'm guessing it won't be because of how LT does.

[CollegeGolf18]

I've never trusted freshmen QBs in this game, so that can be a factor.  Expect a close one in Greencastle.           

If memory serves we haven't had that since Knott in the 99 game. I think this team is better than the 99 team and a big part is LT. I'm setting myself up for Old Takes Exposed but if Wabash falls short this weekend I'm guessing it won't be because of how LT does.

I think the defense will be an issue if we lose. I am confident that LT can put up 21+, but I'm not sure the defense can hold DePauw to 21 or less.

[sigma one]

I'd love to come on here on Saturday and say Liam Thompson made me eat my words about freshmen QBs.  Despite our grousing about the Wabash defense, they have held Denison to 20, and OWU and Wittenberg to 13 each.  If they give up 21 or more, count me surprised.   

[83 Little Giant]

I've never trusted freshmen QBs in this game, so that can be a factor.  Expect a close one in Greencastle.           

If memory serves we haven't had that since Knott in the 99 game. I think this team is better than the 99 team and a big part is LT. I'm setting myself up for Old Takes Exposed but if Wabash falls short this weekend I'm guessing it won't be because of how LT does.

I think the defense will be an issue if we lose. I am confident that LT can put up 21+, but I'm not sure the defense can hold DePauw to 21 or less.

I am in agreement with CG18.  Given that the Dannies have their QB1 back in the line up, the game could turn into a shootout.  Our pass rush has been iffy at best all season and that, I fear, is our Achilles heal.   We will see on Saturday. 

[Li'l Giant]

I'd love to come on here on Saturday and say Liam Thompson made me eat my words about freshmen QBs.  Despite our grousing about the Wabash defense, they have held Denison to 20, and OWU and Wittenberg to 13 each.  If they give up 21 or more, count me surprised.   

They gave up 31 to UWSP, 35 to Gheny, and 24 to Wooster. They've had their moments, yes. But there's a flip side to the coin for sure.

[sigma one]

Yes,  the two games over 30 were the first two games of the season.  And it's been a month since Wooster.  I think Ramsey has learned what this defense can do and adjusted accordingly.  If they can stop Andries running in the middle of the field (remember Hunt with the QB draw/counter), the Wabash D can make it a long day.  This is a game that could be won by the team scoring in the high teens or low 20s.

[BashBacker#16]

Dean B going with his annual glass is half empty analysis (you know I love ya).  Andries is back and you'd think he was Jason Lee or Spud Dick or Matt Hunt.  I'm not sure he could carry one of those guys helmets.  What has he done?

Liam Thompson is not a typical freshman and I think will step up in a big time game like the big time player he is!  The Bash D will have to limit the big plays and we have to protect the punter (which is a concern).  I like the LG's in this one!

My 4 year layoff is over and I'll be attending my 37th Bell game.  Go Bash beat the Dannie's!!!  WAF

[wally_wabash]

Monon Bell Part 126:

I'll start with where the teams are pretty even- defense.  Statistically, these two defenses are pretty even, which is significant because at this point in the season, they've all played the same teams. If there is one edge somewhere, it looks like Wabash does a better job on 3rd downs, but that's really about it. 

The major difference on paper in this game is on the other side of the ball.  Wabash has your typical Grade A run game which has been complimented by a pass game that has been clutch when called up (see vs. Denison, vs. Witt).  DePauw's offense has been poor.  No way to get around that.  They gain under 300 yards per game and rank 200th in the division in total offense.  Not great.  They did go a couple of games here without Chase Andries and they did play through a Central Indiana toad-strangler against Allegheny- but they weren't exactly crushing it with Andries or under sunny skies either.  Wabash has had a tendency to let teams move the ball around a bit between the 20s and tighten up when the field gets short, but I don't think you want to do that here.  DePauw doesn't gain 300 yards on average and they shouldn't on Saturday either. 

Some commonalities in Wabash's two losses- turnovers and getting behind.  Against Wooster, an early turnover led to a short field TD for the Scots and Wabash was never able to get level.  Against Stevens Point, another turnover led to a short field TD for the Pointers and Wabash chased that deficit all the way until the end of the game.  Playing from behind really tends to throw Wabash's run-first offense out of whack and then anything can happen.  The LGs don't want to fall behind early, especially by two scores, and be forced away from their strength early.  Avant getting 30 carries tomorrow would be a sign that things have gone well. 

Absolutely agree with sigma one that Andries running is a key for DePauw.  As best I can tell, he's their best running option and I expect DePauw to call his number often.  He's going to get hit a lot and his ability to go the full 60 is going to have a significant impact on DePauw's chances. 

Agree also with 16 that big plays are a factor.  DePauw's offense isn't going to string together 10+ play drives all day.  They just don't have the dudes for it.  One or two home runs though and they'll be in the game.  And Wabash has to avoid a catastrophe on special teams.  All day- make them drive the field.  No short fields. 

I think my own biggest concern for tomorrow is that after a six week grinder to open the season, Wabash has played Oberlin, Kenyon, and Hiram in the last three weeks and the energy, especially in the second halves of these games, has been no bueno.  That switch has to get turned back on because just one good half probably won't get it done.  I mean, maybe it will.  Maybe Wabash 40 pieces DePauw in the first half and that's that.  But the last three years of this game would indicate that's not what is going to happen. 

If DePauw has any chance I think the game has to be in the low 20s or teens.  If Wabash scores four touchdowns I think it gets really hard to see where DePauw makes up the ground. 

Prediction: Wabash 31, DePauw 17. Wabash scores twice on fake field goals.   

[Whitecarrera]

Obviously, the need to avoid catastrophes is a given (always, in any category), but it seems Wabash has a habit of coming up big on special teams in this game! 

[aueagle]

I don't look for a Bishop win today, should be a tough game, but
Witt has the better team. Very surprised at the OWU record, (considering everyone had them at middle to lower middle of the league. I still think the schedule favored the Bishop, especially the first half, until they ran into the LG's, where they got exposed. Regardless, Springfield can build for next year.
Good luck to everyone today, no injuries, safe travels. Go Bishops

[aueagle]

Bishops score first, then Witt returns the NO 94 yards for the TD.
7-7 in the first....SPECIALTIES!!!!¡

[aueagle]

38-20 Witt...wasn't even close

[CollegeGolf18]

****.

By the way, that was a touchdown and I don't care what anyone says. The refs absolutely blew the hell out of that.