FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[smedindy]

If I recall, the Ben stuff was all quite humorous, really.

[BashBacker#16]

As hard as it is to make the NCAA Division III playoffs, do you guys think a team that has a loss of more then 45 points should be considered - especially to another D3 team?  I am not sure I do and would think that would have to factor in somehow.  Just curious after seeing the question on the main page???

[KC]

I don't really think Ben keeps up with the posts here anymore, but if he still does I don't think he'd really be bothered.  He caught enough abuse from the kids on the team when he showed up, and he knew it was all in good fun.  I'm sure he's a lot more worried about becoming the next Matt Morgan.

[smedindy]

BB16 - Yes, depending on who that team was, where the game was played, etc. All teams have bad days, and sometimes the big wheel just rolls over you. So, JCU and St. Olaf  deserve equal consideration, especially if they go 9-1. And that would mean St. Olaf beats C-M and JCU wins at Capital.

[wabashcpa]

From Keith McMillan, Around the Nation...

"Second, I've been wondering if the Monon Bell Game is really Division III's top rivalry. Whenever I'm asked, I always say it is, in a top tier with Williams-Amherst and Ithaca-Cortland. But perhaps DePauw-Wabash is nothing more than Randolph-Macon/Hampden-Sydney Midwest, in which case I've been there every year since 1994."

Sounds like Mr. McMillan may be in attendance.  Think he'll see the error of his ways?

[smedindy]

I think he wants to see it to reaffirm what he's been saying - and that it's not JUST another rivalry.

[wally_wabash]

I think he'd get a better taste for it at Wabash with 11,000 fans instead of the 7,900 Depauw is capping attendance at (what's up with that by the way?), but it'll be cool to get ATN's take on the game regardless. 

[Jammin]

Good call, Wally. I was thinking exactly the same thing. Keith should have been here last year with over 11,000 fans, hundreds who tailgated from dawn to kickoff, and a defensive slug-fest. This year, though, he'll get to see it at a fever pitch, in spite of the smaller crowd, because playoffs are/could be on the line. That always seems to make things more interesting. Wabash wins vs. Denison, the Little Giants are in. Wabash beats DePauw, they are, obviously, out. DePauw beats Wabash and the Tigers might -- might -- get in AND force Wabash to travel. Hmmm. Keith should enjoy the show -- and come early.

[BashBacker#16]

Jammin - the more I think about it, why does DePauw shut off the South parking lot which would be the premium spot for all tailgating festivities???  Seriously???  Can you imagine Wabash not allowing any access behind Hollett Stadium???  That is so incredibly weak!

Also, regarding the Monon Bell rivalry for those of us that know it well, is there any reservation in your mind that a person that is checking it out (D3 staff, NCAC fans, etc.) would not be "floored" by the intensity and the atmosphere - compared to others around the country, like a Williams/Amherst???

Smeds - I am still not sure I buy the at-large bid after they have been hammered.  The "just had a bad day" or the "played a good team away from home" shouldn't carry a ton of weight.  Let's remove John Carroll (even though they were blistered by 70 by Mount!!!) and look at a Wesley.  They lost 47-0 to a 3-5 Brockport St. squad.  In that scenario - they should not be considered unless they win their AQ.  For many many teams across the country it has been "lose & done" and they are out.  I just don't like it.

[smedindy]

BB16 - Wesley is Pool B. That's a different kettle of fish entirely.

[wally_wabash]

BB16 -

Why does Depauw do any of the incredibly weak stuff that they do?  That's just the nature of things....its what makes them who they are.   

[BashDad]

Best of luck to all in the NCAC for safe, good hard-hitting  play tomorrow.  Along with Wabash: Witt, OWU, Earlham, and Hiram are also having "Senior Day."  I hope that there is a good turnout everywhere to thank and celebrate these fine student athletes playing the game they love.

Go L'il Giants!  Denison is next. 

WABASH ALWAYS FIGHTS!!

[kcreds]

Nike: I will try to answer your questions but as you will see, I do not want to give inside information about the team.

As far as current players, I don't question their offensive or defensive scheme and they don't talk about it with me.

I'm not sure what is going on with the Sir Louis situation, I've been pondering that same question. I have my opinion but I don't want to guess.

I will be at Wooster for the OWU game and I will be looking forward to the good food and atmosphere. Once the game is over, I will be heading to Buffalo for the Bills/Chiefs game. I will let you figure out who I am rooting for there.

I hope OWU and Wooster can both win this Saturday. Go Bishops! (At least this week) Go Scotts.

[wally_wabash]

Quote from Denison coach Nick Fletcher in the Journal Review:

"We are going to go in there and be competitive and do some good things. I don't know if we expect to go in there and beat Wabash, but we are going to show up and play hard."

If you don't expect to win, coach, you're already beat.  But thanks for showing up tomorrow anyway.  The seniors deserve the victory lap. 

[smedindy]

I don't know - he's being fairly realistic. It's no different than when Lou Holtz claimed that every team on his schedule was the best team ever that could beat Notre Dame into a pulp 49-0. I'd rather have coach-speak like he gave it than the usual coach-speak drivel.