FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[reality check]

bashbrother, bashdad

I would go the other route and say they just shouldn't have replay in the Stagg or ever in D-III.  I mean most schools don't have mic'ed referees across D-III so to ask for video review all the way through the playoffs would be a stetch.  You are asking for television crews to be at 16 games in the first round, 8 in the second and so on.  It's just not practical. 

And as a fan of D-III, how strange would it be for us to all sit and wait as fans at the game while the video was reviewed?  I have called games with TV timeouts and when you are so used to the D-III experience, stoppages for TV timeouts and video review is totally unexpected.

[wally_wabash]

If they have 100 tv cameras with a 100 different angles of every play, I'm all for replay.  It seems that since the NFL brought replay back, and now that colleges are using it, they have the replay system down such that it doesn't take the unearthly amount of time that it did prior to the NFL getting rid of it.  Also, the DD post on replay at the Stagg Bowl mentioned that a lot more plays are reviewed without anybody knowing it than we would think without any stoppage of play.  If the technology is available, use it.  The most important thing is to make the right call and if takes an extra two minutes to do so, then I can live with that.  I'd hate to see a team lose a national championship because of a missed call. 

I don't know if replay would have helped Wabash in the Cap game or not...I do know that if replay were available, the right call would have been made (NOT to say that right call wasn't made...we'll really never know for sure, so we have to assume that the call on the field was correct).  I just don't know how many D-III stadiums are equipped to handle it.  If Salem Stadium can handle it, and the NCAA wants to use it, great.  I don't think there's anything inherently un-DIII about using instant replay. 

I also think the game should stay in Salem.  Salem has become synonymous with the Stagg Bowl and the D-III Final Four in men's hoops.  I know someday before I die I'll be in Salem watching Wabash compete in one or the other (hopefully both).  I think that's the way it should be. 

[Cap99Fan]

Wally,

Bottom line is the almighty $$$$$$. I honestly don't think that replay would have helped in the Wabash-Cap game (not saying the right call was made either) because they would to have cameras all over with so many angles. You know even in DI and the NFL there aren't always enough cameras to get all the angles. Hell of a game that will be remembered by "that" call and not the outstanding play on the field.

[bashbrother]

My post about replay was more about protesting it in the Stagg and less about it being in the earlier rounds of the playoffs, specifically the Bash game. 

Sure the infrastructure is available at the Stagg, and they couldn't resist the temptation.  The foundational concept for replay is a good one.  Let the games be decided by the players; not the zebras.   (I am not saying in any way that the Wabash game was decided by the officials)

I also agree that officiating is a tough and almost impossible task to be correct 100% of the time.  Especially, when they have to make a call on every play.

[ski]

DOUBLE D:  WOW. Oconnel will be missed.  He had catch-up speed and very good coverage skills.  He played the corner with pick in mind. If it is Indiana, it is a good choice as they are in need of all the help they can get.

As far as the rest go, time to put up or shut up.  They need to hit the weights in the off-season, hard.  They need to be in the best football shape they can be in if they plan on taking the NCAC next year.  In looking at the 4 games they lost, they were out rushed 899 to 321, out passed 975 to 796 and outscored 134 to 38.  At looking at these stats it is hard to see them going 10 + 0 next year.  Yet, this is a team with a lot of talent. If they are put in a scheme that highlights their talent and they decide to give it their all, they might just surprise the rest of the NCAC.     

[BashDad]

I, too, would like to see the Stagg remain in Salem--they work really hard to provide a great experience for all teams/players, and fans. 

[formerd3db]

Agree with you Bashdad, re: Salem and the Stagg Bowl.

Also, I accidentally "mis" posted my comments regarding the replay discussion on the Hearland conference board instead of here.  So for anyone interested, you can check it there.  Some interesting points on both sides of the issues though.

[BashBacker#16]

Pretty cool news from the Aztec Bowl, Russ Harbaugh has been named the starter for tomorrow's game along with being elected one of the 3 team captains.  Congrats and great representation for the Little Giants and the NCAC!

[WallyFS4]

That is great news.  What an honor for a great young man, and player.  As always.

WABASH ALWAYS FIGHTS![/size][/font]

[DarkSide-D]

Ski,

I agree totally, except I think the Scots have a solid chance of taking the conference next year.  Some may think it is a reach, but I still have faith.  I think some of those numbers of the last few games for the Scots are skewed because the key player for the new offensive scheme went out with injury.  All season, the rushing yards were down due to the new scheme.  I could be wrong, but I believe that a return to a solid run game is needed.  More importantly, a solid Defense is needed.  I think the position most in need is D-line.  It all starts up front, and if the Dline is sittin in the Linebacker's lap, it makes it real difficult for the LB to flow to the ball and make plays.  Also, when a Dline gets blown off the ball, DBs are a non factor cuz no team will pass if they are running the ball unchallenged.

Look for big things outta next years seniors.  I know they will be hitting the weight room hard this off season.

[reality check]

Congrats to Harbaugh

I am not all that surprised because the games I called for Del Val in the playoffs, Knoblauch did not wow me.  He got the job done in most of the games (I provided color for all three playoff games for Del Val) but he was often a slow starter.  Once he warms up though, he's lights out.

I hope Harbaugh (and ONU's Hostetler) play great in their final game.

[Cap99Fan]

"I hope Harbaugh (and ONU's Hostetler) play great in their final game."

rc

From what I have seen this year from them I would expect nothing less from these two. Both have had outstanding seasons and should continue that today.

[BashDad]

reality check and Cap99Fan:

Thanks for the sentiments regarding Russ--hopefully, all on the USA team will play well.  They seem ready, even at 8,000+ feet above sea level!!   

[Cap99Fan]

If you look at the roster I think this is an outstanding team and will dominate. they will make the people at the game go oooh ahhhh

[bashbrother]

USA 7
Mex 0

1st

Interception return for a touchdown on the 1st drive of the game.

Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllllll!