FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[EastCoastStag]

Now what happened to OWU this year??? While it has frequently been discussed, I don't think anyone has put a finger on what happened/ is happening. A collapse such as this certainly was unexpected. There is something to be said for the law of averages regarding programs (see ESPN.com). However, this borders on something extreme and possibly an internal problem of which the rest of the NCAC is unaware.

That being said. Kenyon needs to find and/or buy a defense if they want to keep going in their attempt to climb the conference power board...... or at least something resembling one.

As for the homecoming- it is safe to say they expected to be undefeated at this point.

[wally_wabash]

What's wrong with OWU is that the Bishops aren't playing any defense.  For the last handful of years, OWU's defense has been conference-championship caliber in my opinion, but their offense has been simply too easy to shut down for the better defenses in the conference.  This year, they've got the offense going and they are scoring points at a much better clip than they have previously, but the defense is absolutely killing them.

The defense across the entirety of the NCAC has been pretty poor so far this year.  The league's best defense statistically belongs to Wooster (you could make a case for Allegheny, but any sort of reasonable correction factor for having played Denison and Hiram leads you back to the Scots), and they're behind the 8-ball after just one conference game.  I really think the first team to find a defense is going to have a major, major advantage the rest of the way. 

[wabco]

Agree ... and the game against Gheny will either disclose the return of Hard Hat D or ...................

[BashBacker#16]

Wabco - you'd better be careful since I will see you this Friday...no negativity allowed brother.

Gheny preview is out... http://www.allegheny.edu/cgi-bin/mt/mt-view.cgi/5/entry/6110/football_entry

[BashBacker#16]

Wabash press release for Allegheny game...

http://www.wabash.edu/sports/docs/release10406.pdf

Wabash has won 10 consecutive homecoming games (CC is 5-0) and 10 straight NCAC games.  Ironically, Gheny has won 2 of the last 3 at Hollett Little Giant Stadium and was the last team to beat Wabash in conference play in 2004 (16-10 in OT).

[aueagle]

Gotta think this is THE week for the BISHOPS. Even if they are a 14 pt dog. Owen Case should be back at DE, he provides Sr. inspiration & tackles and he creates havoc on the field. Lots of football left and the Bishops need to build for this season AND 2007.  Good Luck to all & injury free too. GO BISHOPS

[uknowme2]

The game in Crawfordsville is very interesting this week.  Being a Tiger fan, I will be keeping an ear out for that one as I watch the Tigers.  It's homecoming for the tigers and I fully expect a good showing.  We need our QB to continue to grow and the D needs to improve.  We all know what Murray can do. 

Good Luck to all, and stay healthy!!

Go Tigers!

[Superfoot Wallace]

UNO,

Do you think the Gators have reverted to their old ways of smashing people in the mouth and putting games away late?  As much as the Bash faithful talk about the Witt teams of the late 90's, not sure they ever saw Gheny withe their 'Bump and Grind' backfields and defensive ends that monkey press tackles.  The Gators are still the only title in NCAC annals.

signed,
UNOs favorite - Nick Riser

[The_Bishop]

Nick Riser, good ol' #99 for the Gators.  Nice to see a name from the past that doesn't make me feel all that removed from the game.  IMHO, pound for pound the toughest and most athletic player I've ever played against, although I would put #29 Bryan Magoteaux of the Tigers a close second.  Both tremendously gifted with great speed.  My most underrated award still goes to Brandon Good of Wooster.

Back in the day during a game at the "original" Gheny field, I had a double team blocking assignment on Riser, who was lined up squarely with our tight end, myself on his outside shoulder.  I remember trying to get on his hip, then fall to the ground to trip him up, only to find myself on my stomach with a facemask full of mud and Riser 5 yards in our backfield taking down the fullback.  I went to the sideline and said, "Coach, may I suggest that we start running every play away from Riser?" to which he responded, "We could. . . but that kind of limits our options."  Good times.

[uknowme2]

What was the name of the defense end that played at gheny with Riser.  Bob something, he was pretty good too.  Just can't remember his last name?  Riser was one of the best players to ever walk onto an NCAC field.

[WAF78]

Great game in Crawfordsville tomorrow as both teams have lots to prove. Gheny wants to ascend to the top of the NCAC again...while Wabash wants to show they still belong there. As Wabash's defense is climbing to respectability, this will be a great test to see if they are improving as much as hoped. I think if they can stop the Gators run game...the Little Giants will win. The other highlight tomorrow will bring will be the most unique homecoming "queen" contest in America...LOL. Wabash Always Fights.

[Superfoot Wallace]

UNO,

Just remember the ridiculous stat line on Risers bench press and Fincham saying he thought the other guy was a little more athletic.  Ill have to wait till I get home and look at the game program from Allegheny 96 to come up with the name.

Probably have to put Mike Sanders, Hawk and Riser as some if not the all time best ends in NCAC play.  There have been some good tackles, but the good moneys on the Hammers from Bash.  Mesmer from CWRU was really really good too.  At least the noseguard from Denison thought he was.  

As for the Bishop, I bet I can guess his identity from all the old scouting reports I still have hiding around the desk.  Actually broke one out the other day to look at Witts assessment of the Wing Ts routes and realized they couldnt or at least didnt differentiate between down, downsweep (aka(Bellevue)) and belly iso in the waggle game.  What is going on in Delaware this year?

Oh yeah,  Finchams favorite noseguard from OWU that returned kickoffs or kicked off or something like that back when Neibhur first took over the Springfield program makes the all time list at defensive tackle.

best regards,
Duck and Cover

[bashbrother]

Isn't there something special about waking up on Saturday mornings?

Especially, when you had a few too much Tequila or whatever the night before and it takes you a few minutes for your brain to refresh itself enough to realize that an exciting day of College Football is here.

Back in the day, I have fond memories of rolling out of the rack in Pullman, WA and heading downstairs only to find my fraternity alive with activity preparing for the Cougars battle with USC, UCLA, Oregon, etc. at Martin Stadium.

Today, it has changed a bit, but the feeling is still similar.  I check my internet, make sure the family has other things to do    I read the sports page by the pool and plan which televised games I want to watch.  Bloodymary (lots of pepper)  .  Then I wait.

There is something special about Saturday mornings.

[Li'l Giant]

Bloodymary (lots of pepper)  .

Coffee and Bailey's here. 

But, great post regardless, Bashbro. I do so miss heading over to Little Giant Stadium with loads booze hidden in jackets, pants, boots, and even Pep Band instruments while we lubed up to root for Dear Old Wabash against our opponents from the ICAC/HCAC.

Good times. College football is King.

Wabash Always Fights and Hook 'em Horns!

[Li'l Giant]

We're ready for kickoff in Crawfordsville.

Billy King passes for a Wabash Touchdown. His second of the season. QB controversy in C-ville? 

Gheny 0
Wabash 7 5:46 1st