FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[wabco]

Just checked MIAA posts.  It is reported there that Hope is 0 for 14 in non conference games with the results last year being:  L against UW River Falls of 54-24, L against Central with 36-17 and L against Wheaton 42 -7.

[usee]

USEE

Don't believe Hope will be much of a Wheaton measure ... or measure on anything ... other than that the MIAA is and continues to be a weak conference.  I believe Wheaton will wax the Wooden Shoes ... but that is not an indicator of Wheaton's prowess, merely Hope's ineptness against strong out of conference foes.  I do not have Hope's records close at hand but, if memory serves, their record against non-conference the last several years borders on embarrassing ... then they go on to win the conference, get an automatic, and go home after the first game.  The cry in West Michigan is the monsters Grand Valley, Ferris, and other Div II take all the players.  I don't buy it ... but that is the story and the MIAA is sticking to it.

Wabco, Believe me, I have seen enough MIAA football in the last few years (and plenty of Hope) to know what is and isn't regarding this weekend's game. My only point is on a relative basis the best qb's in the CCIW had career days against Hope. Wheaton's qb is 30% on the year (without his performance in the wabash scrimmage). He is their biggest question mark offensively in my mind. If he struggles against the Dutch, there is trouble in the evangelical mecca of the universe. Likewise, Hope's only "Hope" is their qb and recievers. IF the Thunder can't contain them, sell your Wheaton stock now.

On the flipside, If wheaton's qb has a grand day and their defense stifles the Dutch, we can go on wondering how good Wheaton is and knowing how poor the MIAA is.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Nice of usee putting Kraig Ladd (IWU) as "best qb's in the CCIW", but to say he had a 'career day' against Hope is a bit of a stretch.  Sure he had 3 TDs, but he also had 3 against Aurora and SIX against Alma - heck, against Hope was a below average day!

[wally_wabash]

Alright, I'm interested in hearing some forum thoughts about the Huffman situation in Springfield.  The Springfield newspaper reports that Huffman broke the radius on his non-throwing arm and will miss at least two weeks.  With the injury being on his non-throwing arm, I don't expect that this jeopardizes his season.  Wabash comes to town in 26 days.  I have no doubt that they are going to do everything in their power to have Huffman back on the field for that game.  How realistic is it that Huffman won't be limited in 26 days?  Huffman likes to run around...can he take hits on that arm?  Can he keep the ball secure with that arm?  How much of a concern should this be for Wittenberg?

[cave2bens]

The game account from Wittenberg's site seemed to indicate Huffman's backup, Brumfield (sp?) had a pretty good showing in relief, including the final 63 yd TD drive.

Frankly, I'd worry about getting through the next three before considering Huffman's prognosis for the 18th.  Wash U appeared to be pretty darned opportunistic in Springfield and one never knows when the injury bug might strike.

[BayernFan]

So Wabash crushes a former Big Ten team by 42 points and DROPS in the polls???  Huh??

LOL

[wally_wabash]

In fairness, Wabash is going to be heavy, heavy favorites against Kenyon and Allegheny.  The Washington game is neither a conference game or a regional game which makes the result largely negligible.  I don't think fans are committing any serious crime by looking ahead a little bit to 10/18.  

[oldtiger]

I believe Huffman's surgery was scheduled for today. Timeline given for recovery/rehab leaves 10/18 a possibility.

Brumfield performed very well, given the circumstances, vs. Wash U. I feel he will prove to be a much greater asset than liability. He took over his freshman year when Holmes went down vs. Capital in '05 (week 1) and started the following 2 weeks at UD and Alma. His performance then was rather inauspicious, receiving the proverbial baptism by fire, but he survived and has held the backup role the past 3 seasons over more statuesque QBs.

Brumfield is well versed in the system. He was on campus throughout the summer working with the available receivers. Paring the playbook shouldn't be necessary; just tailor the gameplan toward his strengths.

While there is concern; a plethora of injuries is affecting virtually every position, and some at other positions I find more bothersome.

[aueagle]

After reading oldtiger...I had this quick, brilliant flash of UPSET. Witt hurting.. game at Selby...nobody thinks OWU has "it"....Tigers heavy favorite. Nnnaaghhh

[Schwami]

Regarding the Teamline video of the Wabash / Chicago game . . . the synch between audio and video was indeed frustrating.  Since there was a replay of virtually every play of the game, I would hit the pause or stop button, then the play button, each time.  This got the synch to typically within about 5 seconds.  Since I heard what was happening immediately before watching the play, I didn't need to watch the replay.

Game time decision for Saturday:
(1) Listen to the audio of the Kenyon game
(2) Travel 4 hours each way to see the Kenyon game
(3) Travel 20 minutes each way to see the scintillating, sensational Hiram Terriers (no longer puppies) take on the CMU Tartans!  Hmmm . . .

[wally_wabash]

We've got a trophy game this week....you guys have come through for me in the past (the stringer and the broadsword).  Who's got a picture of the lantern that Wooster and Denison play for?  Short of a picture, I'll take a good story as to the history of the lantern. 

As always, karma is at stake.   

[cave2bens]

In fairness, Wabash is going to be heavy, heavy favorites against Kenyon and Allegheny.  The Washington game is neither a conference game or a regional game which makes the result largely negligible.  I don't think fans are committing any serious crime by looking ahead a little bit to 10/18.  

"Fairness" didn't play into the post, Wally.  Just a simple wish for no broken bones (or freakish, torn ACLs  ) before arrival of scheduled meat in mid-October.     

[Li'l Giant]

or freakish, torn ACLs

Don't worry. Wally has that covered. 

[DagarmanSpartan]

Can someone give me a preview of Denison?

We play them on 4 October after a bye week for Homecoming.

[BashBacker#16]

MajorSpartan,

Their QB #7 Mike Barnes is the NCAC sprint champion and is a dual threat.  If he gets loose, he'll eat chunks of yards in a hurry.  They are much improved overall.  Wabash put up 500 yards of offense on them but gave up 27 so they can score.  They are not very big up front on either side.  Barnes is the key.  If your game is at Denison, nice turf field (surface)...

Witt's other injury problems...from the Springfield paper following WashU game:
- Wittenberg also played without starting tailback Corey Weber (shoulder) and wide receiver Bill French (ankle).
- Several would-be starters — tight end Mat Guida and defensive lineman Anthony Oliver — haven't played this season. This week in practice, both starting offensive tackles, Tony Eich (shoulder) and Alex Burwell (knee), suffered significant injuries. Burwell will be out at least a couple weeks, Wittenberg coach Joe Fincham said, and Eich will be out even longer.