FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[bashbrother]

I find it truly hard to believe with playoff action around 36 hours from now, that we are still talking about this.  Even if the playoffs were over, this is a discussion of a problem that no one can eliminate fully.   I will join other Wabash fans in saying that we are not ignoring it, or tolerating it or even condoning it.   It is simply a part of High School, College or Pro football, always has been always will be.

Formula:  Contact sport where people try to destroy one another + passionate fans of a successful program + beverages. 

From Ohio State Buckeye fans (some of the worst I have ever experienced) to the loud and crazy fans of my beloved Palouse to Wabash to Case Western to Mount Union to ...you get the picture.

Can we please talk about Football?...................

Wabash's O-Line versus CWRU's D-Line,  will they have to bring their safeties up to stop the run?  Will they get pressure on Hudson and force him into mistakes?  Will Wabash play the same secondary coverage the entire first half ..no matter what the score or game situation  ?  Will DK, Gangloff, Whyde and Lange force the issue in the backfield?

[wally_wabash]

How ready is CWRU to play playoff football?  CWRU hasn't played an above average team since Wooster on 10/11.  The Spartans may need time to adjust the level of play.  I think that's part of what helped Wabash get out to a 21-0 lead in last year's game. 

Again, I believe that Wabash can run on Saturday and as long as the ball doesn't hit the turf, I think Wabash can get a lead and make the Spartans chase.  It's all about the turnovers, IMO. 

[Schwami]

Last year Case had a penchant for come-from-behind, last minute victories.  Unfortunately they fell behind early to Wabash 21-0 last year (much like Wabash last week against DePauw) . . . it was too much to overcome.  They haven't been tested the same way this year.  How will Case respond if the game is close late?  Will Wabash run the ball effectively, control the clock and limit Whalen's chances?  Which team will make the plays to win the game?  I expect a classic.  

[Joe Wally]

Last year Wabash overwhelmed CWRU with the run game...

What's the word on the health of Kimp and Graham?

Article in this morning's Montgomery County Online.  Doesn't sound as if Raeburn is very confident that either Kimp or Graham will play tomorrow.  Sobecki will have to carry the load.

[FightinScot]

Wabash's O-Line versus CWRU's D-Line,  will they have to bring their safeties up to stop the run?  Will they get pressure on Hudson and force him into mistakes?  Will Wabash play the same secondary coverage the entire first half ..no matter what the score or game situation  ?  Will DK, Gangloff, Whyde and Lange force the issue in the backfield?

the better question should be Wabash's D vs. Whalen...the kid is something special. If you had trouble with Holter you're most likely gonna struggle with Whalen- he isnt as fast or explosive a runner as Holter is, but he won't make mistakes in the pass game and turn the ball over like Wooster did. I don't see how Wabash will have trouble running the ball behind their big O-line versus Case's small D line, especially with Calderone being out... I hope you can run enough to keep Case's offense off the field. 

[BashBacker#16]

Sobecki.

Whalen is scary good but his line needs to protect him.  I'd venture to guess that Wooster's O-line and DPU's O-lines are better & bigger then Case's.  I think if we do not pressure him all day, it will be tougher for Bash.  I would bet Wabash will want to own TOP and that makes the running game that much more significant.  Sobecki.  Pound.  Pound.  Sobecki.  Lemond deep.  Sobecki.

I am looking for Wabash to be very physical from the opening kickoff.

Sobecki.

Is Calderone really out?

[FightinScot]

I have heard that Calderone re-aggravated an ankle (or was it knee?) injury in the Woo-Case game and has been out for the season...I may be wrong though.

Stopping Whalen is more than just pressure- Wooster got pressure on him all day- he has a knack for scrambling and throwing downfield for big gains. It's going to take a great performance by the Wabash D to keep him in check. Best of luck to you- represent the NCAC well

[Li'l Giant]

Stopping Whalen is more than just pressure- Wooster got pressure on him all day- he has a knack for scrambling and throwing downfield for big gains.

There was a ridiculous long pass he threw in the game last year where he scrambled for what seemed liked an hour and a half. I seem to remember that being on 4th down, too.

Whalen is scary good. I'm looking forward to seeing him play but not do too well. 

To everyone heading to Cleveland for the game, safe travels.

Wabash Always Fights!

[BashBacker#16]

FightinScot,

Calderone had tackles in last week's game...  Who knows.

Agree on Whalen...he will make his plays, the Bash D just needs to stay on him all day (like last year) - was Case able to run on Wooster?

Sobecki.

[ADL70]

Calderone had his meniscus scoped a few weeks ago.  The CWRU D this year has presented both 3 and 4 man fronts.  Givng offenses more to prepare for.  I don'r foresee Wabash getting out to a big lead this time.

[BashBacker#16]

Case vs. Wooster...Case rushed 38 times for 126 at 3.3 yards per carry.  

Wabash vs. Wooster...Bash rushed 50 times for 239 at 4.8 yards per carry.

Wooster averaged 4.6 yards per carry vs. the Case D on 26 attempts.

WHO KNOWS WHAT THIS MEANS!??  

Stress management tactic.

[BayernFan]

If you are traveling today and tonight to Cleveland (as I am), please note that there is a Lake Effect Snow Warning for Cleveland until 4 AM tomorrow morning.  See link......

http://www.weather.com/weather/alerts/localalerts/44106?phenomena=LE&significance=W&areaid=OHZ011&office=KCLE&etn=0007

[BashBacker#16]

cwru70,

Based on what?  Where do you see advantages/disadvantages on matchups...  I'd love your take.

Very similar Bash O-line vs. very similar Case D personnel minus Tom Brew...

[Black n Gold]

If your gonna compare Woo's rushing offense in on this........remember they were down big in the Case game without Sheppard, so they pretty much abondoned the run. They did give Whalen a tough day all day long but that guy seemed to squeeze out of everything and work his magic. I don't think Wabash will have any trouble getting through the O line, it will just be getting to Whalen that may be tough as they did have some trouble wrapping up Holter. Look out for Case's full back, that kid is a beast!

Good luck to both teams!

[wally_wabash]

Whalen is a beast and he made some great plays last year.  But even the best of quarterbacks can't be running for their lives all day and never make a mistake, which was the case last year.  Sure, he'll make a great play down the field now and then, but over the course of 50 offensive plays, there will be more bad than good that comes from an unprotected quarterback.