FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

reality check · September 12, 2005, 11:20:22 AM

So with everyone's opening non-conf game out of the way, the OAC went 7-3. That's the best result the OAC has had since 2001 when everyone but the bErg won its opening game.

The Berg stunk up the joint again in this year's opener against a very good Adrian team but Wilmington only lost by three to the pre-season pick for the HCAC champs in MSJ and MUSKY stayed within three points of a good NCAC defending champ.

A pretty good showing for the OAC once again.

seventiesraider · September 12, 2005, 12:14:32 PM

Runyr
Actually it looks like OSU could use a third QB.

stoonk · September 12, 2005, 02:37:50 PM

Toph,
OK buddy -let,s have your game analysis of how John Carroll will beat Mount Union this week at Shula Stadium.

raider4505 · September 12, 2005, 03:59:57 PM

Look out JCU, The RAIDERS are a Comming

Toph · September 12, 2005, 04:23:43 PM

Quote from: stoonk on September 12, 2005, 02:37:50 PM
Toph,
OK buddy -let,s have your game analysis of how John Carroll will beat Mount Union this week at Shula Stadium.

IF John Carroll can make it close, this is how:
1. 6 interceptions, including one for a TD...not really, but if the defense plays like they did on Saturday, it won't make things easy for Mount. Hope only had one really good play (their first TD, a 49 yard pass).
2. Limit turnovers. There were 3 fumbles by the Blue Streaks on Saturday, 2 were lost, although one was off an interception. Obviously, no reason to give Mount's O any extra chances to score.
3. Ball control. Keep the offense off the field and make the defense beat you.
4. Fan support. The more fans that come out, and the louder they are, the better.

Good enough?

formerd3db · September 12, 2005, 07:23:36 PM

Toph:
See my reply to you on the MIAA board

Mr. Ypsi · September 12, 2005, 08:01:22 PM

runyr,

It DOES look awfully weird when the Big 10 is 18-3, and the only 3 losses are OSU, UM, and Iowa! At least OSU got nipped by a GOOD team! Great time for Chad Henne to play BY FAR his worst college game, and HOW in tarnation can Iowa lose by 20 to ISU?!

Toph · September 12, 2005, 09:26:25 PM

Also, the special teams play was excellent on Saturday. If JCU can cover as well as they did and limit Pierre Garcon, this game could stay pretty close...but we'll see what happens come Saturday.

frank uible · September 12, 2005, 09:28:54 PM

Ypsi: In the 40s the Big Ten used to win all of its non-conference games for the season. Obviously those days are gone and almost forgotten.

Mr. Ypsi · September 12, 2005, 10:16:31 PM

True, but I was commenting on the 'weirdness' that the consensus picks for the TOP of the conference (PERHAPS including Purdue, since they don't play UM or OSU) were so far the ONLY losers. Illinois and Indiana STILL undefeated - even if they play the 'little sisters of the poor' convent, that is strange!

I suspect that several of the 'lesser' teams have already beaten better teams than ISU, and perhaps than ND (their entry to the rankings was due to beating then #23 Pitt, who promptly lost also to Ohio). I'm not yet convinced that ND is even top 25, much less top 10. UM totally BLEW (blue?) it. By my count Henne only had 4-5 accurate passes the entire game - all the rest were 'bounce passes' or 5 feet over the receiver's head!

Don't misunderstand - I think Henne has Heisman potential either next year or the following, but he was HORRIBLE against ND!

frank uible · September 12, 2005, 10:22:40 PM

Ypsi: Any poll put together before October 1 ought to be completely ignored.

Mr. Ypsi · September 12, 2005, 10:43:01 PM

Frank,

I agree with you (except these boards would be awfully lonely without those early speculations to kick around)!

And I realize it isn't Oct 1 yet, but you weren't planning to take this to the logical conclusion that UI and IU (each 2-0) are better than OSU and UM (each 1-1), were you?

runyr · September 12, 2005, 10:50:15 PM

70's,

tOSU and UM should both have good years. If Henne gets better every week, I have to pick Michigan when they meet. After they settled down, Michigan's defense was excellent against the Irish.

A third QB might be what Bucks need....

B-W plays close to a team that loses to Westminster-PA? I hope the Yellow Jackets wake up for conference play.

More OAC teams seem stronger this year than they've been in a while. What do our resident experts have to say?

runyr · September 12, 2005, 11:04:36 PM

Mr. Y,
My significant other (Hawkeye grad) is still in shock over ISU's upset Saturday. She was expecting a great year for Iowa football. Hopefully, one early loss doesn't predict the season for any of the losers last week. Purdue has a huge opportunity, if they can capitalize on it.

Mr. Ypsi · September 12, 2005, 11:17:59 PM

It may be decades before Purdue has such a combination of good team and favorable schedule! (Except - doesn't the Big Ten schedule in two year blocks? Will Purdue have the same advantage next year? But, if so, will they have the same TEAM next year?)

HOPEFULLY a moot point. I can't imagine Henne having THAT bad a game again.