FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[tdubs]

What's everyone's outlook on the Capital v. Otterbien game?

I think Cap wins, but it will be close as always.

[reality check]

runyr

I think BW may have a tough time this year.  I would not be surprised if the streak of consecutive winning seasons or whatever it is they brag about is in jeopardy this year.  They just seem to be missing some weapons.  Hedges is very good but when the second best player on your team is your punter, you could be in trouble.

tdubs

I said in pick ems that I think this is one of those years where CAP wins big.  I know this rivalry game is always big and both sides usually play it tight but this is one of those years tht I think CAP actually pulls away and leaves no doubt.  We will see I guess.

[pios]

It seems to me from reading the box scores and game updates, that alot of the defenses around the league really stepped up in the first game.  Wilmington recorded two safeties and held Mt. St. Joe's to 122 total yards, Etta recorded one safety and held E & H to 149 yards (I think), ONU's defense picked up where it left off, CAP blanked Witt and JCU forced five or six turnovers.  There may be some good contests where the defense starts deciding games by forcing turnovers and limiting running attacks.  CAP looks like a solid team again with a great showing from Pentello and a standout WR that transfered in, ONU has a tough defense and Hostetler is a great DB/return man and JCU looks to have good experience with some young talent on their defense.  Should be a good and competitive year for the OAC.

[seventiesraider]

 I totally agree that this is the year that BW fails to win the Garrison Keillor award for being slightly above average.
Wilmington climbs from the pit (somewhat)
ONU returns to power and
Capital throws everything at a playoff spot.

Oh yeah-Mount is still Mount, although they may have to try alot harder

[reality check]

Since Otterbein's represntation is few and far between I will ask if anyone from CAP might know if something is wrong with Ricardo Lenhart?  He had 71 catches last season and over 1100 receiving yards but he was not in action against Defiance Week 1.  He is still on the OC roster though. 

[OU#25]

reality check:

Regarding your comment:

"I bet the Buckeyes only have a qb controversy because of the size of their program.  It has nothing to do with the two qb's themselves."

Actually the OSU quarterback controversey has EVERYTHING to do with the QB's and not the program.  The reality is that Troy Smith created this entire situation due to his off-the-field behavior which resulted in his suspension.  Tressel has been forced to play Zwick when obviously Smith had clearly won the job last season.  Let's blame this situation on the real culprit and not Tressel or the program.  Like it or not Smith gives the Buckeyes the best chance to win this year...and there won't be much Zwick on the field the rest of the way unless there's an injury or a blowout.

[tdubs]

That is sad to hear OU. Did you notice that when Troy Smith was in the game, the game revolved around him instead of the other two playmakers in Holmes and Ginn. Yes I know Holmes caught a td pass from Smith, but what else did they do when he was in? Zwick looks to pass first and run second where Smith looks to run first and pass second. To me, you want a a guy that is going to take what the defense gives you such as the open receiver, not a qb draw every other play.

I do agree with you that Smith created this controversy by getting suspended, but the fact of the matter remains that he messed up and should have to earn his position back. I would go with Zwick until he proves otherwise that he can't do the job. He did make a major mistake, but at least he was being aggressive. You can tell he has matured a significant amount since last year and looks ready to lead this team.

[OU#25]

tdubs:

At first, I thought you were talking about Michael Vick with the "run first and pass second comment".  I'm not here to defend Smith but it was his first real game action since last season and I believe he was also limited in practice sessions earlier this season.  I'm not a big Smith fan but defensively he does create more problems for the defense then a Zwick. 

Let's agree that whoever QB's OSU, they need to get the ball to Ginn and Holmes more.

btw...Did anyone have flashbacks to the Dallas/Pittsburgh Suoerbowl when Ryan Hamby dropped that sure touchdown pass?  I thought it was Jackie Smith all over again!

[tdubs]

I can't believe Hamby dropped that pass! Those damn Moeller boys! That would've sealed the game obviously.

I do agree that Smith does create more problems, but it just looked like he was calling his own number instead of looking down field.

[OU#25]

tdubs:

You're right about Smith...he does seem to try a little too hard to make all the plays by himself.  That's one thing when you don't have any supporting cast.  It's totally another when you've got Pittman, Ginn & Holmes.

You mentioned Moeller...Do you live in the Nati?

I'm living in the Cincinnati suburb of Wyoming.

[reality check]

OU#25

I was being sarcastic.  I am not trying to rehash the whole thing but my basic point is that a QB controversy has nothing to do with the size of a program at all but rather it has everything to do with the talent seperation (or lack there of) and competition between two quarterbacks in that program.  MUC has a shuffle going because they do not have a QB that has set itself apart not because of the number of players in the program.  OSU is a similar scenario which only becomes more complicated with the addition of Smith off-the-field antics.

[cufan]

In todays paper Smith will be get most of the reps with the first team and will start Sat.

Have not heard anything about Otters WR.

[tdubs]

OU,
      I live in Colerain. Wyoming is right by where I grew up in Finneytown.

[crusader26]

rc: 

Good question about Lehnart, I would also like to know what is going on??  If there are any Otters that are still alive, please advise!

[JK]

OU & tdubs:

I don't want to turn this into an Ohio St board, or to really divulge to the general public what I know about the OSU QB situation from inside sources (legit inside sources... let's just say it involves two old BW grads and fraternity brothers, one of whom is related to me and one who is related to the OSU Head coach), but if you want to know what I know, send me a personal message and I will tell you.