FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[RoyalPurple]

Well, here's hoping Whitewater cab squeak past the Waldorf Saladteers

[SaintsFAN]

It's finally here!  A little more than 24 hours to kick off.  Quick thoughts for opening weekend...

There are some individual match ups that should be interesting such as WR Eric Blinn (1300 yds) against the corners, but overall this doesn't appear on paper to be much of a test in WV.  I'm certainly not saying Bethany is bad.  I'm just stating the obvious...this is not Franklin with Jonny West at QB.     

The Bison gave up over 31 points and 437 yds of offense per game last year.  Those are not confidence inspiring marks with Burke rolling into town with all of his weapons back from last year.  The Bison D may be better than 2013, but so too could the Raider O.  As I mentioned, the O line I saw at W&J this year was much better than what we saw to start last year. 

Offensively Bethany is replacing a 4 year starter at QB and features a running game that didn't have anyone average more than 38 yards per game.  Making your first start at QB against Mount could be interesting, but I've learned to not take anything for granted after the "Callahan Incident" last year.  Still, I fully expect the D to play well tomorrow.  How well?  That'll be the interesting part to watch.  How aggressive is Kappas going to be dialing up pressure?  Can the front 4 get pressure consistently?

It looks like there's video for the game.  Stream the Wabash/HSC game on one TV and the Mount/Bethany game on another?  Awesome D3 Saturday!

Safe travels to anyone making the drive to WV.  And good luck to all the OAC squads opening tomorrow.  Start things off right with a W.   

on Monday the joke is going to be... "and Mount Union just scored again..."

[02 Warhawk]

Well, here's hoping Whitewater cab squeak past the Waldorf Saladteers

Worried about UWW already? 

[boobyhasgameyo]

Does anyone on this board expect Otterbein to be much improved over last season?  They seem like an up and down team from year to year.  Just as likely to finish 8-2 as 4-6.  They had a down year last year, so...they're due? 

[wally_wabash]

Tough start to the year with a couple of potential all-americans out for the season in Myers at JC and the UWW OL, if the rumors are true about Myers. I have heard he hit his hand on a helmet in practice and left with a cast, fwiw.

Is this getting glossed over because we aren't sure if it is legit?  Because I feel like this probably shouldn't be glossed over. 

[Dr. Acula]

Does anyone on this board expect Otterbein to be much improved over last season?  They seem like an up and down team from year to year.  Just as likely to finish 8-2 as 4-6.  They had a down year last year, so...they're due?

4-6 is much more likely than 8-2 again this year.  They have no shot at 8 wins.  Actually, their absolute best case scenario is probably 6-4.  Realistically they'll end up 4-6 or 5-5.  You guys shut them out last year.  I won't predict another shutout just because it's easy to give up a score in garbage time, but I'd be very surprised if they scored much on SJF again this season.  They just don't have the talent there currently from what I've seen.  35-7 SJF.

[boobyhasgameyo]

Thanks Doctor.  I remember thinking last year that they were a solid team defensively and were a playmaker or two away on offense from being a very good team.  Not elite or anything but certainly capable of holding their own against the better teams in D3. 

[mr_mom]

It's time for my first nag of the new season ... don't forget to get your OAC Pick-Em selections in.

Got a few new faces playing this year ... hopefully it will make it a bit tougher for Grizz to repeat.

I love the smell of pigskin in the morning.   

[FCGrizzliesGrad]

It's time for my first nag of the new season ... don't forget to get your OAC Pick-Em selections in.

Got a few new faces playing this year ... hopefully it will make it a bit tougher for Grizz to repeat.

I love the smell of pigskin in the morning.   

I'm sure your spreads will make it plenty tough enough

[PurpleSuit]

http://www.cleveland.com/sports/college/index.ssf/2014/09/2014_ohio_athletic_conference.html#incart_river

Looks like Myers' hand injury isn't as bad as speculated, PD says out 2-3 weeks but does not specify the injury.  Three weeks would be the 'berg game.

[Dr. Acula]

Thanks Doctor.  I remember thinking last year that they were a solid team defensively and were a playmaker or two away on offense from being a very good team.  Not elite or anything but certainly capable of holding their own against the better teams in D3.

In recent history when they've had difference makers they've come by way of DI transfers. I believe Rafferty (QB), Fairchild (WR) and the kid from Brookhaven (Jones?) were all transfers and those have been their best playmakers over the past few years.  They usually have a good WR or two, but their running game has been suspect for years outside of one kid a few years ago.  They scored 14 ppg in 2013 and graduated their QB who was solid and their best WR.  Like I said, I think they have trouble scoring tomorrow. 

[purpled]

Ah, football...what a great game!
ROLL RAIDERS ROLL!!

[Desertraider]

Tough start to the year with a couple of potential all-americans out for the season in Myers at JC and the UWW OL, if the rumors are true about Myers. I have heard he hit his hand on a helmet in practice and left with a cast, fwiw.

What is the rumor on the UWW OL? Have not heard or seen anything. Anyone?

[Dr. Acula]

After Bethany moved the ball some on the game's first drive the Mount D line is asserting themselves.  Back to back 3 and outs for the Bison thanks in large part to good pressure from the line.

[Dr. Acula]

Namdar just went over 100 yds receiving.  Yes, it's still the 1st qtr.  4 grabs for 104 already.

14-0 on 2 Mitchell runs.