FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

Mr. Ypsi · October 30, 2005, 08:33:05 PM

Thanks, rc,

The reason I asked (rather than checking it myself) was (for once!) not laziness, but because I'm hazy enough on which teams are in which conferences that I figured I'd either overlook times it happened, or think it happened when it didn't. But, geez, EVEN I could have spotted that instance if I had checked!

With SO MANY d3 conferences, and the tendency of top conferences to beat each other up, I'd still think it is a rather rare phenomenon, and well-worthy of congratulations (even though it will probably last only one week)!

Pat Coleman · October 30, 2005, 08:40:55 PM

Thanks, RC, because I didn't have time to check.

MUCFball · October 30, 2005, 10:11:25 PM

Now that we are getting to the end of the regular season, does anyone have ideas on who the special award winners for the OAC will be?

MountFan08 · October 30, 2005, 10:35:51 PM

Coach of the year- Dean Paul for the fact that he beat Mount Union and that fact only.
Mike Gregory Awards- R.J. Meadows, RB-ONU and Tom Manning, OT-Mount Union
Ed Sherman Award- Not sure if he'd be eligible cuz he missed a few games but Pierre Garcon, WR-MUC.
Paul Hoernemann Award-Ryan Lewis, DE-BW
Bill Edwards Award-Kieran Johnson, LB-Otterbein
Lee J. Tressel Award-Rusty Midlam, DB-ONU

Pat Coleman · October 31, 2005, 01:25:11 AM

Unfortunately, how we rank teams has no bearing on the playoffs. For more info on the playoffs, check out our site FAQ, which you can find linked from any news page on the site or at the bottom of my post.

cufan · October 31, 2005, 08:39:47 AM

It seems to me if Cap wins this weekend they move into the top 8 in the region and with 2 wins vs two top 25 teams should be enough to get them in. Just my humble biased opinion. I would love to see how they match up with other conference winners.

Looking forward to the weekend should be a great shootout.

e_lee · October 31, 2005, 08:45:46 AM

I think its going to be a story we have seen before but with an obvious added twist. While I definitely think the #2 team in the OAC, whoever it ends up being, Cap, JCU, etc. is most likely one of the top 32 teams in the country. However in the past the selection committe has not shown a desire to put the best 28 teams, or this year 32, in the play-offs. They seem to value regional representation and avoiding controversey, which would arise if they put a two loss OAC team in, in favor of a one loss team from a weaker conference or a champion from a non-automatic bid conference.

reality check · October 31, 2005, 09:11:02 AM

For what it's worth

There was a lot of speculation about ONU getting in at 8-2 last year and it came down to the final hours. This year, an 8-2 team is a possibility but by no means a probability but you have to think that if CAP finishes 8-2 with losses to MUC and OTT, then they look a lot like ONU in 2004 with losses to BW and MUC. Does the expanded playoff field open a door for an 8-2 team? Your guess is as good as mine.

And this of course means that JCU gets beat by CAP. And then think about who the best 8-2 team is. Last year ONU sat alone in a solid 2nd place in the OAC and looked more attractive but this year you have the opportunity for MUC to finish 9-1, and CAP, JCU and ONU all sitting at 8-2. That might mean that no one goes because they can't get a clear-cut choice for a second candidate.

CAP vs. JCU is a MAJOR MATCHUP this weekend.

cufan · October 31, 2005, 09:14:57 AM

RC... if they had 32 teams in the playoffs last year does ONU get in? I think they would have.

4u · October 31, 2005, 09:46:34 AM

First, I am thrilled that JCU is 7-1. I am impressed with the kids ability to bounce back from that Mount Union disaster. This team appears to be playing extremely well and I think this Capital game should be a great measuring stick. I recall some people thinking that Otterbein would be a stumbling block and they went right through the Cardinals. So, now it's off to Capital. Capital is coming off a huge win so, like Ohio Northern this past week, keeping perspective will be a bit difficult (whether they want to admit it or not). From what I hear, JCU is clicking. Doug Phillips has been excellent and his receivers are making plays. The defense has always been a strong point (forget MUC game), so I look for a great contest at Capital.
All that said, should JCU win their next two games, there is no way that Regis Scafe does not receive "Coach of the Year". He had a team that was picked 4th and 5th in the conference during the pre-season. If they tie for a league title, he'll get his just rewards and I'll be signing off differently,
4u

reality check · October 31, 2005, 09:49:57 AM

cufan

Last year ONU would have most likely gone in at 8-2 but I would suggest that was also the case because they were obvious 2nd place team in the OAC.

This year it may not be so clear-cut since there are potentially three 8-2 teams in the OAC this year if CAP beats JCU. If that happens, I think we all stay home.

If JCU wins out, then there are two OAC teams in.

cufan · October 31, 2005, 10:52:30 AM

Looking at the regional rankings it has Cap 10, Otterbein 9, JCU 6 and ONU 3 going into last week. If things fall into place Cap could fall into the top 6. Would the NCAA take a lower seed because of the 2 losses?

Toph · October 31, 2005, 11:48:48 AM

I can only hope that this weekend's game at Capital is as exciting as the game two years ago (with a different result hopefully).
Both teams have a bunch of momentum coming into this Saturday. Phillips has two straight 400 yard passing games, Konrad and the rest of the receivers are seemingly catching everything they can get their hands on.

In case any of you are unfamliar with Phillips' numbers this year, check out this line:
145/222 (65.3%), 2175 yards (271.9 yds/game), 23 TD's, 6 INT.

Here are Rocky's:
184/275 (66.9%), 2006 yards (250.8 yds/game), 19 TD's, 8 INT.

Should be fun to watch.

cufan · October 31, 2005, 12:20:55 PM

The biggest stat that stands out to me is Cap has 36 sacks compared to JCU's 14.

ohiofootball · October 31, 2005, 12:34:02 PM

My take on CAP/ONU

1. ONU Defense looked confused at times failing to line up quick on several occasions.

2. ONU Offense gave Quirk no time in the pocket as he ran for his life much of the afternoon. Meadows had 1 touch in the 4th quarter(on a kickoff return)? The receivers dropped a few catchable passes and had three muffed punt returns.

3. CAP's kicker won (3 FG's) the game after hitting the upright on his first attempt. Congratulations to that young man.

4. ONU looked flat to say the least. Their lack of focus was key in the loss. Overall, CAP stole the game but they did everything they needed to win.

Where's JK, elee, cufan and other classy CAP posters when you need them?

JK nice W over my Bulldogs.