FB: Presidents' Athletic Conference

denfd · October 03, 2006, 10:39:33 AM

If W&J wins big--20 points or so--they will probably be ranked among the top 25 D3 teams again, depending on upsets . A close game will not do it.

SaintsFAN · October 03, 2006, 12:41:51 PM

I agree with Bob here guys.....Thiels playoffs have already started. Another loss and there's no way they'll get in with two losses. There are too many other teams that will have lost less. It just shows you how amazing it was for the PAC to have two in the playoffs last season. Thats a great measure of respect....but it was last season.

With who the Tomcats have lost to this year so far.....the committee won't have a good taste in their mouth at the end of the season with 3 losses (2 being in Region losses).

oldtimer4774 · October 03, 2006, 12:56:31 PM

So you are saying there is no way they will get in with three losses...I totally agree with that. What about 2 losses?? Its possible Thiel beats W&J and both teams go 8-2? Still possible nobody makes the playoffs?

PittTBCW · October 03, 2006, 01:05:32 PM

FB4Life,

Yes I think Thiel's defense can shut down W&J's running game. They have a really good scheme and are one of the top defenses in the nation at stopping the run. If they are able to stop the run they will have more success at stopping the pass. If W&J is able to run and pass it could spell a long day for the Tomcats on their homecoming. One thing is for sure, the Tomcats will be jacked up for this game and the defense will have an excellent gameplan to shut down the Presidents. Thiel's offense may have finally found their groove. I think they will look to run the ball and control the game. If they are able to run they will be in a good position to win this football game.

Playoff talk:

I think Bob could be right. If Thiel wins Saturday and then wins out and both teams at 8-2 neither will get in. If W&J wins and finishes the season with only one loss they will get in. As mentioned in a previous post the Tomcats playoffs begin this week.

Anyone making the trip to Greenville???

Go Tomcats!!!

Cleveland Cartel · October 03, 2006, 01:16:57 PM

Pitt, Bob, AC, OT, and the rest,

I will second or third that opinion that even a Thiel victory does not gurantee them an opportunity to play in the postseason. A victory in region and an away game at that will help WJ crack the top 25 and most likely elevate them if they win out to the postseason.

I am so mixed on this game on trying to analyze what will happen I really can't come up with a solid decision. There are so many factors:

1.Will Swallow be on his game and the same page with his recievers?
2. Will Thiels Defense show up?
3. Will WJ's oline continue to dominate?
4. Whose special teams is going to make the most impact on the game?
5. Which Coaching staff will put together the better gameplan for Saturday and have their kids prepared to play?
6. Will Mendle be able to dominate?
7. Does the dual threat of Minton and Hess wear down the WJ defense at the end of the game?
8. LaScola the X factor for Thiel, Having him back will he have the ability to Vertically open the field up like they did against bethany?

And Bob its great to see you back on here I don't believe i have seen any posts out of you this season in the PAC forum. I Could very well be wrong but you always have solid insight on the Presidents, PAC, and on the nation.

Swammy, My predictions will also be on hold for two more days.....

Go BUCKS!!!!!!

South Willy · October 03, 2006, 01:21:55 PM

To All...

As a newcomer, it's great to read all the comments and opinions concerning PAC football. Obviously, a Thiel/W & J game gets the responses cranked up on the site. Should be a great game and I look for Thiel to pull out a close game.
Flying up from Fla. for the Bethany homecoming weekend so I just hope the weather is better than last week and the game is competitive.

AC24#724 · October 03, 2006, 03:42:47 PM

South Willy,
Early prognosis on weather for game day at Bethany is 65 Sunny. Great field setting for homecoming and tailgating having been there twice in 4 years viewing Waynesburg games.

CC
Alot of variables you made for game day Saturday which will sure tell the story but the one every team always fears......................Turnover's and capitalizing on the mistakes. Dry turf also should make for quick field where WJ may have slight edge with quicker skilled players. Should be a battle.
TO ALL
What about and undefeated Wayneburg team in PAC play providing they can step up to plate and knock off Thiel, WJ and run the table?

Cleveland Cartel · October 03, 2006, 03:54:27 PM

AC,

Turnovers are huge and we can't forget about that.

About WJ being quicker than Thiel I have no proof to back up my beliefs, but under Liepheimer Thiel has always been outsized but always quicker than their foes. The only team that was quicker than Thiel last year was Bridgewater and they beat us towards the end with the help of turnovers, but Bridgewater was the better team.

WJ has always had good size and speed, but Thiel has had just an edge with speed over the last few years. Please do not get me wrong WJ has some of the best athletes all around, but speed goes to Thiel size would go to WJ.

Can Waynesburg literally run through the PAC and earn the right to be called a champion?
Fact, they have a defense that is starting to come together as a group, and they are getting better every game.
Their run game has always been there it was just a matter of time until they finally put it together and Shepas installed Abels into the lineup. I would also say yes they have a 2-0 winning streak, but it has been by only a few points. If any only if Abels and Daniels run for over a 100 yards a piece they have the opportunity to win out.

Cleveland Cartel · October 03, 2006, 03:56:41 PM

Pitt,

What time are you getting into Greenville?

FB4life,

I will be at the WJ vs Thiel game but what time is still uknown best bet get their asap to claim your territory!

AC24#724 · October 03, 2006, 04:26:57 PM

CC
what happened to the Douglas CB from Thiel for this year? I thought he was going to be senior this year?
I would put Waynesburg up there with speed from last year with Hawkins,Abels, Daniels and Hunter
I still think with WJ wideouts that they are quicker than Thiel DB's. Mendel doesn have big time speed but has the vision which makes him good runner.
Not quite sure if Wayneburg can run through PAC for sure, that is big big challenge but they may be ready for it. Yes, both backs need big games but if any replay of last year of both game takes place it can be interesting. Against Thiel, Abels had over 100 yards in first quarter alone before getting legs cramps and Daniels played well and got more playing time against WJ. Getting them both rolling can keep other offensive teams off the field but things would really need to happen also about staying healthy playing both teams back to back. Without Good QB play action passing things can get stuffed.

Cleveland Cartel · October 03, 2006, 05:07:45 PM

True AC I would agree with your insight...

Also Waynesburg is really hurting in the passing game without the big man Jeff Dumm at QB. The schools all time passing leader. With Dumm's arm he helped open the running lanes for Abels which now has allowed him to become the all time leading rusher in Waynesburg history. He definelty needed to have the talent, work ethic, and Oline in front of him but credit Mr. Dumm and his receiving corps. (Hawkins and the other Tall receiver who broke the receptions record the year before.)

You are exactly right about the passing game.

Douglass is a great question and to be honest with you right now I coudln't tell you. I believed he was coming back and I know he was only a junior last year. The kid had 4.4 speed and was a beast on Thiels Track team. Undersized yes, but he had the mentality that nobody was better than him and he was starting to become a solid peace to the Thiel Secondary with Steve Boyles. What happened to him? I do not know!

Pitt or OT might be able to fill us in on where he is currently whether he transfered back home to Maryland or maybe he is focusing on track.

South Willy · October 03, 2006, 05:40:45 PM

AC24...

Thanks for the weather forcast which would give Bison a chance to throw all day with a dry pigskin. With two starting linebackers back I hope the D will show up this week. It would be good for the program to get its first PAC win in 3+ years.

Waynesburg winning out?

by stats, weakest total offense in the PAC vs #1 total & scoring defense at Thiel!!!! Then follow that up at W& J. Ouch. Although your offensive stats should get significantly better as you have BC first I believe. But it looks like you never know in D3 football, except for MU.

Wes Mantooth · October 03, 2006, 08:47:58 PM

I beleive W&J is going to have success in running the ball on Thiel this weekend. Yes Thiel is undersized and quick and for that reason W&J will run on them. Two years ago that was the game plan for the Thiel game to pound it at their undersized front and it worked for 250 plus yards and Edwards only threw 15 times. Last year Sirianni wanted the ball in the hands of his 5 good wideouts that he had so he threw the ball 52 times and W&J still moved the ball last year and scored a lot of points. When they did run the ball in that game they had success but got away from it. When you throw the ball that many times you are bound to turn it over and that won Thiel the game. This year i look for W&J to control the clock with a low amount of turnovers. Balance is the key and they have been pretty balanced lately running and passing. Ive said all along that Swallow is a good Qb and Thile shouldnt stack 8 in the box every play. Its going to be fun as i will be attending the game as i live 45 min away.

denfd · October 03, 2006, 08:54:03 PM

Any opinions on W&J and/or Thiel's coaching staffs and their styles? I've been pretty impressed with W&J's spread the field passing game. It works as long as you have the speed and talent. Although the smashed-mouth Allegheny game was a bit different. Both teams seem to have pretty good defenses.

oldtimer4774 · October 03, 2006, 09:14:51 PM

Thiel's defense is better than it was two years ago.....so I dont think its fair to compare Thiel's small and quick defense from two years ago to this years small and quick defense.

However, that is what the game will come down to. If Thiel can make W&J one dimensional by stopping the run, then it will be a good game with the Tomcats coming out on top. But.........the question is-- can they stop the run and make W&J throw the ball almost every down??? I really don't know I have arguments both ways---- we will find out on Saturday in Greenville PA.