FB: Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference

[KYGrizzly]

Franklin with a nice win on the road: Franklin 38 - Baldwin Wallace 31

[SaintsFAN]

big win for DC to start the season...offense could have put them away early but the D held up and played well throughout.

Oline and RB ran the rock well.

Saints with the big win of the day... well, outside of Dean Paul and Ohio Northern.  Thats HUGE for DP... I'm happy for him and his staff.  Honestly... Thomas More EXPECTED to win... we shoulda played better though.

[GRIZ_BACKER]

Franklin with a nice win on the road: Franklin 38 - Baldwin Wallace 31

FC has scored 142 points on the vaunted OAC in the last 3 games.

[dc_has_been]

I'm really impressed with Franklin.  I didn't expect them to put up 38 points with the loss of so much on offense.  I expected the D to do but though.  All in all, Franklin is still representing. 

[SaintsFAN]

Franklin with a nice win on the road: Franklin 38 - Baldwin Wallace 31

FC has scored 142 points on the vaunted OAC in the last 3 games.

its an impressive offensive showing.  The vaunted part = Mount Union though. 

[GRIZ_BACKER]

"vaunted" was a tongue in cheek comment.  The  OAC gets an awful lot of love as a result of Mt Union.  The HCAC can currently hold its own against the other teams.  However, Ohio Northern certainly made some noise against current power North Central.

One of the key questions for Franklin was who would be the QB and how well would they be able to play.  FC found a QB (actually two of them).  Right now FC is platooning Ray and Purichia.  Both played well.  The O line was rock solid (HCAC best and played like it was expected to), the D line with all new starters more than held their own.  The receving corps (all new starters) may actually be better over time than the guys that graduated.  IMO, they are bigger and more athletic (all did a great job).  Linebackers are prob the best in the HCAC.  Secondary is the only area where there might be some concern but even those guys got better as the game wore on.

FC was definitely the better team yesterday.  Had this game been played in the latter half of the season, it would probably not be close.  FC clearly demonstrated their depth yesterday as BW ran out of gas in the 4th quarter.  IMO I think it is safe to say that this will not likely be a "rebuilding season" for FC.  Reload appears to be the operative word.

FC has  tougher opponent next week in Butler.  The Bulldogs man handled MIAA Albion yesterday 42-3 in Indianapolis.  Butler's QB was suspended for the Albion game.  No word on his return (I am assuming he will be suited up and ready to go at our place).  The backup set a school passing record so either way the secondary will be tested often.

A loss to Butler wont be as damaging to FC as a win will help them.  Butler is big and very good.  Last years game was a war.  The top teams in the HCAC appear off to a good start.  Another great season of football to be enjoyed for sure

[Pat Coleman]

Last year that was a team that ran the table in the HCAC against a team that was 5-4 in the OAC. Just keep that in mind.

[GoGrizzlies]

Great win yesterday for Franklin!  Both offense and defense really stepped up to the plate.  Congratulations Grizzlies!  The rotation on the defense was an awesome change up.   

[70_dc_alum]

Will be very telling with how the game vs. Butler goes. They are in the process of moving to full scholarship (not sure if 1 or 1aa). From what I saw on miaa board they physically look like they are well on the way to that switch.  Albion has been playing Butler since the early 90's so they would know if there is a shift.

Butler Is going to test the secondary early and often.

[Jackets Backer]

Gotta love what Mike Leonard's doing at Franklin if you're a Grizz fan. He's an upbeat guy and would be fun to play for and is an offensive guru even without Chad Rupp. He knows how to coach and they have to be the favorite in the league again.

[GRIZ_BACKER]

I think you're right DC_alum   Game will be a good one for FC to prepare for and play in.  IMO Butler will be far and away the toughest team that FC will see during the regular season.   However, we beat them at their place last year so you just never know what will happen.  I see it close and hard fought whoever comes out on top.

[frank uible]

Remove Mount Union from the OAC, remove the top team from any other conference, and the remainder of the OAC most usually will prevail over the remainder of the other conference.

[GRIZ_BACKER]

Using your example Frank:  So you are saying that if you remove FC from the HCAC the remainder of the OAC sans Mt Union would prevail over the rest of the HCAC?  Highly unlikely IMO.  The top 2 maybe but the HCAC is not devoid of talent.  MSJ is a solid team as is RHIT and Defiance is no slouch.

Plus the "any other conference" comment is pretty broad.  I am thinking there are those in the CCIW and the conference WI Whitewater plays in who would beg to differ.  Maybe I am missing your point.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Remove Mount Union from the OAC, remove the top team from any other conference, and the remainder of the OAC most usually will prevail over the remainder of the other conference.

The bottom of the OAC is about as weak as the bottom of most conferences, but most years (probably not last year) 2-5 would arguably beat 2-5 anywhere else (except probably the WIAC, and perhaps the ASC and CCIW).

[GRIZ_BACKER]

That prob what Frank meant to say