FB: Region 4 fan poll

[USee]

with the North Region now a final, I am going to avoid the christmas rush and submit my final poll tomorrow.

[Sir Battlescars]

The playoffs have showed us just how strong the top two OAC teams are. Because of that, I think there should be some consideration for moving Heidelberg up and Ohio Northern in. Wittenberg on the other hand lost to Washington and Jeff who then got destroyed by Mount, therefore Witt should probably move down.

[wally_wabash]

I'll get my final ballot in tomorrow. Little teaser- ONU won't be on my list.

[FCGrizzliesGrad]

I'll be sure to get my ballot in this time. Just have to figure out who moves where.

[USee]

The playoffs have showed us just how strong the top two OAC teams are. Because of that, I think there should be some consideration for moving Heidelberg up and Ohio Northern in. Wittenberg on the other hand lost to Washington and Jeff who then got destroyed by Mount, therefore Witt should probably move down.

What exactly does the "top two OAC teams" have to do with Heidleberg and ONU? I am not sure that has any effect on my ballot. Also, all we know about the top two OAC teams is that our top 4 teams for most of the year are probably pretty accurate. It's the bottom half that's up for grabs and Mt Union/JCU's status has no impact on that in my view. ONU lost 62-0 at home to Mt Union. The Berg's disappearance in relevant games has long been documented.

[Dr. Acula]

My guess is that Battlescars meant that Berg or ONU getting beat up on shouldn't look as bad since it's pretty likely that Mount and JCU would have buried Witt and the like in very similar fashion.  So saying they don't show up in big games would be able to be said about everyone from Witt on down. 

I don't think Berg is that good.  But I also don't think outside of 5 teams this region is good this year.  I could see an argument for Berg at 6, but that's the ceiling IMO.   

[Sir Battlescars]

That's exactly what I was trying to say. Thanks Dr. Acula!

[USee]

I agree with that. The toss up that is the bottom of this poll is really about the lesser of all evils for me. There are only 4 teams still playing so everybody has their warts at this point.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Since no one from the North is still playing except for UMU, 3 ballots have already been submitted.  Feel free to send one early.

[Li'l Giant]

I sent mine too. Thanks, Mr. Ypsi for taking over at the end of the season. Your work is much appreciated. +k

[wally_wabash]

The playoffs have showed us just how strong the top two OAC teams are. Because of that, I think there should be some consideration for moving Heidelberg up and Ohio Northern in. Wittenberg on the other hand lost to Washington and Jeff who then got destroyed by Mount, therefore Witt should probably move down.

I understand the sentiment here, but for me at least, that Heidelberg and ONU get to play Mount Union and JCU every year means that they get a little less reprieve from me for getting shredded in those games.  They have a familiarity there that teams that see Mount Union in the first couple of rounds of the playoffs generally don't have.  That familiarity means that they should show out a little better than teams seeing Mount Union for the first time or for the first time in a few years.  Maybe that's not a fair way to look at it, but at a minimum, I have a hard time giving Heidelberg or ONU credit simply for being in that league with a great team (or two great teams this year).  They should compete a little better there than they did. 

[smedindy]

We lambasted someone for the 'company you keep makes you good' sentiment over on the NCAC board. I'm not sold on ONU just because they're an OAC team. Nor BW. Nor Otterbein. I think the OAC's blah-ness hurt SJF's claim for a 2-loss playoff spot, as weird as that sounds.

[SaintsFAN]

The playoffs have showed us just how strong the top two OAC teams are. Because of that, I think there should be some consideration for moving Heidelberg up and Ohio Northern in. Wittenberg on the other hand lost to Washington and Jeff who then got destroyed by Mount, therefore Witt should probably move down.

I understand the sentiment here, but for me at least, that Heidelberg and ONU get to play Mount Union and JCU every year means that they get a little less reprieve from me for getting shredded in those games.  They have a familiarity there that teams that see Mount Union in the first couple of rounds of the playoffs generally don't have.  That familiarity means that they should show out a little better than teams seeing Mount Union for the first time or for the first time in a few years.  Maybe that's not a fair way to look at it, but at a minimum, I have a hard time giving Heidelberg or ONU credit simply for being in that league with a great team (or two great teams this year).  They should compete a little better there than they did.

Agree 100% - look at how some of the teams have showed out in the WIAC against Whitewater. 

[Mr. Ypsi]

You guys make a compiler's life so easy - 7 ballots in, and just 11 teams mentioned!

[USee]

Ypsi,

Whats out status on the final poll?