Bob: Here are the stats for Wabash and DePauw in Div III (source: NCAA)

On paper, it looks much closer than it did last year. The offensive numbers are due to the fact that both schools walked over most of the NCAC except John Carroll, their common loss. 

As always, the team that shows up and plays well will take it.  The last several years, that has been DePauw, combined with some questionable (my assessment) play calling by Wabash 2 years ago in the OT game.

Statistical Rankings for Wabash and DePauw
                                   DePauw                              Wabash
Total Defense            16th – 241.1 ypg      37th – 274.4 ypg   
Scoring Defense    10th - 10.78 ppg      43rd – 17.78 ppg
Total Offense      44th – 422.8 ypg      45th – 420.2 ypg
Scoring Offense           23rd – 41.6 ppg              32nd – 39.1 ppg

Regarding AD at Wabash, word on the street is that there are lots of applicants. Those have been winnowed down and a 1st round of interviews has occurred.  I have high hopes but trying to keep expectations in check. Timing could be as early as September depending on notice period.

The better news is that Wabash is bringing in their largest class in the last 20 years, including a lot of football players - the result of Jake's first year of recruiting. All of the arrows are pointing in a positive direction. Season starts in two months - hurrah.

Quote from: Little Giant 89 on January 13, 2025, 10:31:38 AMBrian has a 35 year history in coaching.  He was most recently coaching in the high school ranks in Central Indiana.

And his hiring introduces yet another Wabash/DePauw link, as Brian's wife is none other than Stevie Baker-Watson, DePauw's AD. Will make for some interesting dinner table discussions.

For those of you interested, below is the link to Wooster's game notes in advance of this weekend's tilt with the Little Giants.  When Wabash posts its game notes, a second link will be added.

Wabash Game Notes

Wooster Game Notes

It will be interesting to see what Wabash has done with the bye week. This will be the first common opponent with DePauw, and the Dannies ran off to a 37-0 lead before calling off the dogs and their 2nd teamers gave up a few points.

For those of you interested in the Wabash/UW-Platteville game, here are the Wabash game notes.

https://sports.wabash.edu/documents/2024/9/19/Wabash_College_Football_Game_Notes_-_at_UW-Platteville_9-21-24.pdf


By all indications, this is going to be an uphill battle for the Little Giants. While the LGs are 2-0 on the season, the Pioneers are going to be a significant step up in terms of overall size, speed, and most importantly, experience at the skill positions.  Wabash has a completely re-vamped defense under a new DC and comes into the game with a lack of experience in the skill positions.  Games against the WIAC rarely result in a Wabash win but gives us a chance to see how we stack up against the best conference in the country.

See you all on Saturday.

Wabash has had a good turnout at games in Wisconsin the last few times we have travelled north.  There will be a healthy contingent of football parents as well as some alums that make the trips north as well as guys from Chicago, Minneapolis area, and Wisconsin who plan to make the trip.

The Wabash fans are meeting in LOT 4 (west side of Hickory Street), which serves as the Guest parking lot during the week.

Below is the link to the Wabash Game Notes for this weekend's game vs Platteville:

https://sports.wabash.edu/documents/2024/9/19/Wabash_College_Football_Game_Notes_-_at_UW-Platteville_9-21-24.pdf

No matter the source, Platteville is the prohibitive favorite going into the game.  Platteville has an experienced QB and they have averaged well over 300 yds passing in their first two games.  They are BIG up front on both sides of the ball. 

With Wabash's limited experience at the skill positions, it could be a long day for the Little Giants.  While we always have a puncher's chance, I am hoping for a competitive game at best, knowing that a monkey stomp is a distinct possibility. This will be the first big test of what looks to be a revitalized Wabash defense under Jake Gilbert. Looking forward to a fun weekend in Wisconsin.

Safe travels to all Little Giant fans making the trip to Platteville. 

WAF

Wabash Hires Jake Gilbert as New Defensive Coordinator and "Head Coach-In-Waiting"

I think this is a great hire for Wabash.  Jake will serve as DC this year and take over for Morel after the 2024 season.  Congrats Jake.

Article in Indianapolis Star

Wabash Announcement

Must be the north coast of the Ohio river.

Quick question:  Wabash is playing at HSC on Labor Day weekend.  Several of us are banding together to work out travel plans.  In checking out the  HSC website, I can see where visitor parking is located.  Does HSC charge admission for football games?  I don't see anything about ticketing on their website.  Looking forward to making the trip back to VA.

Below are the Wabash game notes for this weekend's Homecoming game vs the Big Red of Denison.

Looks like it is going to be a glorious early fall day for a football game.  Wabash is going to score points. We will see if the defense can continue to improve after a better than expected showing at Wooster.

https://sports.wabash.edu/documents/2022/9/22/9-24-22_Denison_-_Homecoming.pdf

Below are the links to the Game Notes for this weekend's Wabash v Wooster track meet in Ohio.  The stats people will need to take off their shoes for this one as they are going to need all their fingers and toes to keep track of this offensive showdown.  Welcome to the little Big 12, where the offense is fun and the defense is offensive.

Good luck to the Little Giants as they take to the road for the 1st time in 2022. 

https://sports.wabash.edu/documents/2022/9/16/9-17-22_at_The_College_of_Wooster.pdf


https://sports.wabash.edu/documents/2022/9/16/9-12-22_Fall_Release.pdf

Here are the game notes for the North Central at Wabash game:

Wabash Game Notes:https://sports.wabash.edu/documents/2022/9/8/9-10-22_vs_North_Central_College_-_A.pdf


North Central Game Notes: https://sports.wabash.edu/documents/2022/9/8/North_Central_Game_Notes_vs_Wabash_-_9-10-22.pdf

For those of you interested, below is the link to the Wabash game notes for this weekend's game.  For those of you making the trip, safe travels. 

https://sports.wabash.edu/documents/2022/9/8/9-10-22_vs_North_Central_College.pdf

Quote from: Whitecarrera on September 06, 2022, 01:54:03 PM
If you were around in '83, then you surely remember the last time a previous year Stagg Bowl team came to Crawfordsville. 
North Central better hope they're not staying at the Lew 

I indeed was there serenading the Dayton team with the school song.  Fun memories and what a game.

Copied from USee on the Region 5 Board: 

North Central Cardinals

Roster: 120

SR: 12, Jr: 20, So: 48, Fr: 39

Returning Starters:

Offense: 9 (5 OL, QB, TE,RB, WR). Key Losses: WR Kamienski, OL Clarke. Key Returners: 6 OL, RB Greenfield, WR Hardy
Defense 6 (3 DL, 3 DB). Key Losses: DB Beesley, Cremeens, Lindmark, LB Wong and Simmons. Key Returners: DE Gilroy, Rich, DB Bell

North Central enters the 2022 season with the fewest questions. 15 returning starters are back from their 13-1 national runner up campaign. On offense they have to replace one of the most productive WR in D3 history in Andrew Kamienski as well as one of the most dominant OL in Sharmore Clarke. Clarke will be replaced by a deep offensive line bench where 3 of them have starting experience. Kamienski is tougher to replace and with Blake Williams also gone that leaves DeAngelo Hardy as the primary target for sophomore Luke Lehnen. But Ethan Greenfiel and Terrance Hill will be featured this season as NCC will no doubt try to build on the 293 yds average per game rushing they established last year.  In the offensive backfield the Cardinals have an embarrassment of riches. Of the top 25 rushing leaders in the league last year, North Central has 5 of them. Greenfield with 1796, Terrance Hill is 3rd with 796, Luke Lehnen 11th with 464, Joe Sacco 313 and Darius Byrd 213 yds.

Defensively North Central returns 2 very productive DE's in Gilroy *8.5 sacks, 15 TFl, 35 tackles) and Rich (8.5 sacks, 31 tackles) and DT Greifelt. Julian Bell's return in secondary is huge as he will pair with speedster corner Nic Rummell and safety Sam Taviani. North Central has plenty of talent to make another deep run into the post season.
________________________________________________________________________

I am looking forward to Saturday's game.