Gamenotes

The NCAC conference standings are about as jumbled as they were to start the season. Five teams—Allegheny, Kenyon, Ohio Wesleyan, Wabash, and Wittenberg—still have a shot to win the conference title. Ohio Wesleyan is in first place with a 4-0 conference record while the other four schools are 3-1 in conference play. Wabash will have the opportunity to remove Ohio Wesleyan from the ranks of the unbeaten when the teams clash Saturday. Kickoff in Delaware, Ohio is slated for 1:30 p.m.

Coach Erik Raeburn doesn't have to look far to keep his team focused on the Battling Bishops, despite the abundance of different scenarios which can play out over the final three weeks of the regular season.

“If our guys watch the film, they'll see how good Ohio Wesleyan is,” Raeburn said.  “They're playing phenomenal on defense, and offensively they have a great passing game. This will be the toughest test for our pass defense that we've seen. And they've been outstanding in the kicking game too.”

OWU's potent passing game starts with junior quarterback Mason Espinosa, who has averaged 341 passing yards a game after he earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors last season. The Little Giant secondary will need to step up.

“It's going to be a challenge but I think we're up for the fight,” sophomore defensive back Denzel Wilkins said. “Their quarterback is smart and precise. He puts the ball where only his wide receivers can catch it. We've faced a lot of running teams and haven't really had a test against the pass but we'll be ready.”

The Wabash defensive backfield has dealt with injuries throughout the season. It may face the problem again Saturday with the status of senior safety Jonathan Koop uncertain due to a leg injury. However, Wilkins provided a spark coming off the injury report last week after he missed the previous four games with different leg injuries. He made his presence known right away on the defense's second snap when upended Wooster's running back instantly after catching a pass. Wilkins led the team in tackles (10) last Saturday en route to the 30-0 victory. The defense will need to take its play to an even higher level to stop the Bishops' offense.

The Wabash offense can also play a key part in stopping OWU's passing game. One of the best ways to stop the high-powered attack is to keep it on the sideline. Wabash will look to use its first-ranked rushing offense to control the clock. It's averaging nearly 300 yards a game in the last four contests.

“We (offensive linemen) came together after the first few weeks and started talking more,” junior right guard Pat Singleton said. “We're more comfortable with each other and know what everyone is doing.”

However, the group will line up across from one of its stiffest challenges of the season Saturday. The Bishops' have the second-best rush defense in the conference and are the nation's leader in sacks with 34. The defensive line is anchored by senior defensive end James Huddleston, who is a two-time First Team All-Conference member.

“Some of the plays he makes are impressive. He's double-teamed all the time and keeps battling,” Raeburn said.” “But, it's not a one-man show by any stretch. Their other defensive end has multiple sacks as well. I swear everybody in their front seven has gotten to the quarterback.”

Down and distance will be imperative for the Wabash offense to stay on the field. This is why Raeburn stressed the importance of first and second down success.

“They've taken everybody apart on third-and-long,” he explained. “They either sack the quarterback or force a lot of turnovers. But the same is true for most defenses. The best defenses are the ones who can stop you on first down and force you into those difficult situations.”

Ohio Wesleyan will look for a statement win Saturday against Wabash (ranked 11 in D3football.com).  The Bishops are undefeated albeit they have yet to face any of the usual conference giants. The game will also conclude homecoming festivities for the school. The Little Giants will face a hyped-up team Saturday trying to make a name for itself in a game that can go a long way in deciding the 2012 NCAC champion.

Little Giant football can be heard on WNDY Radio (91.3 FM) all season long. Brent Harris H'03 and Clayton Randolph '16 will announce Saturday's game. The pregame show begins at 1:05 p.m. The broadcast is carried on the Internet on the Wabash College web site, sports.wabash.edu.
 
Injury Notes

Quarterback Chase Belton is still questionable for the game after he went out with slight concussion two weeks ago at Washington University - St. Louis. Andy Walsh will make his second career start if Belton is out.

Running back CP Porter suffered a broken leg last week. Tyler Holmes will continue as the starter. Mason Zurek, Vann Hunt, Troy Meyer, and Derek Rowe are guys who may see some time Saturday in place of Porter.

Brock Smith is expected to continue with the kicking duties. Starter Ian MacDougall is still recovering from a leg injury.