NCAC Football Media Day

Edited: Aug. 8, 2008

WABASH, WITTENBERG TABBED AS PRESEASON FAVORITES AS NCAC PREPS FOR 25TH CAMPAIGN

Wabash and Wittenberg emerged as preseason favorites in balloting by the media at the NCAC's 25th annual Football Media Day, held today at Oakhaven Golf Club in Delaware, OH. The Tigers also were selected first in voting by the league's 10 head coaches.

In the media balloting, both the Little Giants and Wittenberg compiled 227 points. Wabash received 13 first-place votes, while the Tigers picked up 11 first-place nods. Wooster (171) finished third, followed by Ohio Wesleyan (162) in fourth and Allegheny (152) in fifth. Oberlin (121), Denison (107), Kenyon (74), Earlham (43) and Hiram (36) rounded out places six through 10.

Wittenberg, which compiled an 8-2 overall regular season record and turned in a second-place conference finish last season, earned seven of ten first-place votes from the coaches to total 97 points. Defending champion Wabash (93) claimed the remaining three first-place votes from around the league to finish second in the poll. Wooster (72) was tabbed third, followed by Allegheny (67) in fourth and Ohio Wesleyan (66) in fifth. Oberlin (46), Denison (45), Kenyon (31), Hiram (17) and Earlham (16) rounded out places six through 10.

Wabash is entering its first year under new head coach Erik Raeburn. The Little Giants have won or shared (with Wittenberg) the North Coast title in each of the past three seasons. Last fall, Wabash turned in a perfect 7-0 conference record and advanced to the national quarterfinals. The Little Giants return 35 lettermen and 16 starters from a squad that went 11-2 overall last season, including first-team All-NCAC quarterback, Matt Hudson (Salem, IN/Salem). In 2007, the junior threw for 2,769 yards and 25 touchdowns after taking over the starting job in the third week of the season.

Wittenberg is 108-25 (.812) during the 13-year tenure of head coach Joe Fincham. Fincham has led the Tigers to six league titles and a 74-11 (.871) conference record over that span. Wittenberg returns 45 letterwinners and 16 starters from last year's squad, including 2007 NCAC Newcomer of the Year, inside linebacker Brad McKinley (Hilliard, OH/Davidson). Last fall the sophomore led the Tigers in tackles and finished second in the North Coast with a total of 120 stops, 53 of them solo.

The 2008 season opens on Saturday, September 6. NCAC play begins Saturday, Sept. 13.