Five thoughts on the '09 season
Nick Spring
Issue date: 11/20/09 Section: Sports
1. This team has better depth than any of the previous two playoff teams. The depth should not only be useful in the playoffs, but should also pay dividends in the future. Many of the underclassmen on the team now could probably have started in years past. Having an extra year or two to develop before being thrown into the fire should make Case good for quite some time.
2. If Case wants to go deep in the playoffs, the offensive and defensive lines really need to step up and play their best football of the year. The first-round matchup should be the toughest of the year and each week gets progressively harder. The offensive line has been inconsistent at times, and a good defensive line will really take advantage of that. The defensive line needs to get pressure on passing downs and take pressure off of the secondary.
3. For the first time in four years, the offense is the strong point on the team. In years past the defense has been good to great while the offense has been a rollercoaster. The good thing about this flip flop is the defense still makes big plays at crucial moments.
4. Coach Greg Debeljak is once again up for the national coach of the year award. Debeljak deserves to win the award; he has built an elite program from one of the worst in the country. Dan Whalen could also be up again for the Gagliardi trophy, Division III's version of the Heisman Trophy.
5. Team ball boys Ronald and Donald Cunningham are more than just ball boys, they are part of the team and even an inspiration to some.
2. If Case wants to go deep in the playoffs, the offensive and defensive lines really need to step up and play their best football of the year. The first-round matchup should be the toughest of the year and each week gets progressively harder. The offensive line has been inconsistent at times, and a good defensive line will really take advantage of that. The defensive line needs to get pressure on passing downs and take pressure off of the secondary.
3. For the first time in four years, the offense is the strong point on the team. In years past the defense has been good to great while the offense has been a rollercoaster. The good thing about this flip flop is the defense still makes big plays at crucial moments.
4. Coach Greg Debeljak is once again up for the national coach of the year award. Debeljak deserves to win the award; he has built an elite program from one of the worst in the country. Dan Whalen could also be up again for the Gagliardi trophy, Division III's version of the Heisman Trophy.
5. Team ball boys Ronald and Donald Cunningham are more than just ball boys, they are part of the team and even an inspiration to some.
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