Story courtesy of the NCAC
Photo courtesy of Wabash Athletics
Wabash College emerged as the preseason favorite in balloting by North Coast Athletic Conference football coaches for the 29th annual preseason football poll.
The Little Giants, who won their sixth NCAC title in 2011 with a perfect 6-0 record, collected nine of 10 first-place votes from the coaches to total 98 points. Last season's runner-up, Wittenberg, earned the final first-place vote and finished in second in the poll with 90 total points. DePauw, which officially joins the NCAC as a football-playing member in 2012, finished third in the balloting with 72 points, while Wooster (63) and Allegheny (62) earned the fourth and fifth spots, respectively. Denison racked up 55 total points to land in the sixth position, followed by Ohio Wesleyan (42), Oberlin (38), Hiram (16) and Kenyon (14).
Wabash is entering its fifth season under the leadership of head coach Erik Raeburn. Raeburn holds an overall record of 39-7 at Wabash, including a mark of 24-2 in North Coast Athletic Conference games. The Little Giants, who advanced to the quarterfinal round of the 2011 NCAA Playoffs, will be led offensively this fall by senior quarterback Chase Belton (Dayton, OH/Northmont) who completed 142-of-262 pass attempts a year ago for 2,022 total yards and 20 touchdowns, while also adding 461 rushing yards and an additional 10 rushing touchdowns. In addition, the Little Giants' offensive line will be anchored by senior tackle Weston Kitley (Indianapolis, IN/Roncalli) {right}, who was named to the 2012 D3football.com preseason All-American Team.
The 2012 season opens on Saturday, September 1, while NCAC play is set to begin on Saturday, Sept. 15.
2012 NCAC Preseason Football Coaches' Poll
(First-Place votes in parentheses, followed by points)
1. Wabash (9) 98
2. Wittenberg (1) 90
3. DePauw 72
4. Wooster 63
5. Allegheny 62
6. Denison 55
7. Ohio Wesleyan 42
8. Oberlin 38
9. Hiram 16
10. Kenyon 14