fightintitan2006

bayer/berlex is a grinnell fan (I haven't missed many games over the last several years).

The Kenyon at Grinnell opener should be a dandy. Expect a wide open game as Kenyon returns two 1000 yard rushers, including a QB who runs from the shotgun formation. The Pioneers will be sky high with their largest squad in recent years (including 18 starters from last year). The Kenyon coach is a Grinnell alum who played on the "perfect season" team of the late 90's. I'm betting that Pfalzer's arm will be fine and the matured defense will be much improved. Look for Grinnell to win by a field goal, 27-24.

I'm ready to talk some MWC football. My guess is that the MWC will see several teams around the 5-5 mark this year. Some great players have graduated from last year's powerhouses (Monmouth and St. Norbert). Some of last year's weaker teams will surprise people. Grinnell had numerous underclassmen gain lots of valuable gameday experience during last year's struggle. A healthy Sean Pfalzer returns for his senior season at QB. A large group of newcomers include several prep school standouts. Lawrence finished strong, however, I'm not convinced they will be an elite team so quickly. Anxious to see how Beloit responds to the coaching change. Did Lake Forest lose its starting QB (or was he inadvertently left off the 2006 roster)? Let's get the chatter started. Opening kickoff is a mere six weeks away!

CooCooforCoe. . .
     My apologies for assuming the worst. You lived the scholar-athlete life at Coe. I'm hoping that all of Grinnell's teams will someday achieve the type of success of that the swim teams have provided. Best of luck to Coe next season!

Though I agree that an at-large bid would be nice, and that wins against strong non-conference opponents would aid that cause, I take exception to the comment regarding the Grinnell/Kenyon matchup. If it was meant as a compliment to the swimming programs at both institutions, I stand corrected. If it was meant as a "slap in the face" to the athletes that will be "banging heads" on the gridiron on September 2nd in Grinnell, shame on the poster! Kenyon's head coach is a Grinnell grad and he has improved the Kenyon program dramatically in the last couple of years. Kenyon will also be playing Claremount-McKenna in California before beginning their conference schedule. Grinnell had a very tough year in 2005, only four seniors and a slew of injuries may have played a role. However, the previous year the Pioneers posted a respectable 6 and 4 record (which included wins over Ripon & Carroll). I've been a Midwest Conference fan for several years and really admire the play of the hundreds of scholar athletes that the various teams put forth each season. My hope is that all posters do the same.