FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[formerd3db]

section 7:

I assume you've been at the recent games.  I will say that at last Saturday's game during the last 3 plays in the final series at the goal at the end of regulation time, the coaching staff almost made a serious gaff in regards to poor time management i.e. not calling time outs quick enough.  However, that did not cost the game nor did coaching in the other losses either.  Rather, the answer to your question is simply poor play by the players - they are just not getting it done.  I hate to say this, however, our overall talent at certain positions is just not good.  Our defensive backs simply don't have the speed or skills to cover one on one with most of the receivers (not just my observation, but in talking with some of our coaches), and unfortunately, this goes back 2-3 years.  Last year, the opening losses were largely a result of poor secondary play, in addition to overall poor tackling by the entire defense and some breakdowns on special teams, and I commented on this last year.  When you are giving up "the bomb" routinely still in the 4th and 5th games of the season as was happening last year, no excuses.  Similar to this year, on 3rd and long, poor coverage has resulted in first downs by the opponents in key drives.  Offensively, the receivers and QB have not quite coordinated at all times as yet, however, much signs of improvement this past game.  That will come in due time as they get more experience, I'm sure.

In addition, poor play position on defense has contributed to this as well.  Our LB's and some defensive linemen continue to get "caught inside" time and time again, thereby not being able to contain the corners.  I listened to our defensive coaches relate this to the players constantly last game and some of the players were not able to make that adjustment.  Also, I think there is a need for recruiting larger linemen overall - in recent years that has been a problem (i.e. we have had and currently have a few big linemen, but I'm talking about getting "everyone" that size!).  I will say, though that in the last couple of games our linemen, particularly offensive line has done a very good job and improved much.

Overall, I'm not saying the players are not trying, because our kids played their hearts out particularly this last game - they never quit.  However, they just can't seem to finish it, yet I believe that will eventually change.  We'll get over that obstacle sometime, and hopefully it will be in the near future i.e. to win those close games.  Sometimes, it just takes an extended time for such to happen and with attitudes changing i.e. "that mindset" - it has happened the same way at Northwestern in the Big Ten and Olivet in our league to use examples in the last decade or so.  Although that old saying "close but no cigar" rings true i.e. close doesn't count, nonetheless, we were very close in winning these first 3 non-conferene games.  Had we had a break here and there (a little luck, which sometimes does occur and all it takes as we all know), we'd be 3-0 and people would be talking how great a turnaround and how good Hope is.  Still if that had happened, I'm not sure I'd say we were ready to start conquering the tougher competition in the playoffs, although it would be a good start in trying.

As I've said on here before, I am a believer in playing tougher non-conference competition routinely because in the longrun, I think it does help in experience in those type of situations (it did when I played there a long time ago).  Yet times have changed a bit as far as national competition obviously...and in our case, this "getting to the next level" is unfortunately just taking a little longer!  Regardless, I give our players all credit for not giving up and continuing to give it "that old college try".  All that being said, it will still be a very tough task this Saturday in trying to upset powerful Wheaton College.

sac:
With all due respect, friend, I'm sorry, but I have to say that I can't stand our current Mascot "Dutch".  Good grief, not only is it very ugly, but IMO, the student council and others who contributed to this and came up with the idea wasted a ton of $ (the over $5,000 almost $6000 spent on this was ludicrous).  Bring back "the real(istic) Flying Dutchman (cape, scarf, goggles and all).  

[BOYA87]

How will Trine do against Franklin this Saturday? 

BOYA87 gave a good summary - I'd concur with pretty much everything.

This game does seem to be giving fits to the oddsmakers.  It is a 'national game of interest' on both OAC and NCAC pickems, and I can't recall HSCoach and wally_wabash ever disagreeing so much on a spread.  OAC favors Trine by 8.5; NCAC favors Franklin by 6.5!  If I did spreads on the MIAA pickems (which I don't - straight up is tough enough!), I'd put Trine up by 2.5, allowing for home-field advantage for Franklin (or, possibly, 4.5 to allow for MIAA home-'field' picking ).  (In light of that, I'll pick Franklin on OAC, but Trine on both NCAC and MIAA.)

A game like this, no matter who wins or loses, will have a definite impact on the teams remaining season.  Last year both Trine AND Franklin responded positively after their match-up in Angola.

Trine suffered many years of...well, one would probably need to describe those seasons with some four letter words which I won't use on this forum.  Then after going 2-0 at the beginning of last year they beat the 14th ranked team in the nation!  That was like their Super Bowl.  That team very well could have been satisfied with what they had accomplished and clocked out for the season, but they didn't.  They continued to hunger for that success and worked harder to achieve the best regular season record in school history.

Franklin on the other hand, suffered a terrible defeat to a team that had been viewed as very mediocre (although the remainder of the year would prove otherwise).  But they went on to have a very successful season and make a very impressive playoff run.

After the game on Saturday we will find out again what these teams are made of.  Win or lose will they respond positively?  I think these teams are too well coached and too disciplined to let a non conference game get their hopes down too much.

And what is this about the point spread?!  One person has Trine up by almost a TD and the other has Franklin up by almost a TD?!  I hate to say it, but this game is going to be within a field goal.  It should be a goodie

[Diezel1]

Trine has always struggled playing at Franklin.  If I remember correctly, the last two times Trine has traveled to Franklin neither game was close.  The offense failed to execute in the red zone and the defense gave up 30 by midway thru the 2nd quarter.  Franklin is a very hostile environment and I think that plays into the minds of the Trine players.  And since Trine "upset" Franklin last year in Angola, the fans probably aren't going to be very nice.  Franklin players are also going to remember it and I just don't see either team winning by more than a field goal, unless one team has an issue with turnovers.  The game should be very close and very interesting

[Mugsy]

Trine has always struggled playing at Franklin.  If I remember correctly, the last two times Trine has traveled to Franklin neither game was close.  The offense failed to execute in the red zone and the defense gave up 30 by midway thru the 2nd quarter.  Franklin is a very hostile environment and I think that plays into the minds of the Trine players.  And since Trine "upset" Franklin last year in Angola, the fans probably aren't going to be very nice.  Franklin players are also going to remember it and I just don't see either team winning by more than a field goal, unless one team has an issue with turnovers.  The game should be very close and very interesting

If the players are truly concerned about "fans who aren't nice", the team will have BIG issues.  Players shouldn't be thinking about the fans at all.  Every year teams go into hostile environments.

[Diezel1]

I think every athlete who knows they are going into a hostile environment thinks about it no matter the level of competition they are playing in.  Thats what home field advantage is all about. If you can't take the crowd out of the game in a tough place to play it does make the game more difficult.  And the last two times Trine traveled to Franklin the team was very young.  And as all people know a young team and a tough crowd makes for a difficult game.  I couldn't agree with you more mugsy, but I didn't mean just fans who aren't nice

[section7]

Thanks for everyone's thought on the Hope situation.

Here are a couple of responses and further thoughts:

1.  I agree Hope has had nice MIAA results in past years and I hope that they win out and win the MIAA and represent us in the NCAA tourney.  However, I don't live in a "vacuum" of the MIAA only agrument.

2.  ADAWG - the nationally known and facilities argument just doesn't hold water.  The basketball team played in the CIVIC CENTER for years, a terrible facility, but seemed to do just fine with recruiting and results both in and out of conference.  I have not been to all the new or redone MIAA stadiums (Adrian for one example), but I know you can't compare the Football stadium to the CIVIC CENTER.  Although the football stadium may not have all the bells and whistles of some of the newer stadiums it still is a pretty nice field and stadium (locker rooms another story).

3.  Losing streak - in my humble opinion, 18 straight non-conference losses is unacceptable.  I don't care where you played, who you played or who played for your team.  The one constant at Hope has been the coaching staff.  At least with the Lions (who I cancelled my season tixs for 2 years ago), have changed mgmt and coaches, albeit, not very effectively.

[sac]

"So, you know, honestly, the thing when I read some of them is I feel terrible for them because there's no way they're happy. They've got to be some of the most unhappy people in the world, and I feel bad because we just made them less happy, and I hate to be a part of making someone less happy. I mean, they're already miserable and to make them less happy, I'd feel bad."  ~  Jim Tressel

[formerd3db]

"So, you know, honestly, the thing when I read some of them is I feel terrible for them because there's no way they're happy. They've got to be some of the most unhappy people in the world, and I feel bad because we just made them less happy, and I hate to be a part of making someone less happy. I mean, they're already miserable and to make them less happy, I'd feel bad."

sac:

I'm not sure what you're talking about.  However, if you are referring to discussions/opinions regarding the Hope losing streak/situation, all of us Hope fans feel bad about it, and particularly for the players.  Yet, "it is what it is" and nothing wrong with you, me and everyone being honest about the assessments.  No one is impuing anyone on a personal vendetta at all, rather people, deep down are simply aware of what the plain truth is (I'm not accusing you of saying anyone is doing the former, just relating some thoughts here ).  The coaches will tell us the same thing - actually they have, but that doesn't prevent them from continuing to encourage the players to not give up and do better, nor stop their coaching obviously.  Even players know they are not playing up to their potential - unfortunately, that just sometimes happens in life - the reality.  Of course, I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.  Nonetheless, I'm sure most will agree that there is no sense in anyone trying to "sugar coat" any situation!  Besides, this current game situation will, in the long run, be a very good experience/life lesson for players in their longterm future lives I'm sure.  Unlike the latter, this is just a game!

Anyway, if I have totally mis-read, mis-construed your meaning and "just plain blew this regarding what you, I and/or anyone is talking about", please forgive me - my sincerest apologies

[sac]

Maybe if I properly site the qoute it would make more sense.......

[formerd3db]

sac:

That's okay!  If you did, it would probably make me feel even more like an idiot than I do now!

[Stinger]

I'll be attending my first Hornet game of the fall tomorrow at Angell Field.  I'm looking forward to seeing Luczak, McCain, and Semelsberger in action.   They should be fun to watch. 

Cpl of stats so far:

Luczak  is 100 for 160, 1277 yds and 14 TDs. McCain is averaging 10 catches for 170yds (8 TD catches), Semelsberger is avg 141yds/game and has 5 TDs.  Impressive numbers, but I'm sure once the league season comes around, things will get much tougher with hardly a running game.

[Mr. Ypsi]

AAARRGH!  Bonine and 3 relievers stymied the Sox for 2 hits (Bonine had a no-hitter thru 5) - the Tigers lost 2-0.  Meanwhile, the Twins won 9-4.

It's gettin' dicey.  Still, with the last 7 games at Comerica, I'm pretty confident.

[Mugsy]

Ugh... not impressed with the Wheaton 3-4 defense.  Hope has dominated the game since mid-2nd quarter.  Hope has over 160 yards rushing - 100 of it in the 3rd quarter.  Hope has had possession of the ball in the 3rd quarter for 10 minutes to Wheatons 1:36.

Hope is playing very well.

[Mugsy]

Hope is a much improved team and the MIAA had better be ready.  

Very impressed with their OLine and mixture of power and finesse RB's.  1 carry will be the quick, slashing style of Elzinga (22 carries for 122 yards), then you get the beast Loveless (8 carries for 50 yards).  QB play needs some improvement however - some very questionable throws (10 of 34 for 150 yards, 1 TD & 1 INT).

Wheaton defense was dearly missing nose guard Nick Theobald.  Hope rushed for 218 yards on 48 carries.  100 yards rushing in the 3rd quarter alone - with over 13 minutes of possession.  

As much as Hope dominated the 3rd quarter, Wheaton took over in the 4th.  Blocked punt was HUGE.  Wheaton scores 2 plays later - proves to be the decisive score.

From my perspective it is clear Wheaton is still adjusting to a new offensive coordinator and the switch form a 4-3 to 3-4 defensive scheme.  Best of luck to the Dutchmen in the remainder of 2009;

[Mugsy]

Oh yeah... one other thing for Hope.  3 punts for a 14 yard average and 1 blocked punt isn't going to help.  A primary reason why Wheaton won tonight, other than Sean Norris.